I bought a jewelers roll-up full of them, from a guy on 14th st in DC, for a grand. It contained a couple of expensive watches, worth a lot more than my thou.
One of them, though, was a ringer, I thought. It had the name "Birks" on it. But, upon inspection, I noticed the name "Rolex" in tiny letters, on the bottom of the face.
At home, I opened tha stainless back. The case was 18k yellow, on this rectangular watch. Inside it was stamped Rolex. The movement also had the stamp Rolex!
It was missing the hands, and had no strap. but I had taken it, along with the rest of them.
I took it to a watch repairman at Fair Oaks mall, in Fairfax, VA. He was from Indian, and had lots of spare parts he had brought from retiring European shops. He looked at it, and suggested we send it to Switzerland, for inspection, or authentication.
I got a letter back from Rolex, offering 10 grand for it, so they could put it in their museum. It was made in the early 1900's, by them, for the Birks jewelry stores in Canada. Birk's had 18 specially made with a stainless back, due to the workmen's lifestyle, of those that bought them.
I asked to have it returned, and my watchmaker set some newer ROLEX hands on the beautiful filgreed face. I wear it occasionally, but it is really too dressy and fragile for everyday use. I have a Seiko, for that.
I ended up with over $85k in value, from that $1K investment, but nothing I bought, is for sale... I collect old watches...
that is the coolest thing i have ever heard! where is the jewelry repair guy in Fair Oaks Mall? i used to go to Root Jewelers in Rosyln to have my watches cleaned and serviced but it is too hard to park over there.
Ah, that is the difference between someone who collects for the appreciation of the item, and a reseller who is only looking to turn a fast buck.