Advice on a vintage Oyster Precision

[kip595]

First, my apologies for the lack of pics, as I know that is a huge hindrance.

Earlier today I came across what seems to be an all original late 60's, more likely early 1970s Oyster Precision in 34mm. While I mostly collect Omegas, the champagne dial looked untouched and was lightly patina'ed, with a small stain just to the right of the T SWISS T. The only other dial markings were the proper crown logo, then Rolex, then Oyster, and then on the lower half, Precision, all in what seemed to be proper untouched font and lettering. Some fading to the hands has occurred, as is to be expected. Bracelet is in good + shape with minor stretch to the links, what I would consider light-to-normal for a 40-50 year old piece. This is an all SS model with no YG or WG. No box or papers.

The jeweler is local to me and has been in business with a strong reputation for 20+ years. All watches are warrantied as fully serviced and certified by their on-site Rolex certified watch specialist. They are not an AD, concentrating primarily on gems, but do stock a fine selection of pre-owned Rolex, Omega, Tag, and so on. I've had no issue with purchases in the past from them, including a Formula 1 Tag. Unfortunately, they do not allow pics of any kind.

Having dealt with them before, they've offered it to me at 2k USD out the door, from the sticker price of 2495. With what I realize is very scant information, would anyone like to venture an opinion as to the quality of this deal? They do stipulate that if anything is found to be inauthentic, a return within the 12 month store warranty is accepted w/o question, and that it is warrantied to work at spec for the same 12 month period.

Thanks for any thoughts, and again sorry I'm unable to provide images of the one in question. :/

[mineral]

Hi I believe the model reference which you brought up is the 34mm precision 6694? This is common Rolex with manual winding 1210 (if I remember correctly) movement. I own few of them and they never fail me. Good choice to start if you ask me.

Assume that all are correct without box and paper, I think USD 2k is quite fair price consider that there is extended warranty provided by the shop.

Good luck with the purchase. Keep us posted.


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[Dan S]

The only thing I didn't like in your description is the stain on the dial. Obviously I can't tell how bad it is from your description, but damage to the dial is never good. Very hard to give advice without seeing the dial.

Assuming the dial isn't too bad, the price is probably fair for a brick-and-mortar retail shop, but it's not a massive bargain. This is the commonest of entry-level pieces, and you can get them any time you want. Unless it's a gorgeous and perfect piece with original box and papers, there's no reason to jump on it.

I feel like this is the watch to buy if you're really, really dying to have a Rolex, but your budget is only $2k. If you're not dying to have a Rolex, or your budget isn't limited to $2k, I would pass on it. There are many other (non-Rolex) watches I'd rather buy for $2k, and in terms of a Rolex dress watch, I'd much rather increase my budget for a DateJust.

[zapokee]

As you say, it's not possible to give a worthwhile answer without photos and/or more information... It might be a stunning all-original piece, it might be a terrible redial. We just don't know.

I'm also always concerned by "refund if inauthentic" offers. You're already selling it as authentic. Are you not sure?

[kip595]

*EDIT:

I left out a key detail, so my apologies. This is a no-date; I believe it to be a 6427 (the jeweler is supposed to confirm when his watch guy is in Tues.) rather than a 6410.

No urgent 'dying-to-have-it' need for a baseline Rollie, but just looking for a nice daily wearer with a touch of character that I won't go into sobs over if something should ever happen to it. The stain is only noticeable on close inspection, but was apparently there when the watch came to them via an estate of primarily loose gems. I did appreciate their honesty in saying that they considered a replacement dial but decided to leave it as original for now and offer a replacement if the buyer wants it (I wouldn't). I've requested that they at least send me photos that they may be willing to take, so hopefully can post some images soon.

A very nice, minty, boxed and papered '93 Air King was from the same source, but at 3500 USD seems a bit high to me.

Thanks for the input guys.

[Dan S]

I wonder what rationale a seller uses to forbid you from taking photos.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Dan S

I wonder what rationale a seller uses to forbid you from taking photos.

I guess they don't want outsiders having photographic reference to what they might keep in the shop safe overnight. Especially for mom-and-pop operations, which it sounds like this might be...