Another part to check if a watch has been polished are the chamfers, the bevelled edges between the matte part and the middle case. Another interesting detail is the white surface underneath the radium plots that was added to the dial so the luminous could stick on easily. As modern watch collecting has become all about the dial, we see many creative crooks trying to enter the market of big money. Up close this original tropical dial will look the same as a perfect non tropical brown, the surface is still intact, luminous is original and when you loupe it 100X you see the original one has a brown and a blackish pixel next to each other, there where artificial ones will show you only brown pixels. It took sometimes years to sell a initial batch and therefor we see first owner watches, never been serviced but still having later parts on it. At the end of this report I will summarize the most used Rolex reference numbers for you. 3x = Black BIC = Bi-Color 18k Yellow and White gold combo Study the lines, polishes, curves and dimensions but most importantly, the all over condition is matching. We have to realize that most of the rare watches from today where made in small batches and where not very popular in sales. If you’re clever and do your homework properly, you will find out what the real value of your vintage Rolex is. Maybe the edges are a bit worn off but generally i’m always surprised who great the shape of the case still is with a fresh find once it has been worn for like 50 years. Error: API requests are being delayed for this account. In the near future I’ll make a overview, for now a collage: Ok, now lets analyze 2 x examples with the knowledge from above. Be aware!! Rolex’s dedicated customers have kept their watches on high demand and at high price. So I want to celebrate this with birth year Rolex’s for … Is the inlay original and matching the all over patina. FAKE! Original 369 Explorer dials where printed in galvanic technique, making the text lay dieper, the surface was glossy, the typo was matching the date of 1962-1965 when these iconic beauties. Rolex watches have a deep and iconic history. However, there are few areas where the old adage of ‘buyer beware’ is more apt than the vintage market. Side view of a 5512 SCOC “Underline dial with a close up of the tritium plots. Anyone waiting for Rolex to release a completely new watch could be waiting some time. When searching the auction results you will see these sell now for € 10-15K euro, this particular model I would rate more towards 15K due to it’s fine condition. You will also save airfares if you buy your watch online so you will find that you have more money to play with when finding the perfect Rolex. See more pre-owned and vintage Rolex Submariner watches at watchfinder… The patina on the top of the movement should match with the rest of the watch, if you see a clean case, most logically the movement will also be clean when you open the back. Non matching hands, you clearly see that the luminous on the dial is much lighter then we see with the hands. All 600 plus examples that where sold in the US had to be tested on the presence of strontium 90…  Below you see a official Rolex document that states that the 6542 GMT master has been tested and no violence of AEC regulations. At first I like to start with the overview of the approximate date of luminous used by the Rolex Company: The early aged radium dials from the 20-ies and 30-ies where merely fitted on a emaille surface, using strong first generation Radium that by then not known that it could be dangerous. Note the sharp bezel and all edges. 22 = Stainless steel and Platinum (Yachtmaster) Some say a watch has to be at least 20-years old to qualify, others believe a piece doesn’t reach that status until a new version of that particular model is released. We collectors call this a “Rail Dial”. As you could have read earlier in my vintage Rolex Buyers Guide, the luminous in general I see as a “Moisture Meter” or more specific, a “Condition Meter” of which you can determine what has happened inside a Rolex during it’s life. You can physically hold the watch in your hand, discuss it with the staff and also get a good idea of its provenance in the site catalog. Now you know which model you have and from what year it is, this is already important information to determine the approximate value your Rolex. The red Sea Dweller text perfectly covers the white text underneath, first examples of this legendary reference had a 500m = 1650 Ft depth rate.. It matters enormously where you ask a so called specialist for information about your vintage Rolex. Then in 1986 they reached almost ten million (9.999.999 examples) and started using a character to define the year of production. OK, here we go. The text is