Info needed on 1005 lugs and condition

[alexkarbo]

Hi,

I was looking around for a vintage solid gold Rolex came upon this 14k 1005 with curious lugs. Never seen lugs in this form.

How does the overall condition look excluding the aftermarket cheap bracelet of course.

Any info will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

[motoikkyu]

Can't say much about the watch, am not expert enough, but the lugs seem to be legitimate bombe lugs, considered desirable by some collectors.

[alexkarbo]

Bombe lugs, very interesting...There's always something new to learn in the world of Rolex.
Thank you for the reply.

[Old Expat Beast]

Pronounced, I believe, and even sometimes spelled, "bombay".

[crowncollection]

Nice bombe lugs


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[R.W.T.]

It's NOT a 1005

The case back is changed or was mismatched originally. The model is 1011.

[alexkarbo]

Thanks RWT,

Now I understand why I had difficulty finding the 'bombe' lugs searching for a 1005 instead of 1011.

I will probably go and have a look at the watch today so I will know for certain if the seller assumed it was a 1005 but is in reality a 1011.

[R.W.T.]

It looks to be a very original watch. Were you just assuming it was a 1005? Maybe the back and everything matches 1011 designation. Even 1010 which would be the smooth bezel version could be on the back.

The case appears original as does the dial. The sides of these cases were flat and straight satin finish.

The bezel does not appear to have been polished either.

That horrible stretch band likely racked the inside of the lugs but...it's probably alright anyway....but get that thing a decent strap and fast! :-)

[alexkarbo]

RWT,

I just picked up the watch. It looks so good...I dont think it was ever polished. I removed the stretch bracelet and you were right, 1011 it is. Luckily the bracelet was installed a few months ago but the watch was not worn so no damage done. Now to find a proper strap for it. I never owned a gold watch so if you have any suggestions of which strap would look good on this model please let me know.

Thank you
Alex

[R.W.T.]

Originally Posted by alexkarbo

RWT,

I just picked up the watch. It looks so good...I dont think it was ever polished. I removed the stretch bracelet and you were right, 1011 it is. Luckily the bracelet was installed a few months ago but the watch was not worn so no damage done. Now to find a proper strap for it. I never owned a gold watch so if you have any suggestions of which strap would look good on this model please let me know.

Thank you
Alex

Hey Alex! GREAT! It's a very cool watch and pretty uncommon. The Bombe' lug style pieces are a bit of a niche. Some people are very partial to them. The case actually dates to the late 1940's stylistically and really varied only slightly in the shape of the back with the changes in movements. Also the first series used the crystal that fits inside the bezel rather than the bezel over the crystal. I have owned quite a few over the years.

If memory serves it takes a 19mm strap. I will say you can't go wrong with a Rolex genuine strap if you are not afraid of the price. Either 18k or Plaque buckle depending on your budget.

It is a superior product in my opinion. If you are prone to being outside in the heat and sweating a lot in warmer climates perhaps a more expendable strap is better. Any good quality leather strap will look nice. I tend to favor peanut or red brown straps on gold.

Do you know the service history on the watch?

[alexkarbo]

Originally Posted by R.W.T.

Hey Alex! GREAT! It's a very cool watch and pretty uncommon. The Bombe' lug style pieces are a bit of a niche. Some people are very partial to them. The case actually dates to the late 1940's stylistically and really varied only slightly in the shape of the back with the changes in movements. Also the first series used the crystal that fits inside the bezel rather than the bezel over the crystal. I have owned quite a few over the years.

If memory serves it takes a 19mm strap. I will say you can't go wrong with a Rolex genuine strap if you are not afraid of the price. Either 18k or Plaque buckle depending on your budget.

It is a superior product in my opinion. If you are prone to being outside in the heat and sweating a lot in warmer climates perhaps a more expendable strap is better. Any good quality leather strap will look nice. I tend to favor peanut or red brown straps on gold.

Do you know the service history on the watch?

Thank you for sharing your knowledge R.W.T. So if I understand a Rolex with 'Bombe' lugs came originally on a leather strap and not on a gold bracelet?

As for the provenance of the watch it was purchased in Switzerland in the 60s by a Canadian military officer (the uncle of the seller) The seller had the watch serviced by a Rolex authorized dealer 2 years ago in which they changed the crystal and serviced the movement.

I'm still trying to figure out the year of the watch...serial number is 933XXX and when I look it up I get either in the early 60s or early 50s. I'm also wondering which movement it might have. Perhaps you have an idea?

Thank you
Alex

[michael067]

Gotta love the Speidel band.

[R.W.T.]

Watch was produced in 1963. The previous incarnation was a 6593 The 1011 came with the introduction of the 1560 movement.

I have never seen a later bombe' supplied on what I thought was a legitimate bracelet although anything is possible. Earlier ones pre 54 could have easily been with straight ends before flush fit were introduced. That being said straight end bracelets were made into the late 60's for sure so...who knows. I can't see the flush fit bracelet looking appropriate on those lugs.

[alexkarbo]

Originally Posted by R.W.T.

Watch was produced in 1963. The previous incarnation was a 6593 The 1011 came with the introduction of the 1560 movement.

I have never seen a later bombe' supplied on what I thought was a legitimate bracelet although anything is possible. Earlier ones pre 54 could have easily been with straight ends before flush fit were introduced. That being said straight end bracelets were made into the late 60's for sure so...who knows. I can't see the flush fit bracelet looking appropriate on those lugs.

I guess it will be a leather and a gold Rolex buckle in my case. It will not only be my first gold watch but my first watch sporting a leather strap. A jump into the unknown for me :) Thanks for the info!

[JustinK]

Very cool watch. Congrats!