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Grandpa's watch

MajorCindy
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Recently I found out that my late grandpa has a couple of vintage Rolex. The crystal for this one is in a bad condition, so for a non-expert like me it's tricky to assess whether this is a genuine rolex. No one in the family knows for sure. We didn't think our grandpa was that rich in his 20s, but then it could be a gift.

The watch is not working and I don't know how to open the case back, but from what I can see, at least the date lettering seems right and the markers look aligned. I'd like to seek more input from the group here, is there anything else you can conclude from the appearance? Happy to supply more photos if needed (except for the movement). Thanks!

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Dan S
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Based on what I can see, I have no reason to doubt that it's legit and it will clean up very nicely. It's likely from the 50s or early 60s, possibly a ref 6694 or 6294 on a Rolex rivet bracelet. If you can remove the bracelet, there will be numbers between the lugs at top and bottom that will give more information. You can just push a paper clip or push pin into the lug holes to release the spring bars. Even measuring the diameter (probably 34mm) and showing photos from various angles could give more hints as to what you have.
Edited:
 
MajorCindy
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Dan S Dan S
Based on what I can see, I have no reason to doubt that it's legit and it will clean up very nicely. It's likely from the 50s or early 60s, possibly a ref 6694 or 6294 on a Rolex rivet bracelet. If you can remove the bracelet, there will be numbers between the lugs at top and bottom that will give more information. You can just push a paper clip or push pin into the lug holes to release the spring bars. Even measuring the diameter (probably 34mm) and showing photos from various angles could give more hints as to what you have.

Hi Dan, thanks for taking a first pass! 1960s is probably correct, based on when my grandpa was born. The case diameter is near 38mm if you trust my measuring skill with a ruler, but it definitely looks bigger than a 34mm. I actually have a springbar tool with me, but the end link didn't budge and some stain was even chipped off, so I wanted to be careful and stopped trying. The bracelet links also feel like they're just one strong shake away from breaking apart. Here are some more pictures from other angles as requested!

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Dan S
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OK, the #60 endlinks are 19mm, IIRC, so it would be a 34mm reference. You may not be measuring the right dimension. This distance will be 34mm. I don't think there is any "stain" to damage, the case and bracelet are stainless steel. But there is probably a lot of dirt and gunk and it may take some effort to remove the bracelet. If you're not comfortable doing it, take it to a professional, but the bottom line is that will be necessary to identify what you have.

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Larry S
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A proper service by a good watchmaker and this will be a lovely and wearable watch!
 
vibe
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It is important to note that these were not rich people’s watches back in the day, I agree that it should clean up well! It is a had wind movement, have you tried hand winding it?
 
MajorCindy
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Dan S Dan S
OK, the #60 endlinks are 19mm, IIRC, so it would be a 34mm reference. You may not be measuring the right dimension. This distance will be 34mm. I don't think there is any "stain" to damage, the case and bracelet are stainless steel. But there is probably a lot of dirt and gunk and it may take some effort to remove the bracelet. If you're not comfortable doing it, take it to a professional, but the bottom line is that will be necessary to identify what you have.

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Ahh ok, thanks for the pointer on the endlinks! And yes that's the plan. I'm at my family's hometown right now, but will definitely go to a watchmaker after the trip.
 
MajorCindy
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vibe vibe
It is important to note that these were not rich people’s watches back in the day, I agree that it should clean up well! It is a had wind movement, have you tried hand winding it?

That's a good point. It has a screwdown crown and I can only wind it anti-clockwise (with no effect on the hands). When I try winding it clockwise, I can feel a resistance so I don't want to push further. I think this is a sure sign that the movement needs servicing? But I hope it's at least not beyond repair.

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STANDY
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Good service from a reputable service company and you have a great watch that will keep on ticking for another generation to enjoy 👍
 
MajorCindy
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Hi all! I just want to share some updates and thank you all for your valuable input.

I brought the watch with me and after visiting 3 stores, finally found a watchmaker who is able to service it and also source for parts (there were missing and damaged ones).

As this forum indicated, it is a genuine rolex 6694. The movement is overhauled, parts cleaned (not polished), dial is kept intact, and the crystal replaced. Now the watch is ticking again after decades, and I can't feel any more proud wearing it.

The whole service costed me 1.4k SGD which is a little higher than what I expected, but I can't complain about the result. As you can see, the bracelets are quite loose but safe for wearing (at least according to the watchmaker). Tightening the bracelets will cost extra, so my plan for now is to replace it with a nice leather strap soon.

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wagudc
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Looks great and such a nice way to remember your grandpa!
 
Larry S
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Huge vintage personality here. The watch looks great. Just resist the urge to dive into that water. Even though my watchmaker tells me my two vintage are swimmable, they are now too valuable to risk. I have other watches for that.
 
MajorCindy
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Larry S Larry S
Huge vintage personality here. The watch looks great. Just resist the urge to dive into that water. Even though my watchmaker tells me my two vintage are swimmable, they are now too valuable to risk. I have other watches for that.

Haha the watchmaker actually told me mine failed the water resistance test and that it's normal for vintage watches. So yes, definitely going to stay on the safe side here.
 
MajorCindy
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Dan S Dan S
I hope you will enjoy wearing the watch. Did you learn the serial number, or a date code from inside the case-back?

http://www.classicwatchrepair.com/english/band-restoration in HK can restore the bracelet if you choose to do so in the future. Personally, I think the watch is best on the rivet bracelet.

Thanks for sharing the link! I'll keep that in mind.

And hmm no the watchmaker sent me a few photos of the movement while he was working on it, but not one od the caseback (didn't occur to me to ask for it as well). So all I know is that the movement is 1215 with the number N93284 if these tell you anything?
 
Canuck
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Basically the movement in your watch, this one pictured is a chronometer grade, adjusted to 5 positions, without the calendar.
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Dan S
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MajorCindy MajorCindy
And hmm no the watchmaker sent me a few photos of the movement while he was working on it, but not one od the caseback (didn't occur to me to ask for it as well). So all I know is that the movement is 1215 with the number N93284 if these tell you anything?
I was just hoping to be able to give you more information about the approximate production date. The serial number between the lugs and date-code inside the case-back would have been helpful. The movement serial number is not informative for Rolex watches, unfortunately.
 
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