Community Stories

Stocking stuffer beater watch turns out to be antique Rolex, what to do next?

Danimals
Posts
105
Likes
44
Hey all,

I've been working on getting in to watchmaking and had put "antique mechanical watches" on my Christmas list this year that I could practice on (ie cheap watches from the antique / thrift store).

I received what seemed like an old no name watch that would be great for practice. Upon getting it open, I discovered its actually an old antique Rolex (some searching seems to indicate ~1920's WWI watch). Certainly a splendind surprise! But now I've paused to reassess how to approach and would really appreciate some advice!

I will preface I am an extreme novice when it comes to watchmaking (one pocketwatch and one wristwatch service under my belt only). Originally this was just going to be a watch to get some experience with that it didn't matter if I broke it. Now, I'm a little hestitant to simply have at it. One half of me thinks this could be a great experience / story to have received this watch and restored it myself, the other half of me considers sending it off to be restored professionally.

Any thoughts on if this is the kind of watch that only experienced hands should touch, or maybe this is something that could be tackled by an amateur (thinking I would likely shelf it for a while to practice on a few others before I touch it). I will note that it still is able to run in certain positions, so seems likely it can be restored to working order.

If I do attempt this myself, any specific things on this type of watch to be congnizant of? Ie any major no-no's when it comes to a watch like this that I should pay attention to so I don't destroy it (either physically or from a collector's stand point)?

PXL_20260102_221004925.webp PXL_20260102_220958998.webp PXL_20260102_220952709.webp PXL_20260102_220639392.webp PXL_20260102_220615107.webp
 
JimInOz
Posts
17,932
Likes
37,493
I wouldn't worry too much.
Rolex was just another brand in that era.

Then in 1927, Hans Wilsdorf got the idea of promoting Rolex watches with attention grabbing events like the English Channel swim by Mercedes Gleitze, so since then, Rolex has had two products, watches and marketing.

Your watch pre-dates this time so it's not like your working on a pristine vintage Oyster. Just do your best with it and good luck if you get it going.
 
Danimals
Posts
105
Likes
44
JimInOz JimInOz
I wouldn't worry too much.
Rolex was just another brand in that era.

Then in 1927, Hans Wilsdorf got the idea of promoting Rolex watches with attention grabbing events like the English Channel swim by Mercedes Gleitze, so since then, Rolex has had two products, watches and marketing.

Your watch pre-dates this time so it's not like your working on a pristine vintage Oyster. Just do your best with it and good luck if you get it going.
Okay great, thanks for the expertise!
 
Canuck
Posts
15,464
Likes
45,795
That movement was the “Rebberg” movement produced by the Swiss watchmaker Herrmann Aegler. My guess is it is over 100 years old. If you have hopes for this movement, my suggestion is to not rush it! I speak from experience. Decades ago, I acquired the same exact movement as yours, with no case. I put in my “pending” drawer, keeping my eyes peeled for a case for. It. Lo & behold, roughly 5 years later, I got a call from a brother collector. He acquired an original sterling silver Rolex W & D (Wilsdorf & Davis) case hallmarked in 1915. We worked a swap, and I finished the Rolex you see in the picture. Rather than to render it a paper weight by practicing watchmaking on it, I’ll just bet it would be worth loot to somebody. Sell it and buy a bushel basket of scrap watches to practice on.

The dial isn’t marked Rolex (yours isn’t either), but the movement is marked Rolex (just like yours). In these early years, Wilsdorf (& Davis) were heavily involved in producing private label watches for retailers, not so heavily involved in building market share for the Rolex name.

P2179446.webp
 
JimInOz
Posts
17,932
Likes
37,493
I've got a little silver case that'd look much better than the one you have.
Genuine W&D Rolex, 925 silver, London Import mark for Swiss made, London date mark for 1917.

Case ring measure 24.4mm, so 11 ligne. Can't tell what size your movement is.

Yours if it fits and if you get the movement up and running.

IMG_5264.webp IMG_5263.webp

Will come up well with a polishing cloth.

IMG_5265.webp
 
Danimals
Posts
105
Likes
44
Canuck Canuck
That movement was the “Rebberg” movement produced by the Swiss watchmaker Herrmann Aegler. My guess is it is over 100 years old. If you have hopes for this movement, my suggestion is to not rush it! I speak from experience. Decades ago, I acquired the same exact movement as yours, with no case. I put in my “pending” drawer, keeping my eyes peeled for a case for. It. Lo & behold, roughly 5 years later, I got a call from a brother collector. He acquired an original sterling silver Rolex W & D (Wilsdorf & Davis) case hallmarked in 1915. We worked a swap, and I finished the Rolex you see in the picture. Rather than to render it a paper weight by practicing watchmaking on it, I’ll just bet it would be worth loot to somebody. Sell it and buy a bushel basket of scrap watches to practice on.

The dial isn’t marked Rolex (yours isn’t either), but the movement is marked Rolex (just like yours). In these early years, Wilsdorf (& Davis) were heavily involved in producing private label watches for retailers, not so heavily involved in building market share for the Rolex name.

P2179446.webp
Wow that's a great story, the finished watch looks so great!
 
Danimals
Posts
105
Likes
44
JimInOz JimInOz
I've got a little silver case that'd look much better than the one you have.
Genuine W&D Rolex, 925 silver, London Import mark for Swiss made, London date mark for 1917.

Case ring measure 24.4mm, so 11 ligne. Can't tell what size your movement is.

Yours if it fits and if you get the movement up and running.

IMG_5264.webp IMG_5263.webp

Will come up well with a polishing cloth.

IMG_5265.webp
Oh wow that's so kind of you!! I will get some more practice and then see about getting the movement running again!
 
Canuck
Posts
15,464
Likes
45,795
Danimals Danimals
Oh wow that's so kind of you!! I will get some more practice and then see about getting the movement running again!
You’re 75% of the way to a very collectible watch! Please don’t muff it!
 
Danimals
Posts
105
Likes
44
Canuck Canuck
You’re 75% of the way to a very collectible watch! Please don’t muff it!
I certainly will be careful and patient with it!
 
Sign up or log in to reply...

Similar threads

Trenstar

What to do next once you've bought an old watch? Seamaster

Trenstar Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
Archer
Archer
Posts
31
Views
3K
watchknut

Project 105.012-65 Arrived...What to Do Next?

watchknut Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
Etp095
Etp095
Posts
45
Views
6K