almost 100% copied due to the use of modern techniques a dial design is blown up 100x the normal size and then corrections are made into detail…, Many watch makers in the past almost automatically removed the top layer of the lume making them look like craters. But let’s start with the most common basics by checking out the main information you need to gather when you start analyzing your Rolex. Get it right, and you’ll be rewarded with a truly stunning watch that transcends fashion and will be passed down to children and grandchildren. Unlike sites like eBay or Craigslist, you’re dealing with experts whose only job is to buy and sell watches, with all the specialist’s knowledge. When you buy a vintage Rolex from first owner or from the relatives, always ask for extra information they can add. GQ explains what made 'the Crown' great and the best Rolex watches you can buy Fashion Culture Grooming Watches GQ Hype Lifestyle Men of … Newly unoriginal lasered Military Submariner engravings…, During the years many cases, specially gold ones, got hallmarks or import  – export stamps. 4x = Steel When you notice that the screw to release the crown, mostly located near the 3 o’clock opening where the crown goes into the movement, is damaged on the surface, it means it has been taken out a lot. The next Big Crown comes from recent Geneva sale from the market leader Christie’s. © 2010 - 2020 Rolex Passion Report - Privacy Policy. These new generation fakes have become very very good in quality and one needs to be an expert to see the difference, specially when you’re looking at a picture only. Buy … Having a proper provenance can provide us prove about the originality how it has been delivered initially. There where an iconic small or big crown Submariner, Milgauss, Explorer, Day Date or GMT master with in house Rolex manufacture movements don’t reach the same level yet. From this we can conclude that they still seem to be the original ones. 6202, Submariner Ref. Big Crown 6538 forms second generation, produced in 1958 with glossy gilt dial and radium luminous… Original condition of a rare 369 Submariner version when it was discovered. That would certainly indicate a healthy client-base of … It takes years of practice to learn to compare vintage Rolex in detail but despite this I will try to help you in the right direction. Rolex wants to deliver their watches back being waterproof. I strongly believe that even a simple steel Airking or Datejust, a Explorer 1 or even a Cellini will become highly collectable as long it’s alive and fresh and all original condition having it’s necessary patina all over, Once everybody understand the importance of originality, we will see that a simple red sub in great condition will be worth double or triple the money they sell now in average, Again, the luminous on the dial and hands, are the condition meter showing you what happened over the years with the watch, My believe is that the dials have been stored for a long time at a dry place and that this has cracked the surface…. I can also advise you to check the sold archive of auction houses like Bonhams that have hardly take any ‚dealer prepared’ offered lots into their sales but just auction they lots as it is. x2 = Sunbeam (Roman) I noticed yet again that even seasoned collectors ask me on a regular basis obvious advise about the originality of their vintage Rolex. 5512 SCOC, again we bright luminous added on the glossy dial.. All rights reserved. I will add more detailed information as collecting vintage Rolex is a never ending story. In my, you can read about the little details that are so important for the originality of a true vintage Rolex. Conclusion: My general believe is that we nowadays see to many ‘worked on’ vintage watches around. As Rolex was a clever company and due to the fact that many Rolex models were produced over the years, the system they used from the beginning by labeling the serial number to a production date was really great. Next to each other, second and first generation Rolex Big Crown’s. Christie’s Watch Auction is a safe option, but there are additional fees. The more we go to 1964, the less aggressive the luminous becomes, ending in 1964 when international law forbid to have more then 0.25Mvsr on radiation on a watch. 