6204 help

[s4dan]

Guys really need your help on this 6204.

Got a chance to purchase this beauty....but it's not working at the moment. Know it will probably cost me approx £1000.00 to get it ticking again. Before I make any sort of commitment on this fantastic piece, would anybody know of a ballpark figure of what it would realisticlly be worth when up and running. I think I know what price will secure it, but keen to get your opinions.

No strap, No box or papers but a great story behind this watch, which I'll share at a later date if it all works out.

Thanks guys

[harry in montreal]

I think you also need people to comment on the dial... relumed or refinished? i cannot tell if its untouched or redone. this is a huge proportion of the value of this watch

[s4dan]

Initial thoughts are that the dial looks good, when comparing to some other pics I've seen, although concerned by the lack of "swiss" on the dial.

Here's a couple of movement pics:

[Michael M.]

The lack of "swiss" makes me believe that the dial is a early redo. Since the dial is refinished/redone that greatly de values the watch. I would estimate this at maybe $15,000 USD ...others should chime in soon

[s4dan]

Originally Posted by Michael M.

The lack of "swiss" makes me believe that the dial is a early redo. Since the dial is refinished/redone that greatly de values the watch. I would estimate this at maybe $15,000 USD ...others should chime in soon

Compared to the "Blackout Sub" on the DRSD site the dial looks pretty good and comparable and as stated there were several variations...one of which may have omitted "swiss" or is that crazy to think that. Don't want to miss out on this, but want it to be right.

See doubleredseadweller.com for reference info.

[Michael M.]

You're right Dan,, watch looks exactly like the DRSD one!! It it is original..maybe $25,000 but the dial is a bit rough (from what looks like water damage).

[harry in montreal]

are those the right hour and minute hands? i thought they would be mercedes. the sec hand looks correct to me.

[kyle L]

Originally Posted by harry in montreal

are those the right hour and minute hands? i thought they would be mercedes. the sec hand looks correct to me.

Yes, they're called pencil hands I think.



(from vrf archives) Also notice that it has the same kind of aging.

[Michael M.]

Originally Posted by kyle L

Yes, they're called pencil hands I think.



(from vrf archives) Also notice that it has the same kind of aging.

Exactly

[mdw3]

Rare watch, very original. In the best and worst of ways. Dial is all correct, but very distressed, to the point of being unappealing to most collectors who would consider such a model. $25,000 would be dreaming for this particular example. I think a fraction of that for this kind of condition. Cool watch, though.

Michael

[s4dan]

Originally Posted by mdw3

Rare watch, very original. In the best and worst of ways. Dial is all correct, but very distressed, to the point of being unappealing to most collectors who would consider such a model. $25,000 would be dreaming for this particular example. I think a fraction of that for this kind of condition. Cool watch, though.

Michael

I agree that the dial is distressed, more through age than water damage though, but all the important elements of the dial are still present and in good order i.e. the wording, crown, minute track etc.

or on this one guys

[cruvon]

To my eyes the dial and lume look very distressed and I wouldn't buy it even though as the guys here have stated, all the originality boxes tick. Even moreso if I plan wearing it. But beauty is in the eyes of the beholder so it's important it appeals to you!

Btw was the absence of "Swiss" on the dial because it depended on which company sourced the dial for Rolex? I know with some other vintage brands that was the case where some of the same reference dials had "SWISS" or "SWISS MADE" and some dials didn't have it..

[Mark020]

I think the watch is legit and I'd love to own it but it all comes down to the price. Finding a new (2nd hand) dial will be very hard not to mention the hands...

[mdw3]

Originally Posted by s4dan

I agree that the dial is distressed, more through age than water damage though, but all the important elements of the dial are still present and in good order i.e. the wording, crown, minute track etc.

or on this one guys

You seem to be determined to buy this watch, and are looking for validation from the forum for your purchase. You still haven't told us the price range in which you are intending to purchase it, and that will really make all the difference in this case. The watch is not nice enough for most serious collectors, plain and simple. Yes, it is a rare and collectible model. Yes, it has all original components (and by the way, I think the "Swiss" is there on the dial, it is just obscured by poor photography).

So if you are buying it for something around or under $10,000, and you don't care if you own it for a while, then by all means go ahead. But if you are paying significantly more, and you plan to offer it for resale or you think you may tire of it soon enough and need the money at that point, then you should think hard. I've said it before and I will repeat it again in this case: just because something is rare and original does not mean it is desirable. And desirability is what ultimately determines price.

Michael

[s4dan]

Originally Posted by mdw3

You seem to be determined to buy this watch, and are looking for validation from the forum for your purchase. You still haven't told us the price range in which you are intending to purchase it, and that will really make all the difference in this case. The watch is not nice enough for most serious collectors, plain and simple. Yes, it is a rare and collectible model. Yes, it has all original components (and by the way, I think the "Swiss" is there on the dial, it is just obscured by poor photography).

