Q: How can I determine the year & model for a classic Rolex watch?

I bought a used pre-sapphire Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust
Chronometer for about $1800 from a New York jeweler in the early
nineties and I'm just wondering what it is worth. I'm sure that depends
on its age and specific model.

Currently, the most classic of watches is lying in my "to be fixed"
drawer because my kid dropped the watch on the cement a couple of years
ago and the previous repairs ($300 for an adjustment, $800 for a
complete overhaul) are still fresh on my mind as being overly
expensive.

I'm thinking of sending this classic watch in for repair IF (and this
is the reason for the question) if I can then sell it for a reasonable
price thereafter. But what is it worth?

I did a search and found vastly divergent prices ... depending partly
on the model and year - which is why I ask this question of you
experts.

Where do I look to determine the model and year (or other pertinent
information) in a classic Rolex stainless steel & gold Oyster Perpetual
Datejust (just the number, not the day of the week) chronometer?

My only value datapoint was when I walked into a pawn shop in Texas a
few years ago (I had never even 'seen' a pawn shop until I went to
Texas - I thought they were just in the gangster movies) and handed it
to the guy just to see what he'd say it was worth; he took off the band
and looked up the number he found on the crown at that spot and said
sweetly "I'll give you $500 for this" (which is exactly when I realized
that everything in a pawn shop must be stolen because nobody would part
with their Rolex watch for that low a price unless they stole it in the
first place).

So, I can dig up that serial number.
But, then what do I do with that number?

The watch "looks" like that on these pictures I found in my searches:
http://i16.ebayimg.com/02/i/04/3c/e3/db_12_sb.JPG
http://www.swswatches.com/sws/p792a.JPG
http://www.tnsdiamonds.com/Datejust/pg1.jpg

I am pretty sure it does NOT have the sapphire crystal because the
jeweler who sold it to me said it would not fit. I also wonder if I can
get a price for a non-working watch (which is what it is at the moment)
vs a working watch (which would be a simple lookup once I can figure
out the year and model).

In summary, not being a pro, where do I find the appropriate
identification information on my Rolex watch and then where do I look
up the value for it?

wrote in message ...
Q: How can I determine the year & model for a classic Rolex watch?


My only value datapoint was when I walked into a pawn shop in Texas a
few years ago
In summary, not being a pro, where do I find the appropriate
identification information on my Rolex watch and then where do I look
up the value for it?


Go back to the pawn shop. The value is only what someone is willing to pay
for it. Not working, I'd give maybe two bucks.

In good running condition, maybe $1800 to sell it, $2800 to buy it from a
retailer. From that you have to subtract the cost of getting it running
again.


There are books that purport to give Rolex prices but the data you can find
on the internet/ebay completed auctions are probably fresher and more
accurate than the books.


Here is a rough guide to serial #'s

http://www.xs4all.nl/~rkeulen/watch/rolex.html

Since 1998 Rolex has been assigning the numbers in such a way that you can't
tell anymore, because keeping your cards close to your vest is a very Swiss
thing to do. :-)



wrote in message
oups.com...
Q: How can I determine the year & model for a classic Rolex watch?

I bought a used pre-sapphire Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust
Chronometer for about $1800 from a New York jeweler in the early
nineties and I'm just wondering what it is worth. I'm sure that depends
on its age and specific model.

Currently, the most classic of watches is lying in my "to be fixed"
drawer because my kid dropped the watch on the cement a couple of years
ago and the previous repairs ($300 for an adjustment, $800 for a
complete overhaul) are still fresh on my mind as being overly
expensive.

I'm thinking of sending this classic watch in for repair IF (and this
is the reason for the question) if I can then sell it for a reasonable
price thereafter. But what is it worth?

I did a search and found vastly divergent prices ... depending partly
on the model and year - which is why I ask this question of you
experts.

Where do I look to determine the model and year (or other pertinent
information) in a classic Rolex stainless steel & gold Oyster Perpetual
Datejust (just the number, not the day of the week) chronometer?

My only value datapoint was when I walked into a pawn shop in Texas a
few years ago (I had never even 'seen' a pawn shop until I went to
Texas - I thought they were just in the gangster movies) and handed it
to the guy just to see what he'd say it was worth; he took off the band
and looked up the number he found on the crown at that spot and said
sweetly "I'll give you $500 for this" (which is exactly when I realized
that everything in a pawn shop must be stolen because nobody would part
with their Rolex watch for that low a price unless they stole it in the
first place).

So, I can dig up that serial number.
But, then what do I do with that number?

