The vintage Rolex watches are highly sought after, replicas and heavily modified pieces are common.

One striking detail is the dial’s condition. It appears “unbelievably well-preserved” for a 70-year-old non-waterproof replica watch. Typically, vintage Rolex dials show signs of patina due to age and exposure. However, the hands are spotted, which is inconsistent with a pristine dial. This discrepancy suggests that the dial may have been restored or entirely replaced. Dial replacements or restorations are not uncommon but can significantly impact authenticity and value.

The watch case is also suspect. Its style does not align with Rolex’s design language from the 1950s. Rolex cases from that era often featured more defined lugs and a robust, utilitarian aesthetic. The case described here seems more reminiscent of brands like Jaeger-LeCoultre, Longines, or Movado. This deviation raises questions about whether the case is original or swapped.

The movement contains a marking of “Rolex 15 rubies.” While Rolex did produce some manual-wind movements with 15 jewels, the description notes an unusually rough appearance, including signs of oxidation and crude manufacturing. Authentic replica Rolex movements from the 1950s are typically well-finished, even under a loupe. A rough movement could indicate a counterfeit or a Localdlish – a piece assembled from various parts.

From these observations, there’s approximately a 50% chance this watch is a genuine Rolex, albeit heavily modified. The 100% certainty, however, lies in the dial being non-original.

While this piece may have some clone Rolex components, it’s essential to approach with caution. Authenticating vintage watches requires expert evaluation, especially for a brand as iconic and often imitated as Rolex.