New Rolex Owner?

[dmpatri]

Greetings,

I could be the owner of a new Rolex Day-Date. Actually, it dates back to the early 1970s, but it would be new to me. I am saying that I could be the owner of a Rolex because there is a question concerning its authenticity. The watch belonged to my uncle, he received it from my aunt as a gift. My uncle passed away in the early 1980s and my aunt, who is getting on in years, decided that she would give it to me this year.

I want to have the watch serviced and I would like to have the work done exclusively by a Rolex authorized service provider. Are the three service providers listed for the USA at the Rolex web site the only ones in the USA? Are Rolex authorized retailers allowed to provide any level of service for the watches?

This is an heirloom, first and foremost, and I want to protect it as such for the connection to my father's side of the family. I would like to start by recording the watch's serial number. However, it is engraved and the inscription is all that is written on the back. Is the serial number written inside the watch that I could access by removing the back? Is this a good idea?

Any information or guidance would be appreciated.

Thank you,
- D -

[Tools]

The serial number and the model number are on the side of the case under the bracelet..

There are probably dozens of independent authorized Rolex watchmakers in the NYC area and any could do a fine job.. the Rolex Service Centers you mention are the ones owned and operated by Rolex USA..

[dmpatri]

Thank you for the information.

I found the serial number and the model number. The serial number indicates that the watch was manufactured in 1968. The model number on the watch is 1803, and above it are two words. I believe the watch was purchased in 1970 and the bracelet is stamped with what appears to be two dots above a "70." Does the two year difference between the manufacture date and the purchase and bracelet dates seem unusual?

My research of the model number identifies the watch as a Day-Date President (18) made of Stainless Steel and yellow gold (3) and with a smooth bezel (0). While the watch is a Day-Date that appears to be made of gold (it is stamped 18k) there is nothing visible that appears to be made of Stainless Steel. The bezel on the watch is, in fact, fluted. I find the discrepancy between the bezel on the watch and the one identified in the model number of some concern.

Thank you,
- D -