Need info on this old Rolex

Rolex Bubbleback:

https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-blog/watch-review/rolex-bubble-back.html

Good tool to look up serial number, not 100% accurate:

rolex-serial-numbers

 

Can't your watchmaker staff the current wheel? That is a pretty common procedure as balance staffs used to break all the time before shock protection. If he can't find a factory part try www.balancestaffs.com.

 

Wow cool find! Sad it came through a loss in the family, but if you can get it going and wear it... in a way it always keeps them closer to you

 

For the more knowledgeable Rolex aficionados, can anyone identify this one? My father gave this to me a few years ago. He got it from his father as a graduation present, so it must date back to the 1950s. It was worn daily for most of his life, which accounts for the significant wear.
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I believe that's a 6466 Oysterdate Precision
Should be marked on the inside of the caseback.

 

Thanks! That looks like it. When I had it serviced I should have asked but I forgot. I need to buy a new band for it. The guy that serviced it said he was surprised the band still stretched/flexed pretty well and that if it broke I probably wouldn't be able to find a replacement. I'm thinking a brown leather band to somewhat match the face. Any suggestions?

 

Grandpas Rolex from the early 40's I have been told. The watch was authenticated at a Rolex Dealer. Cant verify the actual date but she is a beauty
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It is always a sad day when I have to part ways with a formerly reliable person in the trades, but I have come to realize, as people grow older, their skills/performance level often drops. Time to find a new watchmaker.

 

The potential annoying problem is if you will be charged for work done to date even though it isn't working. Sounds like it needs a proper staff job but that means sourcing a NOS or correct aftermarket staff (unless a new one is made but without the correct one for patterns (dimensions) this is difficult). Hopefully the hairspring is ok. Before taking it elsewhere, if that's what you do, ask if another place can do the staff replacement. The problem is that parts are tightly controlled in the industry and a local repairer can't order directly from Rolex without being an authorized dealer or repair center. If you take it to Rolex you're looking at probably a $1000. bill, maybe a little less as they will insist on re-cleaning, crown seal replacement and anything else in addition to the parts and labor for what is now needed. Good luck it's a nice piece and has a great honest dial.

 

I looked and staffs for a 600 series movement (if that's what this has) is $25-$75 depending on if aftermarket or NOS, etc. So, it should be possible to source and replace assuming nothing else is needed. If the staff is replaced the movement will need position timing which will take work. It's tricky as the "superbalance" has only two timing screws so to balance in the other positions (if needed) requires use of timing washers. This is doable but literally a few hours of work. There's no point in wearing a Rolex if it runs like an Ingersoll.

 

I’m into the sports watches. I have 6239,6241,1675,1680 mostly 4 digit Rolex from 66 to 76.

Anything that is a sports rolex that falls during the vietnam war is pretty collectible.

The above are nice watches but I feel that they are not super collectible.

I have just purchase a gilt dial 1675 and after many many months of negotiations it’s FINALLY in my watch drawer.

Sad thing is back in the 80s these sport rolex watches would trade for $250 to $500.

Now the 62XX can bring $500,000+

I nearly guarantee you a few of those watches were at some point pawned for $100s…

Many stories of the late models (1979 1980) 6263’s offered as prizes to customers who purchased multiple watch’s as they would just sit on the shelf…

It really was men’s dress watches back then…dayjust daydate airking thunderbird presidential daydates were HUGE especially the “barked” case and knurled wood dials.. even the cellini’s were more desirable than a sports rolex…

WOW have things have changed!!!

Big time.

Now 2021 you have to buy a few dress watches before they will even consider placing you on a list to WAIT for the next sport rolex in the display case.

My favorite is the well told instance of a rolex dealer in the late 1970s who was saddled with so many 62xx models they were selling them for cheap $500? and kicking them under display cases in agitation !!!


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It’s now $850 and a 30 day wait to service a GMT movement at a rolex dealer.


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I know that does not pertain to the above watches but gives you some idea of servicing vintage swiss watches.


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I think your watch repair guy has reached his peak of what to do on your watch. Get it back and take it to LA Watchworks. And let them look at the bracelet while they are at it.