The watch "looks" like that on these pictures I found in my searches:
http://i16.ebayimg.com/02/i/04/3c/e3/db_12_sb.JPG
http://www.swswatches.com/sws/p792a.JPG
http://www.tnsdiamonds.com/Datejust/pg1.jpg

I am pretty sure it does NOT have the sapphire crystal because the
jeweler who sold it to me said it would not fit. I also wonder if I can
get a price for a non-working watch (which is what it is at the moment)
vs a working watch (which would be a simple lookup once I can figure
out the year and model).

In summary, not being a pro, where do I find the appropriate
identification information on my Rolex watch and then where do I look
up the value for it?

On 18 Jul 2005 17:03:04 -0700, graced this
newsgroup with:

Q: How can I determine the year & model for a classic Rolex watch?

I bought a used pre-sapphire Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust
Chronometer for about $1800 from a New York jeweler in the early
nineties and I'm just wondering what it is worth. I'm sure that depends
on its age and specific model.

Currently, the most classic of watches is lying in my "to be fixed"
drawer because my kid dropped the watch on the cement a couple of years
ago and the previous repairs ($300 for an adjustment, $800 for a
complete overhaul) are still fresh on my mind as being overly
expensive.

I'm thinking of sending this classic watch in for repair IF (and this
is the reason for the question) if I can then sell it for a reasonable
price thereafter. But what is it worth?

I did a search and found vastly divergent prices ... depending partly
on the model and year - which is why I ask this question of you
experts.

Where do I look to determine the model and year (or other pertinent
information) in a classic Rolex stainless steel & gold Oyster Perpetual
Datejust (just the number, not the day of the week) chronometer?

My only value datapoint was when I walked into a pawn shop in Texas a
few years ago (I had never even 'seen' a pawn shop until I went to
Texas - I thought they were just in the gangster movies) and handed it
to the guy just to see what he'd say it was worth; he took off the band
and looked up the number he found on the crown at that spot and said
sweetly "I'll give you $500 for this" (which is exactly when I realized
that everything in a pawn shop must be stolen because nobody would part
with their Rolex watch for that low a price unless they stole it in the
first place).

So, I can dig up that serial number.
But, then what do I do with that number?


Go to an authorized Rolex repair shop. The serial number is stamped
inside the watch. They'll be able to open it up and cross reference
the number and probably give you an idea of it's worth. Both before
and after repair. They'll also be able to give you an idea of its
age.

wrote:
The serial number is stamped inside the watch.

Are you sure the serial number is INSIDE on a S&G Rolex Oyster
Perpetual?

I found my notes from when I opened it many years ago and all I wrote
down was the model number "16000" which was stamped on the case back on
the inside if I remember correctly. However, I don't remember seeing
any serial numbers stamped INSIDE?

I do remember seeing a serial number on the side (next to where the 6
o'clock position) underneath the band when the Texas pawn shop removed
the band to look up the serial number in a book to assess the value for
pawn purposes.

I wish I had written that serial number down as I don't have a tool to
get that pin out which holds the Jubilee steel and gold band to the
case (or is it to the crown)?

Do you know what tool will remove the Rolex Jubilee band?

In alt.home.repair on 18 Jul 2005 17:03:04 -0700
posted:


Q: How can I determine the year & model for a classic Rolex watch?

I feel better now. I thought you were trying to set it, trying to
determine what year it is now.

I bought a used pre-sapphire Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust


Meirman
--
If emailing, please let me know whether
or not you are posting the same letter.
Change domain to erols.com, if necessary.

wrote:
Q: How can I determine the year & model for a classic Rolex watch?



Send it to me. I will examine it closely and determine it's worth. I
may or may not send it back.

Q1: Am I correct in the assumption that the watch serial number is
stamped under the connection of the watch band to the case?

Q2: Do I just push out the two small pins holding the watch band to the
case to remove the watch band?

Q3: Is there a particular dirction (or are these pins unidirectional)?

Q4: The actual watch band has the word "STEELINOX" and 5 numbers, a
letter, a space, and then two more numbers. What is the significance of
these band numbers?

Q5: Near the junction of the band to the case, on both sides, is the
number 455 stamped on the band. Does this have any significance?

I can proceed once I figure out the answer to questions 1 and 2 above.
Thanks for all your help,
RD

I don't believe the serial # is on the side of the case. Only the words
"Registered Design" appear there. Take it to Rolex dealer. Check ebay
for past sales. An auction the size of the ebay community will
determine is "real" value.
-Mike

wrote:
Q: How can I determine the year & model for a classic Rolex watch?

I bought a used pre-sapphire Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust
Chronometer for about $1800 from a New York jeweler in the early
nineties and I'm just wondering what it is worth. I'm sure that depends
on its age and specific model.

Currently, the most classic of watches is lying in my "to be fixed"
drawer because my kid dropped the watch on the cement a couple of years
ago and the previous repairs ($300 for an adjustment, $800 for a
complete overhaul) are still fresh on my mind as being overly
expensive.

