Supposed rare early submariner inherited, please tell me more!!!

[EGP]

I just don't know what to say.... I finally got my watch back, well serviced by watches of switzerland in Knightsbridge, and thankfully all of the original features were preserved. This was three weeks ago. On monday night, my house was broken into, and the watch was the only thing taken. F*%&. What's more, we were about to send off all of the details to the insurers in the next two weeks. S*%&!!!!!!!!!
I am desperate o have it back, besides the fact it is a rare and valuable rolex, it is a totally irreplaceable family heirloom, and my grandfather is devastated- the thieves of course wore gloves and so there is little chance of catching them...
HOWEVER IF ANYONE CAN HELP ME TRACE THE WATCH, I WOULD VERY MUCH APPRECIATE IT!!! I have no more photos other than the ones i put up, and it has a few very distinguishing marks that aren't shown so I would recognise the watch if I saw it again- the serial number is 870020.
Please, I have been assured this is one of the rarest rolex's in circulation, so if anyone sees one that turns up, please contact me IMMEDIATELY, or contact the metropolitan police (London), [email protected]...
I will be forever in your debt, and I need some news to reassure my grandfather who is painfully upset....

[Route 66]

I'm so sorry to hear about this.

It's a real treasure of a watch.

[Shade]

Ouch, this is such a bad news.. I hope everything gets sorted out soon..

[HL65]

Originally Posted by mike

Welcome.

As others have said it appears you have a rather early 5512 with gilt dial, enclosed minute track, and exclamation point. Such dials are quite collectable and any replacement of the dial/hands set would greatly impact the value of the watch(not to mention the heirloom effect the watch brings).

The time frame you quote is consistent with the appearance of the watch (I would lean toward the latter part, but it important to remember crossove periods with Rolex are normal).

That it says Tiffany is important. This is also known as a double name watch as Tiffany (along with others over the years) had their name put on the dial.

As an heirloom the watch is priceless. It is noteworthy however that Tiffany, unlike some other concerns did not put a physical mark on the case to identify their watches save the name on the face.

Because of this some collectors shy away from such pieces without original paperwork. (To me it looks pretty good, but I'm no way an expert on these dials and copying the Tiffany logo is a favorite among those with less than honest intentions).

It's also noteworthy that the Tiffany font changed a few times over the years and even between various references.

I think it looks good!!

I would agree with those that say be VERY carefull about who services the watch as value can be gutted by someone with less than ideal experience. Your RSC would be the first choice as this would give you the paperwork you need with the reference.

I also agree with those that feel they might just gut the watch.

A service is critical on the watch to preserve the movement/dial/hands etc...

I'll disagree a bit with keeping the original crystal. A service replacement is by far safer and has little impact on the value IMO (though we always like original).

Why?

Acryllic tends to crack over the years (stress cracks at the point of contact due to way it's fitted). It's the reason Rolex replaces them at service to maintain the WR rating.

Even if the watch does not see water, moisture in the form of humidity can enter the case and over time reek havoc (your dial/hands movement).

The "twisty" thing is the bezel and insert. It should move in both directions with no clicking noise (it's called a friction-fit and was standard during your timeframe).

You are missing the tritium pearl on the insert-they can be had.

Congrats on a treasured piece! Take your time and do it justice and remember the heritage it carries.

Exactly as Mike said. You will need to replace the crystal with a service crystal -it will not hurt price of watch. I would take it to an independent Rolex watchmaker/tech--and make sure watch is only overhauled--DO NOT POLISH it and make sure the dial and hands are entact. Also--Save the receipt as stated. I would again-not send it away to an RSC but would stay in control of the process if it were mine-with a strong independent Rolex watchmaker. I have seen some wonderful vintage watches go in and come out not worth anything to a real collector as they were polished down-lost the bevels and lugs thinned out and dials changed etc. etc.! Congrats on a beauty!!

PS--After typing out this post I just went back and read it was stolen--That stinks!! I hope you get it back!!!

[hcivic91]

This is the TRF version of a cliff hanger - I can't wait to hear what has happened to the watch in servicing.

[Dilemma]

Originally Posted by hcivic91

This is the TRF version of a cliff hanger - I can't wait to hear what has happened to the watch in servicing.

This is like the guy who finds a 1953 Corvette # 001 in a barn somewhere in Jersey,,

[gqllc]

This type of thing never ever happens to me....WOW...just WOW!

[ratmotortom]

Originally Posted by Dilemma

This is like the guy who finds a 1953 Corvette # 001 in a barn somewhere in Jersey,,

Now that would get my attention.

[Yazo]

WOW what a beauty!!!

[Alessi156]

You have be given sound advice to make sure your watch maker doesn't touch anything visible on the watch, including polishing the case.

The only other thing I would add is if you have any paper work i.e. receipt, warranty, box or anything that came with the watch keep it somewhere safe. The icing on the cake for a watch like this would be a receipt from Tiffany's. There are a lot of "Tiffany dial" fakes around. Therefore showing provenance is very important and has a big effect on value.

You have a beautiful rare watch. Enjoy it.

[Yazo]

Damn I'm so sorry

[R1@160@alltimes]

This is some twisted turn of events.

[Nicko]

Wow! Sorry to hear it!

[Dr.Brian]

That's horrible. Personally, I call the insurance company at the time of purchase to add the valuable item to my policy. I follow up with whatever paperwork I need later, but it's on there before I'm out the door. Obviously your situation was a bit different. It reeks of an inside job. I wouldn't trust that jeweler again. Though it could have been someone you talked to about it. Scary.

[renfield33]

i have lost all faith in humanity

[Widows Son]

Stories like this make me crazy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!(The theft).

[t e x]

I'm sorry at your grandfather's loss Egp...sounds like someone knew all about the watch. I hope that it is recovered and the perps caught.

[joeychitwood]

The timing makes me wonder if the theft is somewhat of an inside job; i.e. someone who knew 1) that the watch was valuable, 2) that it had just been serviced and 3) that it had arrived back in your possession. I hope you get it back. I'd think it would be difficult to sell on the open market, but my guess is that someone stole it (or had it stolen) for his own use.

[LostInTime]

I hate to tell you this, but you got screwed by a friend, family, or someone you have done business with.

[Johny]

do you have any other pictures of the watch. even old ones?

[fusionstorm]

Originally Posted by LostInTime

I hate to tell you this, but you got screwed by a friend, family, or someone you have done business with.

Unfortunate but true. Best of luck with a positive outcome for your family.

[BeerNutta]

WHAT?!?!? Damn.. That sucks dude.

Hope you get it back.

[Evergreen]

I agree with a few other posters in that it could have been someone that you talked too about the watch, or someone who noticed the watch when you had it inspected.


It is a very rare watch to show up for sale on the net. I hope you recover it. Sorry for your loss.

[xjeeunitx]

Seems like an inside my job my friend...

[Joey_V]

Sounds like someone you know or have come in direct or indirect contact with has screwed you over.

[Speed]

Hmm....

[Warnsboy]

Iconic.....maybe......Ironic

[tulsaokusa]

I think a moderator traced the IP address of the OP, and that's why JJ has been missing.

or troll.

IMO - there, I'm covered.

[Johny]

Originally Posted by jason.mobi

I think a moderator traced the IP address of the OP, and that's why JJ has been missing.

or troll.

IMO - there, I'm covered.

hi jason whats the latest on this?

[Dr.Brian]

Originally Posted by jason.mobi

I think a moderator traced the IP address of the OP, and that's why JJ has been missing.

or troll.

IMO - there, I'm covered.

???