New to Rolex w/questions on 60's? Precision 6694

[tedward515]

Hi everyone, first time Rolex owner here. I’ve been lurking a little bit trying to get a feel for Rolex vs. Heuer’s that I know relatively well. I wasn’t planning on pulling the trigger yet but I recently picked up this Precision ref 6694 from a friend of a friend. The seller has a booth in the local flea market and deals with mostly junk watches but had this Precision that he wanted to sell fast(I think he needed rent). I ended up buying it, although it’s not an Air King that have been on the lookout for, I really do like it. It has great classic lines. It’s not in great shape but I think it can be brought around.

The case is well worn with no major dings and should clean up nicely. The movement is dirty and needs an overhaul. The dial appears to me to have been redialed/repainted and the crystal is missing the cyclops.

Anyway I’m not very well versed in Rolex and would appreciate any help in clarifying. I’m wondering a little if it’s a franken because some of it doesn’t seem to add up. It’s a ref# 6694, ser #7535XX (1957?) and the caseback is marked the 2nd quarter of 61. From what I can gather in searches this would be correct and date it to 1961?
The movement is marked as a cal 1210 which I thought was non-date and the cal 1215 was the date variant. As you can see it is a date movement, so I’m a little confused on which one it is. Is it really a 1215 and the mainplate has been replaced or swapped with a 1210, or was there a 1210 with date? Does the cal 1210 go with the ref 6426 and the cal 1215 go with the 9964?

And lastly the dial looks repainted to me, do you guys agree? Can you guys tell from the photos (not the best). I assume that originals come up for sale occasionally.

Thanks,

Eddie

[Tools]

Since most parts on the date and non date versions of movements are interchangeable, it is common to see date movements with the base numbers during the early years..

[vintagewaferthin]

Yes, i definatly think the dial is a refinish and not a very good one at that.

[andromeda160]

I was looking at oysterdate precisions and they just looked off to me, ended up with an oyster no date. I love the watch, mines on the original rolex oyster bracelet. wear it in good health! what did you pay if you don't mind me asking?

[tedward515]

Thanks for the input guys After doing a little bit of research I wondered if the mainplate was swapped at some point. Being new to world of Rolex I wanted to see what you guys had to say on the movement and dial.

andromeda160 I hear what you saying about being a little off with the date. Overall though I think its a classic looking watch and I look forward to wearing once its overhauled. I paid $540 for it, although I'm not sure if that is a good price for its condition.

Eddie

[andromeda160]

Originally Posted by tedward515

Thanks for the input guys After doing a little bit of research I wondered if the mainplate was swapped at some point. Being new to world of Rolex I wanted to see what you guys had to say on the movement and dial.

andromeda160 I hear what you saying about being a little off with the date. Overall though I think its a classic looking watch and I look forward to wearing once its overhauled. I paid $540 for it, although I'm not sure if that is a good price for its condition.

Eddie

I don't think you did too bad, figure you find an original rolex dial for it for about $100 max of 50 for the new dial install, you'll be in it under 700 and you should easily be able to get 8-1200 out of it.

[andromeda160]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/100-Original...ht_1470wt_1396


Theres a period correct dial, the matte black finish with the acrylic crystal gives it a good vintage vibe. I doubt that dial will sell for very much, might get it for around $50 if you're lucky.

[tedward515]

Thanks for the heads up on the dial, I will be watching that one.