Considering trading my 1655 for a Sea Dweller

[JALearned]

Howdy folks. Back in 1981 a good friend suggested I get myself a very good time piece since the usual watches I had seemed to not do their job, i.e. keep good time. So, I decided to get the best watch that money could buy so a Rolex seemed appropriate.

I went into a local jewelers in Albuquerque and found a "strong" looking model that appeared to be able to withstand my rambunctious lifestyle. It happened to be the Explorer 2 model 1655 with an unusual "orange" hand that rotated every 24 hours. The dials glowed in the dark which added another dimension to an already nice looking timepiece. A number for the day of month also added icing to the cake. I purchased the watch for $960 which included tax, threw away the box and kept only a little booklet called the "Oyster Catalogue" which I still have today.

I wore the watch almost everyday. Had it serviced regularly and it kept great time.

A few years ago and to my astonishment, I found that for some silly reason, having an actors name attached to that particular timepiece, increased it's value at least 10 fold and in some cases 40 to 50 fold. Personally, I think that's going overboard, but hey, I'm not going to complain.

Anyway, I've been happy with the watch but the other day I got a glimpse of the newer <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ROLEX-SEA-DWELLER-DEEP-SEA-116660-BLACK-CASE-NEW-/200492628720?pt=Wristwatches&hash=item2eae4abaf0#h t_5879wt_1141">Sea-Dweller Deep Sea</a> on ebay. I have no idea if the price they are asking is realistic since I'm out of the Rolex loop for prices, but the watch itself really caught my attention.

I've been thinking that the technology over the last 35 years has probably improved considerably and that the SDDS could probably hold up to anything and then some more. I was thinking that since my watch still looks and runs great, this might be the time to make the move.

My questions are:

Would it be a fair trade, for both parties, if there was a party interested?
Would I be better off holding my 1655, i.e. it's as durable as any Rolex?
Am I dreaming? My 1655 is probably not worth one of the new(er) Sea Dwellers?
Any suggestions on who to approach?

Any suggests about trading the 1655 for "what's the most contemporary and durable" of the Rolex's.

Any comments/feedback would be appreciated and considered. Thanks

[Lol-x]

Welcome, the rules provide that issues regarding the trade of watches be conducted in the Watch Out forum.

This thread is accordingly transferred.

Anyone considering a trade with this member (as this post may be deemed to be an implied offer to sell) should exercise a high level of care.

New members must qualify to post items for trade/sale and do so only in the appropriate forum.

[TimeToGo]

Welcome to the FORUM!

[Baco Noir]

You really need to try on a DSSD first and foremost. They have a very thick case - 17.5mm I think, and some people find them top heavy and uncomfortable to wear.

If you are still thinking along these lines after trying one on, then you should probably post a lot of pictures of your watch here so the vintage watch experts can give you some feedback on the condition and potential value.

[JALearned]

Originally Posted by Lol-x

Welcome, the rules provide that issues regarding the trade of watches be conducted in the Watch Out forum.

This thread is accordingly transferred.

Anyone considering a trade with this member (as this post may be deemed to be an implied offer to sell) should exercise a high level of care.

New members must qualify to post items for trade/sale and do so only in the appropriate forum.

Actually, I'm not necessarily looking to trade my watch here at this forum. Mostly interested in getting feedback to my questions.

Thanks

[JALearned]

I must confess. Being a first timer here at this forum and stuck under the "watch out" heading has got me paranoid of myself. I've decided to keep my "original" 1655 because who could I trust would have the "real" or the "unreal" to trade me for? It's strange when you think about it and a sad commentary on the ill health of our global financial system and how it got sick; corruption inspired by selfishness and greed. How low people will go to take from others so they can receive that which they are so undeserving of. It's an epidemic out there and it only appears to be getting worse. I guess I came in here thinking the Rolex crowd was all above it, but come to think of it, it's probably many in the Rolex "collective" responsible for this catastrophic economic event that is unfolding right before our eyes.

I'm sure those of us who just appreciate the incredible workmanship of a masterfully designed and constructed time piece are not at all to blame. But this is the time in our lives when driving a Rolls to work could become quite dangerous for those idiotic enough to flaunt such a lifestyle. The middle class in America is dying and the gap between the rich and the "less fortunate" is growing almost on a daily basis. I'd say there's a decent chance we may see revolution in the streets in the not so distant future. However, regardless of a little entropy building up out there, I've been happy with my 1655 because it's been dependable and what we all are going to need, once our picture postcard worlds takes a turn down the that ominous road in the next couple of years, are "sustainable, tangible assets." We're talking good tools for living in balance with the elements and as much gold and silver as is feasibly possible.

I'm sure there's a number of people here who know exactly what I mean.

Anyway, on the other hand, maybe being thrown in the "guilty before proven innocent" is part of the initiating process here and I should just grin and bear it...it's just the world we live in today, right?

And to think I was going to trade my 1655, thinking the grass might be greener on the other side. Sometimes we are fortunate and learn our lessons quickly.