More information about this c. 1961 Oyster Perpetual?

[cuckoowasp]

I'd appreciate any additional information about this SS Oyster Perpetual. It was purchased by my father in 1961 at a PX in Reykjavík after he read an Ian Fleming James Bond novel.



I've attached a scan of the watch, a picture of my father wearing it at Iwo Jima sometime in the early 60s, and a picture of him wearing it in the cockpit in 1985. Appropriately enough, he now wears a Pepsi GMT Master from 1981.



This watch is priceless to me, and I'm not interested in any sort of "refurb" or "improvement" to its patina. I'm thinking about having it serviced at the "Rolex Authorized Service Center" in San Francisco, as it was last serviced in approximately 2000 at the Rolex Service Center in New York. It still keeps very respectable time, especially for a 50 year old watch, and I'd like to keep it that way!

[bagel]

The non date oyster perpetual looks to me ref 1002

[f-du-27]

This is my old Tudor in daily use. The watch was bought in Aden in 1961.

The cases of both watches look very similar.

I always sought that the dials were of brushed alluminium, but it seems from your watch that they are painted (and brushed).

[cuckoowasp]

I removed the bracelet this morning, and confirmed it's a 1002 with a serial number of 8946## (which, I think, suggests 1962 or 1961 manufacture).

Does anyone know what movement lives inside this watch? The 1560 automatic movement?

What is the appropriate term for the "pointy" hour marks?

Thanks all for your kind indulgence in these newbie questions.

[cuckoowasp]

That's a very pretty Tudor!

[Tools]

Too bad about the damage on the dial.. I think that the San Fran Service center would recommend a dial change..

If you want it restored, talk to Bob Ridley at www.watchmakers.com , he is a rolex restoration proffessional and can give you good advice or do the job properly......

[f-du-27]

Please upload a picture of the back of the watch.

François

[Subexplorer]

Originally Posted by cuckoowasp

I removed the bracelet this morning, and confirmed it's a 1002 with a serial number of 8946## (which, I think, suggests 1962 or 1961 manufacture).

Does anyone know what movement lives inside this watch? The 1560 automatic movement?

What is the appropriate term for the "pointy" hour marks?

Thanks all for your kind indulgence in these newbie questions.

Hello cuckoowasp!
Very nice watch with a strong affective value behind.
I agree with you, that it is a keeper well worth staying with you all your life, and to pass to your heirs as a valuable Family memento.
You will be doing right in having it serviced, lubricated, etc, but strongly advising not to touch its original external parts: hands, dial, case, though it may be necessary to change some part of its movement.

This style of hands are called "dauphine".

Very nice little watch, and as a collector piece very interesting with the great photogrpahs which document its story.

Enjoy your piece in good health!!
Very cordially, Abel.

[f-du-27]

The Dauphiné was a lordship in France. It was sold to the kingdom under Philippe IV and since this time the king's son was called the Dauphin.

No relation to watch hands yet!

Help !!! Help !!!

[Subexplorer]

Originally Posted by f-du-27

The Dauphiné was a lordship in France. It was sold to the kingdom under Philippe IV and since this time the king's son was called the Dauphin.

No relation to watch hands yet!

Help !!! Help !!!

You are right Francois.
But in the world of watches, this particular type of hands are known as "dauphine hands", though I do not know why.

There is a similar type of hands, but with a diamond shape, which are called "alpha" hands.

Both types were used by Rolex (as well as other watch brands) in the past, and I feel they add to the charm of vintage watches.

May be other more knowledgeable TRF member can help to explain the origin of these classic names.
Kind regards, Abel.

[bagel]

Originally Posted by cuckoowasp

I removed the bracelet this morning, and confirmed it's a 1002 with a serial number of 8946## (which, I think, suggests 1962 or 1961 manufacture).

Does anyone know what movement lives inside this watch? The 1560 automatic movement?

What is the appropriate term for the "pointy" hour marks?

Thanks all for your kind indulgence in these newbie questions.

Yes, 1002 of this era should run with 1560 movement.

[cuckoowasp]

Thanks again all for the kind and informative responses, especially with regard to terminology. Does the Dauphine name apply to the hour markers, as well as the hands?

The watch is now on its way to the RSC in San Francisco for its somewhat-delayed maintenance. Consequently, I can't post a picture of its reverse.

I'm mildly intruiged by the idea of replacing its dial, but it's likely out of my budget, notwithstanding concerns about losing its completely original character.

I am interested in seeing what the RSC wants to replace one of the bracelet links, which is splitting along one of the folds.

