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Drummer · 29 April 2011, 10:58 AM

I have inherited my fathers Milgaus model 6541 which he purchased new in the late '50's. I was wearing it as a daily watch while my submariner was in for a service until the jeweler pointed out that it may be valuable. So (ashamedly) I went out a bought a timex until my trusty Submariner is returned !!. However, I have some questions that I hope someone here can answer:

1. Can anyone recommend a reputable source to value the watch. I do NOT have box or any of the peripherals that normally accompany a new rolex. (I am based in S. California)
2. Should I get the scratched crystal and faded bezel replaced by Rolex or leave it as is
3. I have noted on some postings that the serial number is blanked out. What is the reason for this ?

Looking forward to hearing from some of you

Best

Drummer

sleddog · 29 April 2011, 11:48 AM

Possibly valuable, yes!!

Pictures would help...

onkyo · 29 April 2011, 11:57 AM

Yes as Rob said, please post high quality close up pictures.... you probably have a gem on your hands.

Scunner · 29 April 2011, 12:03 PM

If you replace the crystal with a modern version you will devalue the watch (I suspect Rolex will not have a service replacement for this particular model/age). The bezel fade is (mostly) desirable, it states (quite correctly IMHO) vintage and is more sought after by collectors than a model with a replacement. The serial numbers are blanked for security as a prevention against counterfeit - it has been known for a counterfeit to crop up with the same serial number of a geniune case number. Do not post anything with the original serial number. If my quick research is correct you may want to sit down when you open the valuation envelope, take the piece to a specialist (auction house etc). I'm sure you'll receive much more advice from other members of the forum shortly, In the meantime congratulations and get some piccys up!

jedly1 · 29 April 2011, 12:09 PM

very tricky...if its a relumed dial, wrong hands non original bezlel with damaged dial and rubbed numbers £7-8k.....if its New old stock complete set maybe £50k ....need pics.

and dont do anything to it yet. if you intend to sell leave it alone ...it will be bought by a specialist dealer or collector who will know the best course of action for the piece without risking either damage or devaluation. if you intend to keep..get some pics up and lest see what we are dealing with .... original plastics cant be made useable with a polish. and if its the original insert for the bezel it is valuable.

pdoukas · 29 April 2011, 12:11 PM

Might I suggest sourcing a replacement crystal from any one of the fine reputable folks that service the watches in here. You may pay a few dimes, but an original replacement is the way to go for the crystal if it is in that bad a shape.

YetiBiker · 29 April 2011, 12:11 PM

Please post pictures…I hate to be the pessimist gentleman, but we have been down this road before…. " I inherited….." or "I bought this at a police auction…"

As always, I would like to proven wrong. Buttttttt……...

pdoukas · 29 April 2011, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YetiBiker

"I bought this at a police auction…"

Ahhhhh.....remember the $350 single line DRSD from the police auction. God how I wish the drama would never end.....lol

jedly1 · 29 April 2011, 12:16 PM

that one turned out to be legit...so.....

CaveDiver · 29 April 2011, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YetiBiker

Please post pictures…I hate to be the pessimist gentleman, but we have been down this road before…. " I inherited….." or "I bought this at a police auction…"

As always, I would like to proven wrong. Buttttttt……...

Well, I do remember well an old guy posts his old sub on ebay... then realizes what it's worth
That one turned out legit…well I think

CaveDiver · 29 April 2011, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jedly1

that one turned out to be legit...so.....

The single red line did?? Please fill us in Jed..

YetiBiker · 29 April 2011, 12:26 PM

Really Jed?! Are you talking about the Police Auction Sub? If so, please give us some info! I will be the first to admit I am wrong.

YetiBiker · 29 April 2011, 12:27 PM

Yes Cavediver, the ebay Superman sub was legit!!!

jedly1 · 29 April 2011, 12:41 PM

you have to kiss a lot of frogs to find a prince.....

YetiBiker · 29 April 2011, 12:45 PM

So true!!!

sleddog · 29 April 2011, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jedly1

that one turned out to be legit...so.....

And such a rare find it was..

dhh · 29 April 2011, 01:04 PM

Send to Bob Ridely for service - trust very few with that watch.

Jason71 · 29 April 2011, 07:53 PM

Listen to Jedly. He knows what he is talking about.

DON'T DO ANYTHING TO THE WATCH WHATSOEVER, UNTIL YOU POST PICTURES HERE. YOU RISK BIG $$$ BY DOING SO.

Patiently waiting for the pics.

HL65 · 29 April 2011, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YetiBiker

Really Jed?! Are you talking about the Police Auction Sub? If so, please give us some info! I will be the first to admit I am wrong.

Vijay--100% legit for sure on that one.

swatty · 29 April 2011, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason71

Listen to Jedly. He knows what he is talking about.

