Inherited a Rolex. Does Anyone Know About Them?

[Wilko]

I got mine at a pawn shop when I wasn't even looking! cost what a replacement bracelet would cost today!

My Datejust was found smashed on the street and that friend gave it to me. I restored it (and modified it to my liking.

 

[S. Cane]

One of the reasons I love the Sub is that it's not a "luxury" watch. It' not a fashoin piece by design. It's the telecaster of watches. It's a tool. a stainless steel diving watch. It's bomb proof.

They don't "need so much care". My daily driver is 40 years old this week. It's beeen i the shop because I changed parts. I thought I was upgrading it by putting in a newer ceramic dial. That was a mistake, so I switched it back o original style dial. I replaced the bracelet after the old one wore down some and got loose. that was 20 years ago.

Oh, it’s not? My bad. I didn’t know Rolex Subs were that cheap. They certainly weren’t when I got mine though I never really held watches very dear. But mine cost a pretty considerable amount of money.

Would you mind if yours got stolen, damaged or just forgotten somewhere? I mean other than the eventual sentimental value?

I certainly would.

 

[Tonekat]

A friend's dad found one on the golf course, he put up a notice in the clubhouse, but it was never claimed.

 

[Wilko]

Oh, it’s not? My bad. I didn’t know Rolex Subs were that cheap. They certainly weren’t when I got mine though I never really held watches very dear. But mine cost a pretty considerable amount of money.

Would you mind if yours got stolen, damaged or just forgotten somewhere? I mean other than the eventual sentimental value?

I certainly would.

The Sub has become a "luxury" item, for sure. But as a piece of jewelry it is a ford truck compaared to the rolls Royce gold diamond fashion watches that rolex is known for. Yeah, being expensive is it's only claim to "luxury". It was made as a utility watch.

my damn watch cost me 2000 20 years ago. Apparent'y it's worth about 10,000. SIlly.

 

[Amp360]

Well I now have a box with all of the paper work and service records. It turns out it's from 1967. Also, there is a band in the box that I have been told is the original.

I brought it to a local dealer to have it appraised and the guy told me 20k and that very few have everything with them. He also was trying to get me to trade it towards a new one but I'm not really interested in getting rid of it. I don't know if that's a real estimate or a trade value or a Rick from Pawn Stars estimate but at least I know it's not fake as the serial on the top when he took the band off matches the poaperwork.

 

[Aloha_Ark]

I brought it to a local dealer to have it appraised and the guy told me 20k and that very few have everything with them.

Probably not too far off in his estimate. One on ebay with a better looking crystal is being offered for $28,000.

As an executor, you can sell it wholesale or retail. Your responsibility is to properly account for its value. Do not let sentiment cloud your judgment, since it means the value comes out of your share. If the uncle specifically bequeathed it to you (in writing, not verbally), that's a different story. You have a handful of work before you, and probate may take some time, especially when some relatives contest the will. Always reserve money for the attorney, although in some states, they only get a flat percentage of the estate.
I think the limit for federal taxation of the estate is $11.7 million. After that, the taxation rate is egregious. Many states want their cut as well, and their threshold is lower than Uncle Sam's. My condolences to you in this very stressful time. I have seen deaths in a family break it apart where certain parties refuse to speak to one another. By brother-in-law sold out my mother-in-law's house at a ridiculously low price. He even booted my wife out of the home, just to unload it quickly.

 

[GimmeGibson]

Very nice watch. Rolex are very well built and if they were being COSC certified back then, rather accurate in keeping time as well. If you keep it, take it to Rolex for service. They know what they are doing. Most other places won’t even have the tool needed to get the back off. You wouldn’t bring your Ferrari into “Joe’s Garage”.
And they will run for years and years without missing a beat. If anyone tells you different they are just jealous

I have two Tudor watches which are the “affordable” line made by Rolex. Very nice timepiece’s and accurate. Both are within 1.5 seconds a day as Rolex goes even further than COSC certification.

Enjoy it!

 

[Wilko]

Very nice watch. Rolex are very well built and if they were being COSC certified back then, rather accurate in keeping time as well. If you keep it, take it to Rolex for service. They know what they are doing. Most other places won’t even have the tool needed to get the back off. You wouldn’t bring your Ferrari into “Joe’s Garage”.
And they will run for years and years without missing a beat. If anyone tells you different they are just jealous

I have two Tudor watches which are the “affordable” line made by Rolex. Very nice timepiece’s and accurate. Both are within 1.5 seconds a day as Rolex goes even further than COSC certification.

Enjoy it!

Do NOT. Let Rolex touch it. They will replace visible parts and ruin the vslue

 

[GimmeGibson]

??
I’m speechless.

