Opinions of 1655 please

[wintermutt]

I've been offered this one at a very reasonable price. I've handled the watch, everything feels solid, and it all appears to work as it should. These are my own photos.



It has a serial number that places the man. date at around 1975-6. There are some obvious replacement parts on the watch (such as the bezel and possibly the hands), but it seems to still be a good value for what the seller is asking.



I noticed one thing about the dial that I haven't seen on any of the other examples I've found in photographs: the alignment of the 'T SWISS T' below the six seems narrower than others I've looked at. The stem of the
T's actually align with the minute hash mark above them, whereas on others of this vintage the T alignment seems to be a bit wider than the hash mark. Don't know if that's significant or not.



I'd sure appreciate hearing any opinions or information you might have about this watch. Unfortunately, as is usual with things, I've got to make a move within the next day or so.

[Baptistman]

Looks genuine enough and looks in reasonable condition, if you like it, buy it. I would add into your buying costs a good service.

[Spark]

Hi,
I'm really not sure about that dial, Bezel or the hands.
The font on the dial doesn't look right at all for a T Swiss T dial.
Most had Frog Foot coronets and the Word Rolex Looks too big and thick.
Here are a couple of pics of mine late 70's.
Be careful

[f16570]

To my untrained, uneducated eye the second watch looks like the real deal. Something not right IMO about the first watch.

[SLS]

A couple of things concern me.
The Crown seems a bit small and the crown guards seem off... could be the angle.
No writing on the indside of the casecack? Odd, but not always a tell tale sign. Has the watch ever been serviced?
The polishing done on the movement to my eye does not seem right.

Again, it could be the photos.
~Scott

[mike]

I'll go a step futher and say at best it's a refinished dial and at worst a fake. The position of the L is way off and the sub-markers do not touch the rehault.

I can't tell from the photos but it would be good to see a side shot of the case to see if it's a recased 1675 as well.

[mfer]

Just looking at your example and Mark's example, the maxi dial on yours looks too big. Look how close the triangle is to the crown on the dial.

[wintermutt]

Thanks for the super response so far guys.
Here are a few more of my pics which may help with the analysis.

[SLS]

It appears to me that this case has been over polished Thrid pic down, compare the top right lug to the lower, yet no service markings on the caseback. The crown gaurds seem off. Also the writing between the lugs also looks very clean...odd to me, I would pass especially if its a "good" price.
~Scott

[SLS]

Did the watch come out of California?
~Scott

[wintermutt]

Originally Posted by SLS

Did the watch come out of California?
~Scott

Not so far as I know.

[stevemulholland3]

I have some serious concerns about the watch myself.
I would have the seller agree that if it turns out the case is not genuine that he would take it back.
if the face and hands are fakes just give me a call ,I have a nice set I can sell you at a very competitive price.heres the set I have for sale.

[wintermutt]

Thanks for all the excellent information and opinions guys.
I think I have a good idea about how to proceed now.

[jac67]

I also agree with Mike.........Fake or redone dial.

Also ensure that the case thickness is 5mm NOT 4mm. Many converted GMT cases (4mm) are used to fake the 1655.


John.

[acce1999]

One thing that concerns me is how clean and without marks the watch is between the lugs. There are NO markings from a bracelet, which there should be.

Initially I also felt that the crown was a bit on the small side, but the follow up pictures indicated something different.

A lot of good comments in this thread.

Lately I've seen quite a few vintage watches built by original parts, but from different watches (of same type), for example: Proper case with serial no from 70's and proper (for the model) caseback, but dated in the 60's... or a 5512 with a caliber 1520 (proper case, caseback, dial, and hands - but wrong movement, still Rolex 100% though).

Best,

A

[Trurolexer]

Originally Posted by Spark

Hi,
I'm really not sure about that dial, Bezel or the hands.
The font on the dial doesn't look right at all for a T Swiss T dial.
Most had Frog Foot coronets and the Word Rolex Looks too big and thick.
Here are a couple of pics of mine late 70's.
Be careful

VERY NICE McQUEEN!!!