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Alcan · 30 January 2009, 12:08 PM

.....arrived yesterday afternoon, record time for a shipment from New Zealand!

My first impression on opening the package was "WOW!!", followed immediately by "Hmm... I dunno, this thing looks way too clean to be original and authentic"

I called Rolex Canada in Toronto first thing this morning, and they couldn't give me the time of day (no pun intended) re authenticating the movement. So, took it to my AD and asked them. The girl disappeared out back for a few minutes, then returned and said "We're quite convinced that this watch is what it is represented to be."

Still not 100% sure, I took it to my watchmaker this evening. He's an older European gentleman who's been in the business since his teens as an apprentice, and does a lot of high end watch repair. After his examination, there's no doubt in his mind that the whole watch is original, including the dial. Amazing.

We've left it with him to do some minor work on the bracelet, scrounging up and replacing some sagged bracelet springs, but Nancy should have a new old stablemate for her vintage Rolexes in a couple of weeks.

Here it is, a 1937 "telephone dial" ladies Rolex fresh from New Zealand to us. 9 ct, original spring loaded bracelet. Interesting that most of the telephone dial versions I've dug up in the last couple of years of searching have been in Australia and New Zealand. Possibly Rolex only marketed those models there?

(Seller's pix, most of you know how bad my pix are

)

JJ Irani · 30 January 2009, 12:09 PM

That is such a beautiful vintage classic, Al. Tell Nancy she's one lucky lady to own a piece like that!!

JJ

redshirt1957 · 30 January 2009, 12:11 PM

Nice Al.

Now that she has two vintage pieces to keep.

Alcan · 30 January 2009, 12:12 PM

Thanks JJ, I will.

I was hoping you'd post to this. When I told my watchmaker where I'd found this, he made a comment about NZ having a lot of humidity/damp, and that a lot of older watches from there having corrosion problems. What's your take on that?

Bisquitlips · 30 January 2009, 12:12 PM

That is one of the nicest vintage ladies Rolex's I have seen. That dial is just wonderful!

Congratulations!!

Alcan · 30 January 2009, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redshirt1957

Nice Al.

Now that she has two vintage pieces to keep.

This is from the guy who's family tree looks like a telephone pole?

JJ Irani · 30 January 2009, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alcan

Thanks JJ, I will.

I was hoping you'd post to this. When I told my watchmaker where I'd found this, he made a comment about NZ having a lot of humidity/damp, and that a lot of older watches from there having corrosion problems. What's your take on that?

He's definitely right about the humiditiy and dampness in this part of the world as it rains quite a lot here.

Of course, a lot would depend on how much that watch was actually exposed to the elements. I've been here 13 years and never faced any kind of corrosion problems - not even on my 15 year old trusty MAZDA!!

JimSnyder · 30 January 2009, 01:28 PM

Fantastic watch Al. I'll bet Nancy is very happy. 1937, now that's getting way back there. I sure she will enjoy it

I come across alot of vintage Seiko's from there and Oz also, and they suffer from humidity.

mck22 · 30 January 2009, 01:32 PM

Congrats and what a great piece, Im glad she liked it.

Lisa · 30 January 2009, 02:32 PM

Very pretty and dainty. What size is that dial?

dman · 30 January 2009, 02:35 PM

That is a really cool piece! Thanks for sharing Al.

GinGinD · 30 January 2009, 03:19 PM

Stunning. I love those delicate vintage ladies watches. My Wadsworth is circa 1940s but nowhere near as nice.

Jeannie

Boopie · 30 January 2009, 04:15 PM

That is a very nice watch. Enjoy!

diggity · 30 January 2009, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

He's definitely right about the humiditiy and dampness in this part of the world as it rains quite a lot here.

Of course, a lot would depend on how much that watch was actually exposed to the elements. I've been here 13 years and never faced any kind of corrosion problems - not even on my 15 year old rusty MAZDA!!

There, fixed that for you

Just kidding of course, I couldn't resist.

That is just one beautiful watch you found there! Congrats!!!

2careless · 30 January 2009, 07:24 PM

Congratullations Al & Nancy

It sure looks very clean & elegant!
I thought I've seen one similar in the bay in AU ? Nice catch

buz-lh · 30 January 2009, 07:53 PM

That's a very unique piece and I bet Nancy will really enjoy it.

Alcan · 30 January 2009, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lisa

Very pretty and dainty. What size is that dial?

Thanks Lisa, its not here right now but the case is about 26 mm wide.

Jimbits76 · 30 January 2009, 09:34 PM

Al that watch is a beauty and a real gem of a find.

Just like it's intended recipient!!!!!

J

away36 · 31 January 2009, 06:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redshirt1957

Nice Al.

Now that she has two vintage pieces to keep.

What makes you assume I'm going to keep the first one?

yannis · 31 January 2009, 06:53 AM

Impressive!! Congrats!!

away36 · 31 January 2009, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimbits76

Al that watch is a beauty and a real gem of a find.

Just like it's intended recipient!!!!!

J

Why thank you, kind sir! Actually.....I have a couple of real gems in this house....one hangs on my fridge.....but will be outdated pretty soon. Sure would love a "newer model"!! (hint hint)

redshirt1957 · 31 January 2009, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by away36

Why thank you, kind sir! Actually.....I have a couple of real gems in this house....one hangs on my fridge.....but will be outdated pretty soon. Sure would love a "newer model"!! (hint hint)

Looking good Nancy and take good care of that old vintage as they can be very fragile. Now the watch will take a licken and keep on ticking, not sure about Al.

