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ludo · 7 May 2019, 07:51 AM

Guys,

I am warming up to buy my next vintage rolex in the coming month after buying a pepsi 1675 last year.

I have always been drawn to the 1655 (non straight hand preferably) and also the El Primero Daytona 16520: we are in a 20-25k euros bracket.

Now I can't afford to buy both at the moment and as prices are rising fast these days for both, It's probable that by the time I can afford to buy the other maybe next year or so, it will be priced out of my league completly.

My question is witch one should I get first so that I may have a chance to still buy the other one 1-2 years down the road?

I sense that the 16520 is appreciating faster these days but is it true or just an inception powered by chrono24 and dealers since the 1655 is probably the rarer...

Any input appreciated!

Lastely I have found a 1655 that I tend to like (I am just starting my hunt though), with a faded to yellow freccione and a patina that speaks to me.

it's 1982 mk5 with an Mk4 bezel, no B&P.

But I am not sure about the bezel, I am having a hard time differentiating the Mk4 & the service ones on the photos.

Case and lugs seems fine too me but I don't have a profile of the crown side (probably a light polish or a recut, but who is really able to tell?).

Lume is a bit retracted on some plots but from what I have seen I don't think it is that uncommon, but can I rule out a relume ? (I have no uv shots).

Here are a few pics if anyone can point me to something I don't see? Any help greatly appreciated !!

Ludo

WatchBrothersLondon · 8 May 2019, 07:00 PM

Both of these references can vary dramatically on price depending on variants/condition/accessories etc. I would prioritize condition and look to purchase the best example I could find. Personally I feel the 1655 is undervalued, make of that what you will. Best of luck with the hunt.

SubKing · 10 May 2019, 02:12 AM

1655 hands down.

swish77 · 10 May 2019, 04:17 AM

Easy ... get the one you like better, and forget about valuations and price trends. That way you'll always have something you love, whether it's worth $1 or $1 million.

As for the 1655 posted above, looks like a pretty good example with cool patina, although I agree the lume is a little odd. I'd definitely ask for a UV photo. Appears to have a service bezel, not a Mark IV. The black lines are a little shorter on the service bezel. A service bezel wouldn't bother me at all, assuming everything else checks out, and as long as it's priced accordingly, of course.

Good luck in your hunt!

ludo · 20 May 2019, 07:28 AM

Many thanks for the help Guys !

I intend to buy both as I really love both alike for many years and will be pleased wether a 16520 or a 1655 comes first.

My fear is being outpriced on the one I don't buy now if I don't choose wisely because I can't afford both right now reasonably.

I agree prices can vary a lot within those references, but a late 1655 and a tritium W/T/U 16520 looks to be in the same ballpark as of today.

But will they 2 years down the road?

The 16520 prices seems to be skyrocketing right now, so maybe I should concentrate on this one or should look at the best condition I can afford in either reference and deal with the rest when it comes?

As for the 1655 pictured. After much reading I was under the impression that the 8/18 were almost ovals witch meant a MKIV bezel but I am not so sure anymore.

Does anyone have a definitive answer on this?

Many thanks Guys !!

Ludo

1665fan · 20 May 2019, 08:37 AM

Looks too nice probably a service bezel

inadeje · 20 May 2019, 11:08 AM

As 1665fan mentioned, its almost certainly a service bezel but, no bid deal. Rolex still offers bezels for these at service as an option, so I would not reject this due to the service bezel.

mineral · 21 May 2019, 12:56 AM

1655 is rarer and made in lesser quantities. Definitely 1655 for me. It is cool 70s design and so unique looking.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

1675-David · 21 May 2019, 01:09 AM

I don't see the dilemma here... 1655 all day long

Juhuatai · 21 May 2019, 01:54 AM

1655 for me as well. :)

ludo · 5 June 2019, 03:40 AM

Thanks Guys for the all the answers ! Seems like the 1655 has won here...

Still hesitating a bit, but will make up my mind while searching for the good one.

Many thanks to all !!

Mr.Rolex1 · 5 June 2019, 06:07 AM

1655 is more rare although Daytona craze may drive the 16520 higher still. These prices only 2 years were laughable!

psv · 5 June 2019, 06:21 AM

Daytona has a bigger cult following and will go higher in price, but buy the one that YOU love.

XavierM · 5 June 2019, 06:38 AM

If I had to choose, I would pick the 1655 first as it is probably more difficult to find a nice beautiful one than it is to find a nice 16520. You don’t want to end up in a situation where you buy a 16520 and a few weeks later you have the opportunity to buy the 1655 you’ve been dreaming of and can not afford it because you pulled the trigger on the Daytona (even if you’re of course always able to sell the 16520 anytime...)

On the other side, I don’t see the value of the 1655 increasing as much as the 16520 in one of 2 years. Daytona’s have almost always been rare, and to me will be the last bubble to burst if it bursts one day.

