Refinished dial and more (1601)

[Czechman]

Greetings,

Been bitten by the "vintage bug" recently and have my eye on this one. It's a late 50s 1601 but the thing I really like about it is the dauphine hands. However it's been pointed out that the dial appears to be refinished and the corrosion around the seal could mean the watch cannot be made waterproof.

How much does a refinished dial detract from a vintage watch?

What's a fair price for it the way it is with the leather strap and all. I never wear my watches in the shower so the waterproof thing isn't that big of a deal. I plan to wear this daily.

Any advice is greatly appreciated. It just looks so crisp and clean for its age.

[slcbbrown]

I would guess $1,500 for the watch. Why do you think it has a refinished dial? My non-expert thoughts on the watch are that it looks pristine. If the bezel is original, it looks brand new and very crisp like it has never been polished. The case also looks pretty sharp for a 50 year old watch. You're right about the hands-- they are very good looking and unusual.

[Czechman]

I was told that the dial looks refinished, but if it is, it looks pretty darned good to me. That bezel can't be original unless it sat in a drawer for 50 years. The edges are razor sharp so it's never been polished. And if the bezel is original what happened to the bracelet? It should be in the same condition but it's gone missing. There are inconsistencies here and that's why I'm asking opinions.

The big problem here is the corrosion in the seal seat. Chances are that it can't be made waterproof so it's off my list.

[Submarino]

It appears to me that it could be a put together piece. The hands are too crisp as well as the bezel and dial for a watch with such corrosion on the back. Just my 2 cents.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk. Watches are the new currency!

[harry in montreal]

I have made some ratty watches waterproof. A new crown. Tube. Crystal. Done

For 1800 you should get a nice one with a good band. Keep looking!

[ROGERB]

The printing on the movement just seems funky too... seen many 1560's but that one is just not fine enough? Beautiful dial though!
R

[harry in montreal]

Woody,whywould you want a 1601 when you already own a 5700? i like those AKDates!

[Czechman]

Hi Harry! I hate to break your heart but I had to sell it. Things got tight for a little bit but I'm back.

[Kiwinz]

Looks like corrosion in the movement too, apart from all the other bits.

[Robbyvm]

When in doubt, walk away and don't look back...

[Czechman]

Yea, I'm a sucker for dauphine hands, but something isn't right here.

Patience, grasshopper.

[joe100]

It's a Frankenstein for sure. Hands look too new, dial might not be original to the case, and there is no way that bezel is original. It wouldn't have a WG (possibly aftermarket) bezel like that. Pass and move on.


Sent from my  using Tapatalk

[Czechman]

I just sent a message to the seller asking pointed questions regarding the authenticity of the watch. If he responds, I'll post it here. I'm walking away from this one, but just want to see what he says.

[Czechman]

Here's the response I got when I asked him if any aftermarket parts where in/on the watch and if it was all original.

Hi
Thanks for your message
All parts are the original part
And The case
has been polished.
Good Luck and have fun bidding on Ebay
Best wishes to
you and your families.
Best regards,
Sae

Obviously the bezel is not 60 years old so you can draw your own conclusions.

BTW, This seller has a 99% positive feedback and is a Trusted Seller.

HERE IS THE LISTING

[David AP]

'Good luck and have fun' is not the response I'd be looking for.

I'm by no means an expert or even close, but that is the type of response I'd expect from someone trying to get away with something.

Regardless of if it's right or not, if you want vintage, surely you should get something that at least shows some age rather than something like this though.
That's my opinion anyway, despite how gorgeous that looks.

Here's a quicky of my '58 AK just to illustrate my point:

[Czechman]

I am no longer interested in the watch and moving on. I found a beautiful 16030 with box, papers and everything with matching numbers for a fair and reasonable price.

No dauphine hands, but I will endeavor to survive nonetheless.

Here's my sweet 6564 fitted with a newer oyster... I love this one

[Czechman]

Just FYI, someone paid over $2,100 for it!

Blinded by the glitter I guess.

[Blue Lantern]

Originally Posted by Czechman

Here's my sweet 6564 fitted with a newer oyster... I love this one

I always like those pointy "dart" shaped hour markers--nice find.

[vintagewaferthin]

Originally Posted by Czechman

I am no longer interested in the watch and moving on. I found a beautiful 16030 with box, papers and everything with matching numbers for a fair and reasonable price.

No dauphine hands, but I will endeavor to survive nonetheless.

Here's my sweet 6564 fitted with a newer oyster... I love this one

love that 6564! looks very crisp in those pics.

[Czechman]

Other than a bit of tarnish on the hands that shows up under magnification it looks that good in person. No photoshop enhancements.

There's a story behind it too.

I bought it on Ebay for my GF. The case had already been polished and the bracelet was like new, but it would only run for about 15 minutes. So, I took it to my AD and had the Rolex trained (PA school grad) watchmaker do a complete overhaul. All told I have about $1,800 in it.

Long story short... she doesn't like it. Says it's "a man's watch" so she bought a $60 Boulova and the Rolex sits in the drawer.

No act of kindness shall go unpunished, I guess.

[vintagewaferthin]

Originally Posted by Czechman

Other than a bit of tarnish on the hands that shows up under magnification it looks that good in person. No photoshop enhancements.

There's a story behind it too.

I bought it on Ebay for my GF. The case had already been polished and the bracelet was like new, but it would only run for about 15 minutes. So, I took it to my AD and had the Rolex trained (PA school grad) watchmaker do a complete overhaul. All told I have about $1,800 in it.

Long story short... she doesn't like it. Says it's "a man's watch" so she bought a $60 Boulova and the Rolex sits in the drawer.

No act of kindness shall go unpunished, I guess.

do you ever wear it? it really is a beauty.

[Czechman]

No, it's too small for me and I prefer a date.