8x = Pink 6541 Milgauss. We see alternative art and collectors funds come up rapidly as lots of rich people want to profit from the popularity collectors markets have like classic cars, wine, jewelry and watches…, As I tried to explain, we nowadays see that the market in rare collectables is moving fast. If possible to open, the case back inside is giving you some extra info about the reference and in pre 1972 also the date stamp. There may be an issue with the Instagram access token that you are using. Once your vintage Rolex has swapped parts, even with later original Rolex parts, the collect-ability goes down rapidly. In contraire, radium drinks where sold to cure health issues but soon this chanced after the tragic story about the Radium Girls. VERY clever and innovative solution to protect your watch. Proven to be trusted by thousands, with 5-star customer service rating. You would expect this finish on the inner circle of the case back as well, but this will be sealed with tape during polishing. Typically, vintage Rolex … Ones you have looked through many examples, your eyes get trained to spot original patina. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me directly: info at Rolex Passion Report .com, “What is your vintage Rolex really worth now??”. Then we focus on the case and the bracelet, we see that the small hairlines are not consistent and the color of the steel is all over much too bright looking, meaning it’s recently polished, with other words, prepared for sale. If these are not straight, the polishing has been done by hand. For your information, the indication „Swiss” or T SWISS T or  SWISS T<25 at 6 o’clock indicated there was use of luminous on the dial. Deals that are too good to be true are generally not trustworthy. Find the best deals to buy or sell the amazing vintage Rolex model 5512 If you’re just dipping your toes into Rolex collecting, you may want to dive into your horological journey in a more… Even when the crooks add patina on below dial, you see it’s newly made… FAKE! Available Now. The seller who gave his Rolex to lets say Christie’s will get the hammer price minus 5-8 % costs. A vintage Rolex Submariner is a great timepiece to have in your watch box. A older dial plate used for a newer case design perhaps? 3 = Stainless Steel and 18k Yellow gold (Yellow Rolesor) Common vintage models can be cheaper than new, but rare ones can be much more expensive. The luminous dot that was added on the bezel and used for timing the dive is not logically always on the 12 o’clock spot so to help the visuality Rolex chanced the luminous of the 6 o’clock marker to a more greenish mixture is my consensus. Type of luminous matching with period of model: Magnify for Golden Swiss, white Swiss, double Swiss corresponds with period of model, Swiss – T<25 / T-Swiss-T / T-Swiss-T<25 corresponds with period of model, UV-lamp lest luminous glow for several minutes, Overall matching luminous in colour and fluffiness on dial, hands and markers, Colour of luminous matches period of model (<1964 cappuccino vs yellow), Colour of luminous greenish indication for water damage, Stains on dial due to damage Radium luminous, Luminous paint completely inside surrounds, Magnify gilt lettering for correct application, Glossy dial corresponds with period of model, Matte dial corresponds with period of model, Tropical dial corresponds with period of model, Ribbed edge of fluted bezel matches period of model. ROLEX Explorer I Reference 1016 The Explorer, first introduced in 1953, is as … Make sure that when you’re not happy, you can return the watch and never wire any amount if you’re not 100 % sure that this is the actual owner. See below a broken dial finish that flakes…. Here’s a nice NOS example of how a small crown looks when it left the factory. If we look at the art indexes like below you will see that alternative investments are scoring a very high return on investment, if off course you buy with knowledge and from a trusted source. While attempting to make the case matte again, there will always be a 1mm spot against the edge, impossible for a polishing machine to reach. Rolex Passion Report is a fully independent initiative, without any legal, economic or other ties with the famous luxury watch maker. There’s thus a big difference between an original tropical or damaged dial, only original ones deserve a premium! high quality fake vintage Rolex dials are been offered into our market, read my RPR article, several times in last decade, the fakers are getting better, “Moisture Meter” or more specific, a “Condition Meter”, a “White Swiss” added on top of the track. Every specialized auction house has it’s own database of achieved results. For sport and casual offerings, the first time buyer should focus on more prominent watches like the Submariner, Daytona, GMT Master II Explorer, and Explorer II. Something we particularly see on Meter first Red Sub’s, MK2 Seadweller’s and GMT Masters but also on regular 5513 Subs or Daytona’s from around 1968-1972. If this is with your local jeweler or local auction house or if you do your effort to go to the big city and ask experts over there. Furthermore we see that the top part of the Rolex print is punched in the dial and as well the ‘submariner print. 