Opinions please, vintage...

[Falstaff]

The dial is interesting....vintage blue, quite dark, but none of the usual associated lume-effect 'fall-out' damage that I'm used to seeing, plus very 'lumpy' gold text to my eyes....has it been gone over? Dodgy dial? Or all original? Or...?

Bracelet looks to be a folded-link from the late 60s onwards...

...still searching for that elusive first vintage Rolex.

Link here:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rare-Vint...19.m1438.l2649
Ben

[Richard Carver]

Looks like an original black dial that hasn't aged well. The watch itself doesn't look bad, I would want to see the gasket channel to check for corrosion. I don't keep up with prices very closely certainly not in the UK but is 1800 pounds (2500US) acceptable for a fairly average 6694? I have no idea.

You have some world class dealers there, Mike Wood and Haywood Milton come to mind who might be able to get you a nice watch in your budget whatever that might be. Vintage Rolex is a wonderful thing but make sure you get the best value you can.

[R.O.L.E.X]

I'm not sure of whether this particular model trades at a premium but if not it's quite overpriced. Realistically the fact it has a gilt dial doesn't make it worth around 600-800 pounds more to me. The dial design is pretty boring.

[Falstaff]

It's Ebay and a dealer so take the over-priced thing as a given...plus the 6694 is a fairly standard (pedestrian?) model and always lots about, but apart from that (and I think Richard is probably right about the dial)...does it look original font-wise?

Most black gilt I've seen from this period are patchy and brown-spotty when faded, rather than eveny subdued...though most I've seen have been slightly later.

Just curious...and I'm sure there are better out there....

[Richard Carver]

Originally Posted by R.O.L.E.X

I'm not sure of whether this particular model trades at a premium but if not it's quite overpriced. Realistically the fact it has a gilt dial doesn't make it worth around 600-800 pounds more to me. The dial design is pretty boring.

That isn't a gilt dial, it's a gold print dial. A gilt is produced by painting the dial and then cutting the letters through the paint into the brass plate below then it's covered with lacquer. This creates lettering that is actually concave. Once you see an actual gilt you won't make that mistake again.

[R.O.L.E.X]

Originally Posted by Richard Carver

That isn't a gilt dial, it's a gold print dial. A gilt is produced by painting the dial and then cutting the letters through the paint into the brass plate below then it's covered with lacquer. This creates lettering that is actually concave. Once you see an actual gilt you won't make that mistake again.

Fair point.. I don't care for dive watches so I've never taken the time to learn the difference.