- Why are the hands not in uniform color with the markers?
For T25 gloss dials with white gold markers, the hands’ color tends to be different from the markers. The hands’ color tends to be lighter. Of course, it is possible that the hands’ color is the same as the markers’. However, in most cases, it is normal to have hands with lighter color than the markers because the tritium materials used on the hands may be different.
Hands are sometimes replaced by watchmakers and sellers to achieve a uniform color for the hands and the markers. Unless you are Rolex, you will never know why some hands look lighter than the markers. Some of us think that the hands must have been replaced by the seller so that the color of the is lighter. However, it has to be noted that the situation may be actually the other way round.
2. Does your watch have a service case?
The serial numbers for a service case of Rolex are 44xxxxx. Service cases start from 4.4mil serial number until exhaustion. Some say that the 4.7mil and 4.9mil cases are also service case. Again, unless you are Rolex, you will never know. But service cases usually bear Orig Rolex Design engravings between the lugs at 12 o’ clock instead of Registered Design. People tend to avoid serials 4.4mil to 5mil as to avoid service cases. Please note that Rolex from 7mil serial year 1980 onwards bear Orig Rolex Design engravings instead of Registered Design. From the Rolex serial chart we can see that from 1970 to 1980, the Rolex serial numbers increased by 300,000 each year. From 1976-1977, the serial increases from 40xxxxx to 50xxxxx. It is believed that some of the serials are reserved for service cases. Service cases are cases replaced by Rolex if you watch case is damaged.
You can refer to the following link for the Rolex serial chart.
https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-serial-numbers
3. Is your watch polished?
Most vintage timepieces have been polished as they have gone through over 40 years or even 50 or 60 years of time. An unpolished Rolex should have very sharp beveled edges on the lugs. These timepieces often bear dearer price tags.
4. Why has price increased so much?
There is a rule in buying Rolex watches : The earlier you buy it, the earlier you enjoy it. The later you buy it, the dearer the price to pay. Rolex has been producing less watches starting from 2017. There has been less stock than before. Rolex used to increase prices for twice a year. However, they have adopted a new strategy by producing less. Rolex watches preserve their value best because they do not go down in price at all. If you say today that a Rolex is expensive, you will not be able to get one in the future because it will only be more expensive as demand for Rolex watches will never drop. Have you ever heard of a price reduction from Rolex? Only in dreams.
5. Does this watch require a service?
A Rolex is very tough, especially for sports Rolex. Some run for 30 or 40 years before they has to be serviced. If your watch is losing or gaining too much time or does not wind very smoothly, you can opt for a service. However, if it is running steadily and wind ok, you can opt for a service later.
6. Why is the clasp not from 1977 for a 1977 watch?
The clasp has been replaced. It is nothing very special. If you damage the clasp of your Rolex, RSC will replace the clasp for you. For a vintage timepiece, it is normal for some parts to have been replaced. The most important thing is that the dial matches the case and it has the correct bracelet and end links. You can always sell the clasp in exchange for a 1977 clasp. Nothing is perfect, especially a vintage timepiece.