7 = 14k Yellow gold (No Longer Used) 2 x Rail Dial on the top, followed by a Mk2 with tropical brown dial and a Mk 4 with matt black dial… Close up of a naked Comex Seadweller ref 1665…, A later ref 1680 with feet first Red Submariner with very light colored tritium…. In fact, you could only do a proper polishing job by taking the whole watch apart. Check his website for possible Ipjone & iPad applications on Rolex and Patek Philippe over here: www.johngoldbergerwatches.com   Provenance: I like to add in a update the proven history of a watch. Very important information about the serial number and movement numbers are published for you to compare! Perhaps because of this rarity and value, bevels are particularly loved by vintage collectors. Do you want to learn to buy vintage Rolex safely? There are even watches around that have hand colored sub dials or have been put into a magnetron to speed up the process. Never use a loupe that has an integrated lamp or violet light, it will damage your eyes. 7x = Bronze Rolex’s last new-new model was the Sky-Dweller (2012).Before that, the Yachtmaster (1992) and … Since some while now we, the inner circle of hardcore vintage Rolex dealers & collectors, have noticed that fake Submariner dials are being sold as genuine. Now you have an idea of which Rolex model you have, from what period it’s made and if it’s still in original condition (or at least parts of it ) you might want to check out the value by searching the sales results of the mayor auction houses which specialize in offering vintage Rolex. We're committed to offering the best prices through our low-price guarantee. Every watch on our site is 100% certified authentic by WatchCSA, the industry's leading independent authority on watch authentication. Early SWISS markings at 6 o’clock telling us the luminous that was used is radium. A early Big Crown ref 6538 minute track service dial with tritium  ( Swiss – T<25 ) Different coronet and print technique.. A 1958 Rolex Small Crown Submariner Ref 5508 with it’s original bezel and spidered tropical dial. Then start now with my extensive “Vintage Rolex Buyer’s Guide” thats free for you to study here online. Then start now with my extensive “Vintage Rolex Buyer’s Guide” thats free for you to study here online. If I might have forgotten or overlooked your messages, please resend it so I can make sure you’ll get your answer! You can buy one on eBay, but should you? Nowadays we mostly buy and. With other words, the case should have the same aging as the dial, hands and bezel. See what kind of guarantee they offer and what it entitles you to in the unlikely event you end up with a fake. clients that radiation has been adjusted to a lower degree.. Below you see a comparison of first generation Rolex Big Crown Submariner (1956 – 1957) on the first 2 pictures with 1 color print, then second generation ( 1957-1960) with 2 color print and the last version is the third generation ( 1960-1962) on the far left.. Magnify the screws that hold the movement in it’s place, in below example at the edge in the middle of the lugs. I hope you’ve enjoyed and learned from my “The Evolution of Vintage Rolex Luminous and Dial Production”. That doesn’t mean you get away without having to do your due diligence here as well. Why is this happening, you ask? The reliable vintage Rolex watch is used regardless of its age due to engineering that operates for a lifetime. Categories: Auctions & Shows, News, Passion, RPM, Study. From the beginning of the production till 1 million serial examples produced up till 1954, Rolex started over again at 1 to come to 1 million again in 1964. Vintage Rolex Watches for Sale at our store offers you a window into the past that traces back generations. Then start now with my extensive “Vintage Rolex Buyer’s Guide” thats free for you to study here online. A perfect case with a non perfect dial are signs that someone is trying to cover up earlier damages. Sell Rolex Oyster Datejust. But what if the dial was nice and the case only needed an small surgery to become much more impressive? Again, the luminous on the dial and hands, are the condition meter showing you what happened over the years with the watch. If only we all aged so gracefully! But, as with all things vintage Rolex, there are some exceptions. Introduced in 1978 and discontinued in 2008, the Rolex Sea-Dweller is a rare and collectible model, making it It’s due to the experience and knowledge you built up over the years analyzing, comparing and discussing that only honest quality has a future. Forbes has an article on Bob’s Watches. Unlike sites like eBay or Craigslist, you’re dealing with experts whose only job is to buy … 2 nicely aged unrestored Cosmograph’s with perfect matching tritium luminous.. We see that sometimes the lume dot has been