ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Nick9 · 4 October 2020, 12:57 AM

Hi, all. Posting for some advice and understanding about the case back pictured below.

It's in a friend's collection, attached to a very nice 14k reference 1500. It's stamped 1503, which we understand is possible from Rolex using different reference case backs from time to time (back then).

There seems to be several extra gold related stamps, and then the big RWC and the number (which my friend says is the SN of his watch).

We're hoping someone here can help us understand why all these marks are present. Thanks in advance.

Mike Wood · 4 October 2020, 01:21 AM

Case made by Rolex in Switzerland, carrying Swiss gold hallmarks.

Watch is destined to be sold in the UK market, and Rolex in Switzerland ship the watch to Rolex UK (Rolex Watch Co. Ltd.).

To be legally sold as gold in the UK, must carry UK hallmarks, requiring a sponsor's mark (R.W.C. Ltd), gold assay mark (.585 for 14ct gold), assay office and date letter marks.

As the case was sent for hallmarking by Rolex in the UK, it was common for the cases to have the serial number engraved in the back (also seen on issued and presentation watches), to ensure there was no cross-over when the cases came back from hallmarking, and the watches reassembled prior to sale...

I enjoy reading these marks, they give the "potted history" of the watch's "birth"...

linesiders · 4 October 2020, 01:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Wood

Case made by Rolex in Switzerland, carrying Swiss gold hallmarks.

Watch is destined to be sold in the UK market, and Rolex in Switzerland ship the watch to Rolex UK (Rolex Watch Co. Ltd.).

To be legally sold as gold in the UK, must carry UK hallmarks, requiring a sponsor's mark (R.W.C. Ltd), gold assay mark (.585 for 14ct gold), assay office and date letter marks.

As the case was sent for hallmarking by Rolex in the UK, it was common for the cases to have the serial number engraved in the back (also seen on issued and presentation watches), to ensure there was no cross-over when the cases came back from hallmarking, and the watches reassembled prior to sale...

I enjoy reading these marks, they give the "potted history" of the watch's "birth"...

And there is the most accurate response you will get - take it to the bank

swaini3 · 4 October 2020, 01:45 AM

wow. Nice info

Nick9 · 4 October 2020, 03:33 AM

Double wow! Thank you Mike for taking time to post, very much appreciated!

harry in montreal · 4 October 2020, 04:05 AM

Thanks, very interesting and informative

VK1984 · 4 October 2020, 06:00 AM

Wow! The depth of knowledge here makes me smile.

4 October 2020, 12:57 AM	#1
Nick9 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Ontario Posts: 378	Curious Caseback Stamping Hi, all. Posting for some advice and understanding about the case back pictured below. It's in a friend's collection, attached to a very nice 14k reference 1500. It's stamped 1503, which we understand is possible from Rolex using different reference case backs from time to time (back then). There seems to be several extra gold related stamps, and then the big RWC and the number (which my friend says is the SN of his watch). We're hoping someone here can help us understand why all these marks are present. Thanks in advance. Attached Images

4 October 2020, 01:21 AM	#2
Mike Wood "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Real Name: Mike Wood Location: Liverpool UK Watch: Listen & Learn! Posts: 611	Case made by Rolex in Switzerland, carrying Swiss gold hallmarks. Watch is destined to be sold in the UK market, and Rolex in Switzerland ship the watch to Rolex UK (Rolex Watch Co. Ltd.). To be legally sold as gold in the UK, must carry UK hallmarks, requiring a sponsor's mark (R.W.C. Ltd), gold assay mark (.585 for 14ct gold), assay office and date letter marks. As the case was sent for hallmarking by Rolex in the UK, it was common for the cases to have the serial number engraved in the back (also seen on issued and presentation watches), to ensure there was no cross-over when the cases came back from hallmarking, and the watches reassembled prior to sale... I enjoy reading these marks, they give the "potted history" of the watch's "birth"...

4 October 2020, 01:45 AM	#4
swaini3 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Real Name: Mo Location: Dubai Watch: 1675 GMT, DRSD Posts: 1,459	wow. Nice info

4 October 2020, 03:33 AM	#5
Nick9 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Ontario Posts: 378	Double wow! Thank you Mike for taking time to post, very much appreciated!

4 October 2020, 04:05 AM	#6
harry in montreal "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Montreal Watch: The Habs pick 1st! Posts: 3,589	Thanks, very interesting and informative

4 October 2020, 06:00 AM	#7
VK1984 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: UK Posts: 383	Wow! The depth of knowledge here makes me smile.

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