 

[Wilko]

Here is what Rolex does to that watch:

1968 Rolex Submariner 5513 with Service Dial and Hands

Case & Bracelet Excellent case that has recently been polished and shows light wear.The bezel insert is a newer Rolex service unit. Excellent 78360 bracelet with 11 links and 580 end links. Dial Excellent Tritium service dial with white gold surrounds and warm creamy lume. Hands are newer...

www.hqmilton.com

totally ruined. Wrong dial, wrong hands. Wrong bezel.
Imagine if your Les Paul came back from Gibson refinished

 

[GimmeGibson]

?

 

[Dishimyuh]

Do NOT. Let Rolex touch it. They will replace visible parts and ruin the vslue

I was under the impression that RSC would no longer service a watch of that vintage.

 

[Doc Sausage]

“And they will run for years and years without missing a beat.” Mine ran for about 6 years. Then it not only missed a beat, it quit beating altogether. I was told once they stop completely, you’ll need parts. $800 estimate. I loved the watch. I didn’t like the baggage that comes with one.

 

[Toecutter]

atch shop can service it just fine for a couple hundred bucks.

 

[Toecutter]

Nice Rolex Submariner. I have a similar no date model, but mine is the older 2 line text model which used radioactive radium for the glow of the hands and dial dots. The most common service need for a Rolex watch is lubrication. When the lubrication ages, it can dry up and or get gummy, preventing the watch from working properly or not at all. This type of service requires complete disassembly of the movement for cleaning and re lubrication. Not a cheap service, but well worth the money to protect the investment.

Good luck with the watch!

 

[DarySixsan]

Wow, that's a sad story about your uncle passing away. I'm so sorry for your loss. He left you a lot of cool things in his estate, including a Rolex watch. I know Rolex is a well-known and respected brand, and I'm sure it's a nice piece to have as a memory of your uncle. I've also seen some watch threads here, and some folks might be able to give you more information about it. If you're interested in buying a replica Rolex, I've heard that there are some excellent replica rolex watches out there. Still, you must be careful and ensure you're buying from a reputable seller. But, regardless of the value, I know you'll appreciate the watch as a sentimental item.

 

[TomJohnson]

It sounds like he left behind quite the legacy, including his cherished Rolex watch. Rolex watches are known for their timeless elegance and durability, so inheriting one is definitely something special, regardless of its monetary value.
As for getting it appraised and insured, that's a smart move just to be safe. You might want to consider adding it to your insurance policy, especially if it holds sentimental value to you.
If you want to personalize your watch even more, you might want to check out some new straps. In my opinion, finding the best watch straps can really enhance the overall look and feel of your timepiece. You can explore some options at https://chronoexpert.co.uk/best-watch-straps-for-your-luxury-watch/

 

[dnabbet2]

I've worn a steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust mostly daily for fifty years. I found the receipt for it recently and it cost around $400CDN new. Eventually the bracelet had to be replaced with a Jubilee version and that was over a couple of hundred at the time. It's also been serviced fewer than a dozen times by Rolex, but the last time it was about $800USD, same as the Omega 300 Metre I use for sea-swimming. About five years ago, the acrylic crystal cracked and admitted salt water and Rolex VERY graciously agreed to try to repair it if I paid for the parts, so I did, and it's still running. But a Rolex requires some care and expense. So if you're a watch person, it's a nice watch, but if you're not, someone else might maintain it better than you really feel like.

 

[TomJohnson]

Inheriting his Rolex must hold a lot of sentimental value for you, considering your close relationship and his passion for collecting watches.
Also, have you ever stumbled upon a fake Rolex store? I recently came across one that's surprisingly convincing in its replication of luxury watches. It's an interesting option for those who want to honor the aesthetics of high-end timepieces without the hefty price tag.
Anyway, cherishing that Rolex as a token of your uncle's memory seems like the perfect way to honor him. It's not just about the monetary value, but the sentimental significance it carries.

 

[dnabbet2]

So if you're a watch person, it's a nice watch, but if you're not, someone else might maintain it better than you really feel like.

Even if you are a real watch person, the Submariner sits up quite high and will catch on cuffs if you belong to the suit 'n' tie crowd. Hence my Omega 300 Metre which at least feels slimmer and dressier.

Too, an old diving/sports watch, if it hasn't been particularly maintained, is not a good candidate for under water unless it's serviced and waterproofness tested, which authorised Rolex service does include.

But Rolex service in my experience will also include polishing the case and bracelet, and you may want to keep that wear as part of the sentimental value, just like the patina of an old guitar.

I do understand that sentiment is paramount here. I'd wear it as a "special occasion" timepiece.