Just how rare is this Rolex?

watchthirst · Nov 9, 2016

I just can't seem to dig up enough archives or photos on this Rolex that I've had stashed away for years. This leads me to believe that this may be one of my more rarer timepieces. But just how rare is this? And would "rare" in this case translate to higher monetary value?

Here is what I do know....

-Serial dates it to 1957
-Cal.1200 movement
-Solid 18k gold case
-Reference # 9320?😵‍💫

Would anyone else know or have access to any additional information on this reference?

I'm pondering about selling this piece as I currently don't wear any watches under 38mm, nor do I have any sentimental vested interest in this. A part of me wants to hold on as it may very well be as "rare" or let's just say as uncommon as I hope it can be, but then again I've never been a collector who doesn't wear watches owned.

I need a little push and convincing on if this is a keeper. I understand that the answer to such question is unique and tailored differently to every collector, but I was just hoping for some personal opinions from our community, while keeping in mind this won't be worn because it is just too small for my taste.

Everyones input is very much appreciated as always 😁

watchthirst · Nov 9, 2016

This dial was super difficult to photograph. 🙄

Foo2rama · Nov 9, 2016

I just read something about these somewhere last month. It's going to bug me. But they called them spider lugged Rolex. My guess it was an archived post at Fratello.com, but a search there for spider came up blank.

I'll dig through my page history on my desktop tomorrow.

watchthirst · Nov 9, 2016

Just tried a search at Fratello and google too and no luck. Thanks for digging either way, hopefully you stumble on something 😀

Foo2rama
I just read something about these somewhere last month. It's going to bug me. But they called them spider lugged Rolex. My guess it was an archived post at Fratello.com, but a search there for spider came up blank.

I'll dig through my page history on my desktop tomorrow.

watchthirst · Nov 10, 2016

I did find some Rolex percisions from the 50's but I noticed the the case backs were signed Tolex but made in England 😵‍💫

adam78 · Nov 10, 2016

Rare? Probably, especially with the original black dial and in 18K. Desirable, depends on who you ask. Valuable? Moreso than 9K or 14K, maybe not steel. I would say in the 2-3K range, though certain dealers may try to get more (because it's a Rolex). It's a very nice dress watch with a dependable movement. Is it 34-35mm, or 36? Plenty big enough for those with wrist up to 7" I think.

The crystal appears to be a replacement, as the "SWISS" is barely visible through the distortion at the end of the (too-high-domed) crystal. But I see it!

watchthirst · Nov 10, 2016

adam78
Rare? Probably, especially with the original black dial and in 18K. Desirable, depends on who you ask. Valuable? Moreso than 9K or 14K, maybe not steel. I would say in the 2-3K range, though certain dealers may try to get more (because it's a Rolex). It's a very nice dress watch with a dependable movement. Is it 34-35mm, or 36? Plenty big enough for those with wrist up to 7" I think.

The crystal appears to be a replacement, as the "SWISS" is barely visible through the distortion at the end of the (too-high-domed) crystal. But I see it!

Looks like a 34mm.

The slow activity on this thread alone is leading me to believe this is more of a watch to sell than a watch to hoard. 🙁

adam78 · Nov 10, 2016

Certainly, if it's too small for you and you are not enraptured by it...I am sure there are those out there who love this style and would gladly take it off your hands. Original black dials tend to be desirable, though tempered by this not being a Constellation!

Fattony · Nov 10, 2016

I wish I could help with info ,all I can say is I like it !

watchthirst · Nov 10, 2016

Fattony
I wish I could help with info ,all I can say is I like it !

adam78
Certainly, if it's too small for you and you are not enraptured by it...I am sure there are those out there who love this style and would gladly take it off your hands. Original black dials tend to be desirable, though tempered by this not being a Constellation!

I've always wondered why black dials fetch a slight premium over other neutral colors. I would think that black dials would be more common than any other color.

gatorcpa · Nov 10, 2016

watchthirst
I've always wondered why black dials fetch a slight premium over other neutral colors. I would think that black dials would be more common than any other color.

Black dials were not as popular then as they are now. So there were far fewer of them made in the 1950's than off-white. Very few dials in other colors were produced in quantity at that time.

That coupled with higher demand (especially for gilt printing) raises the price.
gatorcpa

watchthirst · Nov 10, 2016

gatorcpa
Black dials were not as popular then as they are now. So there were far fewer of them made in the 1950's than off-white. Very few dials in other colors were produced in quantity at that time.

That coupled with higher demand (especially for gilt printing) raises the price.
gatorcpa

And this is the very reason I love this community. Where else could I have learned this today about mid century black dials? Nowhere, other than from OF's knowledgeable members.

You learn something new every day, especially when you're active on OF. 😀

@gatorcpa can you help me learn two things today 😉 and tell me your thoughts on why they weren't so popular? Was it more of a trend relating to design that black dials weren't so popular, or was it perhaps something else?

gatorcpa · Nov 10, 2016

watchthirst
Was it more of a trend relating to design that black dials weren't so popular, or was it perhaps something else?

That's it as I understand it.

Although there are some truly iconic watches with black dials....like the Omega Speedmaster.
gatorcpa

jebula · Nov 13, 2016

Beautiful watch, would be a nice gift for your girlfriend/wife. Don't think you would get that much money for it so I wouldn't sell it.

Just how rare is this Rolex?

watchthirst

watchthirst

Foo2rama

watchthirst

watchthirst

adam78

watchthirst

adam78

Fattony

watchthirst

gatorcpa

watchthirst

gatorcpa

jebula

Similar threads

How rare is this Speedmaster?

Is this Rolex Day-Date 40 Real

Is this Rolex 5513 Relumed?

Is this Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust real?

Just how rare is this ?

Is this Rolex bracelet genuine or fake?