Thanks again, all!

[Subexplorer]

Originally Posted by cuckoowasp

Thanks again all for the kind and informative responses, especially with regard to terminology. Does the Dauphine name apply to the hour markers, as well as the hands?

The watch is now on its way to the RSC in San Francisco for its somewhat-delayed maintenance. Consequently, I can't post a picture of its reverse.

I'm mildly intruiged by the idea of replacing its dial, but it's likely out of my budget, notwithstanding concerns about losing its completely original character.

I am interested in seeing what the RSC wants to replace one of the bracelet links, which is splitting along one of the folds.

Thanks again, all!

Hello!
Dauphine refers only to this hands shape.
I do not know if the markers receive any special name, but dauphine only for hands.

Regading dial, if this watch were mine and with my Dad´s story behind, I would keep it original. May be I would suggest to check with a recognized watcmaker and restorer like Bob Ridley for his opinion to know if something cn be done with it. But in any case, always would keep it original.
Just a personal opinion, of course.

Please post photos when you get your lovely watch back.
Kind regards, Abel

[pz93c]

I've heard the markers called arrowhead. Usually other makers watches with that style, though.

[slcbbrown]

Originally Posted by cuckoowasp

Thanks again all for the kind and informative responses, especially with regard to terminology. Does the Dauphine name apply to the hour markers, as well as the hands?

The watch is now on its way to the RSC in San Francisco for its somewhat-delayed maintenance. Consequently, I can't post a picture of its reverse.

I'm mildly intruiged by the idea of replacing its dial, but it's likely out of my budget, notwithstanding concerns about losing its completely original character.

I am interested in seeing what the RSC wants to replace one of the bracelet links, which is splitting along one of the folds.

Thanks again, all!

There is a good chance that Rolex Service won't work on or won't have the parts for your watch. If they do-- great. If they aren't interested, try and expert like Bob R.

If you can find a better looking dial, it may be cheap. I'd buy it and keep the original. Dial sellers often want your dial as part of the deal. If you want the watch put back to newer looking, and you aren't trying to preserve the wear, refinishing that dial is inexpensive. Swapping dials is easy and not a big deal for a watch tech.

[cuckoowasp]

Originally Posted by slcbbrown

There is a good chance that Rolex Service won't work on or won't have the parts for your watch.

I called ahead and confirmed the watch's age and model number before mailing it. *grin* I don't expect the dial or bracelet links to be available, but the guts (are these the "jewels"?) supposedly are available.

[f-du-27]

I'd be surprised if they service your watch!

A few things can be done by yourself : change the plastic crystal (that makes a big difference), change the tube and eventually the crown.

About the bracelet you have to know there are several models, those from the US have hollow rivets, those from Switzerland have plain rivets.

Some bracelets have expending links and I don't think you can find the springs which go inside. Both kinds of links (expending and non-expending) can be found on the net, but not for free.

I changed a link myself and it's not perfect visually from the inside, but I wear the watch without problem.

PS : my son says that I write and spell english like a 10 years old!

[Racer X]

Originally Posted by f-du-27

PS : my son says that I write and spell english like a 10 years old!

That's okay, your English is probably a lot better than our French!

[cuckoowasp]

I spoke with Giovanni at the San Francisco RSC today.

They're going to:

Completely service the movement;
Fix the one splitting bracelet link;
Polish the case, crystal, etc.;
Repaint the hand luminescence; and
Give everything a two-year warranty.

Basically, the watch is getting a complete makeover, except for the dial, which will remain untouched.

Four to five week turnaround time, which sounds fantastic.

The repairs are going to be pricey, but I'm happy to invest the money in this sentimentally invaluable timepiece.

I got some more information about the watch, and some backstory clarifications from my father.

The manufacture date is I.63, so it's only 48 years old instead of 50.

It wasn't purchased in Reykjavik (which my father says was only a small town at the time), but at Naval Air Station Argentia in Newfoundland. Here's what he says about his time at NAS Argentia:

My squadron was VW-13 flying the EC-121/WV2. We flew up to KEF 1400 NM. We patrolled East and West of Iceland intercepting Russian Bears flying from Russia to Cuba . It was an airborne extension of the DEW Line. We worked with The Black Knights an AF F-102 Squadron.

It has been very interesting to learn about Rolexes as I've researched this watch (and its repair), and through learning about Rolexes I've learned more about my father's life. I've worn the watch for 15 years, but hadn't really learned anything about it. I'm going to keep this watch well-serviced, and pass it down to my daughter.