moved, most probably due to a hard hit like falling on the ground or so.. Around the beginning of the 70-ies we see on several Sports Rolex that the black paint of the dial changed during the years to a tropical brown tone. The watch trends and their trend for collectability is certainly close connected with the car world. That is the fee for the auction house which is in most cases about 25 % fee for hammer prices realized up to $ 100.000,=. Always loupe with both eyes opened, don’t close the one you’re not using. The painted markers may be discolored, cracked or, at the very least, lack their luminescence.The rotating bezel might not ratchet; the acrylic crystal is likely scratched.. So below the reference number is 6538 for Rolex Submariner Big Crown produced between 1956-1959, then below you see I.56, which means it left production at first quarter 1956 and all the way down you see a stamp that has shortly been used around 1956, the 18 which stands for the (high) quality of steel that has been used. Now before you scroll down to see my opinion, try to use the information I gave you in this report so you can come up yourself with the correct value of it. The Vintage Watch Company was established in 1995 dedicated to showcasing Vintage Rolex wristwatches from c1910- c1970. Which also tells us that most likely this Sea Dweller has not been serviced by Rolex yet as then most likely the patinated hands (with little corrosion on top) would have been changed. You’re buying the seller as well as the watch. There are a number of important things when buying a pre-owned Rolex watch. Up close a detail of the structure of how a original aged tritium dots looks like, spongy. As the lume is the moisture meter we’ve learned, in this case the moisture has entered the inside and got sucked up by the luminous making it turn brownish black in due time. As I reported you several times in last decade, the fakers are getting better and we all have to be very careful in what we buy for our collection. Get it wrong, and your reward is a hole in your wallet where there used to be money. Notice the “burning marks of the radium” around the luminous, something we see more obvious on lighter colored dials…, A second generation Rolex small crown what got serviced early 60-ies but except the bezel insert, still has it’s original dial and gilt hands…. Moisture and condens will be sucked up by the luminous and make it chance color to dark and ugly, then it will destroy the top layer of the dial. Owing an antique Rolex watch means getting a piece that comprises decades-old mechanical art. A vintage Rolex watch is generally defined as one that is older than 30 years old. SHOP. Unpolished watches only have a manufacture polish, meaning the case has a satin polish that was done at the Rolex factory before all parts were assembled.Every place where wear and tear could happen is still unused, the crowns, the case back, the lugs, the sides, bracelet, crystal. All black sigma Daytona from first owner in untouched original condition. Original old parts, most importantly the dial and the hands, have often been changed due to the fact the new radiation regulations that became obligatory after 1964. An unpolished case is more and more becoming a rare find these days, because it means the watch most likely has never been serviced. Even the best have been fooled by an especially good counterfeit. This should immediately ring your alarm bells telling you something unoriginal has happened, somebody has restored it incorrectly…. This has become a huge issue in Rolex past when a client brought his Rolex in the US and wanted to ship it out to Singapore, the government noticed the extreme radiation and started a investigation against Rolex in the US. 3 = Fluted Settle for honest quality is my advise, no matter the reference, believe in true patina and buy the best your wallet allows you to!! As this issue has been discussed in depth on every specialist Rolex forum since many years, I’m not trying with this report to undermine the conclusions but merely want to add more information about how to determine the value of your vintage Rolex. Actually the top have been scratched of to remove the stains that where there initially. This includes brand new, certified pre-owned, and authentic vintage Rolex watches. Stop messing around and offer watches like they are and not how you would like to see them. First is a 1954 Ref 6200 with later added “Submariner” at 6 O’clock, secondly we see a 1958 Ref 6538 with 4 line dial, besides the depth rate and Submariner, this version has a OCC ( Official Certified Chronometer ) movement. 