1655 opinions please

[augustusblack]

Hello all,
On the hunt for a 1655... Found this late serial number and would like opinions... Any info would be appreciated

[augustusblack]

Additional pics

[ref1655]

I'm looking at mine right now...

based on the T SWISS < 25 T, the 24 hour bezel numbers more centered + the lollipop second hand, yours looks like a Mk4 or Mk5 (circa 1977-1980).

the original Mk! will have T SWISS T, the 24 hour bezel numbers closer to the dial & a straight second hand.

the crown guards are also more pronounced on the later 1655s...similar to a GMT.

another way to check the originality of the dial/hands is to see how well (or poorly) they glow in the dark. tritium has a half-life of about 12.3 years. My Mk1 is over 42 years old & no longer illuminates. being that these specific models are going to be at least 35 years old, I'd be suspicious of one that looked too NOS unless it was intentionally restored or never worn. sometimes the tritium will turn to a soft cream color (patina) & the orange hand coloration will have faded to yellow or even white. this usually occurs with age and/or if the watch has been stored for awhile in a dark place (i.e. box, drawer etc.).

[augustusblack]

Thank you for response... Serial puts this watch towards the end of the production so you are correct from what I understand... There is no sign of glow at all so I don't believe it is a redial... The is a hairline crack in gmt lume but only visible using 10x loupe so again that would indicate original hand based on information I have gathered...

Does case appear to be overly polished or in line with a 30-40 year old watch that has been serviced?

Overall I think watch looks pretty clean but definitely wanted to hear from experts... I would be purchasing as an everyday wearer so not hugely concerned with buying an earlier investment grade watch although a straight hand or rail dial would be really neat to have

Thanks for input... Invaluable resource

[swish77]

I just bought a 1655, so I spent a ton of time poring over different models/photos ...

This looks to be a nice 1655, and late production, as your say. However, your photos are small, so it's tough to get a close look at the dial and patina. Cracking tritium on the GMT hand is pretty common because it's such a large area.

That case has definitely been polished quite a bit, and the crown-side lugs look a little thinner, but overall it looks not too bad from what I can see. Nice chamfers. Do you have details of the service history, at least recent service? And what's the beginning of the serial number? I personally would look for a fatter case, but a lot would depend on the price. We all like unpolished cases, of course, but it's usually not realistic, and the super fat cases will cost a lot more.

This is a great breakdown of the 1655s, if you haven't read it already:

http://stefanomazzariol.blogspot.com...freccione.html

[offrdmania]

Are those lug legs that short though? Those that ive seen seem to have the bracelet pin holes out toward the end of the leg. Im curious to know now.

[augustusblack]

Larger photos

[augustusblack]

a few more

[augustusblack]

2 others i am currently considering... I would leave case as is on the one that shows some wear and just deal with crystal.. Other wouldn't be touched..

[J!m]

I'm far from an expert on this reference but I see no bracelet wear on the back of the lugs... That always causes my antennae to extend. A freshly restored/refinished case?

Or worst case: a replacement case.

Again, not an expert but check the case very carefully (I certainly would!) against other known examples.

[augustusblack]

No question it has been refinished... Not expecting non refinished but was curious about whether or not is has been over done... As an aside, obviously I am aware these are different years/dial variations...

[augustusblack]

And here are photos of pin depth on original watch for reference... Doesn't look close to edge but i am no expert... All of theses cases look tiny to me compared to my ceramic sub and ceramic sd :)

[augustusblack]

812XXX serial

[ref1655]

I'm far from an expert on these models as well & it's interesting to note the minor variations between versions (i.e. chamfering, bezel/dial combinations etc.).

I'm curious how many 1655s were manufactured before Rolex re-styled the model line...unlike the venerable GMTs & Submariners. it looks like they decided to opt for a more contemporary appearance/presentation with the current versions.

the design strategy apparently proved successful from a sales standpoint as there are far more 'modern' Explorer IIs being purchased & worn than the original style. from what I understand, the 1655 was never a big seller but it stands alone in terms of overall uniqueness.

[augustusblack]

So for comparison sake... The MK2 would be a hefty premium over the other 2 to the tune of approx $3500... Worth it?

[ref1655]

the Mk2 will always be more desirable from a vintage/collectible standpoint...depending upon the originality & integrity of its components.

$3500.00 over how much for the other ones? are you purchasing from a private party or jewelry store?

[J!m]

I'd go for the straight hand just because they are rather rare. Since the lume doesn't work now anyway, no benefit to the lume plot on the seconds hand now!

But take note of the bracelet wear on the back of the latest pictures- that is what I expect to see on an older watch, no matter how clean.

Since the entire case was obviously refinished, I'd personally be leery of that one.