16233

[golfski]

I recently took possession of my late grandfathers 16233 and was looking for some info and soliciting some ideas.

I am first trying to identify which dial it is, I can’t tell if it’s the champagne or gold tapestry dial.

Second, it’s in decent shape but definitely hasn’t been polished and I’d bet hasn’t been serviced either. I want to clean it up a little, but understand polishing a vintage watch is a cardinal sin and don’t want to remove any of my grandfathers history. Is it ok to fix up the bracelet and leave the case? Use some cape cod to shine it up? Just leave as is?

Finally, I want to make this a little more wearable for me. I’m not a TT guy, but this was my grandpas style for sure, he was a social Italian with a thick mustache and pinky ring. I prefer big watches (DSSD, 5524, 5168, AP ROO) but think this could be a dress watch in my collection. Would a leather strap make the case feel a little bigger?

Open to all suggestions or info, definitely the oldest watch I’ll have in my collection and given it’s from my grandfather, who wore it for 30 years, I want to enjoy it but give it the respect it deserves!




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[tekno]

I had a hard time realizing how cool my fathers watch was. After years spent wearing it in any other way that was original, I finally smartened up and spent some $$ fixing it to look just like yours after messing it up years ago.

It’s a classy watch - Rock it like Patrick Bateman did...




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[rootbeer7]

Great watch. Don’t worry about polishing. It’s a Datejust not a steel sports watch that people obsess over. I’d get that to Rolex, insisting they leave everything intact, but give it a full service and polish. There are a few bracelet experts like Michael Young in HK who do great work. Enjoy it as your Grandfather did.

[mountainjogger]

Originally Posted by rootbeer7

Great watch. Don’t worry about polishing. It’s a Datejust not a steel sports watch that people obsess over. I’d get that to Rolex, insisting they leave everything intact, but give it a full service and polish. There are a few bracelet experts like Michael Young in HK who do great work. Enjoy it as your Grandfather did.

This. And particularly the last sentence. You have reminder of your Grandfather that you can wear. Do what it takes to get it where you want it. And enjoy!

[Dan S]

Just have it refinished correctly by either Rolex or an expert, not simply "polished". As mentioned above, the bracelet can be restored as well by classicwatchrepair or Rolliworks, who can also refinish the case and service the watch if you choose not to send it to Rolex. Feel free to try it on a strap, it's your watch now, but I don't think it will necessarily seem bigger on a strap.

Mostly, just hang onto it and even if you don't wear it much, it's a great heirloom. Revisit it now and then, and as you get older it may appeal to you more.

[statsman]

https://www.fratellowatches.com/clas...temans-choice/