Double Red Experts please Advise

[1675-David]

Found this double red for sale locally and am considering it as an addition to the watch box...

and extra pair or two of expert eyes to point out any glaring defects would be appreciated

[Puffy]

you need pics in natural light

to my eyes it almost looks like it's a painting

[1675-David]

The images are from the sellers website, I haven't seen the watch "in person" yet but will be going in for a look next weak if it appears to be worthwhile. It's in the 5 million range from 1977.

[Beaumont Miller II]

I will tell you what I find interesting in this watch. There is a gap between the edge of the dial and the case that appears to go all the way around the dial. This is common in early 60's 5512's. It is not uncommon to have a small gap on a watch from the mid 70's, but to have one extend 360 degrees around the dial is unusual. Normally the dial abuts the case and that is why there are, from time to time, small chips on the hash marks below the hour plots...this can occur at servicing. Not sure of the significance of this, but I find it odd. Oh yeah...and there is a small scratch on the crystal.

To better illustrate my point, here are pics of my 5512 where you can see the gap between dial and case and my 1665 where there is no gap.



and better seen here



no gap on this one

[marcello pisani]

from those pictures I could only say that case and back looks quite worn .. and that might be a problem with the dial and the rehaut .. but bigger front shots ( without glass and bezel ) would be mandatory ...

[marcello pisani]

Kaplan : seen the other pictures and the noticed " gap " could depend on the glass .. but nevertheless in this case better to check the watch " live "...

[marcello pisani]

the " gap " ( or " step " ) might depend on the glass :

[marcello pisani]

another watch in the same auction : also the white 1665 in the front view seems to have the same " gap " but if you check this pic you can see that is just a " tromp l'oeil " that depends on the non-domed glass :

[marcello pisani]

of the white 1665 :

[1675-David]

Amazing eyes for detail gentlemen! And an uncanny knack of tracing that auction Marcello! I see the detail you are driving at and will have your words at the front of my mind at the viewing.
Putting this question out to the experts just shows how abysmal my knowledge is in this area and makes me appreciate your advice all the more.

Thank you Beaumont and Marcello for your sage input

[Beaumont Miller II]

Marcello agree with you that this may be an optical illusion created by the shape of the crystal. In the pic you posted of the DR when viewed at an extreme angle through the scratched crystal, it appears that the hash mark under the 4th lume plot extends to the rehaut.

[Beaumont Miller II]

Originally Posted by 1675-David

Amazing eyes for detail gentlemen! And an uncanny knack of tracing that auction Marcello! I see the detail you are driving at and will have your words at the front of my mind at the viewing.
Putting this question out to the experts just shows how abysmal my knowledge is in this area and makes me appreciate your advice all the more.

Thank you Beaumont and Marcello for your sage input

Happy to give you my thoughts. My gut tells me Marcello is right. I can see how a scratched crystal combined with poor lighting might give this effect. Good luck with the inspection and keep us posted.

[marcello pisani]

please check well the watch .. also between the lugs the condition is not really mint :

[Fredrik]

Well David, maybe I'll see you at Kaplans on friday the 17th then, I had both of them already on my list to check out and a note in my calendar.

[gensiulia]

good points, Marci.