I'm thinking of sending this classic watch in for repair IF (and this
is the reason for the question) if I can then sell it for a reasonable
price thereafter. But what is it worth?

I did a search and found vastly divergent prices ... depending partly
on the model and year - which is why I ask this question of you
experts.

Where do I look to determine the model and year (or other pertinent
information) in a classic Rolex stainless steel & gold Oyster Perpetual
Datejust (just the number, not the day of the week) chronometer?

My only value datapoint was when I walked into a pawn shop in Texas a
few years ago (I had never even 'seen' a pawn shop until I went to
Texas - I thought they were just in the gangster movies) and handed it
to the guy just to see what he'd say it was worth; he took off the band
and looked up the number he found on the crown at that spot and said
sweetly "I'll give you $500 for this" (which is exactly when I realized
that everything in a pawn shop must be stolen because nobody would part
with their Rolex watch for that low a price unless they stole it in the
first place).

So, I can dig up that serial number.
But, then what do I do with that number?

The watch "looks" like that on these pictures I found in my searches:
http://i16.ebayimg.com/02/i/04/3c/e3/db_12_sb.JPG
http://www.swswatches.com/sws/p792a.JPG
http://www.tnsdiamonds.com/Datejust/pg1.jpg

I am pretty sure it does NOT have the sapphire crystal because the
jeweler who sold it to me said it would not fit. I also wonder if I can
get a price for a non-working watch (which is what it is at the moment)
vs a working watch (which would be a simple lookup once I can figure
out the year and model).

In summary, not being a pro, where do I find the appropriate
identification information on my Rolex watch and then where do I look
up the value for it?

I'm not sure what a "reasonable" price is. If you are looking to
recover all of your costs to date including the undetermined cost of
repairs, then I don't think you will be able to do it.

First off I would take the watch to a Rolex dealer or to someone who
specializes in Rolex for an estimate on the repairs and to establish
its age. The repair work won't be cheap. If your goal is to sell the
Rolex, then you should get the work done by someone who can do a proper
job because he has access to factory parts and posesses the skills to
work on the watch.

I thought this was a home repair newsgroup.

wrote in message
oups.com...
Q: How can I determine the year & model for a classic Rolex watch?

I bought a used pre-sapphire Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust
Chronometer for about $1800 from a New York jeweler in the early
nineties and I'm just wondering what it is worth. I'm sure that depends
on its age and specific model.

Currently, the most classic of watches is lying in my "to be fixed"
drawer because my kid dropped the watch on the cement a couple of years
ago and the previous repairs ($300 for an adjustment, $800 for a
complete overhaul) are still fresh on my mind as being overly
expensive.

I'm thinking of sending this classic watch in for repair IF (and this
is the reason for the question) if I can then sell it for a reasonable
price thereafter. But what is it worth?

I did a search and found vastly divergent prices ... depending partly
on the model and year - which is why I ask this question of you
experts.

Where do I look to determine the model and year (or other pertinent
information) in a classic Rolex stainless steel & gold Oyster Perpetual
Datejust (just the number, not the day of the week) chronometer?

My only value datapoint was when I walked into a pawn shop in Texas a
few years ago (I had never even 'seen' a pawn shop until I went to
Texas - I thought they were just in the gangster movies) and handed it
to the guy just to see what he'd say it was worth; he took off the band
and looked up the number he found on the crown at that spot and said
sweetly "I'll give you $500 for this" (which is exactly when I realized
that everything in a pawn shop must be stolen because nobody would part
with their Rolex watch for that low a price unless they stole it in the
first place).

So, I can dig up that serial number.
But, then what do I do with that number?

The watch "looks" like that on these pictures I found in my searches:
http://i16.ebayimg.com/02/i/04/3c/e3/db_12_sb.JPG
http://www.swswatches.com/sws/p792a.JPG
http://www.tnsdiamonds.com/Datejust/pg1.jpg

I am pretty sure it does NOT have the sapphire crystal because the
jeweler who sold it to me said it would not fit. I also wonder if I can
get a price for a non-working watch (which is what it is at the moment)
vs a working watch (which would be a simple lookup once I can figure
out the year and model).

In summary, not being a pro, where do I find the appropriate
identification information on my Rolex watch and then where do I look
up the value for it?

"Dutch Buckhead" wrote in message
eenews.net...
|I thought this was a home repair newsgroup.
|

I thought this was a crafts metalworking newsgroup.
or
I thought this was a consumers frugal-living newsgroup.
or
....
Turns out it's a "your watch is as important as your wife so don't
mess with it" newsgroup.

