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davebw226 · 13 January 2014, 06:51 AM

Hey guys, I graduated from West Point as an infantry officer in 1984, and used some graduation gift money and savings to buy an explorer II through the PX. I have had it since, and has deployed numerous times with it early on in my career. A few years ago I walked it into the Rolex building on 5th ave NYC and left it there for a complete overhaul, which cost me more than the watch did originally. At the time I didn't realize just how valuable the watch had become. I'm not a collector. In the overhaul they replaced the face and hands. The new face simply says "Swiss" at the bottom. The watch pretty much looks brand new now, but I'm afraid that by replacing the face and hand that a ton of value was lost. To make matters worse, I left the original box and papers at my parents house in NY in 1984 and really have no idea if it is still there. It may be gone forever, it may be buried up in the attic with a mess of other stuff from the era.

So what should I do? I'm not really pressed to sell it but would like to know what the watch is worth assuming I can't find the box. I can't find anything that looks like a serial number on the watch. Don't know where it's located. Any help would be greatly appreciated in understanding what I've got.

Thanks tons guys

silversurfer96790 · 13 January 2014, 07:26 AM

Enjoy your watch, and thank you for your service. Ser. Number is located between the lugs.

cajunron · 13 January 2014, 07:32 AM

If you were planning on selling the watch, it certainly would be more valuable to a collector with the original dial, hands paperwork and boxes. But thousands of Rolexes are serviced and have dials and hands replaced at some point in their history. Unless you specify to Rolex to not replace the original dial or hands, they want your watch to be working like new, originality means nothing to them. But I wouldn't sweat it if I were you. As far as the serial number goes, it and the reference (model) numbers can be found between the lugs. Just use a toothpick or tack to remove the bracelet. Hope this helps.

Tools · 13 January 2014, 08:17 AM

You have not "destroyed the value" of your watch. Collectors do look for original pieces and will pay top-dollar for an original watch. Keep in mind though, the vast majority of Rolex buyers are not collectors and a watch in good condition, serviced and well kept is very much sought after..

A properly restored 1655 with service dial and hands is still a very nice watch and quite valuable. Original box and paperwork could yield a couple of hundred more..

A quick search of the Internet will give you all sorts of sales information; TRF is not a sales or valuation Forum..

Vincent65 · 13 January 2014, 08:14 AM

You live and learn - if it was a few years ago, just forget about it!

dysondiver · 13 January 2014, 08:26 AM

yep , above post says it all , just enjoy your watc for what it is ,,, keep clocking up the days and the memories follow.

AbsolutelyROLEX! · 13 January 2014, 08:35 AM

Agree with above, new replacement parts on a service do bring the value down, but in your case its the memories and what the watch has been through with you, dependable and loyal, never letting you down through thick and thin.
Maybe if you document its military history? There are many people out there that find that valuable in itself, like a veteran that deserves honor.....

crowncollection · 13 January 2014, 09:03 AM

its still a great watch, enjoy it and see if you can find those papers

CrownMe · 13 January 2014, 09:23 AM

Do you have any before and after pictures?

watchcrank · 14 January 2014, 12:07 AM

Congrats on having a great little watch. And at this time if you wanted to have it put back to original there are still dials and hand sets out there for sale at not terrible prices.
If it were mine I'd continue to wear it as it. M

Cc1966 · 14 January 2014, 03:28 AM

A few years ago?...don't worry now mate, you have a great watch to cherish and hopefully an heirloom piece for your family.

DiamondJack · 14 January 2014, 04:40 AM

Destroy is not the word I would use since you still have a fully restored, functioning and useable watch again. In many people's eye's, having fresh lume and a fully working watch with a recent Rolex stamp of approval is a good thing.

It will clearly not be so desirable by the Rolex collecting fraternity...... but so what, there are millions of other people who would prefer to buy a Rolex with a full service.....and see no point in hanging onto originality at all costs, particularly if you're never going to sell it.

But either way, it's always nice to retain the box and papers as most people still like a bit of history so worth having a look for this if you can. But if you can't find them, it's a minor detail.....

vintagewaferthin · 14 January 2014, 05:52 AM

You most certinaly didnt destroy your watch. Instead, you rendered it a fully functioning vintage watch. It is in my opinion like havinbg the best of both worlds. A vintage watch with modern capabilities.

davebw226 · 14 January 2014, 06:48 AM

Thanks so much for all the helpful and supportive feedback guys. I had kinda spun myself into a bit if a funk over the situation. I love the watch and it has been with me for a long time and through a lot of adventures/tight spots. I've included a photo as some eye candy. Gotta love this design. Funny anecdote, the only reason I have this watch instead of a GMT Master is because I couldn't afford the $200 price difference between the two at the time. I guess luck gives and it takes. Thanks again guys.

sdwtchlvr · 14 January 2014, 02:28 PM

1655 can be tough to come by, especially with such provenance. Yours being a one owner watch, with military action, etc is special. Your watch has a story to tell and that, to me and several other collectors, is priceless. You'll do just fine on your watch if and when you decide to sell.

davebw226 · 14 January 2014, 06:15 PM

Thanks so much for all the help on this question guys. it's funny, i guess luck kinda runs both ways on this watch. the only reason i have this ExplorerII which i love and not a GMT Master is because i couldn't afford the $200 price difference the PX wanted at the time. This watch has been through quite a number of adventures with me, so it has a lot of sentimental value.

