Vint. Rolex 6534 Roulette Date Gen Mvmnt Pics

[Personicus]

Hey guys,

I was given a Vint. Rolex 6534 Roulette Date (1940s to 50s?) by my grandfather when he passed away. I had assumed it was a replica, until I popped the caseback to fix a stem that wasn't engaging / mvmt that wasn't hacking.

I've snapped some photos with hopes that some of the more knowledgeable members can give me a gen or rep. verdict. I'd hate to bring it to a Rolex repair shop and have them take the watch away. My grandfather raised me, having this token of his is more important than its genuineness. I just want to know if it's something to send to KAT (our resident rep. watchsmith) or a Rolex repair shop.

Pictures:

Full Res. Hosted on Imgur: http://imgur.com/a/qPxtI#0

 

[SubDude]

Gen...I used to have a TT version of this watch.

Dave

 

[boostin20]

It looks pretty gen to me, plus I'd believe what subdude says. It's your choice where you want to send it, but you'd probably have a quicker turn around with official service parts if you sent it to a rolex service center. I'm not saying katt can't get gen service parts though.

 

[hartdoc]

I vote for gen.

You might find some helpful info here

 

[Personicus]

Thanks guys, I'm pretty stoked!

 

[d4m.test]

In my humble opinion, it looks gen, esp. the face. On it, "Rolex" aligns with the "T" in "Oyster" and almost with the "T" in "Perpetual." To me, these are signs of a gen; plus, I'd hazard a guess and say that the movement looks gen, esp. with the attention given to detail on the movement itself. Just my opinion. Rolex experts, please step forward to aid this member.

dave

 

[frigpig]

The Rolex repair center may "upgrade" your watch for free. Just watch out for that. You will need to explain to them the sentimental value of this watch and only minor repairs to the movement are to be done.

If your O.K. with a total makeover go for it but it may devalue the watches value to you and the open market.

You are good on the Gen front. Here is a pic. Looks to be quite a desirable piece.

 

[Personicus]

The Rolex repair center may "upgrade" your watch for free. Just watch out for that. You will need to explain to them the sentimental value of this watch and only minor repairs to the movement are to be done.

If your O.K. with a total makeover go for it but it may devalue the watches value to you and the open market.

You are good on the Gen front. Here is a pic. Looks to be quite a desirable piece.

What sort of "upgrades" do they do? I've heard that they'll sometimes swap out faces, hands, glass, etc. That would crush me. I mean, it's a late mid 20th century watch...looking old is 90% of its cool factor.

Is there a way to make them just service the mvment?

 

[frigpig]

What sort of "upgrades" do they do? I've heard that they'll sometimes swap out faces, hands, glass, etc. That would crush me. I mean, it's a late mid 20th century watch...looking old is 90% of its cool factor.

Is there a way to make them just service the mvment?

All the things you just mentioned.......

Call or stop by first and talk to them about it. If you explain it is to remain in the condition its dropped off in and the movement is to be repaired only they should understand completely. If they don't......walk.

 

[Personicus]

^^I'll report back as things progress!

Thank you all!

 

[hartdoc]

brace yourself for the service costs and the time of repair

 

[md2020]

Look over the internet there is a guy named Bob Ridley, not sure exactly how to spell his last name but he is one of the best vintage rolex servicers. He keeps all rolex original and if you want it like new he does that too. He is one of the best he does alot of work for the people on the Rolex Forum that im part of. Look Him Up, and save yourself some money and do NOT send it to rolex.

 

[cybee]

I think that's the coolest Rolex rotor I've seen. The logo plate looks to be screwed onto the rotor.

 

[Bonesey]

I would definitely not be sending this watch to Rolex at all, ever, never ever ever. Head over to the Rolex forum there's a guy over there that does real sympathetic restorations and servicing on vintage pieces. Rolex will want to ruin it.

 

[md2020]

Bob Ridley like I said the best. And those butterfly rotors are great they sure don't make things like they used to.

Sent from my PB99400 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Bonesey]

That's the chap, apologies md2020, I replied before reading your post.

Also... lol @MD2020... down the park wi' yer mates drinking some md20:20 are we?

 

[md2020]

Lol my initials are md so all my friend started calling me that, I was never a big 2020 drinker lol :screwy:

Sent from my PB99400 using Tapatalk 2

 

[JellyJoe]

Gen.
It really depends on your whereabouts and the guys working in the Rolex service.
Sometimes you just need to tell them you don't want any unneeded replacements let alone vintage parts.
I heard horrible stories of virulent approach, tho. Be careful and have it on paper you only want a repaired and running watch, no vintage parts replacement unless they are broken. No cosmetic changes so to speak.
Imo an official Rolex service is always more reliable than any guy I am not familiar with on a forum, just my 2 cents.

 

[wat44]

I've heard some terrible stories from Rolex. COMPULSORY "upgrading" and anything but free.

 

[KBH]

I would definitely not take it to Rolex. It's only a simple watch movement that any decent smith can clean and service as long as it doesn't need any major parts that are only available from RSC, which is unlikely.

RSC will cost you about 1/3 the value of the watch. And, for example, locally we have a large well known jewelry store that advertises Rolex service for $159.

Personally, I'd have it serviced, lightly polished and a new crystal installed.