Regards,

7 May 2019, 07:51 AM	#1
ludo "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: france Posts: 22	1655 16520 Dilemma Guys, I am warming up to buy my next vintage rolex in the coming month after buying a pepsi 1675 last year. I have always been drawn to the 1655 (non straight hand preferably) and also the El Primero Daytona 16520: we are in a 20-25k euros bracket. Now I can't afford to buy both at the moment and as prices are rising fast these days for both, It's probable that by the time I can afford to buy the other maybe next year or so, it will be priced out of my league completly. My question is witch one should I get first so that I may have a chance to still buy the other one 1-2 years down the road? I sense that the 16520 is appreciating faster these days but is it true or just an inception powered by chrono24 and dealers since the 1655 is probably the rarer... Any input appreciated! Lastely I have found a 1655 that I tend to like (I am just starting my hunt though), with a faded to yellow freccione and a patina that speaks to me. it's 1982 mk5 with an Mk4 bezel, no B&P. But I am not sure about the bezel, I am having a hard time differentiating the Mk4 & the service ones on the photos. Case and lugs seems fine too me but I don't have a profile of the crown side (probably a light polish or a recut, but who is really able to tell?). Lume is a bit retracted on some plots but from what I have seen I don't think it is that uncommon, but can I rule out a relume ? (I have no uv shots). Here are a few pics if anyone can point me to something I don't see? Any help greatly appreciated !! Ludo Attached Images

20 May 2019, 11:08 AM	#7
inadeje 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Miami Watch: me lose count. Posts: 5,907	As 1665fan mentioned, its almost certainly a service bezel but, no bid deal. Rolex still offers bezels for these at service as an option, so I would not reject this due to the service bezel. __________________ ♛ 218206 Roman ♛ 116689 ♛ 126710BLRO ♛ 16520 white ♛ 16523 white ♛ 16610 ♛ 5513 Birth Year - ✠ Patek Philippe 5980/1R-001 - AP 26331ST Panda - Panerai Bronzo 671 & 111, Ω Speedmaster 1957 Broad Arrow, Cartier Santos XL - Montblanc TimeWalker Chrono 41

21 May 2019, 12:56 AM	#8
mineral "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 3,670	1655 is rarer and made in lesser quantities. Definitely 1655 for me. It is cool 70s design and so unique looking. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ Watching date changes every midnight

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8 May 2019, 07:00 PM	#2
WatchBrothersLondon 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2019 Real Name: Ben Location: London, UK Posts: 616	Both of these references can vary dramatically on price depending on variants/condition/accessories etc. I would prioritize condition and look to purchase the best example I could find. Personally I feel the 1655 is undervalued, make of that what you will. Best of luck with the hunt.

10 May 2019, 02:12 AM	#3
SubKing "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: USA Watch: where do i start?? Posts: 3,254	1655 hands down.

10 May 2019, 04:17 AM	#4
swish77 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Aaron Location: CT/NYC Watch: ing the time! Posts: 7,003	Easy ... get the one you like better, and forget about valuations and price trends. That way you'll always have something you love, whether it's worth $1 or $1 million. As for the 1655 posted above, looks like a pretty good example with cool patina, although I agree the lume is a little odd. I'd definitely ask for a UV photo. Appears to have a service bezel, not a Mark IV. The black lines are a little shorter on the service bezel. A service bezel wouldn't bother me at all, assuming everything else checks out, and as long as it's priced accordingly, of course. Good luck in your hunt!

20 May 2019, 07:28 AM	#5
ludo "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: france Posts: 22	Many thanks for the help Guys ! I intend to buy both as I really love both alike for many years and will be pleased wether a 16520 or a 1655 comes first. My fear is being outpriced on the one I don't buy now if I don't choose wisely because I can't afford both right now reasonably. I agree prices can vary a lot within those references, but a late 1655 and a tritium W/T/U 16520 looks to be in the same ballpark as of today. But will they 2 years down the road? The 16520 prices seems to be skyrocketing right now, so maybe I should concentrate on this one or should look at the best condition I can afford in either reference and deal with the rest when it comes? As for the 1655 pictured. After much reading I was under the impression that the 8/18 were almost ovals witch meant a MKIV bezel but I am not so sure anymore. Does anyone have a definitive answer on this? Many thanks Guys !! Ludo

20 May 2019, 08:37 AM	#6
1665fan "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: East coast Posts: 6,660	Looks too nice probably a service bezel

21 May 2019, 01:09 AM	#9
1675-David "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Stockholm Posts: 6,061	I don't see the dilemma here... 1655 all day long

21 May 2019, 01:54 AM	#10
Juhuatai 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Chicago Watch: 5508 & 9401 Posts: 641	1655 for me as well. :)

5 June 2019, 03:40 AM	#11
ludo "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: france Posts: 22	Thanks Guys for the all the answers ! Seems like the 1655 has won here... Still hesitating a bit, but will make up my mind while searching for the good one. Many thanks to all !!

5 June 2019, 06:07 AM	#12
Mr.Rolex1 Banned Join Date: Apr 2019 Real Name: Mike Location: San Diego, CA Watch: Submariner Posts: 1,197	1655 is more rare although Daytona craze may drive the 16520 higher still. These prices only 2 years were laughable!

5 June 2019, 06:21 AM	#13
psv 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: USA & France Posts: 11,078	Daytona has a bigger cult following and will go higher in price, but buy the one that YOU love.

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5 June 2019, 06:38 AM	#14
XavierM "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Paris, France Posts: 389	If I had to choose, I would pick the 1655 first as it is probably more difficult to find a nice beautiful one than it is to find a nice 16520. You don’t want to end up in a situation where you buy a 16520 and a few weeks later you have the opportunity to buy the 1655 you’ve been dreaming of and can not afford it because you pulled the trigger on the Daytona (even if you’re of course always able to sell the 16520 anytime...) On the other side, I don’t see the value of the 1655 increasing as much as the 16520 in one of 2 years. Daytona’s have almost always been rare, and to me will be the last bubble to burst if it bursts one day. Regards,