For those who care, i purchased this watch because a classmate of mine at West Point had a Rolex, and when i asked him about it, he told me that it had been his dad's (also a WP Grad), through two tours in Vietnam. I wanted to create similar legacy. I had no idea that the watch i was buying, which was the only sport model rolex i could afford at the time, would become such a collectors item.

I've attached a little eye candy for those who appreciate it.

so, thanks so much guys, the advice and feedback has been very comforting. this is a great community.

Sunny Arizona · 17 January 2014, 01:44 PM

Looks great Dave-my first Rolex was a 5513 bought at a Pawn Shop in Fayetteville NC. I got irritated that it didn't have a date and traded it. Now that was stupid. I only paid 1000 for it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by davebw226

Thanks so much for all the help on this question guys. it's funny, i guess luck kinda runs both ways on this watch. the only reason i have this ExplorerII which i love and not a GMT Master is because i couldn't afford the $200 price difference the PX wanted at the time. This watch has been through quite a number of adventures with me, so it has a lot of sentimental value.

For those who care, i purchased this watch because a classmate of mine at West Point had a Rolex, and when i asked him about it, he told me that it had been his dad's (also a WP Grad), through two tours in Vietnam. I wanted to create similar legacy. I had no idea that the watch i was buying, which was the only sport model rolex i could afford at the time, would become such a collectors item.

I've attached a little eye candy for those who appreciate it.

so, thanks so much guys, the advice and feedback has been very comforting. this is a great community.

davebw226 · 14 January 2014, 09:24 PM

i apologize for the double post guys. i'm posting from western europe right now and for some reason some of my posts are taking up to 12 hours to show up in my browser...so i figured I screwed something up with the first one, and now i guess my edit time window is expires so i can't erase one of the doubles. again, i apologize and thanks so much for all the help.

sgmgolf · 14 January 2014, 09:51 PM

Even with the replaced dial and hands you have a stunning watch there. It is still a lot more valuable today then when you purchased it. Enjoy that beauty in best of health!

cop414 · 14 January 2014, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sgmgolf

Even with the replaced dial and hands you have a stunning watch there. It is still a lot more valuable today then when you purchased it. Enjoy that beauty in best of health!

Agree 110%, your watch looks amazing. The fact that you have such a history with it would make it priceless in my opinion. Thank you for your service Sir.

sharpmind · 14 January 2014, 11:52 PM

Your watch looks great, as does your ring. Thank you for your service.

Lgear080 · 15 January 2014, 12:32 AM

That watch is amazing. Absolutely no reason to beat yourself up.

unclesallie · 15 January 2014, 12:43 AM

man what a beoootiful watch!

masterserg · 15 January 2014, 12:45 AM

That is an incredibly amazing watch!! Congrats!!

nsxnext · 15 January 2014, 01:15 AM

Wow amazing story and a fantastic watch.

thank you for your service to our great country.

davebw226 · 15 January 2014, 03:48 AM

wow! like i said, this is a great community. thanks guys for all the kind words. i'm very proud to have been able to serve this country.

cheers

dave

tkc324 · 15 January 2014, 11:37 AM

Great watch!! Thank you for your service!

jolimont · 15 January 2014, 12:45 PM

wow first time I'vs read on TRF people praising a service dial

but i agree, the older Exp2s are stunning

Old Expat Beast · 17 January 2014, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jolimont

wow first time I'vs read on TRF people praising a service dial

but i agree, the older Exp2s are stunning

Then I guess you missed this thread: https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...w+service+dial

strafer_kid · 16 January 2014, 08:14 AM

Amazing watch! You fell really lucky with this one - definitely a keeper! Enjoy in good health!

