Gilt dial without box/papers vs normal dial box and papers.

[Jimmy1989]

Hi, In your mind would you buy a Rolex with a gilt dial without the box and papers or would you buy a rolex without the gilt, with the box and papers. Assuming they are about the same price. Im looking specifically at a GMT 1675 from the 60's early 70's. Thanks!!!

[Vincent65]

I bought a gilt dial because I like them a lot. I like the matte dials too, but get the one you prefer. Box/papers are secondary - condition is key.

Gilt dial production ended around 1966, BTW.

[mike]

Condition of the watch is key. Dial, case, lugs, orginiaity, etc... are major factors.

Box and papers for vintage can add $$$ to the overall value of the package, but an 'issues" watch will always be a problem reguardless of the bits.

While there are those thatlook only for complete sets the reality is many watches had their box and papers tossed by the owners back in the day.

Who knew back in the era of the gilt dial what was to come.

[steptoe]

Originally Posted by mike

While there are those thatlook only for complete sets the reality is many watches had their box and papers tossed by the owners back in the day.

Hence why a full set from years ago is a cherished item, and may also indicate how much the original owner cared about his watch.

If you have a large choice of the same watch, as is the case with 99% of all vintage rolex, lets face it they aren't rare .. then consider how many of them have B&P.
Makes all the difference.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Vincent65

I bought a gilt dial because I like them a lot. I like the matte dials too, but get the one you prefer. Box/papers are secondary - condition is key.

Gilt dial production ended around 1966, BTW.

Have to agree although the original bits and pieces with vintage watches some might pay a premium. Myself buy condition of watch and if any service history that's my priority and not the packaging or a out dated warranty.

[77T]

Methinks that if you have question in your mind today, then you'll always have a qualm about the watch if you don't get the complete set.

Search your heart to see if you'll still love it without the box & papers.

Have to agree with others that the condition and price count more than anything.

[Robbyvm]

i prefer gilt on my wrist over a box any day

[Vincent65]

Originally Posted by Vincent65

I bought a gilt dial because I like them a lot. I like the matte dials too, but get the one you prefer. Box/papers are secondary - condition is key.

Gilt dial production ended around 1966, BTW.

This is the one I bought - from 1966 - it came with the original box and recent full service guarantee from RSC UK

[Michael M.]

Condition is first and foremost for me, original boxes/paperwork is very secondary for me and is the 'icing on the cake' when a nice condition piece happens to be accompanied by them.

[Cortezthekiller]

Gilt, no box if you are wearing it. White with box if it's for display. I only wear my watches, so boxes would go to storage anyway.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Jimmy1989

Hi, In your mind would you buy a Rolex with a gilt dial without the box and papers or would you buy a rolex without the gilt, with the box and papers. Assuming they are about the same price. Im looking specifically at a GMT 1675 from the 60's early 70's. Thanks!!!

Apples n' oranges..

box and papers are only important if they are important to you; as mentioned several times, condition of the watch is paramount. If you want a gilt dial then the answer is obvious.

If the non-gilt is from a gilt era, the watch is flawed and it doesn't matter what it comes with. Box and papers cannot make up for a questionable watch.

[CrownMe]

Condition is key. I could care less about the papers. Yes you can sell them in the future for more but u will also have to spend more to obtain them unless you get very lucky.

I have box and papers for my snowflake and they sit in the safe and rarely see daylight. While there cool to have i just prefer to have a watch in top condition. While some collectors " might" care about box and papers. ALL collectors care about the watch.

[Rickster]

Tough choice. I love a full set. I'm probably wrong but personally I see way more gilt gmt for sale then I see complete set gmt. I'd go with the full set all other things the same

[Michael M.]

A nice 5512 Gilt in my collection that happened to have original paperwork.