56 Year Old Rolex needs help

[ten10]

This was the Rolex that my grandpa got for serving his company (Sime Darby) for 36 years. Somehow the leather strap/buckle is missing. So is the box. My dad don’t know if it comes with any papers or certificates.




One thing I noticed about this watch is that the crown is placed below the 12 marker whereas watches today have the crown replacing the numeral 12. Since when did Rolex change this?




The dial has patina’d and the markers oxidized; should I at least restore the markers?


My grandpa was presented this watch in 1955 after he retired.




This watch is in Canada now with my parents. My dad will bring it back to S’pore to have it serviced and give it a new leather strap and a buckle.

Could any members here kindly advice…

a) About the history of this model? Any model number?
b) What sort of repairs/restoration works should I do when I receive it?
c) What caliber? Movement?

I’ve been searching with tags ‘Rolex 1955 Oyster Perpetual’ and cant find anything.

Sorry for the poor pictures.

[m33pok]

i think don't restore the hands and the dial...preserve its original look. if i were you i would just service the movement.
just my personal opinion

[kenlinliu1419]

I agree with m33pok. Keep it original and preserve the vintage look.
There's really no point in making it look new again!

BTW. Nice watch! Your heirloom!

[feilong108]

Service and oiling 1st...and hunt for a swee swee strap and buckle and you are good to go...dun polish too much or changed the dial....Looks great!!!family history on your wrist!!!

[Wingwalker]

I have Rolex of similar looks and vintage.

Mine has the model no. 6010 - you should be able to see the model no. engraved between the 12 o'clock lugs. I hope that will be of assistance to you.

As for repairs, you can only rely on 3rd parties shops because Rolex Singapore's policy is not to replair watches where they no longer have spare parts.

[SamGMT]

Very nice and rare vintage! Looks like solid gold...it's priceless!

[enthusiast]

You got yourself a priceless treasure passed down from your family...service it and keep it's original look! Pass it down to your next generation...

[Darkangel]

Very nice and rare vintage! Looks like solid gold...it's priceless!

Yeap bro...I think I see a faint hallmark at one of the lugs,...should be in pink gold.

[ten10]

Hey thx for your compliments guys!!!

Yes its indeed a heritage I'll pass on. So the model number will be engraved betwn the lugs, and from there I can trace its caliber/mvmt? Correct me if I'm wrong.

My dad told me that the crystal sounds a little 'plastic' when he tap on it with his finger-nail. Does it mean its acrylic???

I cant wait to get my hands on it when it arrives here. Of course with my parents too lah!

Thx in advance!

[KuchingKu]

Nice vintage. I have a original rolex leather strap with buckle. Not sure if it will fit this cos it's width is 18mm. When the watch is here and youi want to check the strap, let me know.

[psee]

Beautiful vintage ... Do keep it as 'original' as possible

[Watcha]

beautiful vintage.

as many have said, service and keep it original.
is it still ticking? any service history?
hopefully all is well inside.

such vintage should be acrylic crystal.
would advise change to a new crystal and keep the old crystal.
old crystal may not seal the watch properly, especially if u intend to wear it.
the rest better as is.

[ten10]

Hey thx kucingku, i'll look you up when my parents are back with the watch!

Appreciate all your advice... will get it lubed-up but I really dun know if its ticking leh???

Thx so much guys!!!

cheers
ten10