My suggestion to you Rusty is take the d... thing appart and see how
it ticks. If you can't get it back together, take a picture of it in
all its peices and then post a HELP to the horology newsgroup and tell
them some fool in the rec.crafts.metalworking newsgroup made you do
it. That way they may give you some usefull acvice instead of telling
you; you can't do it because you, unlike them, are not a serious
officiado of all things horological.

I must say, I do admire your tenacity. You have stuck it out for quite
some time; as hard as they tried, you have made them give you some
useful information.

--
The Road Warrior Hobbit

no -- it's NOT ok to contact this account with services or other
commercial interests

Following what Frank Adams (a real watchmaker) posted a little bit ago,
I don't care what Rusty does with his watch. He can tar and feather it,
run it over with a back hoe and use the remains as a fishing lure for
all I care.

Mungo, alt.horology is not a "your watch is as important as your wife so
don't mess with it" newsgroup. We gave sound advice but Rusty wants to
put his big fat thumbs where they don't belong.

Richard "it's not my watch" F

Mungo Bulge wrote:

"Dutch Buckhead" wrote in message
eenews.net...
|I thought this was a home repair newsgroup.
|

I thought this was a crafts metalworking newsgroup.
or
I thought this was a consumers frugal-living newsgroup.
or
...
Turns out it's a "your watch is as important as your wife so don't
mess with it" newsgroup.

My suggestion to you Rusty is take the d... thing appart and see how
it ticks. If you can't get it back together, take a picture of it in
all its peices and then post a HELP to the horology newsgroup and tell
them some fool in the rec.crafts.metalworking newsgroup made you do
it. That way they may give you some usefull acvice instead of telling
you; you can't do it because you, unlike them, are not a serious
officiado of all things horological.

I must say, I do admire your tenacity. You have stuck it out for quite
some time; as hard as they tried, you have made them give you some
useful information.

This has nothing to do with seriousness and everything to do with skills. If
I wrote to rec.metalworking " I have no prior backgroud or experience in
metal work except that I once opened a tin can and cut myself. How do I
make a watch case out of a block of platinum?" , I would hope you would tell
me honestly that my changes of sucess were small, that I should learn basic
shop skills before undertaking something so challenging and costly and that
usenet was not the proper place to receive an A to Z education on metal
work. Many times people have written to alt.horology with appropriate
questions and they have received detailed answers but this watch is broken
WAAAY beyond the skills of an amateur. Giving some directions for a job that
they will surely botch is not doing them any favor.



"Mungo Bulge" wrote in message
...
"Dutch Buckhead" wrote in message
eenews.net...
|I thought this was a home repair newsgroup.
|

I thought this was a crafts metalworking newsgroup.
or
I thought this was a consumers frugal-living newsgroup.
or
...
Turns out it's a "your watch is as important as your wife so don't
mess with it" newsgroup.

My suggestion to you Rusty is take the d... thing appart and see how
it ticks. If you can't get it back together, take a picture of it in
all its peices and then post a HELP to the horology newsgroup and tell
them some fool in the rec.crafts.metalworking newsgroup made you do
it. That way they may give you some usefull acvice instead of telling
you; you can't do it because you, unlike them, are not a serious
officiado of all things horological.

I must say, I do admire your tenacity. You have stuck it out for quite
some time; as hard as they tried, you have made them give you some
useful information.

--
The Road Warrior Hobbit

no -- it's NOT ok to contact this account with services or other
commercial interests

Jack Denver wrote:
This has nothing to do with seriousness and everything to do with skills. If
I wrote to rec.metalworking " I have no prior backgroud or experience in
metal work except that I once opened a tin can and cut myself. How do I
make a watch case out of a block of platinum?" , I would hope you would tell
me honestly that my changes of sucess were small, that I should learn basic
shop skills before undertaking something so challenging and costly and that
usenet was not the proper place to receive an A to Z education on metal
work. Many times people have written to alt.horology with appropriate
questions and they have received detailed answers but this watch is broken
WAAAY beyond the skills of an amateur. Giving some directions for a job that
they will surely botch is not doing them any favor.


yep, and its always the expensive watches they want to play with, the
fact the last service cost him $800 is because he played with it, has no
comprehension of sealing and pressure testing of a watch case means,
that $800 was not just an "overhaul", it was for replacement parts that
were damaged by water.

On Wed, 20 Jul 2005 15:58:09 -0400, "Dutch Buckhead"
wrote:

I thought this was a home repair newsgroup.

All you had to do is ask. Which incidentally, you didn't.

None the less, from now on, i will, and i'm sure everyone else will
remove the x-post to alt.home.repair and form any other group where
it's not welcomed. Agreed guys ?

follow up adjusted accordingly

--

Regards, Frank