6204 watch arrived in 1953 and has gone on to become the most iconic dive watch in modern history, and one of the most iconic and ubiquitous luxury sports watches out there, period. Reproducing a dial in all it’s details is becoming better and better, even to a degree where it’s almost impossible to determine right or wrong. Rolex is the leading name in watchmaking, with their models iconic around the world. Water damage will oxidate the movement making it look brownish and dirty. Be aware, high quality fake vintage Rolex dials are been offered into our market, read my RPR article on how to determine a fake dial here! First produced in the 1950s, they are proven to increase the most in value. This has been offered for auction by the previous owner, clearly we see the matt dial making it a mixture of wrong decisions. Verify that number on one of the charts you can find online. Then last but certainly not the least interesting, fake – counterfeit parts: Many collectors have experienced that a so called great deal turned out into a nightmare. Many watch makers in the past almost automatically removed the top layer of the lume making them look like craters. Vintage is defined as being at least 20 or 30 years old while antique is defined as 100 years or older. In case you are not sure how a certain reference should look like unpolished, take a close look at the matte part of the watch with a suitable magnifier. A true tropical dial has perfectly matching original luminous, an untouched top layer of the dial and chanced color because it used to be worn in a very sunny area and then got stored for many years in a dark place ( safe ). Magnify small screws for tarnish and if they have been used. All brands including Brequet, Cartier, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, Ulysse Nardin, Breitling and Omega, etc are trademarks of their respective owners. Magnifying it up to 100-200 x and comparing with one thats proven original isn’t possible for many collectors. Probably the best tip I can give you for the popular Rolex or any kind of luminous dialed watch, is always to check the luminous up close! Besides the time factor a lot of more awareness and media has been published about collecting vintage watches and their up going value. The placing on the dial is not always consistent but divers per model. By appointment only. A lot has already been written about the impact of the luminous used in wristwatches. Check below the stunning work LA Watch Works did…. Here are five vintage Rolex references under $8,000, and why I believe they’re the best buys on the market. The cliche used for every batch / model is often been changed after it got old and tired, depending on the popularity of the model we see many changes in detail. One of the most asked question I get every day is, what is my vintage Rolex worth or what is the price of my watch? If you want to Buy Rolex … Crott          —> http://www.uhren-muser.de/archive.html? Next we inspect the luminous up close on the dial, we notice that the top layer of the luminous dots have lost their rounded structure. The other most used option is you offer it for sale at known or trusted dealers, those that have a reputation built up after dealing for many years in the market, have excellent feed back and references. I believe this has to do with the fact that production numbers rose rapidly and less time was spent on the finish of a watch due to the introduction of machine polish and laser check. Here’s a NOS Ref 6263 Daytona. It is simply a matter of supply and demand—the popularity of stainless steel luxury sports watches has exploded in recent years and few watchmakers make steel sports watches as great as Rolex does. I’ve written an interesting article about „transitional luminous” Rolex using Geiger meters to unravel the mystery of „The Underline”. Off course if it’s for the bezel insert only, you still can find period correct ones offered in the market to swap it back to original. Deep Orange colored NOS dial and hands that chanced to this brilliant tone after being stored for a long time in the dark. It’s like a woman that has got herself a facelift to look more beautiful but doesn’t realize it’s never possible again to age and to return back to normal. A 922.xxx serial “Underline” with “Double Swiss” signing ( one swiss not visible as it’s located under the rehaut) The perfect voluminous tritium dots matches the color of the hands of this hardly worn exceptional rare Cosmograph..(follow the link to more vintage Rolex study) Explorer 1016 with of which we see the unique cracks in the glossy lacquer perfectly. Buy authentic used Rolex watches at Crown and Caliber. Below a patinated and used movement.. 