Rolex 1655 - Need expert advice!!

[opresso]

Hello all,
I have always admired the 1655. I ran across an upcoming estate sale that shows a poor photo of a "Rolex" watch. To put in context, it is a small auction house that is representing an estate sale with farm equipment and antique furniture (not a seasoned auction company). Out of nowhere is this watch in the few photos they have. There is not much description for the watch but I can at least tell it is a 1655. There is not enough detail in the photo to make a good assessment so I will be there in person. I am driving 8 hours just to roll the dice for this hopefully unique find. I "hope" they do not realize what they have beyond it being a rolex as listed. I would VERY MUCH appreciate some feedback from any 1655 experts on this forum. What beside these items should I be looking for?:
- Correct serial series
- Correct bracelet with folded links
- Correct 1575 Movement
- Even patina that is plausible to be between 70-73
- Docs of course but I doubt there are any
Any and all help is GREATLY appreciated! The 1655 is my grail/unicorn and this is the closest I have been in regards to hope.
Thanks and Regards,
JB

[AS1]

Sounds exciting! I think one of the most important things is that you read up and take a copy of the attached piece so you can match up the dial/bezel and see if it is ok. I have seen so many of these which have been faked... Good luck and I hope you can get your grail!

http://stefanomazzariol.blogspot.com...22freccione%22

[Beaumont Miller II]

Good luck the above link will be very helpful. In my opinion it is the best write up on the reference.

[Beaumont Miller II]

PM sent.

[NyOO768]

Hey JB,

Assuming we are looking at the same picture from the auction nearby, I believe that the crown and markers seem off.... from the picture it looks like the crown bears the "Bart Simpson" crown with Hour Markers that don't seem to touch the edge of the case.

The 1655 from the Early 70's should have a "Frog footed" dial with a pale orange to yellow 24Hr Hand.

If that doesn't pan out, you could always reach out to Jacek, Eric, or Andrew for the 1655! Cheers my friend and Happy Hunting!!!

[opresso]

Thanks to ALL of you for the link and info! Here is the only photo of the watch.
JB

[jdmi32]

Would need to see better pics, but based on that one photo I'm not sure it's a 71-73 period dial (MK1 or MK2). Serial number is needed to see if it should have a straight or lollipop seconds hand.

[opresso]

Thanks for the pointer. I will add this to the list of things to review once I see the watch in person. This is unfortunately the only photo available. I would ask the auctioneer for more but am trying to reduce the amount of focus on this watch by them. I do have case openers and will of course remove the bracelet when I am there to review the lugs.

[Beaumont Miller II]

I would stay home.
It looks like it might say T Swiss T at the bottom not T SWISS <25 which would make it a mk 1,2, or 3. It's not a rail dial which would make it a mk 1 or 2. And that is not the correct coronet for a 1 or a 2.
I don't recognize the coronet as being correct at all.
In addition I don't like the hands.
This all from one crappy pic. The dial doesn't look good to me though.
Save your gas.

[Mark020]

^^hear hear

[opresso]

Thanks very much gentlemen. Not what I was hoping for but exactly what I needed! I have tried to make sense of this since this thing popped up. The auction seems to be centered around a countryside farmhouse. At first, I thought it may be plausible for a rare bird to show up on a farm. Unfortunately, it may just be that replicas penetrate deep into the country setting as well. I do appreciate the time and advice that has been given!!