Rolex GMTmaster1 1970ish

[OBC]

I inhereted my fathers GMTmaster which dates back to the late 60's - early 70's. Unfortunately it no longer goes and the the crown wheel outer has broken off, so I will need to have it serviced, when I can afford it :(

One thing I have noticed is that the 24hour hand does not have the larger, more common arrowhead, but a much smaller one.

Any ideas as to the date of this watch, I don't have any papers, but do have a box [one of two] but I remember my father getting the watch in lieu of a bad debt.

[timnik]

Hi, I'm in the UK and I have a GMT-Master 1969 (I think) inherited from my father who died in 2004.

Some photos are going to needed.

Don't worry if it's not working. There are people who will get it running!

There is a font of knowledge on here.

Sounds like you have an early to mid 60's model with the small GMT hand. I reckon you've probably got yourself something good there.

Photos please!

[lee fowler]

As already said we need pics!! Depending on your location Graham at Superlative Time in West London is your man for servicing, he has just rebuilt the movement on my 16750 and will do whatever you require and he also understands the whole vintage thing!

[OBC]

shock!!!

I gave it a shake and the second hand moved, so I set the time and put it on. It's been running all evening. Can't change the date though

re photos. I need to put it online as I don't seem to be able to upload.

[saskmh]

Smaller GMT hand from the 60's was a model 1675.

Best way to determine year is to take the bracelet off and check the numbers on the case between the lugs, then look it up on one of the many date charts on the web, or post it here and one of us can tell you.

And as said above, please post pics.

[OBC]

Originally Posted by saskmh

Smaller GMT hand from the 60's/70's was a model 1675.

Best way to determine year is to take the bracelet off and check the numbers on the case between the lugs, then look it up on one of the many date charts on the web, or post it here and one of us can tell you.

And as said above, please post pics.

bracelet reg no: 78360 / 558. case no:1437809 as far as I can tell, very faint.

lets see if I can add a photo:

[IMG][/IMG]

click on it and it should go to a larger image. As you will see it's had a hard life. no collectors item this, but one used by a seaman.

[rootbeer7]

Originally Posted by OBC

shock!!!

I gave it a shake and the second hand moved, so I set the time and put it on. It's been running all evening. Can't change the date though

re photos. I need to put it online as I don't seem to be able to upload.

the date only changes as time reaches midnight, there was no quickset with vintage Rolex. Sounds like you might have something great there

[saskmh]

Originally Posted by OBC

bracelet reg no: 78360 / 558. case no:1437809 as far as I can tell, very faint.

No way!

If those numbers are right you have a 1960 production model. Which means either a first year 1675 or by chance a 6542.

Check the other side of the case. That is where the model number is.

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by saskmh

No way!

If those numbers are right you have a 1960 production model. Which means either a first year 1675 or by chance a 6542.

Check the other side of the case. That is where the model number is.

That serial number (1,437,809) would put it around 1966.

[saskmh]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

That serial number (1,437,809) would put it around 1966.

I've seen various lists that show different date ranges. If the one I used do date my GMT was correct (which put it at 1986 - it was purchased in 1986) then his dates at 1960. I suppose that list could be incorrect for that range though.

(One list I have puts it at 1960 - Another at 1966/67)

[OBC]

Originally Posted by saskmh

no way!

If those numbers are right you have a 1960 production model. Which means either a first year 1675 or by chance a 6542.

Check the other side of the case. That is where the model number is.

1675

[Snow-Dweller]

Originally Posted by OBC

1675

You're a lucky, lucky man!

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by saskmh

I've seen various lists that show different date ranges. If the one I used do date my GMT was correct (which put it at 1986 - it was purchased in 1986) then his dates at 1960. I suppose that list could be incorrect for that range though.

(One list I have puts it at 1960 - Another at 1966/67)

While no list is 100% perfect, this list from our own esteemed colleagues here is the best I've seen:

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=54362

[saskmh]

Excellent reference material. Thanks.

[springer]

Originally Posted by saskmh

I've seen various lists that show different date ranges. If the one I used do date my GMT was correct (which put it at 1986 - it was purchased in 1986) then his dates at 1960. I suppose that list could be incorrect for that range though.

(One list I have puts it at 1960 - Another at 1966/67)

The list you are using is incorrect, believe it or not. It might have given you the correct date for a 1980s vintage watch, but many of these lists were made years ago and are clearly lacking when it comes to being correct for the watches from the 1960s, and even earlier.

[springer]

Originally Posted by saskmh

Excellent reference material. Thanks.

Your watch appears to have the correct, glossy-gilt dial (gold-colored fonts, coronet and other marks) based on your serial number. It appears to be the last variation of the gilt dials, which is correct for your watch as well as the small 24-hour hand which is correct. The bezel insert also appears to be original, but the bracelet is a replacement Oyster with DATEJUST end links.

Enjoy your watch!

[timnik]

I second what Lee has said about Graham Fowler. He has serviced my watches and I would definitely recommend him. He has a small workshop in West London and he knows his stuff.

I wouldn't worry too much about the bracelet not being correct. Mine isn't either! I've got a 93150 on mine. The rest of it looks pretty good. A new plexiglass, a service and a small repair. My winding crown came off just like yours. Graham serviced it. Put on a new plexiglass, repaired the crown for just over £300! Obviously I don't know what your watch is going to need. I think you'll have a pretty desirable watch when it's sorted.

