The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX


Go Back   Rolex Forums - Rolex Forum > Rolex & Tudor Watch Topics > Vintage Rolex Discussion

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 19 January 2012, 02:19 AM   #1
geodome
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: PA
Posts: 5
Vintage Rolex, from the 30s? Help please

Hi,

I am new to the Rolex market and I am looking at my first one. It appears to be a ladies model, I am guessing from the 1930s or so, it looks "art deco" to me. The rear of the watch has the numbers "897" at the top and "50630" at the bottom. The side of the winding knob is stamped (faintly) "ROLEX PATENT". I have searched the net trying to find info on it but with my limited knowledge I have been unable to successfully find information about this piece.

I tried to get some decent photos so hopefully they help. As for condition all of the stones are intact. I don't know what type they are, I would assume diamonds, but all I can say is they are definitely "clear stones/gems". Between the stone insets it has a millwork pattern and the side of it has an engraved pattern. The outer face appears to be scratch-free but it looks like there may be some very small, black lint that has gotten inside the case on the face of the watch. Overall, to my untrained eye and lack of knowledge, I would say the watch is in excellent condition cosmetically. However, it does not appear to function. If I pull out the knob I can set the time but the time does not advance.

At this point the watch is owned by someone that is wanting to trade it to me. We are both firearms enthusiasts and he is looking to use this as trade. I am interested in obtaining it for my future wife but I want to know a fair value on it and also what it might entail to get the watch functional, and if that is a smart thing to do. In other words, I don't want to do anything to it that would reduce it's value if it is worth more left untouched.

I have a local jewelry store that I deal with who happens to be a Rolex dealer, but having no knowledge of Rolex watches I don't want to go in completely in the dark. I just don't want to be taken advantage of, but at the same time I don't want to assume this watch is worth thousands if it is something not desirable or collectable.

I have attached some pictures. Thank you in advance for any information and/or help with determining the value.
Attached Images
     
geodome is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 January 2012, 02:27 AM   #2
Welshwatchman
"TRF" Member
 
Welshwatchman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Real Name: Paul
Location: Wales, UK
Posts: 14,578
The dial seems to be re-done, hand drawn.

I don't recognise the watch though I'm am far and away from being an expert on 1930s Ladies Rolex.
__________________
..33
Welshwatchman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 January 2012, 02:55 AM   #3
azguy
Banned
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Real Name: -------
Location: -------
Watch: ---------
Posts: 12,609
This should be interesting
azguy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 January 2012, 03:43 AM   #4
geodome
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: PA
Posts: 5
I am not sure that it is from the 30s. Just based on the appearance of it I was taking a stab at it being from the 30s, possibly the 20s. I have been unable to locate anything like it other than a gold one, similarly styled, that was advertised as being from the 30s.
geodome is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 January 2012, 06:15 AM   #5
azguy
Banned
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Real Name: -------
Location: -------
Watch: ---------
Posts: 12,609
You need Antiques Road Show
azguy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 January 2012, 06:35 AM   #6
geodome
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: PA
Posts: 5
Yeah, it would seem that way. LOL. I will probably just take it to the local store that deals in Rolex. I was hoping to get some background info on it though so as not to get hosed. In doing more Google searching it may in fact be from the 20s vs. the 30s.
geodome is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 20 January 2012, 03:40 AM   #7
geodome
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: PA
Posts: 5
After some additional Google-Fu I beleive this may be from the 20s not the 30s and may be a "Princess" model. I have not found any pictures of this one specifically but several similar. If the construction of this is the same as the similar ones I found then it should be made of platinum and the gems would be single cut diamonds.
geodome is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 20 January 2012, 03:54 AM   #8
azguy
Banned
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Real Name: -------
Location: -------
Watch: ---------
Posts: 12,609
Does it keep time
azguy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 20 January 2012, 03:57 AM   #9
dddrees
"TRF" Member
 
dddrees's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Real Name: Dan
Location: USA
Watch: This N That
Posts: 34,253
Hopefully an expert will be along soon, however you may want to try this forum as well:

http://www.vintagerolexforum.com/
__________________
When it captures your imagination, that's when you know you have found your passion.

Loyal Foot Soldier of The Nylon Nation.

Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of
Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons
dddrees is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 20 January 2012, 08:12 AM   #10
geodome
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: PA
Posts: 5
azguy, currently the watch does not work. I can set the time so it is right twice a day but it does not work, even after winding. My goal is to identify the watch and determine a value and based on those findings I will either make the deal with the guy and get it repaired or move on with my search.

dddrees, thanks for the link
geodome is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 20 January 2012, 10:21 AM   #11
dddrees
"TRF" Member
 
dddrees's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Real Name: Dan
Location: USA
Watch: This N That
Posts: 34,253
Quote:
Originally Posted by geodome View Post
azguy, currently the watch does not work. I can set the time so it is right twice a day but it does not work, even after winding. My goal is to identify the watch and determine a value and based on those findings I will either make the deal with the guy and get it repaired or move on with my search.

dddrees, thanks for the link
No problem, hopefully someone here or someone on the other forum will be able to give you the info you seek.

Cheers,

Dan
__________________
When it captures your imagination, that's when you know you have found your passion.

Loyal Foot Soldier of The Nylon Nation.

Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of
Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons
dddrees is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

OCWatches

Wrist Aficionado

My Watch LLC

WatchesOff5th

DavidSW Watches

Takuya Watches


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.