Internet Horology Club 185
QUIZ When is a Rolex made Pocket Watch not a ROLEX

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https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1086047761/m/149103921

July 21, 2009, 00:16
Robert Schussel
QUIZ When is a Rolex made Pocket Watch not a ROLEX
When is a Rolex made Pocket Watch not a ROLEX?

I will post the answer tomorrow.

My question is when is a genuine made Rolex ( parts are made and movement assembled at the Rolex Geneve Factory)not a Rolex.

Bob

Because of interest in Rolex I thought this thread was better suited for the American section.
July 21, 2009, 04:11
John Woolsey
Robert, I've been lead to belive that Rolex never 'actually made' any pocket watches or any parts for them.
Cortebert actually supplied the pocket watch ebauches for Rolex to finish.

Always willing to learn though if I've been given a bum steer! Wink

John
July 21, 2009, 11:00
Lindell V. Riddle

The key to this may be "assembled" so I'll take shot at it.

If I remember correctly there was a form of cooperative venture between Rolex and Gruen at one point or more in their histories. So, perhaps since Bob placed this in with the "American" section the answer for when a genuine Rolex is not a Rolex could be when they were Rolex made Gruens intended for the US market.

Lindell

Wink
July 21, 2009, 11:05
Robert Schussel
Lindell
Your getting warmer
Bob
July 21, 2009, 15:54
Robert Schussel
ANSWER
When the movement is marked Jules Jurgensen.
Below is a picture of the movement. It is a 17j very thin unadjusted movement--probably made in the 1930s.

To be anti magnetic a Pallidium hairspring was used.The hour hand is driven off the winding barrel.

The watch is probably labelled unadjusted to lower the import duty.

Note the unusual layout and the 3 stars *** under the regulator arm. The 3 stars was used by Rolex to indicate their highest grade.

Jules Jurgensen marked mvt

July 21, 2009, 15:57
Robert Schussel
Under the dial is the Rolex name and patent for the protective cap on the movement.


July 21, 2009, 15:58
Robert Schussel
Front of the watch--10kt Pink gold filled case

front of watch

July 21, 2009, 16:00
Robert Schussel
inside of case


July 21, 2009, 16:02
Lindell V. Riddle

How about that!

Far too often names like Jules Jurgenson are not fully appreciated by collectors, this is another instance where digging a bit deeper can be very worthwhile. Smile Thanks Bob, you really have a treasure there.

Lindell

Wink
July 21, 2009, 16:03
Robert Schussel
Rolex Prince Imperial (observatory) movement in a Stainless Steel Case--17j 8 adj chronometer rated. Notice that the plates are the same as the Jules Jurgensen mvt.


July 21, 2009, 16:07
Robert Schussel
case for the Prince Imperial--this watch went for $2250 recently on Ebay.


July 21, 2009, 16:11
Robert Schussel
Rolex 6 adjustments Prince movement. Note this is also chronometer rated.


July 21, 2009, 16:13
Robert Schussel
Front of watch in 18kt White Gold case. Seller wants $9K


July 21, 2009, 16:18
Robert Schussel
Inside of case for 8 adjustments Prince Imperial showing chronometer rating info


July 22, 2009, 04:03
John Woolsey
Wow, you learn something new everyday! Big Grin
Very Very nice, makes their Cortebert hybrids look lame by comparison!!

I wonder how many Jurgensen movements are now going to be dismembered in the hunt for the 'coveted' Rolex engravings!

John
July 22, 2009, 09:37
Edward L. Parsons, Jr.
That protective cap also makes it impossible to see what is going on with the escapement, which leads me to wonder what it is primarily protecting.

Is it protecting the physical well being of the movement or Rolex's design secrets?


Best Regards,

Ed
July 24, 2009, 07:48
Gordon Collingwood
Hi Folks

I read somewhere that Rolex at one time used Revue movements in their pocket watches, especially the cal 30.

Any comments.

Gordon
July 25, 2009, 15:51
Robert Schussel
I am surprised that no one has commented that a 17 jewel dress watch can receive a chronometer rating and probably is as accurate as the best RR watches

Bob