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Old 18 June 2010, 05:59 AM   #1
RUpanerai
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Hey all... Vintage Rolex 1655 Question on Price and condition

Hi all,

I am new the Vintage Rolex world and there is a LOT I need to learn. As you can see based on my screen name I am a huge Panerai nut but the Rolex Steve McQueen 1655 has always been a huge grail of mine.

I am about to make a purchase soon for the watch around 19,000 US. I know this is rather high for this piece as I have seen them without box and papers for about 10 to 13 however I have always questioned if everything was legit and nothing was modified. (I am a huge fan of provenance.)

Lately I was approached by a good friend who I know has sound knowledge of Rolex and he offered me his Rolex 1655 w all original hang tags, box, and movement stickers that match up with the serial on the movement. The watch also comes with two service papers from Rolex and the watch has never been polished. I wont have a good picture of the watch until Sat but it is in 95% + condition. Here is a semi blurry pic taken from my cell phone.

Thanks for everyones help!



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Old 18 June 2010, 11:00 AM   #2
Dr. Robert
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looks good...looks like the hands have been replaced w/ the 2nd gen of the 1655's hands.....I have 2 1655's...I am orig. owner...bought new, 1 in '73, 1 in '74...they've been renovated @ RSC SFO....looks like yours

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Old 18 June 2010, 08:36 PM   #3
stevemulholland3
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way too much money in this market..
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Old 18 June 2010, 09:00 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by stevemulholland3 View Post
way too much money in this market..
x2
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Old 18 June 2010, 09:01 PM   #5
nauticajoe
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The 1655's are beautiful!
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Old 19 June 2010, 01:48 AM   #6
Submarino
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Old 20 June 2010, 01:00 AM   #7
CKLinLA
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From the T < 25 on the dial, I think this 1655 is from the later 1970s, and
that would fit in with Dr. Roberts comment on the hands.
Whats the date on the paperwork?
I like that the Orange Hands in this one is not too faded, which can be the
case for some examples.
From what I have seen, the pricing of 1655s vary quite a bit.

Quote:
Originally Posted by RUpanerai View Post
Hi all,

I am new the Vintage Rolex world and there is a LOT I need to learn. As you can see based on my screen name I am a huge Panerai nut but the Rolex Steve McQueen 1655 has always been a huge grail of mine.

I am about to make a purchase soon for the watch around 19,000 US. I know this is rather high for this piece as I have seen them without box and papers for about 10 to 13 however I have always questioned if everything was legit and nothing was modified. (I am a huge fan of provenance.)

Lately I was approached by a good friend who I know has sound knowledge of Rolex and he offered me his Rolex 1655 w all original hang tags, box, and movement stickers that match up with the serial on the movement. The watch also comes with two service papers from Rolex and the watch has never been polished. I wont have a good picture of the watch until Sat but it is in 95% + condition. Here is a semi blurry pic taken from my cell phone.

Thanks for everyones help!


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Old 20 June 2010, 01:13 AM   #8
mike
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Welcome to the forum and nice to have another Rolex and Panerai enthusiast on board.

From the pic I don't see anything that jumps at me and the service history of the watch is in it's favor.

That price is awfully strong I think. The 1655, though not a particularly rare reference, indeed is one that is highly sought by many collectors.

Pricing, for the most part, has come down from the unrealistic highs we saw a while back though. While I appreaciate your desire for proverance value must enter in.

That appears to be a varient three. Perhaps if it were a bit older...

Here's a great write up on the 1655 by a great collector.

http://www.watchtalkforums.info/foru...ii-1655-a.html
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Old 12 November 2010, 06:41 AM   #9
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Serial Number Question

I have an Explorer II that I purchased back new in 1973. Does anyone know where serial number 3026134 would have placed this watch in the production cycle of the early Explorer II's ? Thank You
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Old 12 November 2010, 08:16 AM   #10
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Sounds good
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Old 12 November 2010, 11:15 AM   #11
fusionstorm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 19701655VV View Post
I have an Explorer II that I purchased back new in 1973. Does anyone know where serial number 3026134 would have placed this watch in the production cycle of the early Explorer II's ? Thank You
That should be a MKI variant of the 1655 (i.e. 1st series dial and bezel). Should have a straight second hand with no luminous dot in the second hand. Post pics!!
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Old 13 November 2010, 02:08 AM   #12
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all services parts...
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