![]() |
ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
![]() |
#1 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 4
|
New Find in Japan: U Serial 16700 - Thoughts?
Hi all,
After being a long-time lurker in this community, I’m excited to finally share my recent watch find and hear your thoughts! I'm currently in Japan, I came across this watch and couldn’t resist the price: 1,345,455 yen (approximately $9.2K USD). I would appreciate any feedback on the piece and whether you think I made a good choice based on the photos attached. Details: Model: U serial 16700 Year: 1997 Purchase Location: Book Off (a chain store for used/vintage items) Comes with inner and outer boxes, some papers, but unfortunately, no warranty card, no tags. Notes: An overhaul was done in May this year not by Rolex. Upon closer inspection, the polish on some of the lugs looks a bit off. I don’t have a photo of the movement yet, but I can share those in a few weeks once I’m back home. Thanks in advance for your insights! |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
TRF Moderator & 2024 SUBMARINER Patron
Join Date: May 2007
Real Name: Larry
Location: Mojave Desert
Watch: GMT's
Posts: 43,378
|
Good looking watch that appears to be in good condition.
![]()
__________________
(Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: EARTH
Watch: What is "watch"?
Posts: 1,095
|
The Japanese treat their stuff like none other. Good condition overall, it has been polished a fair bit. You can see how "not crisp" the clasp coronet is. Polishing job isn't bad though. Lots of life left. CG's look nice. For that price in Japan atm, I'd pass though.
__________________
“UNpolished or I’m not interested” 😎 ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 |
2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Real Name: jP
Location: Texas
Watch: GMT-MASTER
Posts: 17,235
|
Looks like a very nice watch and at $9200, what's not to like, You have a great watch at a very good price with a few extras. Way to score! Enjoy your watch.
By the way, as far as "being polished a fair bit" as someone else commented, I'm not seeing that. A light polish - yes - but not overly done at all.
__________________
Member of NAWCC since 1990. INSTAGRAM USER NAME: SPRINGERJFP Visit my Instagram page to view some of the finest vintage GMTs anywhere - as well as other vintage classics. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#5 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 4
|
Thanks so much for the kind words! Wasn’t too sure if I rushed into the decision too quickly but you’ve put me at ease.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#6 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Apr 2021
Real Name: Paul
Location: ohio
Watch: 16570 black
Posts: 474
|
I like it
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#7 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2023
Real Name: Dom
Location: United Kingdom
Watch: SD16600 & 9411
Posts: 439
|
Lovely watch at what seems like a reasonable price for a pretty complete set!
Enjoy it - many decades left in that!
__________________
Rolex 16610, 16600, Tudor 9411/0 (black and blue), black 79090, black 76100.... and a 90520 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#8 |
2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Real Name: PaulG
Location: Georgia
Posts: 41,583
|
A remembrance of your trip that will stay with you.
Yea, a nearly 30 year old watch will have some polishing done. The clasp isn't especially worrisome. Do you also need to pay duties or did the seller cover that? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
__________________
Does anyone really know what time it is? |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#9 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 4
|
Quote:
Thanks! The price I mentioned above is the tax free price - it was advertised at 1,480,000 yen with tax ![]() Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#10 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: USA
Posts: 1,076
|
Japanese dealers have a tendency to polish every watch they sell.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#11 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Japan
Posts: 4,361
|
Why buy a Rolex from Book Off? It's a second-hand book store. They know nothing about vintage Rolex.
There's no point buying overseas when there are so many good dealers domestically, and trusted USA dealers who ship worldwide. What if there's a problem, with the distance and the language barrier in Japan? Hard pass for me. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#12 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 4
|
New Find in Japan: U Serial 16700 - Thoughts?
Quote:
Edited as I felt I was a bit harsh. Book off is still reputable and do their own authenticity checks - probably more diligent than some dealers out there. Saw some great pieces at many of the 2nd hand stores that were well taken care of. Of course I did my own due diligence and this was probably the 30th store I was in during my trip (just the way the Japanese do business puts me at ease). I took the watch the Rolex service centre in Tokyo for verification (which was all good) and the watch ran at +3.2s/day. Yes it’s easier to go to a dealer - but you’ll be paying the premium. I find a thrill in finding a piece at a great price myself. If there’s a problem they’ve provided me too it’s a guarantee-regardless I took it to Rolex. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests) | |
|
|
*Banners
Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.