6426: Case shape is interesting...

[studioal]

I'm looking at 6426's and other Oyster's and came across this one. Not necessarily considering it, but the price is cheap ($1.8K). One thing that stood out immediately is how thick the lugs are. They seem too wide and misshaped...and the case seems like it's in far too good of condition.

It looks abnormal compared to my 34mm cased Tudor Oyster and all other 6426's that I've seen.

Am I making sense or completely off?

[TimeToGo]

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I think the watch is fine. The issue may be the bracelet. Possibly a 17mm bracelet or the largest links to the case removed w/19mm ends..

[Dan S]

Looks normal to me.

[studioal]

Originally Posted by TimeToGo

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I think the watch is fine. The issue may be the bracelet. Possibly a 17mm bracelet or the largest links to the case removed w/19mm ends..

Ahh, perhaps that's what the issue is

[TimeToGo]

Does not look right. See here and compare on the net..
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[offrdmania]

Yes, the bracelet is missing its largest link

[77T]

It could be missing its first link on both sides - or more probable - the bracelet isn't the original one at all - and from a different model with narrower lugs.

Looks like a 17mm bracelet to me - but the picture doesn't help since it's not showing the clasp and rear view.

Vintage Rolex watches with a 17mm lug width had folded link Oyster bracelets. Maybe from an older Oyster Precision?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[studioal]

Thanks all, appreciate the eyes. The more that I look at these the more I realize they used a different case than the Tudor Oysters of the same era. The Rolex cases have a slightly different shape, and thicker lugs. I always assumed (wrongly) that they were the same case across the 34mm models. Interestingly, the Rolex OP's also seem to have a slightly thinner case (like the Tudors) than the manual wound Oysters like the 6426.



The 6426 above has thicker lugs than the OP and Tudor below suggesting a different case design.

[studioal]

For anyone who has been hands on with both an Air King and a 6426/7, can you please describe how the case shape differs between the two? I kind of like the the slightly thicker case of the 6426/7’s.

[rootbeer7]

there are various case shapes, particularly the Tudor models; from very slim to chunky for the automatic models. My 7909 is particularly thick.

[offrdmania]

We are also talking about watches from 80 years ago. A lot of the examples have been heavily polished and with the current trend of laser welding lugs, who knows what is correct and what isnt anymore. Scrupulous sellers may build lugs back up bigger than they are supposed to be in order to appeal to buyers who own current models, who are used to larger lugs.

[TimeToGo]

Here is side view.
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[studioal]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

We are also talking about watches from 80 years ago. A lot of the examples have been heavily polished and with the current trend of laser welding lugs, who knows what is correct and what isnt anymore. Scrupulous sellers may build lugs back up bigger than they are supposed to be in order to appeal to buyers who own current models, who are used to larger lugs.

I totally understand that. But I do believe Rolex sourced different cases for their manual wind (I.e. 6426) model(s) than the Perpetual models. When I look at the 1002, 1003, 1005, and 5500 references they all appear to be differently shaped than the 6426 and 6694–which look thicker and have a different side profile.

[studioal]

Originally Posted by TimeToGo

Here is side view.
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This is really helpful. I’m guessing the bottom watch is either a 6426 or 6694?

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

We are also talking about watches from 80 years ago. A lot of the examples have been heavily polished and with the current trend of laser welding lugs, who knows what is correct and what isnt anymore. Scrupulous sellers may build lugs back up bigger than they are supposed to be in order to appeal to buyers who own current models, who are used to larger lugs.

Many are absolutely polished, but I don't know how many of these 34mm OPs have been heavily laser welding. Obviously, it's possible, but the cost of that type of laser welding, to actually build up the mass of lugs, is pretty high for a watch in this price range. Most sellers probably just want to move these lower-end pieces on without investing in them.

[TimeToGo]

Originally Posted by studioal

This is really helpful. I’m guessing the bottom watch is either a 6426 or 6694?

6426 on top !
Air king on the bottom.

[studioal]

Originally Posted by TimeToGo

6426 on top !
Air king on the bottom.

Well, that's interesting. I humbly concede that I don't know enough about these yet.

[offrdmania]

The lugs on that Air King look to be polished down to a nub. So close to the pin hole

[studioal]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

The lugs on that Air King look to be polished down to a nub. So close to the pin hole

We'll try another then. I do see a difference. I was thinking that perhaps the 6426 used a Spillman case like some early Rolex and Tudor Oyster Prince's given they are slightly thicker around the lugs than the Air Kings / OP's. But I'm not seeing any CRS hallmarks on the casebacks of either. Not claiming anything, just thinking that it's possible.