Rolex Value Question

[CaneCobra]

Newbie here and I have a question for you guys.

My dad gave me his Rolex Submariner that my mom gave him back in 1954. It has always been sent to the Rolex office in New York for tune-up and cleanings. Other than sentimental , how much value does this time piece have? I am not interested in selling it, but would like to know its value. Thanks.

Go Canes!

 

[Schnurretiger]

With that history, I'd say it's pretty invaluable.

 

[SlamMan]

You may just want to have it appraised so you can have it insured.

 

[TheFoo]

Old Submariners can be worth a lot--particularly a well-documented and properly serviced one. I'm no expert on them, but I know the ones with red script on the dial are particularly desirable.

 

[Steven Aver]

Willing to be that Manouche has created a bew Screen name just to start another thread.

 

[CaneCobra]

Definitely not that Manouche guy. Thanks for the responses, I will have to check the dial again and see if it has the red script. I will post a pic when I log back in.

Go Canes!

 

[zjpj83]

Does it say "Comex" on the dial? For some reason people seem to like that...

 

[SkinnyGoomba]

i would get it appraised for insurance reasons, but thats something that i wouldnt ever sell.

 

[CaneCobra]

I would never sell it, either. I will get it appraised, thanks for the advice.

 

[iridium7777]

Originally Posted by CaneCobra

Newbie here and I have a question for you guys.

My dad gave me his Rolex Submariner that my mom gave him back in 1954. It has always been sent to the Rolex office in New York for tune-up and cleanings. Other than sentimental , how much value does this time piece have? I am not interested in selling it, but would like to know its value. Thanks.

Go Canes!

if she gave it to him in '54 it'd have to be one of the first subs ever produced, so i'd say 30k+ depending on what happened to the dial/hands during the service.

 

[bcate3]

You may have quite the gem. '54 was the first production year, I believe, making yours likely more valuable than a later produced Red or Comex submariner. As Mafoo said, if you have documentation, like the presentation box, the hang tags, sales receipt, etc., then you can count on a very, very favorable valuation. But, the Rolex service centers don't work on fakes, so you should still be fine.

You should also note that there are some design elements that will distinguish your watch from later and current Subs. Off the top of my head, the very early models don't have "Submariner" on the dials. Also, the hour hand is not the "Mercedes" hand -- it should have straight hands. And finally, less distinctive, but still notable is that yours is a non-date model, the original designed Sub. There's probably more things, but I imagine collectors will drool over such details.

I'm curious, do you wear it reguarly? Major props if you do. But seriously, you may have a watch that would command some serious cash.

 

[bcate3]

I did't see Iridium's post before I wrote, but his estimate of $30K doesn't sound outlandish at all. It may even be conservative. There's a member on the WAYWT who owns the Red Sub and Red SD. Perhaps, he has more current information on market price.

 

[djf881]

If the hands and dial are original, then the watch will be very valuable.

However, Rolex will replace these unless you specifically instruct them not to; they would have done it decades ago.

Even if the dial has been replaced, it's probably worth quite a bit. Your jeweler may or may not be able to appraise it. You will need to find someone who specializes in vintage watches to tell you what it is, what it is worth, and to find you a buyer if you are trying to sell it.

 

[Schnurretiger]

The guys on this website might be able to help you find out more about your watch. It's a forum dedicated to watches and this is the English section of it.

 

[16520Man]

I would suggest the vintage rolex forum for your valuation questions. That's pretty much the address. Those guys will nail it down to the penny. You will have to post pics, though.

If your Sub is from the mid-fifties, it will have no crown guards. It will be worth lots of money if it's in good shape. More with papers. Let us know the numbers between the lugs at 6:00. 6536 or 5508 are the most likely numbers.