DON'T DO ANYTHING TO THE WATCH WHATSOEVER, UNTIL YOU POST PICTURES HERE. YOU RISK BIG $$$ BY DOING SO.

Patiently waiting for the pics.

HL65 · 29 April 2011, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YetiBiker

Yes Cavediver, the ebay Superman sub was legit!!!

And somebody got it for a song!! Lucky guy whoever it was!

CaveDiver · 29 April 2011, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteelerFan1965

And somebody got it for a song!! Lucky guy whoever it was!

lol..

harry in montreal · 29 April 2011, 11:24 PM

where are the pics already?

Michael M. · 30 April 2011, 12:48 AM

Post pics ASAP!

Drummer · 30 April 2011, 07:56 AM

Thanks for all the interest. Pictures coming this weekend - promise !! I have been trying to reach out to Bonhams and Sothebys, and despite leaving messages have had no reply from either. Can anyone suggest any other reliable way to get a valuation.

Welshwatchman · 30 April 2011, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drummer

Thanks for all the interest. Pictures coming this weekend - promise !! I have been trying to reach out to Bonhams and Sothebys, and despite leaving messages have had no reply from either. Can anyone suggest any other reliable way to get a valuation.

If you post a full set of decent photos here, you'll certainly get a valuation that's close to the mark.

Be prepared to endure a little scepticism and due diligence along the way. It's nothing personal; it just comes with the territory of having such a rare and desirable vintage timepiece.

If it's original and still in decent order then you are looking towards the $100,000 value.

The buyer will probably fly to pick the watch up in person, pay by cash and come assisted.

Drummer · 2 May 2011, 11:42 AM

Sorry for the delay in posting pictures, I am still waiting for some macro shots to be sent over to me. I can confirm that the model number on the case is 6541 and the serial number puts it firmly in the 1958 era which is when I remember it being purchased by my father. The strap is the original Rolex "rivet' strap

Other than the faded bezel insert and the scratched crystal it is in good order. I have worn it for the last 2-3 months while my GMT master was being repaired and it kept excellent time.

http://www.rolexforums.com/attachmen...1&d=1304300271

Drummer · 3 May 2011, 04:55 AM

Here are a couple of pictures. I can confirm that apart from a couple of scratches on the crystal, and the faded bezel insert, the face is in excellent condition, the strap is, I believe, the original Rolex Rivet strap, the serial number is 412XXX which puts it in the 1958 era.

http://www.rolexforums.com/attachmen...1&d=1304362224

http://www.rolexforums.com/attachmen...1&d=1304362224

Lol-x · 3 May 2011, 12:08 PM

Great looking Milgauss.

HL65 · 3 May 2011, 12:15 PM

X2--Very nice!!!

29 April 2011, 10:58 AM	#1
Drummer "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 9	Milgaus Model 6541 I have inherited my fathers Milgaus model 6541 which he purchased new in the late '50's. I was wearing it as a daily watch while my submariner was in for a service until the jeweler pointed out that it may be valuable. So (ashamedly) I went out a bought a timex until my trusty Submariner is returned !!. However, I have some questions that I hope someone here can answer: 1. Can anyone recommend a reputable source to value the watch. I do NOT have box or any of the peripherals that normally accompany a new rolex. (I am based in S. California) 2. Should I get the scratched crystal and faded bezel replaced by Rolex or leave it as is 3. I have noted on some postings that the serial number is blanked out. What is the reason for this ? Looking forward to hearing from some of you Best Drummer

29 April 2011, 11:48 AM	#2
sleddog TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Jul 2007 Real Name: Rob Location: Nearby. Posts: 24,931	Possibly valuable, yes!! Pictures would help... __________________ He who wears a Rolex is always on time, even when late!! TRF's "After Dark" Bar & Nightclub Patron-Founding Member..

29 April 2011, 01:04 PM	#17
dhh "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: NE Posts: 421	Send to Bob Ridely for service - trust very few with that watch. __________________ By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail. -- Benjamin Franklin

29 April 2011, 07:53 PM	#18
Jason71 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Real Name: Jason Location: USA Watch: Rolex/Tudor Divers Posts: 7,973	Listen to Jedly. He knows what he is talking about. DON'T DO ANYTHING TO THE WATCH WHATSOEVER, UNTIL YOU POST PICTURES HERE. YOU RISK BIG $$$ BY DOING SO. Patiently waiting for the pics. __________________ Best Regards, Jason Just Say "NO" to Polishing Card-Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch Curmudgeons LIfe is too short to wear inexpensive watches PLEXI IS SEXY

3 May 2011, 04:55 AM	#28
Drummer "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 9	Milgaus 6541 Here are a couple of pictures. I can confirm that apart from a couple of scratches on the crystal, and the faded bezel insert, the face is in excellent condition, the strap is, I believe, the original Rolex Rivet strap, the serial number is 412XXX which puts it in the 1958 era. http://www.rolexforums.com/attachmen...1&d=1304362224 http://www.rolexforums.com/attachmen...1&d=1304362224 Attached Images

29 April 2011, 11:57 AM	#3
onkyo Banned Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: Pav Location: Manhattan Posts: 11,495	Yes as Rob said, please post high quality close up pictures.... you probably have a gem on your hands.

