The dial out of my 1016 - "OCC" - what is this?

[Spencer PK]

I am a watchsmith, I specialize in vintage models, mostly Seiko. But I also own and work on other things - Omega, Rolex, ETA stuff, Valjoux etc.

A few years ago I inherited my great-uncle's Rolex 1016. Serial is in the late 1966 range. He'd managed to completely flood the watch with pool water, decades ago, and just threw the water-filled watch in a drawer. When it came to me it was a badly corroded wreck.

I did manage to save it, including most of the original movement, but the dial was really badly damaged. Rather than use it, I put in a service dial.

The original dial is a mystery though - is it fully genuine Rolex? Or was it a reprint? Maybe some kind of service dial? It is Singer-marked on the back. It has a minute track, Officially Certified Chronometer text, and was originally a gloss lacquer finish. The minute track and all text, and the marker plots under the lume, are all white and seemingly in or on or on the bottom of the lacquer top coat.

Here are some photos. The last shot shows the original crystal that was on the watch when it came to me.

[Spencer PK]

I'm still hopeful that someone has some insight on this dial.

[Juhuatai]

This belongs in the vintage forum. Maybe the mods could move it there. Pretty sure this is a refinished dial.

[Spencer PK]

Originally Posted by Juhuatai

This belongs in the vintage forum. Maybe the mods could move it there. Pretty sure this is a refinished dial.

Thank you - I didn't know that. I'd move it myself if I could.

[037]

Yes, OCC dials exist. This might help: https://explorer1016.com/gilt/chapter-ring/mark-0-occ/

[mbc]

Originally Posted by 037

Yes, OCC dials exist. This might help: https://explorer1016.com/gilt/chapter-ring/mark-0-occ/

Seems like if it's anything, its the mark 0 gilt, but hard to tell with so much damage. Is serial in the Serial Range: 516xxx-596xxx range?

I'd still lean towards refinished, but maybe off of a true OCC dial...

[037]

Originally Posted by mbc

Seems like if it's anything, its the mark 0 gilt, but hard to tell with so much damage. Is serial in the Serial Range: 516xxx-596xxx range?

I'd still lean towards refinished, but maybe off of a true OCC dial...

Agreed. I gave the link so he could compare what he has to a known OCC dial.

This may also help: https://explorer1016.com/dial-catalogue/

[Juhuatai]

It's not a mark 0 gilt. The watch is from 66. Also look at the coronet.

[mbc]

Originally Posted by Juhuatai

It's not a mark 0 gilt. The watch is from 66. Also look at the coronet.

Don't disagree -- OP said 1966, but didn't actually give serial range, so wanted him to see the range referenced for mark 0

[DCheeta]

Hey Spencer, I didn’t know you restored Rolex too. Your vintage Seiko work is top notch!

I have nothing to add to this thread, I know little about vintage 1016’s, but I’d love to see a photo of the restored movement and watch.

[Spencer PK]

Originally Posted by DCheeta

Hey Spencer, I didn’t know you restored Rolex too. Your vintage Seiko work is top notch!

I have nothing to add to this thread, I know little about vintage 1016’s, but I’d love to see a photo of the restored movement and watch.

Thank you - I appreciate it!

Here's the movement before: https://imgur.com/l8ytG6h

And here it is after: https://imgur.com/aDRJyHy

I saved a lot of the movement, but most of the train was junk, except for the pallet fork. But the plates were OK, most of the calendar elements, winding bridge itself. etc.