13 January 2014, 06:51 AM	#1
davebw226 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: CA Posts: 8	Did I destroy the value of my 1984 Explorerii 1655? Need advice Hey guys, I graduated from West Point as an infantry officer in 1984, and used some graduation gift money and savings to buy an explorer II through the PX. I have had it since, and has deployed numerous times with it early on in my career. A few years ago I walked it into the Rolex building on 5th ave NYC and left it there for a complete overhaul, which cost me more than the watch did originally. At the time I didn't realize just how valuable the watch had become. I'm not a collector. In the overhaul they replaced the face and hands. The new face simply says "Swiss" at the bottom. The watch pretty much looks brand new now, but I'm afraid that by replacing the face and hand that a ton of value was lost. To make matters worse, I left the original box and papers at my parents house in NY in 1984 and really have no idea if it is still there. It may be gone forever, it may be buried up in the attic with a mess of other stuff from the era. So what should I do? I'm not really pressed to sell it but would like to know what the watch is worth assuming I can't find the box. I can't find anything that looks like a serial number on the watch. Don't know where it's located. Any help would be greatly appreciated in understanding what I've got. Thanks tons guys

13 January 2014, 07:32 AM	#3
cajunron 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Real Name: Ronnie Location: Southeastern USA Watch: Omega Seamaster PO Posts: 3,872	If you were planning on selling the watch, it certainly would be more valuable to a collector with the original dial, hands paperwork and boxes. But thousands of Rolexes are serviced and have dials and hands replaced at some point in their history. Unless you specify to Rolex to not replace the original dial or hands, they want your watch to be working like new, originality means nothing to them. But I wouldn't sweat it if I were you. As far as the serial number goes, it and the reference (model) numbers can be found between the lugs. Just use a toothpick or tack to remove the bracelet. Hope this helps. __________________

13 January 2014, 08:17 AM	#4
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,516	You have not "destroyed the value" of your watch. Collectors do look for original pieces and will pay top-dollar for an original watch. Keep in mind though, the vast majority of Rolex buyers are not collectors and a watch in good condition, serviced and well kept is very much sought after.. A properly restored 1655 with service dial and hands is still a very nice watch and quite valuable. Original box and paperwork could yield a couple of hundred more.. A quick search of the Internet will give you all sorts of sales information; TRF is not a sales or valuation Forum.. __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

13 January 2014, 08:35 AM	#7
AbsolutelyROLEX! "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Real Name: Andy Location: Ontario, Canada Watch: AKA: ANDERL712000 Posts: 4,935	Agree with above, new replacement parts on a service do bring the value down, but in your case its the memories and what the watch has been through with you, dependable and loyal, never letting you down through thick and thin. Maybe if you document its military history? There are many people out there that find that valuable in itself, like a veteran that deserves honor..... __________________ We want to be the first in the field and Rolex should be seen as the one and only-the best. Hans Wilsdorf, Rolex founder

13 January 2014, 09:03 AM	#8
crowncollection "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Real Name: David Location: australia Posts: 20,216	its still a great watch, enjoy it and see if you can find those papers __________________ watches many

13 January 2014, 07:26 AM	#2
silversurfer96790 Banned Join Date: Feb 2013 Real Name: Jon Location: Tokyo Watch: GMT 16710, 1675 Posts: 294	Enjoy your watch, and thank you for your service. Ser. Number is located between the lugs.

13 January 2014, 08:14 AM	#5
Vincent65 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Switzerland Posts: 14,298	You live and learn - if it was a few years ago, just forget about it!

13 January 2014, 08:26 AM	#6
dysondiver "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: tom Location: northern ireland Watch: my fins Posts: 10,063	yep , above post says it all , just enjoy your watc for what it is ,,, keep clocking up the days and the memories follow.

13 January 2014, 09:23 AM	#9
CrownMe "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Real Name: Kevin Location: Maryland Watch: My Open 6 Posts: 3,433	Do you have any before and after pictures?

14 January 2014, 12:07 AM	#10
watchcrank "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: michael Location: Florida Watch: explorer II cream Posts: 1,664	Congrats on having a great little watch. And at this time if you wanted to have it put back to original there are still dials and hand sets out there for sale at not terrible prices. If it were mine I'd continue to wear it as it. M

14 January 2014, 03:28 AM	#11
Cc1966 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Real Name: Christopher Location: Georgia, USA Watch: ing the Sea... Posts: 6,713	A few years ago?...don't worry now mate, you have a great watch to cherish and hopefully an heirloom piece for your family. __________________ "I wish to have no Connection with any Ship that does not Sail fast for I intend to go in harm's way." Captain John Paul Jones, 16 November 1778 "*Curmudgeons* " Favorites: 1665 SD, Sub Date, DSSD, Exp II, Sub LV, GMTIIc

14 January 2014, 04:40 AM	#12
DiamondJack "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: London Watch: Quite a few Posts: 4,315	Destroy is not the word I would use since you still have a fully restored, functioning and useable watch again. In many people's eye's, having fresh lume and a fully working watch with a recent Rolex stamp of approval is a good thing. It will clearly not be so desirable by the Rolex collecting fraternity...... but so what, there are millions of other people who would prefer to buy a Rolex with a full service.....and see no point in hanging onto originality at all costs, particularly if you're never going to sell it. But either way, it's always nice to retain the box and papers as most people still like a bit of history so worth having a look for this if you can. But if you can't find them, it's a minor detail.....

