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vaper395 · 27 March 2016, 06:01 AM

Hi there. New to the forum but have been hanging around a bit. I was was hoping to get some information on this vintage Rolex. It was given to my father in the mid 60's but believe it pre dates that. It was worn as a daily wearer for years. We have no information about this piece. I have searched the vintage forum and can't find anything close. This watch will never leave our family and I would like to know if restoring it would be a good idea. As you can see the dial is very faded. I've read about replacing the dial can do to a watches value but as I said I have no intention of every letting it go. Any help us very much appreciated.

Tools · 27 March 2016, 08:44 AM

The relevant numbers needed for research will be under the strap against the case and inside on the case-back.. Definitely pre-60's

MILGAUSS88 · 27 March 2016, 10:19 AM

I believe that is a Rolex Imperial. Ref 3116. (Maybe other similar ref #'s.)
I do not think the dial has to be marked to be considered an Imperial.

MILGAUSS88 · 27 March 2016, 10:28 AM

I have similar model, and it dates to 1940. Most of the Rolexes I have seen from this era, came to the USA via WWII Gi's.
Manual wind, not automatic.
Rolex, would most likely not repair anything that old, so would need to send elsewhere.
Not an expensive watch, so it really depends on your sentimental attachment and whether you want to wear it or just put in a display to look at. And of course the cost of the repair.

andromeda160 · 27 March 2016, 10:37 AM

These early manual wind oysters are so historic it would be a shame not to get her serviced. Especially with the family history. I'd keep the dial original, and maybe get the case polished and movement serviced.

vaper395 · 28 March 2016, 09:57 PM

Thanks for all the comments. I definitely want to get this serviced. My original thoughts were to restore it back to almost new condition. But by the sounds of it this may be a mistake. I do know it has a replacement crown which needs to be replaced. Any suggestions on who to send this to?
Thanks again

Old Expat Beast · 28 March 2016, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MILGAUSS88

I believe that is a Rolex Imperial. Ref 3116. (Maybe other similar ref #'s.)
I do not think the dial has to be marked to be considered an Imperial.

I tend to agree. Said by some to be an early ancestor of the OysterQuartz case. Very nice.

vaper395 · 29 March 2016, 02:56 AM

Found a number between the lugs. Another site had a type in serial number and get a date option. Looks like 1946

27 March 2016, 06:01 AM	#1
vaper395 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Fort Erie, Canada Posts: 7	Need help identifying Hi there. New to the forum but have been hanging around a bit. I was was hoping to get some information on this vintage Rolex. It was given to my father in the mid 60's but believe it pre dates that. It was worn as a daily wearer for years. We have no information about this piece. I have searched the vintage forum and can't find anything close. This watch will never leave our family and I would like to know if restoring it would be a good idea. As you can see the dial is very faded. I've read about replacing the dial can do to a watches value but as I said I have no intention of every letting it go. Any help us very much appreciated.

27 March 2016, 08:44 AM	#2
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,514	The relevant numbers needed for research will be under the strap against the case and inside on the case-back.. Definitely pre-60's __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

27 March 2016, 10:19 AM	#3
MILGAUSS88 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: mississippi river Posts: 3,193	I believe that is a Rolex Imperial. Ref 3116. (Maybe other similar ref #'s.) I do not think the dial has to be marked to be considered an Imperial.

27 March 2016, 10:28 AM	#4
MILGAUSS88 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: mississippi river Posts: 3,193	I have similar model, and it dates to 1940. Most of the Rolexes I have seen from this era, came to the USA via WWII Gi's. Manual wind, not automatic. Rolex, would most likely not repair anything that old, so would need to send elsewhere. Not an expensive watch, so it really depends on your sentimental attachment and whether you want to wear it or just put in a display to look at. And of course the cost of the repair.

27 March 2016, 10:37 AM	#5
andromeda160 Banned Join Date: Dec 2012 Real Name: Greg Location: michigan Watch: Rolex Oyster Posts: 4,046	These early manual wind oysters are so historic it would be a shame not to get her serviced. Especially with the family history. I'd keep the dial original, and maybe get the case polished and movement serviced.

28 March 2016, 09:57 PM	#6
vaper395 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Fort Erie, Canada Posts: 7	Thanks for all the comments. I definitely want to get this serviced. My original thoughts were to restore it back to almost new condition. But by the sounds of it this may be a mistake. I do know it has a replacement crown which needs to be replaced. Any suggestions on who to send this to? Thanks again

29 March 2016, 02:56 AM	#8
vaper395 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Fort Erie, Canada Posts: 7	Found a number between the lugs. Another site had a type in serial number and get a date option. Looks like 1946

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