29 April 2011, 12:03 PM	#4
Scunner "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Real Name: Ian Location: Lanarkshire, SCOT Watch: the Weather Posts: 257	If you replace the crystal with a modern version you will devalue the watch (I suspect Rolex will not have a service replacement for this particular model/age). The bezel fade is (mostly) desirable, it states (quite correctly IMHO) vintage and is more sought after by collectors than a model with a replacement. The serial numbers are blanked for security as a prevention against counterfeit - it has been known for a counterfeit to crop up with the same serial number of a geniune case number. Do not post anything with the original serial number. If my quick research is correct you may want to sit down when you open the valuation envelope, take the piece to a specialist (auction house etc). I'm sure you'll receive much more advice from other members of the forum shortly, In the meantime congratulations and get some piccys up!

29 April 2011, 12:09 PM	#5
jedly1 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: mel(oz)/Yorks(uk) Posts: 1,929	very tricky...if its a relumed dial, wrong hands non original bezlel with damaged dial and rubbed numbers £7-8k.....if its New old stock complete set maybe £50k ....need pics. and dont do anything to it yet. if you intend to sell leave it alone ...it will be bought by a specialist dealer or collector who will know the best course of action for the piece without risking either damage or devaluation. if you intend to keep..get some pics up and lest see what we are dealing with .... original plastics cant be made useable with a polish. and if its the original insert for the bezel it is valuable.

29 April 2011, 12:11 PM	#6
pdoukas "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: Pete Location: Arizona Watch: ing Duke bball Posts: 1,488	Might I suggest sourcing a replacement crystal from any one of the fine reputable folks that service the watches in here. You may pay a few dimes, but an original replacement is the way to go for the crystal if it is in that bad a shape.

29 April 2011, 12:11 PM	#7
YetiBiker "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Real Name: Vijay Location: Louisiana, USA Watch: ..sure, why not? Posts: 368	Please post pictures…I hate to be the pessimist gentleman, but we have been down this road before…. " I inherited….." or "I bought this at a police auction…" As always, I would like to proven wrong. Buttttttt……...

29 April 2011, 12:16 PM	#9
jedly1 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: mel(oz)/Yorks(uk) Posts: 1,929	that one turned out to be legit...so.....

29 April 2011, 12:26 PM	#12
YetiBiker "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Real Name: Vijay Location: Louisiana, USA Watch: ..sure, why not? Posts: 368	Really Jed?! Are you talking about the Police Auction Sub? If so, please give us some info! I will be the first to admit I am wrong.

29 April 2011, 12:27 PM	#13
YetiBiker "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Real Name: Vijay Location: Louisiana, USA Watch: ..sure, why not? Posts: 368	Yes Cavediver, the ebay Superman sub was legit!!!

29 April 2011, 12:41 PM	#14
jedly1 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: mel(oz)/Yorks(uk) Posts: 1,929	you have to kiss a lot of frogs to find a prince.....

29 April 2011, 12:45 PM	#15
YetiBiker "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Real Name: Vijay Location: Louisiana, USA Watch: ..sure, why not? Posts: 368	So true!!!

29 April 2011, 11:24 PM	#23
harry in montreal "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Montreal Watch: The Habs pick 1st! Posts: 3,589	where are the pics already?

30 April 2011, 12:48 AM	#24
Michael M. Banned Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Newport Beach, CA Posts: 8,391	Post pics ASAP!

30 April 2011, 07:56 AM	#25
Drummer "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 9	Thanks for all the interest. Pictures coming this weekend - promise !! I have been trying to reach out to Bonhams and Sothebys, and despite leaving messages have had no reply from either. Can anyone suggest any other reliable way to get a valuation.

3 May 2011, 12:08 PM	#29
Lol-x Facilitator Join Date: Nov 2005 Real Name: Steve Location: Omnipresent Posts: 33,588	Great looking Milgauss. __________________ *Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.* ~Abraham Lincoln Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride. ~John F. Kennedy ROLEXploitation - yeah I'm a victim

3 May 2011, 12:15 PM	#30
HL65 TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Ken Location: SW Florida Watch: One on my wrist. Posts: 64,008	X2--Very nice!!! __________________ *SPEM SUCCESSUS ALIT*

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