Any information about this vintage Rolex?

[RobinB]

Hello everyone,

I signed up for this website to find out more about my watch. I got it from my grandfather a time ago. The glass of the watch (plexi) is damaged. It's a 'Rolex Oyster Speedking Precision', at least that is what the front says. On the bottom side of the watch, the serial number '71909' is engraved. On the other side, at the top of the watch, there is engraved: BREVET +. It is a manual watch. After a quick look on the internet i found out that the watch is from 1935. (According to the serial number). Can you guys tell me a little bit more about this watch? Is it really that old?

Thank you all in advance,

Robin

P.S. Images from the watch in the attachements

[mineral]

Hi Robin, welcome to the forum.

I'm not expert in Speedking except knowing that it is 31mm. You may type the speed king in the forum and search for the related thread. There are plenty of information available.

[R.W.T.]

There are no photos...you have to use a photo hosting service.

Go to Photobucket.com and open a free account. Upload the images and then copy and paste the "image" links in the message box. Hit Go Advanced rather than Post Quick Reply and see if the images appear.

Yes it is that old. I would say 1936.

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by R.W.T.

There are no photos...you have to use a photo hosting service.

Go to Photobucket.com and open a free account. Upload the images and then copy and paste the "image" links in the message box. Hit Go Advanced rather than Post Quick Reply and see if the images appear.

Yes it is that old. I would say 1936.

Actually, and with all due respect to my esteemed colleague, you don't need a photo hosting service. If you use the "Reply To Thread" box a the bottom left of the last comment, you can just click the paper clip icon (to the right of the smiley face) above the message box, and simply upload a file from your computer.

[R.W.T.]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

Actually, and with all due respect to my esteemed colleague, you don't need a photo hosting service. If you use the "Reply To Thread" box a the bottom left of the last comment, you can just click the paper clip icon (to the right of the smiley face) above the message box, and simply upload a file from your computer.

Cool! I did NOT know that. Learn something everyday..most forums you do! This is GREAT because it saves HUGE amounts of time!

How come we don't see the photos? :-) Where would one find his "attachments"?

[andromeda160]

Originally Posted by R.W.T.

Cool! I did NOT know that. Learn something everyday..most forums you do! This is GREAT because it saves HUGE amounts of time!

How come we don't see the photos? :-) Where would one find his "attachments"?

It does and doesn't, my iPhone only allows me to upload 1 photo per post and it turns out sideways, but from a computer it's a great option.


Attachments automatically show up on the forum, and if they don't they show up as a blue bar in the text with the size of the file next to it. No photos here either yet unfortunately.

[RobinB]

Thank you for the reactions,

I have now added one photo of the watch. Can you still confirm that this watch is this old?

Thanks,

Robin

[MILGAUSS88]

With the applied coronet on the dial, I would guess it is from 1955, the year that they started the serial numbers over again.
All the Rolexes that I have seen from the 30's have a painted coronet, or none at all.

[MILGAUSS88]

Found a reference 6430, that looks pretty close.
Did you look for a reference number between the lugs at 12 o'clock.

[RobinB]

Originally Posted by MILGAUSS88

Found a reference 6430, that looks pretty close.
Did you look for a reference number between the lugs at 12 o'clock.

The only thing I can find between the lugs at 12 o'clock is: BREVET +.

Thanks guys,

Robin

[MILGAUSS88]

Some watches have the 4 digit reference number next to the serial number on the back of the case.
Some references are only printed on inside, back of case. Which requires a special wrench to open.

[R.W.T.]

Okay I see...what is going on...

So not on the BACk of the watch but between the lugs at six it says 71909. Okay this is from 1955.

[R.W.T.]

The reference will likely be inside as Milgauss88 has suggested.

[R.W.T.]

Dial is also refinished it appears. There is no "SWISS" at the bottom.

[RobinB]

Originally Posted by R.W.T.

Dial is also refinished it appears. There is no "SWISS" at the bottom.

There is "SWISS" at the bottom, but the plexi glass wont let you see because it is damaged.

So to really be sure of the model I have to know the reference number?

[MILGAUSS88]

It is a Speedking model.
But there are different versions of the Speedking, and this is determined by the reference number.
On the earlier Rolexes, such as yours, I have seen different dials (models) on the same reference numbers as well.

[RobinB]

Originally Posted by MILGAUSS88

It is a Speedking model.
But there are different versions of the Speedking, and this is determined by the reference number.
On the earlier Rolexes, such as yours, I have seen different dials (models) on the same reference numbers as well.

Allright, so I if I want to be sure about the dial, I have to open the back of the watch?

Also, do you guys know how much it will cost to get this watch in a better shape? Not brand new, but with a repaired glass at least (original)

Thanks for the effort,

Robin

[MILGAUSS88]

Here is a Speedking that I own.
But different size, case, movement, age and reference number.

[RobinB]

Originally Posted by MILGAUSS88

Here is a Speedking that I own.
But different size, case, movement, age and reference number.

Nice watch!

That looks like it is in the same condition as mine. What is the difference in the movement?

[MILGAUSS88]

Rolex updates the movement, just like a car company updates engines. This is a smaller watch, and I believe had a smaller movement t han yours.

[dysondiver]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

Actually, and with all due respect to my esteemed colleague, you don't need a photo hosting service. If you use the "Reply To Thread" box a the bottom left of the last comment, you can just click the paper clip icon (to the right of the smiley face) above the message box, and simply upload a file from your computer.

wow ,, i may actually get to post pictures now great info

[RobinB]

Thanks for all the respons guys,

Now I know my watch is not from 1935, but from 1955. Do you guys think it is smart to repair my watch (by an expierenced jeweller of course), or should I wait and keep it in this condition?

Robin