A true rolex?

[Dglofcheski]

wonder if anyone could help identify further a watch I inherited. I believe it is a rolex. It has oyster commander, shock resistant, swiss made on watch face but no crown. It has the numbers 26949 on the back. 24hr numbers are on the face in a gold colour but very faded.
On the wind head it reads oyster patent. The back is silver coloured with a ribbed pattern along the edge in gold. the front is gold coloured. The strap is a fixoflex with an art deco gold patterned front and silver backing. Marked on the band made in Canada, cpat 505676, rw inside a diamond and tombstone shape with c6 beside it.
I have no knowledge other then what I've gathered by Google.
Thanks
David


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[Vlad]

Canadian version. Nice vintage manual wind. Most likely, model 3478. Based on serial, very early version. Awesome dial (probably the best part of the watch). Cannot tell if gold plating has any wear. For more info, do a google search on "oyster commander"

[Old Expat Beast]

There seem to have been two types of "Oyster-only" watches made by Rolex for its sub-brands. One was the Canadian series featuring Oyster Watch Co. casebacks (http://www.horologist.com/canadianrolex.htm) which yours probably has.

The other type had Tudor-marked caseback and movements from the late 1930s through WWII. Here's mine: http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=477498

Here's an advert from the Singapore Straits Times from 1937 showing Tudor Oysters for sale with a pic of an Oyster-Only dial, almost ten years before Tudor became a company in its own right.

[Vlad]

Late 30s was very confusing time for Rolex. All 'sub' companies - Marconi, Turtle, Solar, Unicorn, Oyster, Tudor, etc.... Some of the models (like 3478) was exclusive to Oyster or at least I thought so, until I purchased one with a "TUDOR 3478" case back.

I would love to see a good write up or a book (if someone wants to write it) on these models with brand history, photographs, model list, movements, unique features of each model

Tommy, you and Rita probably have the most information - wanna start a book? We can get together over a beer and at least come up with an outline.

Vlad

[Dglofcheski]

Thanks for you help. I have found a picture online of my watch face but the case is silver not gold. I've found a case with the same gold colour but the face is different. Does this mean it's a rare watch. I couldn't find anything on the band and if it's authentic. Would anyone know how valuable it might be?

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[Vlad]

As with anything else, market determines the price. The fact that it might be a 'rare' example really does not change the value. The value for a 3478 ranges from $300 to $800 mostly depending on the dial and wear to the case. If a gold plated case has any wear through, you're looking at $500 or less.

[Dglofcheski]

Thanks again for your insight

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