Rolex 1530 redial or not?

[ryacura]

Hello,

I'm looking for a 1530 and have come across a seemingly solid example. Given the age of the watch, would expect to see some patina- browning or champagne. However, I see no patina on this example. Just a super clean and crisp dial. Lume dots appear in the right place, but again, no aging on them. The Rolex crown also looks a bit off too me. Note the left crown leg. Bracelet is also in tip top shape. Anyone care to share advice as to whether this 1530 as been redialed or all original? Photo can be viewed with dropbox link here:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ag35sg5q7e...3%29.jpeg?dl=0

Thanks!

[andromeda160]

The dial text itself appears original, but I think it's relumed. The plots look to thick, and usually there was a bit of the minute marker peaking out below the lume from what I've seen.

Could be original lume though http://www.collectingwatches.com/201...ster-ref-1530/ they still look too puffy to me, but not a reference i've personally been able to see in the flesh.

[powerfunk]

That doesn't look like a redial to me. Those plots look just like the ones on my 1530, except whiter. That's either an unbelievable example of a 1530, or possibly service dial/hands IMHO. Does it have the original 96660 bracelet?

[JustinK]

It looks fine to me. The relumed examples look sloppy and are not consistent. I have seen the lume dots applied fat like yours (and my 1630) and thinner like my 1530. I have always wondered if one or the other is original vs. replacement. I tend to lean to the fat lume being original and the thinner ones being replacements but I am not sure we will ever know.

The lack of patina could just be the lighting and angle as they tend to look more champagne when looked at from the side or at an angle in my experience. I have heard people say the replacement dials are silver and lack that champagne patina but they all age differently so who can say for sure.

The more desirable bracelet in my opinion is the 96660 however I believe the 17000 bracelets are also original to the 1530. Some will say the 17000 is a replacement bracelet therefore the watch has been in for service and the dial and ring could have been swapped out. IMHO this can't be true as you could not wear this bracelet out, it is the toughest Rolex bracelet ever made. Unless they had some defect I am unaware of and Rolex was swapping them I don't think its possible that many 96660 bracelets were replaced.

All this is food for thought and my opinions as I am not a watchmaker or an expert just the owner of a 1530. Here is a side by side of my 1530 and 1630. Also a picture from an angle in lower lighting, same watch but drastically different patina.

[powerfunk]

Love that duo Justin! I've seen pics of so many with the 17000 bracelet, I agree some (later?) 1530's probably came on them.

[ryacura]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the comments thus far! Much appreciated. Anyone think the rolex logo has strange left leg to it? Maybe i'm just obsessing too much or its lighting,angle, or feather in the crystal...?

Thanks again!

[powerfunk]

Logo looks fine.

[JustinK]

Originally Posted by ryacura

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the comments thus far! Much appreciated. Anyone think the rolex logo has strange left leg to it? Maybe i'm just obsessing too much or its lighting,angle, or feather in the crystal...?

Thanks again!

The Rolex logo looks fine to me. From the picture I am wondering if the ring is damaged between 11 and 12 and 1 and 2. Also where the ring meets the dial it might be peeling between 11 and 12. I would want to resolve these questions if I were buying. It might be distortion from the crystal but something to look at.

Overall it looks good for being 40 years old. Is it from a dealer or private seller? Do you have a return policy?

[JustinK]

Originally Posted by powerfunk

Love that duo Justin! I've seen pics of so many with the 17000 bracelet, I agree some (later?) 1530's probably came on them.

Thanks!

I love this reference, its always nice when it gets some attention.

[ryacura]

Originally Posted by JustinK

The Rolex logo looks fine to me. From the picture I am wondering if the ring is damaged between 11 and 12 and 1 and 2. Also where the ring meets the dial it might be peeling between 11 and 12. I would want to resolve these questions if I were buying. It might be distortion from the crystal but something to look at.

Overall it looks good for being 40 years old. Is it from a dealer or private seller? Do you have a return policy?

I see what you are saying about the peeing. So tough to tell with picture only but it certainly possible. If that is peeling, I am assuming that is will continue as it ages. Is there any way to prevent it further or fix this? Or does this become part of the "patina".