14 January 2014, 05:52 AM	#13
vintagewaferthin "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Earth Watch: Air-King 5500 Posts: 2,620	You most certinaly didnt destroy your watch. Instead, you rendered it a fully functioning vintage watch. It is in my opinion like havinbg the best of both worlds. A vintage watch with modern capabilities.

14 January 2014, 06:48 AM	#14
davebw226 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: CA Posts: 8	Thanks so much for all the helpful and supportive feedback guys. I had kinda spun myself into a bit if a funk over the situation. I love the watch and it has been with me for a long time and through a lot of adventures/tight spots. I've included a photo as some eye candy. Gotta love this design. Funny anecdote, the only reason I have this watch instead of a GMT Master is because I couldn't afford the $200 price difference between the two at the time. I guess luck gives and it takes. Thanks again guys.

14 January 2014, 02:28 PM	#15
sdwtchlvr "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: SoCal Watch: Rolex Posts: 1,308	1655 can be tough to come by, especially with such provenance. Yours being a one owner watch, with military action, etc is special. Your watch has a story to tell and that, to me and several other collectors, is priceless. You'll do just fine on your watch if and when you decide to sell.

14 January 2014, 06:15 PM	#16
davebw226 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: CA Posts: 8	Thanks so much for all the help on this question guys. it's funny, i guess luck kinda runs both ways on this watch. the only reason i have this ExplorerII which i love and not a GMT Master is because i couldn't afford the $200 price difference the PX wanted at the time. This watch has been through quite a number of adventures with me, so it has a lot of sentimental value. For those who care, i purchased this watch because a classmate of mine at West Point had a Rolex, and when i asked him about it, he told me that it had been his dad's (also a WP Grad), through two tours in Vietnam. I wanted to create similar legacy. I had no idea that the watch i was buying, which was the only sport model rolex i could afford at the time, would become such a collectors item. I've attached a little eye candy for those who appreciate it. so, thanks so much guys, the advice and feedback has been very comforting. this is a great community. Attached Images

14 January 2014, 09:24 PM	#18
davebw226 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: CA Posts: 8	i apologize for the double post guys. i'm posting from western europe right now and for some reason some of my posts are taking up to 12 hours to show up in my browser...so i figured I screwed something up with the first one, and now i guess my edit time window is expires so i can't erase one of the doubles. again, i apologize and thanks so much for all the help.

14 January 2014, 09:51 PM	#19
sgmgolf "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Real Name: Steve Location: MA Watch: 16600,16710,Tudor Posts: 1,372	Even with the replaced dial and hands you have a stunning watch there. It is still a lot more valuable today then when you purchased it. Enjoy that beauty in best of health!

14 January 2014, 11:52 PM	#21
sharpmind "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: NY Posts: 98	Your watch looks great, as does your ring. Thank you for your service.

15 January 2014, 12:32 AM	#22
Lgear080 Banned Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: NYC Posts: 3,506	That watch is amazing. Absolutely no reason to beat yourself up.

15 January 2014, 12:43 AM	#23
unclesallie 2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Real Name: dan Location: Pennsylvania Watch: keystone pocket Posts: 5,917	man what a beoootiful watch!

15 January 2014, 12:45 AM	#24
masterserg "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Real Name: Serg Location: US of A Watch: AP Posts: 7,437	That is an incredibly amazing watch!! Congrats!! __________________ How can you have any pudding if you don't eat yer meat????

15 January 2014, 01:15 AM	#25
nsxnext "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Real Name: Neil Location: PA Watch: ing the detectives Posts: 159	Wow amazing story and a fantastic watch. thank you for your service to our great country.

15 January 2014, 03:48 AM	#26
davebw226 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: CA Posts: 8	wow! like i said, this is a great community. thanks guys for all the kind words. i'm very proud to have been able to serve this country. cheers dave

15 January 2014, 11:37 AM	#27
tkc324 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Real Name: Tom Location: Chi town Watch: Daytona AP DD Sub Posts: 3,717	Great watch!! Thank you for your service!

15 January 2014, 12:45 PM	#28
jolimont "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Real Name: Will Location: land of oz Watch: sundial Posts: 2,219	wow first time I'vs read on TRF people praising a service dial but i agree, the older Exp2s are stunning

16 January 2014, 08:14 AM	#30
strafer_kid "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Real Name: Kenny Location: northern ireland Watch: SDs, Subs & GMTs Posts: 5,136	Amazing watch! You fell really lucky with this one - definitely a keeper! Enjoy in good health!

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