Rolex Oyster Chronometer

[vintagelexi46]

I recently inherited this watch and from the ±450,000 serial it looks like a 1946. The interior case back model number is 3116 so it looks like a Viceroy. 14K. I intend to wear this because it's time someone does so I'm looking at my local Rolex authorized dealer for what? Is it authentic? Clean and service? Appraisal? Too bad about the $20 twist o flex band. The band measures 16 mm and there are few brands that sell leather in that size. What do you think?

[andromeda160]

needs a new case tube it looks like. I doubt Rolex would service a watch of this age. the case is in good condition. it's important to send to a specialized vintage rolex independent watchmaker as these movements can be hard to source parts for. dial appears refinished but will make a great wearable heirloom. R.W.T on the forum specializes in repair of vintage Rolex' such as yours. google a man named George Hyman, he makes beautiful custom straps for a reasonable price, and if he doesn't have your size he can probably make it.

[Old Expat Beast]

Thanks Greg. Moved to Vintage.

[Paul]

Originally Posted by andromeda160

....... google a man named George Hyman, he makes beautiful custom straps for a reasonable price .....

... for custom straps. He does a really nice line of straps.
Some nice examples of his work on ....

http://db10straps.tumblr.com/

[andromeda160]

Originally Posted by Paul

... for custom straps. He does a really nice line of straps.
Some nice examples of his work on ....

http://db10straps.tumblr.com/

yes, my bad, James, my mind was a little foggy when I replied early this morning. he has some of the nicest looking straps ive seen for the price.

[R.W.T.]

Hard to tell on the dial without seeing it. The crystal is scratchy and distorting things a little. The crown on the dial is the correct type for the era. Being the type of case with serial in the the lugs...it is in the late 40's, the fonts got a little squirrelly there from some of the dial makers.

Case tube if it is screwing down is okay. These watches were hand fitted and finished. The extrusion from the case is a little strange but...who knows. Some have none some have a little...

I'll look after it if you wish. Case has seen a little polish but the lines are still there.

I've seen these cases so bad they just look like a blob.

Likely a 3 piece case with a movement sleeve?

RWT

[R.W.T.]

Looks like someone has glued in a sapphire or glass crystal...quite odd. Should be a plexi.

[andromeda160]

Originally Posted by R.W.T.

Hard to tell on the dial without seeing it. The crystal is scratchy and distorting things a little. The crown on the dial is the correct type for the era. Being the type of case with serial in the the lugs...it is in the late 40's, the fonts got a little squirrelly there from some of the dial makers.

Case tube if it is screwing down is okay. These watches were hand fitted and finished. The extrusion from the case is a little strange but...who knows. Some have none some have a little...

I'll look after it if you wish. Case has seen a little polish but the lines are still there.

I've seen these cases so bad they just look like a blob.

Likely a 3 piece case with a movement sleeve?

RWT

It would make sense the dial would be in good shape since there was never any lume, there's 3 different types of "E" in oyster chronometer which lead me to believe it was likely refinished at some point. but like you said, hard to tell from the pic.

[R.W.T.]

Originally Posted by andromeda160

It would make sense the dial would be in good shape since there was never any lume, there's 3 different types of "E" in oyster chronometer which lead me to believe it was likely refinished at some point. but like you said, hard to tell from the pic.

I agree and the printing looks a bit "spotty".

It would be nice to see the back of the dial and the dial not in the case.

Tell tale signs could be there.

it's an unusual dial for the case style but being later and also gold it flies.

If it were mine...:-)...I'd find a cooler dial and hands.