Featured Genuine Rolex?

My DH is a Rolex fan — he has one and participates in a Rolex discussion board. Here is his opinion:
Obviously plated gold, even in the 1940's Rolex used solid gold of various carats. The font is wrong, and the general quality of the piece screams fake....If it is isn't perfect in design and craftsmanship, it isn't a Rolex. It certainly takes design clues from the real thing. But I could be wrong. Probably not though.

 

I don't agree with these comments. See the link to another 1950's Rolex. Admittedly this is a very different model but it does show what a 70 year old Rolex dial looks like. I also fail to see how it is "Obvious" that this is gold plate. If you look at the scratches in the case there is no base metal showing which suggests to me this is solid gold. Also look at the back, there is no base metal showing. Plated pieces tend to wear the plating off in predictable places where there is the most rubbing in use (and this watch has clearly seen a lot of use). I am still of the mind that this is the genuine article and would love to hear the answer definitively! If the OP takes it to any competent watchmaker he can take the back off and take photos of the movement. This will reveal all. He should not attempt this himself unless he has the right tools and know how as it could cause damage to the case.

https://www.stetzcowatches.com/product/rolex-oysterdate-6494-tropical/

 

No idea if thee details matter to this debate, just things I notice. The shape of the crown has already been mentioned.

 

I don’t know if it’s genuine or not but I know I’d take it in to a competent jeweler immediately. If it’s plate it’s obviously fake, but I don’t see plate and it looks good to me. Yes, it must be solid gold. The crown is definitely weird but it could be a replacement and this watch is not an oyster and would not have the same waterproof lock down crown. Like every other luxury brand Rolex has been faked forever and discussions like this are interesting as well as informative but the answer can be had in a simple visit to virtually any jeweler.

 

I’ve never seen this model of Rolex faked, and it looks genuine to me.

 

absolutely .... take it to the jewelers

 

Took this to a watch repair man in the New York jewellers exchange in NYC. He confirmed this is a genuine rolex. His English wasn’t the best, but he either said that he didn’t think the crown was original, that the crown wasn’t gold (though the watch is 14kt gold, marked) or both of those things.

 

you still have it after 3 + years.....
were u wearing it ???

 

No I haven’t worn it yet. It needs a new strap. It was a gift from my late father in law so I’m gonna keep it.

 

By the way, my late father in law used to operate a video store in london. The story goes that a customer needed change and so didn’t have the money to pay what he owed my FIL, so he said I’m coming back, here you can hold this watch as a guarantee. And the guy never came back.

 

now that's a Tall Tale !!!

but.....

I have a Morgan dollar in front of me.....given to me by a gentleman to research......
never saw him again..
& a few items , left with me on consignment....that never sold...and were never picked up...

so....yer good !!!

 

If it has a swiss movement inside you are on the right track. If it is a fake it will likely be a Japanese movement or something else.

 

My dad bought one just like the one Deborah posted in the 80's in Jakarta. I think he paid $12. He knew it was a fake because it was so cheap and he was in Indonesia where they fake everything! He worn it for years and then feared he would get mugged for a fake Rolex.