1655 advice please

[CHF]

Hello,

I would like some advice on a 1655. It is a MK I 3.3m 1973.

What attracts me is that it has a very clean and proper look. The reason is the seller describes it as having had a service dial, hands and bezel done by Rolex at it's last service. I have heard of dial and hand replacements but not a metal bezel. The numbers are quite sharp and legible, often these 1655 have scuffed and faded writing bezels. The dial has only SWISS indicated at the bottom, which attracts me because maintains the factory look (I believe, is this normal on service dials?) The dial has no patina. The orange 24hr hand is quite bright.

Given my description, as I can not yet post and links-pictures, has this watch lost it's vintage collector appeal? At a 26k USD ask, perhaps to consider simply because I'm partial to the clean looks, is it too high to the liking of vintage experts?

I'm not familiar with all the factors around vintage Rolex and would appreciate the views of those with more expertise. Thank you.

[CHF]

As a correction, there is no T on either side of SWISS, so it does not have the original look.

[Dan S]

Service bezels are common on this reference. I don't know how one can call it a Mk I, if it has service parts and no longer has its Mk I dial or bezel.

Yes, it has lost most of its appeal to vintage Rolex collectors; however, it can still be a perfectly good watch to wear, and some people do like to own these "service" watches. IMO, the price is absurd given the service parts. I would think that $15k-$20k would be the max one would pay, although that obviously depends on the condition of the remaining original parts.

You can post photos if you size them properly.

[Stan Cooper]

Originally Posted by CHF

<snip>I can not yet post and links-pictures<snip>

You can post photos as attachments if you observe the less than 293 kilobytes jpg size limit.

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[CHF]

Here’s three pictures, thank you both for helping out.

[Dan S]

Looks like a perfectly fine example with service bezel and luminova service hands and dial. Just assuming that the bracelet is legit.

[CHF]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Looks like a perfectly fine example with service bezel and luminova service hands and dial. Just assuming that the bracelet is legit.

Here’s three pictures with the bracelet more visible. You’re very helpful, thank you.

[Dan S]

I don't have any reason to doubt the bracelet, but normally if you are trying to authenticate a bracelet, you want to see good photos of the engravings on the blades inside the clasp, the back of the end-links, etc.

[CHF]

Originally Posted by Dan S

I don't have any reason to doubt the bracelet, but normally if you are trying to authenticate a bracelet, you want to see good photos of the engravings on the blades inside the clasp, the back of the end-links, etc.

I will contact the seller about that. Given your view on the asking price I’m very grateful to have that knowledge in advance. Having a clean service correct watch to wear without the worry of maintaining a more delicate original has a certain appeal. But, as you say, at an appropriate price. Thank you.

[rootbeer7]

Stunning example of a restored to new vintage watch. I love it as it could be used daily with no fear. Value is up to you. For me at 26k it’s nearly double what it should be.

[CHF]

Originally Posted by rootbeer7

Stunning example of a restored to new vintage watch. I love it as it could be used daily with no fear. Value is up to you. For me at 26k it’s nearly double what it should be.

That's how I feel, use it as a daily watch with no fear. Appreciate your opinion on value, it's very helpful. Thank you.

[indianmachine]

Nice watch, the price is just way too high. For that price I'd expect the exterior to be all original and in great shape.

[TuRo]

Agree with Dan, IM and RB7 it's way, ('bout double), overpriced ! Nice enough mind !

[CHF]

Originally Posted by indianmachine

Nice watch, the price is just way too high. For that price I'd expect the exterior to be all original and in great shape.

Originally Posted by TuRo

Agree with Dan, IM and RB7 it's way, ('bout double), overpriced ! Nice enough mind !

Appreciate it. Seems a solid consensus it forming. Happy that others share the attraction, even if it’s not a pure vintage. Thank you.