Rolex

I got this watch from an old friend of mine he is 78 and wanted me to have this ! He has been in possession of this from the early seventies ...  

... from the early production of this model. Best thing is to know its reference number and serial number. You just need to take off the bracelet from the watch head, which is fairly easy in this watch. Then you will find the reference number between the ... 

Thank You Subexplorer! I didn't know that! Will check it and update it on this post

I got both the sides opened and there were no visible numbers on the '6' died between the lugs but on the '12'side between the lugs the numbers 6305127 or is it 6305117 were engraved but was very faded and need a magnifying glass to read



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I just realized that the watch has the lettering of Date Just in Red does that mean anything

See anything engraved there?

No, I haven't done this I do plan to take the watch next week to the Rolex service CENTRE here in Bangalore India and open it and take a few pictures, will post it here once done

Your watch looks like a reference made in around 1960/61 so serial number should be around 6xx,xxx. Regrettably numbers between lugs can be erased by the rubbing with loose end links, which looks like it happened in your friend´s watch. They are important... 

Are there any markings in the blades of the clasp? Serial numbers in the 6 million range are 1979-1980... but the dial markers and hands look older. I think you're going to need to get it opened for a close look. Lovely looking datejust!

I think it's an early 6305 I googled it and saw many pictures similar to the watch that was gifted to me. I checked the clasp and the engraving on it says sterling then the Rolex symbol and the Swiss made and the numbers 4 and 34 appear

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Can't quite tell from the picture... If it's an "A" it would suggest the clasp is a few years older (1976) than the case (1979) which is not unusual. I'm pretty sure that should say, "Stainless" (as in steel) not "Sterling" (as in silver). But I could be... 

With big bubble back movement (so called because of its rotor needing space and hence the round caseback). The movement needs an expert to look after and parts are hard to find. When restoring an early Explorer 6298, I bought a second movement for parts. ... 

Thanks Anatol I am in HK and it's paradise for antique watches! Will post some pictures here

Glad you have such a friend. Wish him well and reciprocate the good will. Best wishes. Geross.

I agree with that completely! I am truly blessed🙏🏻