GOGO · 31 January 2009, 07:48 AM

very nice

30 January 2009, 12:08 PM	#1
Alcan 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Al Location: Way Up North Watch: your P's & Q's Posts: 10,473	Nancy's new old Rolex.... .....arrived yesterday afternoon, record time for a shipment from New Zealand! My first impression on opening the package was "WOW!!", followed immediately by "Hmm... I dunno, this thing looks way too clean to be original and authentic" I called Rolex Canada in Toronto first thing this morning, and they couldn't give me the time of day (no pun intended) re authenticating the movement. So, took it to my AD and asked them. The girl disappeared out back for a few minutes, then returned and said "We're quite convinced that this watch is what it is represented to be." Still not 100% sure, I took it to my watchmaker this evening. He's an older European gentleman who's been in the business since his teens as an apprentice, and does a lot of high end watch repair. After his examination, there's no doubt in his mind that the whole watch is original, including the dial. Amazing. We've left it with him to do some minor work on the bracelet, scrounging up and replacing some sagged bracelet springs, but Nancy should have a new old stablemate for her vintage Rolexes in a couple of weeks. Here it is, a 1937 "telephone dial" ladies Rolex fresh from New Zealand to us. 9 ct, original spring loaded bracelet. Interesting that most of the telephone dial versions I've dug up in the last couple of years of searching have been in Australia and New Zealand. Possibly Rolex only marketed those models there? (Seller's pix, most of you know how bad my pix are ) Attached Images __________________ Member #1,315 I don't want to get technical, but according to chemistry alcohol IS a solution!

30 January 2009, 12:09 PM	#2
JJ Irani Fondly Remembered Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: JJ Location: Auckland, NZ Watch: ALL SOLD!! Posts: 74,319	That is such a beautiful vintage classic, Al. Tell Nancy she's one lucky lady to own a piece like that!! JJ __________________ Words fail me in expressing my utmost thanks to ALL of you for this wonderful support during my hour of need!! I firmly believe that my time on planet earth is NOT yet up!! I shall fight this to the very end.......and WIN!!

30 January 2009, 12:12 PM	#4
Alcan 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Al Location: Way Up North Watch: your P's & Q's Posts: 10,473	Thanks JJ, I will. I was hoping you'd post to this. When I told my watchmaker where I'd found this, he made a comment about NZ having a lot of humidity/damp, and that a lot of older watches from there having corrosion problems. What's your take on that? __________________ Member #1,315 I don't want to get technical, but according to chemistry alcohol IS a solution!

30 January 2009, 12:12 PM	#5
Bisquitlips 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Real Name: Richard Location: USA Watch: YM Deep Space Posts: 12,521	That is one of the nicest vintage ladies Rolex's I have seen. That dial is just wonderful! Congratulations!! __________________ Rolex Yacht-Master 40mm (SS-YG / Deep Space MOP) 16623 Breitling Aerospace Titanium / 18K with UTC. Omega Speedmaster 3510.50 Oris TT1 Pro Diver Regulator 43MM

30 January 2009, 01:28 PM	#8
JimSnyder "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Real Name: Jim Snyder Location: Ohio Watch: Ask me later..... Posts: 7,726	Fantastic watch Al. I'll bet Nancy is very happy. 1937, now that's getting way back there. I sure she will enjoy it I come across alot of vintage Seiko's from there and Oz also, and they suffer from humidity. __________________ "You ain't lived, 'til you've had your tires rotated by a red-headed women."

30 January 2009, 12:11 PM	#3
redshirt1957 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Real Name: Bubba Location: Bitsyville! Watch: Blue YM today! Posts: 10,053	Nice Al. Now that she has two vintage pieces to keep.

30 January 2009, 01:32 PM	#9
mck22 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: Brent Location: St Louis Watch: Rolex Sub Date Posts: 1,516	Congrats and what a great piece, Im glad she liked it. __________________ 16610 Submariner GMT Master II 16710 1675

30 January 2009, 02:32 PM	#10
Lisa "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: oklahoma city Posts: 15,741	Very pretty and dainty. What size is that dial?

30 January 2009, 02:35 PM	#11
dman Lifetime TRF Patron Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: Daren Location: Austin Watch: the road Posts: 13,585	That is a really cool piece! Thanks for sharing Al. __________________ You either get it or you don't, if you have to ask, YOU DON'T!! I really hope that midget cop doesn't find me in Kokomo.

30 January 2009, 03:19 PM	#12
GinGinD Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Real Name: Jeannie Location: North Carolina Posts: 533	Stunning. I love those delicate vintage ladies watches. My Wadsworth is circa 1940s but nowhere near as nice. Jeannie

30 January 2009, 04:15 PM	#13
Boopie "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Beverly Hills, CA Watch: Yachtmaster Posts: 3,952	That is a very nice watch. Enjoy!

30 January 2009, 07:24 PM	#15
2careless "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Melbourne, AU Watch: Pepsi Posts: 4,370	Congratullations Al & Nancy It sure looks very clean & elegant! I thought I've seen one similar in the bay in AU ? Nice catch

30 January 2009, 07:53 PM	#16
buz-lh "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Buz Location: Atlanta Watch: Rolex Tudor Pam Posts: 5,108	That's a very unique piece and I bet Nancy will really enjoy it. __________________ Buz The faster you move, the slower time passes, the longer you live. Peter Diamandis

30 January 2009, 09:34 PM	#18
Jimbits76 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: UK Posts: 9,407	Al that watch is a beauty and a real gem of a find. Just like it's intended recipient!!!!! J

31 January 2009, 06:53 AM	#20
yannis "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Real Name: Yannis Location: Europe Watch: maniac Posts: 9,070	Impressive!! Congrats!! __________________ Rolex Submariner 116610LV \| Tudor 79220N DSSD MEMBERS - OWNERS CLUB

31 January 2009, 07:48 AM	#23
GOGO Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Anaheim hills Watch: Rolex Datejust Posts: 94	very nice

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