Should I stay away from dirty lume on 1665?

[jonnycyli]

I got infected with the vintage Rolex bug lately and now I have my eyes on a 1665.

All seems ok to my untrained eyes except there are slightly dirt marks on the lume markers.

Should I stay away from these 'dirty' dials?

Appreciate your help.




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[swish77]

Sometimes it's too much, but it seems pretty minor on that 1665. If everything else checked out, that alone wouldn't keep me from buying the watch. Nice patina.

[sensui]

All depends on your taste...that amount wouldn't bother me. Keep in mind you're not looking at these normally with a loupe..and if you did I suggest you not pursue vintage...there's always something.

[fusionstorm]

If the price is right.........

[V.lats97nsx]

You should stay away and let the next guy buy it.

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[tamiya]

Originally Posted by jonnycyli

Should I stay away from these 'dirty' dials?

Is this your first & only unit you'll be buying?


Vintage game is more interesting because of chase for increasing perfection.

Often it's buy the best you find, then a better one eventually turns up.


I'd be worst guy to ask opinion from, because if you believe the wife she'll tell you I'm likely to end up owning BOTH units... and the next, and the next...

(hint, don't keep more than 1 in each room together. It's harder for wife to spot multiples if you keep them spread far apart... then it'll look like same 1)

[jonnycyli]

Originally Posted by tamiya

Is this your first & only unit you'll be buying?





Vintage game is more interesting because of chase for increasing perfection.



Often it's buy the best you find, then a better one eventually turns up.





I'd be worst guy to ask opinion from, because if you believe the wife she'll tell you I'm likely to end up owning BOTH units... and the next, and the next...



(hint, don't keep more than 1 in each room together. It's harder for wife to spot multiples if you keep them spread far apart... then it'll look like same 1)

Very good advice 🤣


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[clem2192]

Originally Posted by jonnycyli

I got infected with the vintage Rolex bug lately and now I have my eyes on a 1665.

All seems ok to my untrained eyes except there are slightly dirt marks on the lume markers.

Should I stay away from these 'dirty' dials?

Appreciate your help.




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From that photo I believe I may know the seller and have brought from him previously. A top guy to deal with, very knowledgeable and always willing to help.

As stated previously patina is taste thing, some like the more creamy patina and some like the dark pumpkin patina its horses for courses.

Contact the seller and request some more photos in different lighting (which he will be more than willing to if it's who I think it is) and then make your decision from that. Very nice watch IMO though

R

[Golf&Watches]

Originally Posted by jonnycyli

I got infected with the vintage Rolex bug lately and now I have my eyes on a 1665.

All seems ok to my untrained eyes except there are slightly dirt marks on the lume markers.

Should I stay away from these 'dirty' dials?

Appreciate your help.




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I like that example a lot. The dials patina appeals to me, and the case looks very good. Go for it!

[jonnycyli]

Originally Posted by Golf&Watches

I like that example a lot. The dials patina appeals to me, and the case looks very good. Go for it!

Cheers, being a newbie in the vintage world maybe I am worrying too much.


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[tamiya]

Originally Posted by jonnycyli

Cheers, being a newbie in the vintage world maybe I am worrying too much.

I would worry more about "unstable" ... trying to foretell if bits will crack & falloff.

Then you got problem, you gotta get it fixed & repairing it becomes less original. Or do you go find another dial etc etc. Plus if you've paid premium for originality.

[jonnycyli]

Originally Posted by tamiya

I would worry more about "unstable" ... trying to foretell if bits will crack & falloff.



Then you got problem, you gotta get it fixed & repairing it becomes less original. Or do you go find another dial etc etc. Plus if you've paid premium for originality.

Is this sort of stain 'unstable' and gonna get worse in the future?


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[tamiya]

Originally Posted by jonnycyli

Is this sort of stain 'unstable' and gonna get worse in the future?

I don't think I'd call that a stain, it's just aged yellowing afaik & appears even across the dial

But if any moisture gets in yeah things can go downhill pretty quick. Brown, crumbling, rust & mold. Worse still in humid tropics.

Just because it's a survivor today doesn't it's forever immune to further damage

[roh123]

Since you ask I am guessing it bothers you. That should give you your answer.

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by tamiya

I don't think I'd call that a stain, it's just aged yellowing afaik & appears even across the dial

I think he's referring (primarily) to the dark marks on the 5, 6 and 7 o'clock plots. They do look like stains of some sort.

Originally Posted by roh123

Since you ask I am guessing it bothers you. That should give you your answer.

Great point. And if it's bothering you now, (before even owning it!) there's a pretty good chance your eyes are gonna focus on those spots every time you look at it. Maybe you'll get used to it, maybe not. Shame is, the rest of the watch looks great!

[tamiya]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

I think he's referring (primarily) to the dark marks on the 5, 6 and 7 o'clock plots. They do look like stains of some sort.

Possibly, I earlier thought they looked more like distortion/shadow from domed crystal & reflections from inside edge of bezel sometimes rusty.

Vintage I prefer to inspect in person if ever possible

[jonnycyli]

Thanks for all your input guys, I have decided to go for it. Will post some pics once I got it :)


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[jonnycyli]

Finally got the watch, it's a beauty :)




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[soundserious]

Real beauty! Congrats

[Sky21]

Looks really nice, that’s a great first vintage Rolex. I’m sure it won’t be your last.

[DLRIDES]

Far too "dirty" for wear, send it to me for safekeeping.

[clock]

Congrats! An excellent example. Love the patina.