Rolex Ref : 912 'Tank', 1928

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timeonourhands
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Re: Rolex Prince Ref : 912, 1934

Post by timeonourhands »

What a lovely watch!

I'm looking forward to hearing more about what you find out and how the restoration goes.

Keep us posted!
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Re: Rolex Prince Ref : 912, 1934

Post by sinner777 »

MiniMpi wrote:Good observations mate.

Any ideas how to ope the case back ?

I assume you prise up the piece at the base of the case back ?

Image
Caseback, movement and dial all come out of the back.

Lugs, bezel and crystal are second part. Then the movement and dial are lifted from hollow caseback

You can very carefully insert sharp knife between caseback and bezel

Be very careful.


Movement should be standard handwind subsecond, probably based on some ebauche movement, Rolex did not make inhouse movements at that time..

Great find..
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Re: Rolex Prince Ref : 912, 1934

Post by MiniMpi »


scooter wrote:We're talking here about a 1934 watch that has been in the family for a long time.

I would suggest that this has to be an original.

Why not make an initial telephone call to Rolex Service, St. James, UK for starters?

You have absolutely nothing to lose.

+44 20 7024 7300

scooter
Well I contacted Rolex Service in St. James today.
Spoke with Ian, extremely helpful.
Answered most of my questions and never rushed me off the phone.
Basically they can't help me as they only have parts to cover watches as far back as the 60's.
He did tell me that Rolex have just started a Vintage Rolex Restoration service in Geneva.
They charge £1,400 to give you an estimate......
He did recommend Steven Hale Watch Restoration in London.
They replied to my email quickly and advised that they can help.
A service on this watch would cost £500 + VAT + any parts needed.....

I have also been recommended another company from a friend that I also emailed and got a reply from. They also said they can help and want to talk to you me on the phone first so I will contact them tomorrow and hopefully have some news.
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MiniMpi
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Re: Rolex Prince Ref : 912, 1934

Post by MiniMpi »

sinner777 wrote:
MiniMpi wrote:Good observations mate.

Any ideas how to ope the case back ?

I assume you prise up the piece at the base of the case back ?

Image
Caseback, movement and dial all come out of the back.

Lugs, bezel and crystal are second part. Then the movement and dial are lifted from hollow caseback

You can very carefully insert sharp knife between caseback and bezel

Be very careful.


Movement should be standard handwind subsecond, probably based on some ebauche movement, Rolex did not make inhouse movements at that time..

Great find..
Very helpful mate, much appreciated.
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scooter
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Re: Rolex Prince Ref : 912, 1934

Post by scooter »

MiniMpi wrote: Mon Mar 18, 2019 6:40 pm Well I contacted Rolex Service in St. James today.
Spoke with Ian, extremely helpful.
Answered most of my questions and never rushed me off the phone.
Basically they can't help me as they only have parts to cover watches as far back as the 60's.
He did tell me that Rolex have just started a Vintage Rolex Restoration service in Geneva.
They charge £1,400 to give you an estimate......
He did recommend Steven Hale Watch Restoration in London.
They replied to my email quickly and advised that they can help.
A service on this watch would cost £500 + VAT + any parts needed.....

I have also been recommended another company from a friend that I also emailed and got a reply from. They also said they can help and want to talk to you me on the phone first so I will contact them tomorrow and hopefully have some news.
I'm glad that you made the phone call as there was nothing to lose from it.

I see that they gave you a recommendation which may be helpful and that you have also obtained another name from elsewhere.

Working on a Rolex will never be cheap, but I was happy to part with £680 when I got a service done by them in 2015.

Good Luck.

scooter
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MiniMpi
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Re: Rolex Prince Ref : 912, 1934

Post by MiniMpi »

Much appreciated scooter !!
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Re: Rolex Prince Ref : 912, 1934

Post by MiniMpi »

Sent off the Rolex to ORA Watchmakers in Wokingham today for an estimate on what it will take to get it going and service it.

Will report back when I have news.

Image
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Re: Rolex Prince Ref : 912, 1934

Post by scooter »

Will be interested to hear your report.

I have two clocks that need attention and have been looking for a recommendation.

I see that ORA repair clocks as well as watches.

scooter
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Re: Rolex Prince Ref : 912, 1934

Post by MiniMpi »

Yes they do indeed scooter, I'll let you know how I get on.
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Re: Rolex Prince Ref : 912, 1934

Post by MiniMpi »

Dancematt wrote: Sat Mar 16, 2019 9:53 pm we need Bernie here.
I've been on to Bernie and he's given brilliant information :thumbup:
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Re: Rolex Prince Ref : 912, 1934

Post by MiniMpi »

*Update*

I got my estimate back from ORA Watchmakers.

To service it and sympathetically clean and lightly polish it will be £300 plus VAT.
I have also found out that it has fixed bars for the strap so they will supply and fit an open ended strap for an additional £40.

I hope to give the go ahead for it soon.
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Re: Rolex Prince Ref : 912, 1934

Post by Thermexman »

Sounds reasonable Ferg. Look forwards to seeing the results. :thumbup:
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Re: Rolex Prince Ref : 912, 1934

Post by STodd »

Good job Ferg.

Have they confirmed it is what you hoped it was ie genuine?


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Re: Rolex Prince Ref : 912, 1934

Post by stefs »

Personally I am really looking forward to seeing this. I think it will look fab and this look really appeals to me anyway.
Hopefully it wont be too long until we can enjoy some pictures
FS Bremont solo 37
Cheers now, Paul
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Re: Rolex Prince Ref : 912, 1934

Post by MiniMpi »

Thanks for all your replies Image

*Another Update*

I gave the go ahead to the Watchmakers to service it.
I had a lovely chat on the phone to them earlier.
They gave me lots of information on it, were extremely helpful and are going to find out as much as they can about it for me.
It is definitely genuine, case is 9ct Gold and they will confirm the other metals too once they work on it.
It has a Rolex branded 15 jewel movement.
It is very very rare and may be worth a reasonable amount from a couple of quick chats to some very knowledgeable vintage watch specialists he knows.
But they will ascertain it properly and give me a valuation.
They will clean it properly also and very sympathetically lightly polish it.
They will also take photos of the movement etc for me.
It has about three very small holes in the bezel, he figured from rough polishing before, that they will fill so no dirt or moisture will get in. So it won't be mint but will show it's age and the life it lead.
Overall I'm thrilled and can't wait to get it back :)
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