Wish I found this forum before I purchased

[SD455]

Great site!! I don't know if I have a problem or not. Today I traded up to a Rolex President from a store that's been around for 20 years. It seems that this watch is pre 1989 based on how you change the date. And in fact, since I think it has a Accrylic crystal it could be older ( I leaned this from the net today) To the "problem" when you pull out the crown the second hand doesn't stop. I read it should. I also hear it ticking Fast, if I put it to my ear. The place and the owner seem 1st class and I'm sure he would replace it with another one. (They sell used watches) I would like to get some facts from the pro's here before I call on Monday with the "Gee what did you sell me?" Thanks for any help.

[Hamilton Carvalho]

Welcome to TRF! Can you post a picture?

[SD455]

See above

[Tools]

We'll be happy to give you facts and plenty of opinion....

You need to give us the first few digits of the serial number.

Not every Rolex had the hacking function and early Day Dates have a "single quick-set" function where you pull the stem out to the dateset stop and set the date, but the day requires you to turn the hands around the dial.

As far as 'ticking fast", Rolexes of the 80's and earlier ticked at 5 ticks per second and the newer models tick at 8 ticks per second. What really counts tough is how accurately it keeps time..

[jasonbellevue]

Welcome to TRF!

Here's a quick guide on how to upload your pics on TRF - CLICK HERE

[SD455]

Where do I fine the serial number?

[Hamilton Carvalho]

Remove the bracelete, the numbers should be between the lugs.

Originally Posted by SD455

Where do I fine the serial number?

[SD455]

I think you mean remove the band? If so do I need a special tool?

[Tools]

Originally Posted by SD455

Where do I fine the serial number?

I would like to think it is included as part of the description in your purchase paperwork..

If not, it is located etched in the case at the 6 o'clock position, but you have to take the bracelet off to see it...

Model number is at the 12 o'clock and serial at 6.

like this:

[SD455]

Now I see what you mean. How does it come off?

[Hamilton Carvalho]

You need a spring bar tool.

Originally Posted by SD455

I think you mean remove the band? If so do I need a special tool?

[SD455]

Got it off.God lord the numbers are small

[SD455]

the "top number 12 oclock is 1803

[SD455]

4297519 maybe small numbers

[chevycorvette]

not too late. may be u could learn more and buy another rolex

[SD455]

4298-619

[SD455]

Boy you got that right

[Andad]

The DD1803 spanned a number of years and your s/n seems to indicate this watch might be from 1975. Do you have any paperwork that says the movement is a 1556?

[SD455]

Thank you for the info. I did purchase it from someone that live's in town. I didn't know he had the store till I saw him in there. I don't think he has paperwork It seems they purchase only rare coins and "fine watches. Years ago we use to call this a paw shop.

[Tools]

I'm surprised that you do not have a hacking movement on your President. Hacking was introduced in 1972. Are you sure you pulled the stem all the way out...........This could also indicate a minor adjustment is in order..

Yours predates the big changes in ~1977 where the President got the quickset date and a sapphire crystal - yours should be plastic.

The Rose gold versions of the 1803 that were phased out in the 70's are very rare and collectible..

Enjoy your vintage time-piece...it will last a lifetime..

[SD455]

Yes it is Plastic. I'm sure when I unscrew the crown and pull it out the second hand keeps going Funny if it's from 1975 it's the year I got out of High School.

[Norm]

Originally Posted by SD455

Yes it is Plastic. I'm sure when I unscrew the crown and pull it out the second hand keeps going Funny if it's from 1975 it's the year I got out of High School.

Me too.

[SD455]

Funny how 50 seems a lot younger then it did when your 30

[springer]

Your watch serial number indicates a 1975 vintage and was probably sold new in 1977 or 1978. It is a non-hacking movement, therefore the second hand keeps on ticking and "taking a licking" when you pull the crown out.

I had this same problem with mine as you, so I placed it in the vice one night and squeezed it until it quit ticking with the crown out. The problem I have now is, it won't do anthing!!!! Enjoy your watch, everything seems as it should be. Cheers

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Welcome to TRF!

I look forward to seeing the pics!

Have a nice stay here!

[SD455]

Thank you for the info. After reading about all the fakes, I started to think maybe I had a problem because my second hand didn't stop when I pulled out the crown. Thanks for "I.d-ing" the numbers. What a long history. I can see why people collect this brand of watches.

[vukotab]

Welcome to TRF!
The guys make all clear,and all you can do now is to enjoy your stunning timepiece!
And you should try to post some pictures,to let us mortals enjoy that classic beauty!

[xkjohn]

Where did you purchase?

[TempoKing]

...I am dying to ask....How much..did you pay...???..lol
...and how tight is the bracelet...???.....Original or Aftermarket..?

It is nice to know so we can tell how prices develop.

[GMTII Owner]

Welcome to TRF. I wish I had found this site prior to making my purchase.