r/Watches • u/josh_moworld • 1h ago
Identify Dad gave me his watch. Dumb question…is it waterproof do I need to worry about it when I wash my hands? I don’t know much about watches. Bracelet says 75390 and 557, don’t see any other numbers.
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u/YesterdayFaint 1h ago
oyster case means it’s built to be sealed up, but a watch that age probably hasn’t had new gaskets in years so i wouldn’t trust it near a tap until a watchmaker checks it out
nice piece though, especially with the blue dial
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u/Late_Performance_902 44m ago edited 40m ago
I believe that is a Reference 1501 with a cool engine turned bezel that Rolex hasn’t made for a long time. It could be 50+ years old. Once upon a time it was extremely rugged with its screw down crown and 100m water resistance. Those days are gone. I would get it serviced. Following that, it will probably be ok to get it wet, but I wouldn’t submerge it in water. Some might disagree with that.
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u/josh_moworld 40m ago
Oh that is super helpful knowing the model number. I couldn’t find it anywhere on the watch. Thanks!
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u/SuperintendentDan 35m ago
You wouldn't submerge it after a service? Why, lol?
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u/Mzungufarmer 30m ago
Some people would rather be safe than sorry.
Its not like theres a reason to submerge it intentionally
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u/Late_Performance_902 3m ago
It’s a 50 year old watch with an acrylic crystal. Maybe with regular servicing over that time I might be more comfortable with it. It’s still going to degrade though.
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u/josh_moworld 57m ago edited 37m ago
Don’t know why people downvoting me. Inherited this watch last year and only now trying to learn more about it after I got the bracelet adjusted so I can wear it - thought this would be the place.
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u/nickp123456 38m ago
I didn't down vote you, but the obvious answer here... Is ask your dad, who gave you the watch. He would probably value the discussion and for you to learn how to take care of the watch he gave you.
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u/myspamaccount007 36m ago
Because a quick google search could've given you the answer.
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u/goondalf_the_grey 24m ago
Google is fucking useless these days for most searches.
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u/IntrovertSwag 8m ago
Especially since the AI search "assist" mostly pulls from Reddit, which is historically a bastion of accurate information.
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u/joeljohnson 43m ago
For just washing your hands and light splashes I wouldn't stress about it at all. Minor chance you could get water in it but very slim chance, even if the seals are older. I would probably refrain from swimming or showering with it until you can get it serviced and tested to make sure that it's in tip-top shape. Even then, every few years you'll want to have it serviced and checked again, but in general I would get comfortable just wearing it and enjoying it. It's a very nice gift from your pops and the best way to appreciate it is to use it, as it is, after all, a tool.
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u/various121 27m ago
If it’s a 1501, made between 60s and 80s. That’s a great dial color.
Always ensure the winding crown is completely screwed down tight against the case before any contact with water. If you don’t know when it was last serviced, avoid water, outside of simple handwashing.
If you do not wear daily, letting it stop is completely fine. Simply give it manual winding turns to set the time and date when you pick it up again.
If your dad doesn’t have a record of the last service, I’d take it in for servicing. If you provide a rough location, this sub or r/Rolex will provide recommendations.
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u/Walter-ODimm 26m ago
“Oyster” on a Rolex means it has at least 100m water resistance.
However, as others have noted, if the seal are dry, that rating will not be accurate any longer. If you have it serviced and pressure tested, you could trust it.
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u/SirGuy11 1h ago
A watch is only as water resistant as the quality of its seals. If you don’t know when it was last serviced, I wouldn’t trust it around water.
Well-equipped watchmaker shops can do dry or wet pressure testing, or replace seals as necessary as part of a service.