First Vintage Watch Purchase - Opinions Needed

[Timetogetawatch]

I own two modern Rolexes (116520 and 116610LN) and am looking to purchase my first vintage Rolex: Ref 1002 OP34 with Sigma dial from 1975. I found this example online and am hoping someone more experienced than I can offer their opinion on it. It’s located in Italy and I’m in the U.S. so I’m unable to view it in person ahead of time.

https://www.dellaroccagioielli.com/r...to-_54691.html

After a lot of emails and a phone call, here’s what I learned:
- Original Sigma dial
- Original bracelet - 78350/19 with 557 endlinks and clasp code A
- It has been polished and serviced
- Hands may have been replaced at some point???
- Serial #412...
- Comes with original box but no papers
- Asking price is $2,965 USD

Is this a nice example of a vintage watch? Any red flags?

Thank you.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Timetogetawatch

I own two modern Rolexes (116520 and 116610LN) and am looking to purchase my first vintage Rolex: Ref 1002 OP34 with Sigma dial from 1975. I found this example online and am hoping someone more experienced than I can offer their opinion on it. It’s located in Italy and I’m in the U.S. so I’m unable to view it in person ahead of time.

https://www.dellaroccagioielli.com/r...to-_54691.html

After a lot of emails and a phone call, here’s what I learned:
- Original Sigma dial
- Original bracelet - 78350/19 with 557 endlinks and clasp code A
- It has been polished and serviced
- Hands may have been replaced at some point???
- Serial #412...
- Comes with original box but no papers
- Asking price is $2,965 USD

Is this a nice example of a vintage watch? Any red flags?

Thank you.

Looks like pretty much everything has been replaced. Box with no papers has the same value as a cornflake box.

You can find a much nicer example in the US. It's not worth risking all the problems associated with international delivery for this, especially when it's priced as high as 3,000 bucks.

Keep looking and learning.

[Timetogetawatch]

Thank you for your response. So you think more than just the hands have been replaced? Curious how you can tell. I’m trying to understand what to look for when searching for a vintage watch.

[Dan S]

I think the dial may be original. However, the case is very badly over-polished. About as bad as you will find.

[Timetogetawatch]

Good to know. Appreciate you looking and offering your feedback. My search continues.

[springer]

I wouldn't touch anything from this guy. He can't even properly describe a box - which is not original.

[Timetogetawatch]

Haha. Yeah, not sure what that’s all about. Maybe just a way to display his brand.

[frank4242]

well i feel it original and possibly a good dealer !

[Timetogetawatch]

Originally Posted by frank4242

well i feel it original and possibly a good dealer !

Thanks for you input. Have you seen many examples of this?

[77T]

Originally Posted by frank4242

well i feel it original and possibly a good dealer !

Ummm...no it has several issues.

Those springbars are sticking out further than I’ve seen before.


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[996marty]

I think you have to be extra vigilant when buying from certain countries especially if you haven’t physically seen the watch

[Timetogetawatch]

Thank you all for your input. I’m passing on this watch. The search continues...

[Harry49]

Are you sure of the dealer?
It is a beautiful piece but you have to be careful about the dealer
It looks original anyways..

[Timetogetawatch]

Originally Posted by Harry49

Are you sure of the dealer?
It is a beautiful piece but you have to be careful about the dealer
It looks original anyways..

It’s a dealer based in Italy on Chrono24. Has more than 100 reviews - all positive. He’s been responsive and even spent time with me on the phone answering all of my questions.

[jon54]

Originally Posted by Timetogetawatch

It’s a dealer based in Italy on Chrono24. Has more than 100 reviews - all positive. He’s been responsive and even spent time with me on the phone answering all of my questions.

Then go for it if you feel you can trust him....

[Aelitis]

Looks original and Chrono is very safe. Go for it!

[Jagery]

Chrono is usually shiet

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Aelitis

Looks original and Chrono is very safe.

Possibly the worst advice I've ever seen.

That crocodile lake looks perfectly safe. Anyone for a swim?

[bayareabuggs]

I'd just wait until something nice locally turns up you can take a look at in person.

[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by Timetogetawatch

I own two modern Rolexes (116520 and 116610LN) and am looking to purchase my first vintage Rolex: Ref 1002 OP34 with Sigma dial from 1975. I found this example online and am hoping someone more experienced than I can offer their opinion on it. It’s located in Italy and I’m in the U.S. so I’m unable to view it in person ahead of time.



https://www.dellaroccagioielli.com/r...to-_54691.html



After a lot of emails and a phone call, here’s what I learned:

- Original Sigma dial

- Original bracelet - 78350/19 with 557 endlinks and clasp code A

- It has been polished and serviced

- Hands may have been replaced at some point???

- Serial #412...

- Comes with original box but no papers

- Asking price is $2,965 USD



Is this a nice example of a vintage watch? Any red flags?



Thank you.

Hard pass. Get something with some integrity remaining. Seller doesn’t appear highly knowledgeable. Keep doing your research. At your price point look for DJ or AK. You’ll find a dandy.


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[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by Aelitis

Looks original and Chrono is very safe. Go for it!

Nein.


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[AJMarcus]

As has been said it has been refinished and/ or replaced in parts and looks over polished. I’d pass. Be patient and search around. There are some nice truly vintage and untouched AKs in that price point.

[offrdmania]

Maybe check to see if this one is still available here in the classifieds, a little earlier than the other one but it has good bones and some service history. At the price being asked you could easily source a nice bracelet for it.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...highlight=1002

[icecream]

Buy from an American dealer preferably. Check out the whos who. And I definitely agree with "keep learning ". Maybe go for a 16800 or 16750