Featured Antique ball watch - how to open it, how old it is, what's it worth?

It has this engraving. No idea how to find out its age from this. Cannot find a rolex model that begins with serial code H
H233W891

 

thanks an antique dealers code....or repair....nothing to do with the mfg

 

similar:

Lot 2 - ROLEX - an early 20th century pearl, enamel (lyonandturnbull.com)

 

Thanks for finding that. Well that's really surprising, would have thought an antique rolex watch would be worth a considerable amount more than that but there it is.

 

Here is a similar one that went unsold by Sotheby's that has Rolex on the face and they estimate c 1914.


https://www.lot-art.com/auction-lot...4/50-silver_seed_pearl_enamel-05.2.21-sotheby


The auction estimate was $12,000-$18,000

https://auctiondaily.com/auction-pr...s-first-auction-of-2021-by-sothebys-jan-2021/

 

Wow that doesn't make any sense why the same one would have sold for so much more than roughly £600. Is it possible the auction estimate was waay off?

 

One's earlier than than the other. One's in better condition than the other. One has its original chain. Those are variables that matter. Who's in the room at the time also matters.

Debora

 

Still it isn't identical to these examples as the rotating column isn't there on the other designs.

 

watches are a funny thing.
Mens are very collectable....womens ..not so much.
the fact that your guts are Rolex is good...but it's woman's watch worn around the neck....so it's more jewelry than watch.

 

Very good point above.

Debora

 

Does anyone know where the serial number might be located? Can you see it in any of the pictures? Thanks

 

No idea, auctions are funny things. The first one above that did sell was back in 2013 in the UK. The Sotheby's auction with the high estimate didn't sell but was in NY in 2021.

 

Rolex might be a GREAT starting place…..they MUST have archives!!!!!!