Advice on buying Ref 1665 Sea Dweller Rail Dial

[ExplorerI]

The 1665 Sea-Dweller has caught my eye. I’ve been reading up on them and would like the Rail Dial or a Double Red. The nicest examples of double reds with papers are really more than I want to spend. I want to wear it and enjoy it regularly but down the road if I decided to sell it it would be nice to not take a bath on it.

Would I be better off with a lower cost Rail Dial without papers for around $25k

A very nice Rail dial complete set with box and papers for around $40k

Or one of the lower priced double reds around $45-50k?


Thanks in advance!

[rootbeer7]

The irony here is that the white models were made in less numbers than the red with the rail dial the most rare. I’d concentrate on the one that has the best dial & case. Don’t let box and papers distract! If something amazing comes up with B&P it’s a bonus.

[ILuvSubs]

The 1665 rail dial is probably one of my most favourite (if not THE favourite) watches. I finally snagged one, but it took a while and I missed a few along the way as the prices for this model increased.

I agree that condition of the watch should prevail over whether or not it comes with box & papers. With this era of watches, there's a low likelihood of finding a full set.

My strategy in getting one was keeping an eye on Jacek's new inventory at Tropical Watch (and prior to that it was H.Q. Milton) usually via Instagram, and jumping on it as soon as it arrives. The ones in good condition with good patina, don't last long.

[ExplorerI]

Originally Posted by ILuvSubs

The 1665 rail dial is probably one of my most favourite (if not THE favourite) watches. I finally snagged one, but it took a while and I missed a few along the way as the prices for this model increased.

I agree that condition of the watch should prevail over whether or not it comes with box & papers. With this era of watches, there's a low likelihood of finding a full set.

My strategy in getting one was keeping an eye on Jacek's new inventory at Tropical Watch (and prior to that it was H.Q. Milton) usually via Instagram, and jumping on it as soon as it arrives. The ones in good condition with good patina, don't last long.

Yes I noticed Jacek has 2 nice double reds for sale right now. I’ll keep watching to see if a Rail Dial comes up. Thanks

[karleone]

Originally Posted by rootbeer7

The irony here is that the white models were made in less numbers than the red with the rail dial the most rare. I’d concentrate on the one that has the best dial & case. Don’t let box and papers distract! If something amazing comes up with B&P it’s a bonus.

+1 condition is the most important thing and the first criteria for me. B&P is just a bonus but second order after the condition.

[ExplorerI]

Thanks for the replies. How does the condition of this one look?

https://www.bobswatches.com/vintage-...a-dweller.html

[karleone]

Over polished. You should check well known and reputable vintage dealers like HQ Milton or Tropical watches.

[offrdmania]

Originally Posted by ExplorerI

Thanks for the replies. How does the condition of this one look?

https://www.bobswatches.com/vintage-...a-dweller.html

That is a polished down turd.

[swish77]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

That is a polished down turd.

x100. Sometimes the most succinct analysis is the most accurate!! So funny.

As stated above, the condition is by far THE most important thing. If you're just after a 1665, and you don't care about the variations and/or B&P, just get an excellent Great White. If you're patient you should be able to find a great example for under $30K.

Personally, the Rail Dial variations do nothing extra for me. Visually it's too minor of a dial detail to be any more appealing that non-Rail Dial examples, so I'd never ever pay a premium for one. (A DRSD is a different animal that has tons of additional appeal, IMHO.)

Missing this one I owned for a while.

[ExplorerI]

Originally Posted by swish77

x100. Sometimes the most succinct analysis is the most accurate!! So funny.

As stated above, the condition is by far THE most important thing. If you're just after a 1665, and you don't care about the variations and/or B&P, just get an excellent Great White. If you're patient you should be able to find a great example for under $30K.

Personally, the Rail Dial variations do nothing extra for me. Visually it's too minor of a dial detail to be any more appealing that non-Rail Dial examples, so I'd never ever pay a premium for one. (A DRSD is a different animal that has tons of additional appeal, IMHO.)

Missing this one I owned for a while.

That’s a nice example. Looks like HQ does have an unpolished Great White at $25k.

[1665fan]

Your better off just looking for a perfect dial/hands/insert and just plan on getting it laser weld to NOS specs…….eventually most all vintage will go that way because %85 are overpolished ruined lugs