Sea Dweller 1665 with error dial ?? Can anyone help ?? Thanks

[E46seca]

Hi guys I'm new on the forum. I recently came across a watch I've always wanted to own the sea-dweller 1665.

Here's my question the dial doesn't seem like it's been refinished. But it doesn't correspond to the 1665. Actually it's a 5512 dial but with a date window. So here are some things I noticed on my watch any input or expertise Is highly appreciated.

1. The movement is a 1570 and the rear case is a 1665 ( So I'm not worried about that not been authentic )

The bracelet is a correct 93150 with 585 end pieces. The bracelet is a "VE" which also corresponds to the watch.

2. My dial below "ROLEX" doesn't say " DATE " at the end like a standard 1665 dial would.

3. If it was refinished , then it could not be a 5512 dial how would it fit ? Also the 5512 didn't have a date window ?

4. The inscribed portion where it usually read " REGISTERED TRADEMARK " then the model number , it doesn't say " REGISTERED TRADEMARK " but just 1665. It doesn't look like it was brushed off neither.

It's a 6.6 Mil series dating to 1981.

Thanks for any input

[omitohud]

Pics would really help. But based on ur description alone, I would walk away.


I blame it on the autoconnect.

[E46seca]

I purchased it already. The movement is 100% Authentic and so is the rest of the watch I just haven't removed the dial to see the back of it. I can't post pics for some reason , it's saying I'm missing a security token. How do I obtain that ?

[E46seca]

Just loaded pics ! Thanks

[E46seca]

here's a couple more angles for better consideration. Thanks

[omitohud]

Not trying to b rude, but u should have done ur homework before buying. What year is ur watch? The case looks good though quite polished. There were a couple of years in the early 80's where the reg design was not stamped. But the dial, either aftermarket or poor refinished. Hope u didn't pay too much for this watch.

Btw, an SD rating is down to 2000ft/610m.


I blame it on the autoconnect.

[E46seca]

Thanks for the input. So def the dial isn't original then ? I didn't notice the dial until after I had purchased the watch.

[swish77]

Originally Posted by E46seca

Thanks for the input. So def the dial isn't original then ? I didn't notice the dial until after I had purchased the watch.

Sorry to hear about this. The dial IS the watch, or at least the most important part of a vintage Rolex. That's where all attention needs to start. Can you explain why you can't return it?

Also, if you do decide ultimately to send to RSC, they might not touch the watch because of the altered/incorrect dial. Not sure what the policy is nowadays, but I hear they're getting pickier and pickier about what vintage watches they decide to work on. Keep in mind that if they do agree to swapping the dial and hands _ assuming they still have the old 1665 service dials available _ you'd also be required to have a movement service. I agree with the above that sourcing vintage parts would be the way to go. (I'd also double-check that case.) Good luck!

[E46seca]

It's a 81 based on the serial. Thanks for the help.

[E46seca]

I have noticed the early 80's model fetching a higher price then the late 70's models is that accurate ? Also anything special that it doesn't say " reg trademark " ? Thanks

[ADINVA]

Can you return this watch and get a refund? Sorry to learn of your unfortunate purchase. I am not an expert but the 200m = 660ft, as you said, is not 1665.

[RolexAuthority]

Why oh why didn't you ask us before buying it we'd have helped you make the right decision sadly but late now hopefully you can get your money back

[E46seca]

No it's too late ... Im going to send the watch to Rolex to have the dial replaced and have it serviced. After all the rest of the watch is 100% real so I'm not stressed. Any idea of time frame of getting it back and cost ? Thanks

[Old Expat Beast]

May as well get new hands, too, if going for a new dial.

[omitohud]

I believe the patent ran out so rolex stop stamping it then changed it to orig. Rolex design later on. I never heard that 80's watches r more desirable than earlier version. Actually in vintage the earlier usually fetch higher prices depending on condition of course. Not to mention there r other more rare variations. I guess if u can't return it, bring it to rsc n they will replace dial n hands with service luminova, which is way better than the present dial. U also get the functionality of the lume though at a steep price.


I blame it on the autoconnect.

[E46seca]

Agreed I'll take it to Rolex in short time to get that done. I'm still super happy with the watch over all.. It was a dream come true even with this small set back. Does the missing " reg trademark " add any value to the watch ? Thanks for your input.

[jdsal]

I would source the dial and hand then have reputable watchmaker install and service. NOT send it to Rolex for a replacement Lumi dial and hands.
There are some nice match sets available here and on VRM time to time.
Be patient source the correct vintage dial and hand set, you will be ahead in the long run!
Just my 2 cents.

[E46seca]

Any reason as to why you suggest that vs. sending it to Rolex for
New dial and hands ?? Thank you for your suggestion

[Watchflair]

Originally Posted by jdsal

I would source the dial and hand then have reputable watchmaker install and service. NOT send it to Rolex for a replacement Lumi dial and hands.
There are some nice match sets available here and on VRM time to time.
Be patient source the correct vintage dial and hand set, you will be ahead in the long run!
Just my 2 cents.

This is your best bet. DO NOT HAVE ROLEX PUT IN A NEW DIAL AND HANDS. The whole appeal of vintage is vintage. Source a set and have a reputable watchmaker install for you.

[harry in montreal]

Out of curiosity, was the watch competitively priced? My first sport rolex was an old gmt bought in ft. Lauderdale. It stopped running when I crossed the border into GA. It happens

[Robbyvm]

i would like to know if this watch comes from a know seller ...
did you ask the seller if he would take it back ? What was the answer and argumentation/explanation about the dial ?

it's a shame that you came to the forum to late but we all learned from mistakes

[Kingface66]

Sorry about the watch and the deal (who IS the seller?? Either he's a crook, or clueless)
Just a shame all around.

[descartes]

I have my doubts about the authenticity of the case too.

[E46seca]

Why would you doubt the case ?

[descartes]

Blatant fake dial +markings on case look off = doubts about the case

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by descartes

Blatant fake dial +markings on case look off = doubts about the case

I'm inclined to agree w descartes, or at least consider that the case is not real. The case back markings looks stamped, not engraved. Here's a 1981 Sea Dweller case back from HQ Milton. Notice the definition and detail, especially on the crowns. The one you have, the crowns look hardly detailed at all.
Not making a definitive claim, but just something to consider.

[E46seca]

No the case is real. It's exactly what another previously stated ( read above ) during 80-81 some cases didn't bring the "reg trademark" that much I knew because I read on that same subject before. Thanks for the input none the less

[E46seca]

I'm not worried about the case it's real I've compared it to other 1665 it's the same. Thanks watch flair I'll weight out my options and see what I do.

I just came on here to address the dial the rest of the watch has been verified...

[Watchflair]

Also keep in mind that us crazy watch nuts are the only ones who will notice stuff like this. I would leave it as is and source the right parts when you find them-no rush. You will learn a lot about the watch itself and the reference as you do more research. Don't rush into anything just yet in terms of repairs/new dials/old dials etc.

Congrats on the watch!

[E46seca]

Thanks flair greatly appreciate the compliment.
I'll start searching for dials. Any place you recommend ?


P.S I saw your page on Instagram pretty impressive collection