6426: Case shape is interesting...

[studioal]

I'm looking at 6426's and other Oyster's and came across this one. Not necessarily considering it, but the price is cheap ($1.8K). One thing that stood out immediately is how thick the lugs are. They seem too wide and misshaped...and the case seems like it's in far too good of condition.

It looks abnormal compared to my 34mm cased Tudor Oyster and all other 6426's that I've seen.

Am I making sense or completely off?

[TimeToGo]

.
I think the watch is fine. The issue may be the bracelet. Possibly a 17mm bracelet or the largest links to the case removed w/19mm ends..

[Dan S]

Looks normal to me.

[studioal]

Originally Posted by TimeToGo

.
I think the watch is fine. The issue may be the bracelet. Possibly a 17mm bracelet or the largest links to the case removed w/19mm ends..

Ahh, perhaps that's what the issue is

[TimeToGo]

Does not look right. See here and compare on the net..
.

[offrdmania]

Yes, the bracelet is missing its largest link

[77T]

It could be missing its first link on both sides - or more probable - the bracelet isn't the original one at all - and from a different model with narrower lugs.

Looks like a 17mm bracelet to me - but the picture doesn't help since it's not showing the clasp and rear view.

Vintage Rolex watches with a 17mm lug width had folded link Oyster bracelets. Maybe from an older Oyster Precision?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[studioal]

Thanks all, appreciate the eyes. The more that I look at these the more I realize they used a different case than the Tudor Oysters of the same era. The Rolex cases have a slightly different shape, and thicker lugs. I always assumed (wrongly) that they were the same case across the 34mm models. Interestingly, the Rolex OP's also seem to have a slightly thinner case (like the Tudors) than the manual wound Oysters like the 6426.



The 6426 above has thicker lugs than the OP and Tudor below suggesting a different case design.

[studioal]

For anyone who has been hands on with both an Air King and a 6426/7, can you please describe how the case shape differs between the two? I kind of like the the slightly thicker case of the 6426/7’s.

[rootbeer7]

there are various case shapes, particularly the Tudor models; from very slim to chunky for the automatic models. My 7909 is particularly thick.

[offrdmania]

We are also talking about watches from 80 years ago. A lot of the examples have been heavily polished and with the current trend of laser welding lugs, who knows what is correct and what isnt anymore. Scrupulous sellers may build lugs back up bigger than they are supposed to be in order to appeal to buyers who own current models, who are used to larger lugs.

[TimeToGo]

Here is side view.
.

[studioal]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

We are also talking about watches from 80 years ago. A lot of the examples have been heavily polished and with the current trend of laser welding lugs, who knows what is correct and what isnt anymore. Scrupulous sellers may build lugs back up bigger than they are supposed to be in order to appeal to buyers who own current models, who are used to larger lugs.

I totally understand that. But I do believe Rolex sourced different cases for their manual wind (I.e. 6426) model(s) than the Perpetual models. When I look at the 1002, 1003, 1005, and 5500 references they all appear to be differently shaped than the 6426 and 6694–which look thicker and have a different side profile.

[studioal]

Originally Posted by TimeToGo

Here is side view.
.

This is really helpful. I’m guessing the bottom watch is either a 6426 or 6694?

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

We are also talking about watches from 80 years ago. A lot of the examples have been heavily polished and with the current trend of laser welding lugs, who knows what is correct and what isnt anymore. Scrupulous sellers may build lugs back up bigger than they are supposed to be in order to appeal to buyers who own current models, who are used to larger lugs.

Many are absolutely polished, but I don't know how many of these 34mm OPs have been heavily laser welding. Obviously, it's possible, but the cost of that type of laser welding, to actually build up the mass of lugs, is pretty high for a watch in this price range. Most sellers probably just want to move these lower-end pieces on without investing in them.

[TimeToGo]

Originally Posted by studioal

This is really helpful. I’m guessing the bottom watch is either a 6426 or 6694?

6426 on top !
Air king on the bottom.

[studioal]

Originally Posted by TimeToGo

6426 on top !
Air king on the bottom.

