When Did Rolex Stop Offering GF Cases?

[ref1655]

stopped by the AD this afternoon to pick-up a necklace that was being restrung & while waiting my turn for assistance, took a glance at the showcase where they keep estate/consignment jewelry & watches.

I noticed a man's gold Rolex DJ & when I inquired about it, the salesperson said it was 14K gold filled/circa 1960s.

during what timeframe did Rolex offer gold-filled cases & when/why did they discontinue the practice? was it due to a lack of customer demand and/or the production costs of rolling gold onto a base metal?

some of the older GF cases from the 1950s hold up pretty well...I have a 1956 Hamilton K-407 automatic that's 10K GF & the exterior finish shows no sign of wear or thinning. the same could be said of my old 14K GF Cross pen/pencil & they are constantly subjected to everyday handling.

if it were hypothetically offered again, would something like a GF Rolex case have any takers/buyers in today's modern watch world?

[crowncollection]

not for me are you sure it was not an oyster perpetual date model 1550

[MILGAUSS88]

More likely the gold cap model, little different than gold filled.
And wears much longer, have never seen one worn through.

[ref1655]

Originally Posted by crowncollection

not for me are you sure it was not an oyster perpetual date model 1550

yes...that was the model. it kind of reminded me of an older Datejust & the salesperson didn't appear to have any knowledge of the reference or movement. the watch had about a 34-35mm case (rough estimate) with a matching GF oyster bracelet.

[crowncollection]

Originally Posted by ref1655

yes...that was the model. it kind of reminded me of an older Datejust & the salesperson didn't seem to have any knowledge of the reference or movement.
it looked like it was about a 34-35mm case.

These were made mainly in the 70's but continued up to early 80's. It's smaller 34-35mm. 1500 series movement. Steel caseback and a very thick plated case.

[R.W.T.]

Originally Posted by crowncollection

These were made mainly in the 70's but continued up to early 80's. It's smaller 34-35mm. 1500 series movement. Steel caseback and a very thick plated case.

It's not plated. It is actually a "shell" that fits OVER the steel case and is sweat soldered in place.

It's like a tooth crown.