Ref 1675 Bracelet Question

[chillviper]

I was in an AD today and they had a fully Rolex-refurbished 1965 Ref 1675 Pepsi. It was beautiful. It had a new oyster bracelet, crown, dial, bezel and hands. The part I found odd was the clasp was essentially the same "style" as I have on my 1995 Date.

Were they using that style then and when did they switch to the fliplock clasp.

Any guesses what they wanted for it?

[HL65]

Well--What I can tell you is that if you are buying a 1965 1675-you don't want one with a new dial and hands. Also--I shy away from cases that are polished or too polished I should say. As for the bracelet-I wear all of my vintage watches on new 91350 bracelets with 580 ends--preserving the original ones in storage--not just for looks but for comfort vs. an older rivit bracelet. As for what they want and what it is worth-2 different numbers I am sure. My guess would be they want $7k for it. What is worth--not much to me as they took away the value for a collector. One more note-They switched to the 9315 folded link bracelet with flip lock in 72.

[chillviper]

Yeah, it was definitely not a 93150 bracelet. The case was definitely shiny. I suppose that's just what Rolex does when they service and replace everything. They wanted $5K for it, I believe, with the 2 year Rolex warranty. It was definitely sharp looking. I would be buying it for looks not collectability or adherence to the original reference. Did Rolex switch to the 93150 bracelet at some point or is that just the one taken from a Sub? I was eyeing it as it was the same reference and close to the same year as a few Apollo astronauts wore, although theirs seems to have the 93150 bracelet with the fliplock.

[HL65]

The 93150 bracelet is the update to the 9315 bracelet--also far more comfortable! The old rivit ones from the 60's are really uncomfortable--again I have all of mine in safe in bags!! $5k sounds right if you just want a cool watch and don't care about originality.

[mike]

If serviced by Rolex they probably put a new 78360 bracelet on it as that's the current replacement. Nice bracelet and one that will absolutely serve you well.

The era of the watch puts it in the gilt dial range as originally issued. The replacement dial etc... impacts the value, but as a daily wear you have all the functionality the watch originally had.

[Tools]

I agree with mike.. The 93150 Sub style bracelet was an option for the GMT, but typically they came with the 7836/0, and later the 78390, so that could be an acceptable service replacement and I prefer the flip-lock that the early clasps did not have..

If it's a Rolex rebuild, and has the service paper to prove it, I might try to get a few bucks off and then get it.. They don't make them any more and it would be a fantastic addition/daily wear...

It's not for collectors who want originality, but my feeling is that somebody needs to rescue the early models.... it might as well be me.... or you......

[chillviper]

Yeah, it was pretty sharp and definitely different, compared to my GMT IIc :-) I do prefer the FLiplock, as on my SD4000.

[HL65]

I agree with you guys! I use 93150's to replace mine for comfort and keep the originals in storage.

[chillviper]

Any concerns regarding water with that model? I think it was a 50M designation. And when I say water, I solely mean washing your hands, etc. I don't even think twice about water, showers etc with any of my other Rolex references, which are all 330 or 4000 ft. But this one being a vintage...

Also, what would a 93150 bracelet go for? Guess I'd be looking on eBay or Sales Forum etc.

[HL65]

I just bought 2 for $600 each in great shape--both tight! I have paid as much as $950 for a new one. If I can get a used one in great shape and save the money all the better. I think washing your hands is ok--although someone mught disagree!!

[Newportkrieger]

I would be looking here in the classified section for a 1675. There are frequently nice 1675's with RSC replacement parts/service that can be had for less than $5k with correct bracelets and parts.

[HL65]

X2!

[Tools]

If an early 1675/0 has been maintained, seals replaced, and pressure tests good, then it is watertight and I wouldn't concern myself with that aspect.

Of course, I would be cautious because they don't make parts for them any more, so you always want to recognize the risk should some misadventure arise......

Just because it's old doesn't man that it suddenly sprung a bunch of leaks......

[baxta69]

Isnt the 1675 the nipple watch?

[HL65]

The 1675 can be a matte dial or a gilt dial with different varietions--ie. rail dial matte or perhaps a closed chapter ring gilt etc..(those are only 2 of the multiple variations).

[chillviper]

I couldn't resist. I bought it. Got them down to $4500 on it. I had them get on the phone with the RSC and as it had just come back from them, Rolex would switch the bracelet for the 93150 one for about $750 which includes the upcharge and restocking on the 78360.

They are also going to modify the bracelet, as they had to with my SD4000 to make it fit me. Now I have to wait for it to come back :-( They took almost 6 weeks to modify the bracelet on my SD.

[HL65]

Congrats!!! Look forward to seeing the pictures!!!

[chillviper]

Can't wait to get it back from the RSC! I just love the matte dial, raised acrylic crystal and smaller case (compared to my IIc).

[Tools]

Looks good..........It should last for a lifetime now.

[chillviper]

I really need a case now. I have them sitting on a washcloth in a drawer! The problem is finding a case that with pillows that accommodates a 6.5" wrist size. Most I have tried you need the strength of Hercules to close the clasp on the pillows.