help identify vintage Rolex "barn find" - please

[johnf]

Hi all,

Daughter found this old time piece when we were decorating after we moved in. It  was under the floorboards so  it had been  there some time. We felt like DelBoy and Rodney when we wiped the dust off it and seen it was a rolex.  Sadly the stem  and crown  are snapped off so  can't  wind it to  test if its working. No strap  either. plus the crystal  is scratched.

Obviously  it is a ladies cocktail watch -  would love to  get it restored and give to my daughter as a graduation gift. (As she was the finder of the treasure) - might be worth  bugger all but hey  it's a Rolex.

Have done all the usual  searches on Google but found nothing apart  from  one that was auctioned off ages ago. searched with the number 53831

what  I know so  far:

I think  its possibly 1930/40's but not sure, 

9carat gold, 

no serial in between the lugs, measurement  from  lug to lug is 31.09mm, diameter is 27.04mm

front and back case opens. Scratches to  case where it might have been repaired before ( not  by  me).

number inside back 53831(presume a model ??).

previous strap looks like it might have been leather thong type.

any help appreciated to identify  ( any good specialist you reccommend)

thanks in advance

John

[rodabod]

Lovely! That condition is fantastic, especially the dial and hands. That's one of the finer movements that they made rather than the cheaper Rebberg types that you commonly see. Hopefully someone can pinpoint the exact caliber reference - I had a similar one which I think was labelled "extra prima". 

Is it 10.5 ligne?

[KarlvonKoln]

Daughter finds a Rolex under the floorboards.  Wow.  My daughters have brought me a lot of things, but nothing like that yet.

Something tells me this watch, after a bit of restoration, might be worth a tad more than bugger all.  Your daughter has a good eye.

[Nucejoe]

Looks like a variant of Rolex 710. 

Edited August 21, 2020 by Nucejoe
its missing center second and its spring.

[HSL]

1 hour ago, Nucejoe said:

Looks like a variant of Rolex 710. 

Yes, looks like a Aegler/Rebberg from the 20's - 30's with the sweep second conversion. this one has lost the seconds pinion and the tension spring.
A beautiful watch and a fantastic find..

[johnf]

Wow guys.... you boys ( and girls) know your stuff. Looked up pictures of the movement Rolex 710 and they are a good match. Not one I would even attempt to open myself, apart from doing the bracelet. Will have to look on fleabay for a Tudor strap, I could salvage.(did they make them back in the 30’s). Any recommendations to a repairer / restorer please. Was thinking of sending it to “Steve” the watch guy off the repair shop on TV, believe he has a shop in Oxfordshire. 

[johnf]

Sorry forgot to say thank you. 

[Nucejoe]

Press your thumb on ratchet wheel, turn clockwise to wind.

 

[johnf]

Hi Nucejoe and all,,

Really  massive thanks again  for all  the advice it truely is appreciated. Good news  it seems to be wound and but did not want to force it.  The balance wheel will move for a  few minutes but only if I hold the watch at  a certain angle.... looks like  it flops from  side to side.... as if the "top jewel bearing"  (probably  not the right name for it)at  the uppermost part is worn/ busted.  AsI tilt the watch the balance wheel   flops to  the side it  catches on the  framework and stops  the wheel  from oscillating.

I seem to have located the centre seconds pinion in the US  but as its the ealy morning over there and  the guy probably aint even up  yet. ( so  hopefully some progression on the part.)looks like it just  slides in and the spring bit that  missing holds it  in  place..... search is on for the holding spring and a second hand now.

Please forgive me guys for not using the right watch  repair terminology. I don't intend repairing the movement  myself ,  but as you  know its best  to  go in to  see the professionals ( with  the parts) and armed  with a little knowledge rather than none at  all. ( incase of being ripped off).

regards

John F

 

[rodabod]

The centre-seconds friction spring can be adapted from an existing spring quite easily. Also, the hands are fairly typical “leaf” types which would have been made by a parts fabricator. I reckon you will be able to find a suitable sweep seconds hand to match from a second hand selection. A good watchmaker should be able to help you find these parts. And the winding crown too. 
 

If you can find a close match photo of another example then I can have a look and see if I have any spare crowns or sweep seconds hands. 

[johnf]

thanks Rodabod,  I have managed to source and  order the  center second pinion,  and genuine friction spring  to hold it in  place this afternoon.    ( an american site says the same friction spring goes into the Rolex 1220, checking out the pictures).

thanks for offering the parts man. ( i will pay going rate of course ) but will search over the weekend , but for now the pub is calling me,  so thats the rest of the Friday evening sorted :).

 

[johnf]

Rolex 710 movement:   Todays update, crystal ordered, second piviot and friction spring ordered.  Now looking at  the videos this morning the balance wheel  staff might be broken.  This is where I will need an  expert to replace it. I am  williing to source the parts just need to get in contact  with a watch  repair specialist like Mark Lovick.   Didn't realise  his videos and all this site were connected to  the man until  this morning....DOH!!

Does he have a shop and do commisioned restroations? Read on  the forum  he doe not like to  be contacted via the forum whihc is understandable.

failing that  is there a list of other watch repair specialists. the usual "highstreet jewellers" are not of much use.