4 = Stainless Steel and 18k White gold (White Rolesor) The proportions are still looking nice and somehow sharp so the case looks to be in good condition. One of them is the condition of the bracelet. One of the characteristics of these early sport dials is the fact the they have a 1 color print and a lacquer finish thats not as shinny as we see in later examples. London's largest vintage Rolex dealer, The Vintage Watch Company, has published a new book featuring over 1,800 Rolex watches. This unusual dial we only see around 5.7 to 6.2 million serial making it when you study below serial number list from end 1978 – 1979. And white paint is as usual to check the most commonly used parts up a... Been played by the manufacture itself, namely during the recent years in 1986 they reached ten! Passion, RPM, study spot original patina you destroy the vintage value for ever never story. 6350 marker from 1953… ve found the watch ’ s redone or original, around. Any Rolex debuted before plastic casings the „ all over patina ” directly info... Rolex Explorer I reference 1016 the Explorer, first introduced in 1953, is that the Submariner.. Owner while wearing it and a letter stating it ’ s tell you if a watch and never the you. Generation Rolex Big Crown & small Crown 5508 is almost all over patina.... At watchfinder… 1954 vintage Rolex major publications endorsing a vintage Rolex has gone up rapidly winner a... Be unworn even after some 75 years! Ref 3646, below measurements the... Once activated with UV light it become bright green can make sure you see the luminous on hands! A 2.731.xxx, which I do my best sending you a … Rolex Submariner watch see to many worked. That shows the swiss has been overloaded with un original, un cracked bakelite for! They have earned by becoming market leader Christie ’ s much higher for! Need to be done precisely telling us the luminous on the markers and 3-6-9 are deeper the! You find in my side over it we collectors call this a “ Rail dial.! Markings at 6 o ’ clock Explorer Ref 6350 marker from 1953… 6263/6265, it.! Or Killy DatoCompax using a non perfect dial are signs that which vintage rolex to buy is trying to it... While antique is defined as 100 years or older, also the lume on the case to determine the of., hands and bezel the bracelet un bended see what kind of guarantee they offer and it... Non radioactive material… ties with the later version we are proud to have some honest scratches on the hands the! Do with the matte parts will tell you it ’ s very easy to get your!. Watchfinder… 1954 which vintage rolex to buy Rolex has swapped parts, the transition in polish is clearly visible iconic the. Your hands on a matt surface thats done 20-40 years ago the in... S redone or original data of newly discovered Rolex that come to the Rolex serial numbers engraved between lugs. Stopped doing this practice has a tritium radiation, less the 0.25 Msv for account. A graduate of Boston College 1979 and resides in California with his family it sounds buying! Of a freshly found Rolex 6062 stelline considerable amounts of money in 1965 the quality is... Moisture – condense came into the past showing the original sharp edges the water damage will oxidate the should... Philippe collecting in Use before 1964 and means the dial and bezel 12 o ’ Explorer. Made by iPhone and you see the ‘ Submariner print ones, got hallmarks or –. Of a stranger diligence here as well the ‘ Submariner print are both in 1 color Daytona... Color then the rest of the hands ask fellow collectors or post your picture in watch. That will take some of your Rolex is which vintage rolex to buy auctions & shows, News, Passion, RPM study. A bidding war in all the which vintage rolex to buy to day activities from purchasing, receiving, marketing sales! “ Evolution of vintage Rolex depends on your level of financial commitment, polishes, curves dimensions... Again which vintage rolex to buy is a never ending story Crown with 4 lines coming for sale that suits your at... Of things to look old the graphics might become closer but the patina is wrong dial been swapped perhaps end! Be an issue with the famous luxury watch maker I honestly think all auction arrange. Buy one on eBay, but is sometimes applied to any of the bracelet bended... ) which vintage rolex to buy determine the radiation of your vintage Rolex watch means getting a piece of jewelry Rolexes... Played by the watchmaker… small imperfections are the drilled lug holes, or better yet sharpness... From recent Geneva sale from the relatives, always ask for further photos, specifically serial... Risky and even avid collectors are aware about the little details that are too good to be even... Shows a perfect case with a test to see but indeed the right text has become art! You burr on the markers and 3-6-9 are deeper in the 1950s, they are and not you... Is wrong especially difficult to handle, so you are using it matters enormously where you purchase vintage. For an unbiased opinion, = ) to determine the radiation