1655 Question

[newkidonblock4]

Hello Everyone!

Thank you for taking the time to read my post.

I am thinking about getting a 1655. I have the ability to buy this one.

Was just seeing what people thought and their opinions on the watch. All feedback is welcome!

Thanks!

[newkidonblock4]

more pics

[Dan S]

Looks ok to me at first glance. It would be helpful if you could add the first digits of the serial. Subjectively, I don't find the appearance of the lume to be very appealing, but perhaps that is due to poor lighting in the photos.

[newkidonblock4]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Looks ok to me at first glance. It would be helpful if you could add the first digits of the serial. Subjectively, I don't find the appearance of the lume to be very appealing, but perhaps that is due to poor lighting in the photos.

Thanks Dan!

I just asked for it.

[newkidonblock4]

It is a 3.5 or 3.6m serial he said (was from memory so wasn't exact but said he'll get me exact info momentarily).

Here are some more pictures

[TurboWatch]

You have a MK 2 dial and MK 2 bezel, and that is correct for the serial range :)
However, the case has been unprofessionally polished. The lugs are pretty soft.
Depending on the price ...

[newkidonblock4]

Originally Posted by TurboWatch

You have a MK 2 dial and MK 2 bezel, and that is correct for the serial range :)
However, the case has been unprofessionally polished. The lugs are pretty soft.
Depending on the price ...

Thank you for the reply!

It's good price so I was thinking of getting it refinished at rolliworks.

Do you think it'd be worth it? I know people going back and forth about how they feel about laser welding...

[TurboWatch]

Hey, I'd try to get it as low as possible. I wouldn't want to pay anything over $15k-$16K for it.

[newkidonblock4]

Originally Posted by TurboWatch

Hey, I'd try to get it as low as possible. I wouldn't want to pay anything over $15k-$16K for it.

Thank you Turbo! I'll see what I can do :D

[baumare]

Yes the watch looks a bit tiered and the polishing didn't help, but I like it, the fact that dial and insert are correct is so important, so many have been replaced.
The bracelet seems a more recent one, I believe it should be 7836 with 380 endlinks and the 78360 came around 1974, not a bad thing but maybe something you can tell the seller

[newkidonblock4]

Originally Posted by baumare

Yes the watch looks a bit tiered and the polishing didn't help, but I like it, the fact that dial and insert are correct is so important, so many have been replaced.
The bracelet seems a more recent one, I believe it should be 7836 with 380 endlinks and the 78360 came around 1974, not a bad thing but maybe something you can tell the seller

Appreciate the feedback! Thank you very much. I wonder if I can lower the price with that bracelet knowledge.

[baumare]

Originally Posted by newkidonblock4

Appreciate the feedback! Thank you very much. I wonder if I can lower the price with that bracelet knowledge.

Probably not, it may have been sold with that bracelet because your serial number is between the years when Rolex change the bracelet

[swish77]

I'd consider that a mediocre example, although nothing jumps out as terrible. I'd pass regardless of price. I assume you'd be in the neighborhood of $20K give or take, and you'd be much better off spending more to get a better example, IMHO.

I agree with comments above about the lume not being attractive, and the case polish. I actually think the case still has some meat on it, but the refinishing seems sloppy, especially on the crown guards.

Here's my (former) 1655 that was also an MK2 dial/bezel. You'd want it to have a crisp/fresh appearance like this, which seems to be lacking in the OP's example.

[newkidonblock4]

Yeah it's under 20k, which is why I was considering it.

Beautiful 1655 example! Sorry that thing isn't with you anymore but it's gorgeous.

Originally Posted by swish77

I'd consider that a mediocre example, although nothing jumps out as terrible. I'd pass regardless of price. I assume you'd be in the neighborhood of $20K give or take, and you'd be much better off spending more to get a better example, IMHO.

I agree with comments above about the lume not being attractive, and the case polish. I actually think the case still has some meat on it, but the refinishing seems sloppy, especially on the crown guards.

Here's my (former) 1655 that was also an MK2 dial/bezel. You'd want it to have a crisp/fresh appearance like this, which seems to be lacking in the OP's example.

[swish77]

Originally Posted by newkidonblock4

Yeah it's under 20k, which is why I was considering it.

Beautiful 1655 example! Sorry that thing isn't with you anymore but it's gorgeous.

Thanks! Needed to sell it to fund a DRSD.

Good luck in the hunt, but keep in mind that there are few bargains out there in the crazy world of vintage Rolex.

There's a reason that example is under $20K. Always, always better to pay a little more for a stronger example, even if it's slightly (within reason) over current market value. I learned that the hard way years ago. What seems expensive today most likely will seem cheap a couple of years from now.

[newkidonblock4]

Originally Posted by swish77

Thanks! Needed to sell it to fund a DRSD.

Good luck in the hunt, but keep in mind that there are few bargains out there in the crazy world of vintage Rolex.

There's a reason that example is under $20K. Always, always better to pay a little more for a stronger example. I learned that the hard way years ago.

DRSD

And thanks man! Yeah its true. Definitely better to pay the extra cash upfront vs having to buy the worse watch, get filled with regret, sell it, and then end up buying the more expensive watch anyway haha. Learned that already with a 1675.

[mbc]

This can be a tough (caring) crowd. Perhaps I’m getting soft in my age, but I don’t think the OP’s example is out of the realm of consideration. 15k-16k for an MK2 dial / MK2 bezel seems a tall order in this market, but certainly give it a try.

If you want a more pristine example, you’ll be way into the 20s and need to decide if that’s worth it to you....

I’d be proud to wear that watch and this is coming from someone with an 2.77mm MK2 dial, MK1 bezel bought from original owner’s nephew...




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[storm66]

Mine is far from perfect or pristine but I think it’s easy to forget that they are a tool watch and 30-40 years old!


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