Where abouts in the UK are you BTW?

[OBC]

Originally Posted by timnik

I second what Lee has said about Graham Fowler. He has serviced my watches and I would definitely recommend him. He has a small workshop in West London and he knows his stuff.

I wouldn't worry too much about the bracelet not being correct. Mine isn't either! I've got a 93150 on mine. The rest of it looks pretty good. A new plexiglass, a service and a small repair. My winding crown came off just like yours. Graham serviced it. Put on a new plexiglass, repaired the crown for just over £300! Obviously I don't know what your watch is going to need. I think you'll have a pretty desirable watch when it's sorted.

Where abouts in the UK are you BTW?

N.Wales

[timnik]

You could post it to him! I took mine down to his workshop just to see who or what I was dealing with. I needn't have worried. He's a great bloke and his workshop is fantastic. He posted mine back to me without any problems. Just make sure you adequately insured. About £5000 I'd say. Possibly more. Best estimate too high rather than too low.

Call him and chat!

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by timnik

I second what Lee has said about Graham Fowler. He has serviced my watches and I would definitely recommend him. He has a small workshop in West London and he knows his stuff.

I wouldn't worry too much about the bracelet not being correct. Mine isn't either! I've got a 93150 on mine. The rest of it looks pretty good. A new plexiglass, a service and a small repair. My winding crown came off just like yours. Graham serviced it. Put on a new plexiglass, repaired the crown for just over £300! Obviously I don't know what your watch is going to need. I think you'll have a pretty desirable watch when it's sorted.

Where abouts in the UK are you BTW?

Do you mean Graham Simmonds? I know Graham Fowler is a watch collector, and has a great shop for cool clothes and shoes.

[timnik]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

Do you mean Graham Simmonds? I know Graham Fowler is a watch collector, and has a great shop for cool clothes and shoes.

Sorry. Yes I mean Graham Simmons.

Far too many Grahams around here!

Graham Fowler also played cricket for England in the 70's and 80's. A decent opening batsman as well. "Foxy Fowler" was his nickname.

It's an English and Aussie thing!

[Tom1675]

That GMT is awesome. Enjoy it for decades to come!

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by timnik

Sorry. Yes I mean Graham Simmons.

Far too many Grahams around here!

Graham Fowler also played cricket for England in the 70's and 80's. A decent opening batsman as well. "Foxy Fowler" was his nickname.

It's an English and Aussie thing!

Completely understand! Was at a friend's for dinner last night, (he's a British humo(u)rist), and we got into a big discussion about English gentlemen's clubs, and then names....particularly, the exceedingly British ones!

[JSou]

Hello All,

I'm sorry in advance to intrude in this way, but I'm feeling a bit desperate and hope someone can help me out.

Several months ago I've sent my vintage Breitling Navitimer 816 to Superlative Time Ltd Uk after some discussions by email with Graham Simmonds about the restoration. In the end of last year I've tried to contact him to get updates on the watch but it was very difficult to catch him - bit strange. Currently he no longer answers my calls neither emails... since beginning of this year. I'm very worried about what's going on since I don't know to whom should I turn to. Can someone help me? Does anybody knows anything about him or Superlative Time UK - whereabouts?

Many thanks in advance to all! I hope you understand.

Cheers

[JustinK]

Originally Posted by OBC

bracelet reg no: 78360 / 558. case no:1437809 as far as I can tell, very faint.

lets see if I can add a photo:

[IMG][/IMG]

click on it and it should go to a larger image. As you will see it's had a hard life. no collectors item this, but one used by a seaman.

You have a very nice GMT from about 1966 with the correct gilt dial. Do not go to just anyone to have it serviced as it is a valuable piece.

Congrats its a very nice watch!

[OBC]

Trawling through some stuff the other day I came across a 'styrofoam' box embossed with the Rolex logo. Inside was the original bracelet for my father's watch, in need of repair. There was also a black face with yellow markings, all the usual Rolex info, but nothing at all on the reverse apart from 2 locator pins. A knock off?

[Sky21]

Originally Posted by OBC

Trawling through some stuff the other day I came across a 'styrofoam' box embossed with the Rolex logo. Inside was the original bracelet for my father's watch, in need of repair. There was also a black face with yellow markings, all the usual Rolex info, but nothing at all on the reverse apart from 2 locator pins. A knock off?

Picture would help.

[Sidmind]

My 1966 SN# 140024x says hello

[OBC]

appropos to the above discussion, i am, at last, in a position to lavish some tlc on my watch.
However, having contacted one of the rcommended independent firms, they inform me that they no longer are able to service this particular vintage marque. My approach to the other firm mention has not resulted in a response as yet. Since I want to keep the patina of age of this particular watch, I am loth to send it to Rolex since I am informed that they hace a tendancy to 'improve'.
Can anyone recommend another independent approved Rolex servicer - UK based, that I can approach?

[athom]

That is a very nice example you have here ! I would do the minimum, mouvement overhauling, gaskets, polishing the crystal,...if you can't afford that I'd suggest to ask for an estimation in this condition and would sell it for a fair and good price.