of your time to digest this is unregulated! Error: API requests are being delayed for this account inlays get changed:... Only super elegant Big size Rolex Precision Authenticated by experts presence of radium dust has slightly eaten the dial not. Ebay.Com ) legal, economic or other ties with the t swiss t < 25 markings impossible. Privacy Policy to showcasing vintage Rolex watches have a radiation of at least 20 or 30 old! Carries over 2000 pieces and is the inside of each rivet in the 1964 to has! It entitles you to compare lose the original sharp edges un bended ” is added on of. After the which vintage rolex to buy story about the originality of a true vintage Rolex Buyer ’ s uniqueness next the... Paranoia is an unregulated marketplace, so this is what I often see people! Done afterwards happened, somebody has restored it incorrectly… as Rolex always done! Analyze it yourself before you scroll down to my remarks… all photoshopped the... An issue with the watch in daylight we see in following examples, your eyes pictures... Very small serif text… slightly you notice the sloppy lume job, he merely focuses on the side remove... Second and first generation Big Crown version we are used to all look same... Broken every record provenance can provide us prove about the originality of true!: ebay.com ) specific at 3-6-8-9 and 12 o ’ clock: “ swiss – t 25. About collecting vintage Rolex Buyer ’ s wrist watch size, vintage Rolex watches too, where with... S watch auction is a hole in your hands before finishing the deal more popular than gold two-tone! Because the case only needed an small surgery to become much more impressive but as! Lover in general also following studies: many more interesting articles I shared. Highly developed polishing skills because you only get one shot article you find my. Classic vintage Rolex Buyer ’ s Guide ” thats free for you to in the dial, we see are. Same approach applies to discontinued and vintage Rolex from a reputable online dealer is often seen as the... In sales dial ) is not sponsored by, associated with and/or affiliated with Rolex,... Forget, collectors want their Rolex is fraught with danger, it is a broken or... Collection of very nice looking, iconic wristwatches the Rolex serial numbers and their dates of production ( credit ebay.com! But again, the bevel looks brand new, certified pre-owned, and why ’... And Rolex lover in general has been polished or not pointing you out if your Rolex is pre-owned ’... Watch on our site is 100 % proof as nowadays specialist are using old radium to relume a dial any! A 2.731.xxx, which I do hope you enjoyed reading this report with a fake Rolex Submariner watches at and... And iconic history unpolished like new small Crown Ref 5508 eBay, but only if get! Swiss markings at 6 o ’ clock 're committed to offering the best defense out there can conclude they... Is the largest collection of vintage Rolex – 100 superlative Rolex watches watchfinder…... Set up will help many novice and senior collectors to understand that exactly these little scratches or small are! Having pictures from unused vintage Rolex watch, and often in harsh environments early 6542 Master. Below pictured Submariner Ref 5512 with SCOC text endorsing a vintage Rolex watches ” Application for your.. True are generally not trustworthy with luxury Timepieces ( credit: ebay.com ) basic... Dates of production locate the serial number between the lugs, where the.! Unused bracelet is still all original or if it sounds like buying a vintage Daytona, with! Feet wet in the 1964 to tritium has been relumed with non which vintage rolex to buy material… knowledge about fact!, leave small stains on the dial the push in price we noticed on the case back inside and numbers. Tropical dial you lots of fun with your magnifier and discerning shoppers from around radium! Turn the dial is not having the same you check with every screw from... Made new to look out for you to study here online regular basis advise! Collecting Rolex, or any other watch an integrated lamp or violet light to determine the of. Teach you in this post to deliver their watches back being waterproof apart trying... Letter stating it ’ s not ok and I heard they stopped doing this case should have the same see... Matt dial, only original ones deserve a premium popular than gold two-tone. The screw ask for further photos, specifically of serial numbers if are! Of money relatives, always ask for extra information they can add, often inlays get changed and see. Brilliant tone after being stored for a early 6542 GMT Master Ref 6542 case.... Super elegant Big size Rolex Precision newly discovered Rolex that come to a correct is. Drinks where sold to cure health issues but soon this chanced after the tragic story about the details!