80s-90s Rolex Datejust 18k/ss links at garage sale

[artslinger]

Hi amigos, I went to a comm sale and asked about jewelry and watches. The owner brought out a modern Bulova, and his Rolex Datejust. He wanted 3k for the Datejust, then $2800. Since his price was out of my range, I passed. I did however buy some gold. Later that night I texted him about a few other gold pieces that I was interested in. He responded that he had sold them. I then proceeded to make him an offer for the watch that he initially declined, but followed it up with another text that he would accept it. Unfortunately, he bought it used at a jewelry store in an affluent part of town. I was able to obtain be receipt from him. It is definitely original. I bought my first Rolex, not at garage sale prices, but at a number which I knew would at least make me double my money. Please let me know your thoughts. As always, they are very much appreciated.

artslinger

 

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[JimDon]

Congratulations! It definitely looks like a vintage Rolex to me but the only thing that has me stumped is the second markers. Rolexes of this period Seems to have always had the closed ladder style seconds ring. the midsize datejust at 31 mm seems to have had this type of dial. Is it 31mm or 34mm or 36mm? Also take the bracelet off and look between the logs and find out what reference number it is. It should be 16........or 17.....

 

[JimDon]

More I look at it I think it’s an earlier model. It looks like maybe a 1960s or 1970s reference 1600 series which had this type of seconds markers. You can also go to Bob’s watches website and decode from the serial number between the lugs the year of manufacture. Also what is this at 9 o’clock? TOC? Never saw this before.

 

[tamrock]

Very nice acquisition.

 

[JimDon]

Art did you ever get the reference number on this one?

 

[artslinger]

Art did you ever get the reference number on this one?

I did not. I took it to two Rolex dealers. One quoted me $950, and another $750 to restore. It will need the crystal, stem, possibly crown, and overhaul. Both told me that the previous owner "put it through the ringer"! :-) I'm reselling it for $2500, but lowest $2300. It's really nice, so I'm thinking of restoring it myself, wait, I better not! I will let a professional do it if I decide. I was told restored would sell for about $3,500.00. An interested party indicated that it was not the original dial. I looked at the receipt that the previous owner gave me, and it does indicate that a new dial was added.

 

[artslinger]

Update: I just came back from another watchmaker. He was kind enough to open the watch, and also take the bracelet off. From the inside he gave me numbers 1329632 and 8857307 (this would be the serial number 885.... He said that would put it at 85). The last number is the model number 16013? I left the watch with him, and he is doing the work for much less than the other two gentlemen. Thanks.

Artslinger

 

[artslinger]

Update: I just came back from another watchmaker. He was kind enough to open the watch, and also take the bracelet off. From the inside he gave me numbers 1329632 and 8857307 (this would be the serial number 885.... He said that would put it at 85). The last number is the model number 16013? I left the watch with him, and he is doing the work for much less than the other two gentlemen. Thanks.

Artslinger

Here are the restoration after pictures of my Datejust. It looks like new, now. Let me know what you think. Thanks.

artslinger

 

[JimDon]

It looks great! Wear it with pride!

 

[Drmad7]

Congrats on a nice watch!

 

[artslinger]

Thanks to all. I looks beautiful, and it feels great, too.

artslinger.