So if you are buying it for something around or under $10,000, and you don't care if you own it for a while, then by all means go ahead. But if you are paying significantly more, and you plan to offer it for resale or you think you may tire of it soon enough and need the money at that point, then you should think hard. I've said it before and I will repeat it again in this case: just because something is rare and original does not mean it is desirable. And desirability is what ultimately determines price.

Michael

Definitely not determined to buy it and not looking for the forum members to validate the purchase, just keen to use the combined experience and knowledge to be found here, in an effort to canvas opinions which will help me make an informed decision.

[harry in montreal]

Danny, i dont think the dial is in such bad condition. i prefer a distressed dial over minty one for various reasons. something like this is hard to appraise. the best advice is that if you ever get sick of it, you could auction her in the UK. anything could happen. i would be surprised if serious collectors were to pass on it based on condition. however, mdw3's best point is that you should avoid getting into it if you dont like wearing it. if you like a big 40mm case, it may not be the watch for you. i think the case is smaller than 40, but you may want to consider this. the exit strategy could be time consuming, so consider this.

[Mark020]

Dial is IMHO redone and I don't think this watch is worth USD 10k.

[Mar122]

I think you should buy it. I know I would but the price has to be right.

[RC2]

I think it looks like it spent time on the bottom of the english channel. But I like relatively clean dials. Rich

[s4dan]

Originally Posted by RC2

I think it looks like it spent time on the bottom of the english channel. But I like relatively clean dials. Rich

...but try finding one of these with a relatively clean dial, which hasn't been completely refinished.

[topcat30093]

Dan, I shall expect a phone call this weekend, to tell me more about this find!!!!!

[s4dan]

Brief update

Well I decided not proceed with this watch, but did pass the details onto a couple of interested forum members, one of whom did make the leap on it.
The watch arrived with the purchaser earlier this week and as expected there is a bit of work to do on it, but time is not an issue as he wants it for his collection.
Sure it will appear either here or on VRF in the fullness of time.

[Philipp]

Originally Posted by s4dan

Initial thoughts are that the dial looks good, when comparing to some other pics I've seen, although concerned by the lack of "swiss" on the dial.

Here's a couple of movement pics:

Its all original...Cheers!

[Philipp]

Originally Posted by s4dan

Guys really need your help on this 6204.

Got a chance to purchase this beauty....but it's not working at the moment. Know it will probably cost me approx £1000.00 to get it ticking again. Before I make any sort of commitment on this fantastic piece, would anybody know of a ballpark figure of what it would realisticlly be worth when up and running. I think I know what price will secure it, but keen to get your opinions.

No strap, No box or papers but a great story behind this watch, which I'll share at a later date if it all works out.

Thanks guys

Its all original! double cheers!

[Philipp]

"$25,000 would be dreaming for this particular example. I think a fraction of that for this kind of condition. Cool watch, though.
"

--> As it's rare and all original, I think in the right auction, it will fetch 25k$, try the Geneva salesrooms

Happily for you, I tuned in! ;-) Once you did your deal, you buy me dinner! ;-))

Honestly, i LOVE the patina...fresh gilt on the hands, partly by radium dust & waterdammage destroyed lacquer, little brown, correct hands, bezel, it's cool!

[s4dan]

Originally Posted by Philipp

"$25,000 would be dreaming for this particular example. I think a fraction of that for this kind of condition. Cool watch, though.
"

--> As it's rare and all original, I think in the right auction, it will fetch 25k$, try the Geneva salesrooms

Happily for you, I tuned in! ;-) Once you did your deal, you buy me dinner! ;-))

Honestly, i LOVE the patina...fresh gilt on the hands, partly by radium dust & waterdammage destroyed lacquer, little brown, correct hands, bezel, it's cool!

NOOO!! Don't tell me that . Too late! it's in someone elses hands now...perhaps I should have negotiated a finders fee.

[Philipp]

Originally Posted by s4dan

NOOO!! Don't tell me that . Too late! it's in someone elses hands now...perhaps I should have negotiated a finders fee.

Thats a pitty!! Sorry for you, I was to late to help you! ;-(

[jedly1]

$25k ...have you been in the bar all night phillip ??

if you have a customer who will pay that P , let me know im sure the new owner will let you have it for that !!!! :)

[s4dan]

Originally Posted by jedly1

$25k ...have you been in the bar all night phillip ??

if you have a customer who will pay that P , let me know im sure the new owner will let you have it for that !!!! :)

I can guarantee it and perhaps then I'd get my finders fee

[Philipp]

Originally Posted by jedly1

$25k ...have you been in the bar all night phillip ??

if you have a customer who will pay that P , let me know im sure the new owner will let you have it for that !!!! :)

I'm on my way... but tomorrow I still think the same, lots of potential due to it's rarity and originality