Well, that's interesting. I humbly concede that I don't know enough about these yet.

[offrdmania]

The lugs on that Air King look to be polished down to a nub. So close to the pin hole

[studioal]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

The lugs on that Air King look to be polished down to a nub. So close to the pin hole

We'll try another then. I do see a difference. I was thinking that perhaps the 6426 used a Spillman case like some early Rolex and Tudor Oyster Prince's given they are slightly thicker around the lugs than the Air Kings / OP's. But I'm not seeing any CRS hallmarks on the casebacks of either. Not claiming anything, just thinking that it's possible.

[perry911113]

There is no question the shapes of Oysters within 34 mm are different.
Your 6426 case is much like the of my 6494 with thicker lugs. The case back is flatter as well which makes the watch sit lower on my wrist in comparison to my 5500 and my 15010.

I also can say my Tudor 7904 has thicker lugs than both my 7909 and my 7965. However the 7905 has extended lugs and it make the 34mm 7965 look more like a 36mm.

This is great discussion for 34mm Rolex and Tudor collectors.

[rootbeer7]

Side view of my Tudor 7909 from late 50s

[rootbeer7]

Originally Posted by perry911113

There is no question the shapes of Oysters within 34 mm are different.
Your 6426 case is much like the of my 6494 with thicker lugs. The case back is flatter as well which makes the watch sit lower on my wrist in comparison to my 5500 and my 15010.

I also can say my Tudor 7904 has thicker lugs than both my 7909 and my 7965. However the 7905 has extended lugs and it make the 34mm 7965 look more like a 36mm.

This is great discussion for 34mm Rolex and Tudor collectors.

Lovely collection.

[Dan S]

The larger 6424 has a very similar shape, with the wider lugs.

[offrdmania]

You also have to keep in mind that these watches are over 80 years old and a lot of them are heavily polished. You can find original catalogs and youll be able to see how far the lugs protrude past the end link. It will give you an idea of how long they should be and also how thick the lugs are. Another area to check is at the 3 O-clock position and the 9 O-clock position on the case. Material from the case should be wider than the bezel. If the case is flush with the bezel then the case is over polished. But, thats saying that the bezel on the watch is the correct bezel. So many parts on these old watches have been replaced with those from other watches as well as aftermarket.

[studioal]

Originally Posted by perry911113

There is no question the shapes of Oysters within 34 mm are different.
Your 6426 case is much like the of my 6494 with thicker lugs. The case back is flatter as well which makes the watch sit lower on my wrist in comparison to my 5500 and my 15010.

I also can say my Tudor 7904 has thicker lugs than both my 7909 and my 7965. However the 7905 has extended lugs and it make the 34mm 7965 look more like a 36mm.

This is great discussion for 34mm Rolex and Tudor collectors.

Thank you for sharing your observations and visuals. So helpful.

I took a side by side of my 6426 (thanks to Norman) and my 9050/0. Very different case shape. The Tudor clearly has stubbier lugs which makes the lug to lug length quite a bit shorter. I would have that Tudor would have used Rolex cases like they with the Subs. Apparently not. Worth noting: my Tudor has the Spillman C.R.S. hallmark.

Originally Posted by offrdmania

You also have to keep in mind that these watches are over 80 years old and a lot of them are heavily polished. You can find original catalogs and youll be able to see how far the lugs protrude past the end link. It will give you an idea of how long they should be and also how thick the lugs are. Another area to check is at the 3 O-clock position and the 9 O-clock position on the case. Material from the case should be wider than the bezel. If the case is flush with the bezel then the case is over polished. But, thats saying that the bezel on the watch is the correct bezel. So many parts on these old watches have been replaced with those from other watches as well as aftermarket.

Something to consider for sure, but they are definitely different cases between the 6426, and the other 34mm offerings from Rolex and Tudor of that era. It's interesting. Good point about the mid case extending beyond the bezel...assuming the bezel is OEM.

[perry911113]

The difference in cases defines underlying beauty within each model Oyster watch.

Here shows the low sleekness of the Tudor 7965.

A watch I find to be a must in any collection. A 34mm that looks like a 36mm.