Newbie Here: DateJust Turn O Graph 1625

[eliu908]

Hey, I just snatched up my first rolex. The seller said it is a a vintage stainless steel and 18K gold Rolex Thunderbird (model 1625, made in about 1977 according to the serial number in running condition. The case (minus the crown) is 36 mm in diameter.Rolex 1570 free sprung 26 jewel movement adjusted to 5 positions and temperature.

I am planning to get it authenticated. The seller said the case, the crown and movement 100% guaranteed original. The bezel is gold and the diamonds on the bezel are real. The dial is aftermarket. Can anyone give me a quick appraisal? Any concerns through just the pictures on authenticity?

I think it looks pretty sexy.

[offrdmania]

If you are taking pictures, you need clear ones. Those pictures are grainy and horrible. Also, give us very clear pictures of the case between the lugs and of the case back removed so that we can see the movement.

[eliu908]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

If you are taking pictures, you need clear ones. Those pictures are grainy and horrible. Also, give us very clear pictures of the case between the lugs and of the case back removed so that we can see the movement.

Ahhh. I am paying by fleabay and these were the pics. The seller told me in a PM he guarantees the authenticity of the case, crown and the movement. I am getting it authenticated by my rolex dealer as soon as I get it. Just in case it is a fake, I know I will be protected (through ebay policies I assume). But let's assume everything is genuine, what would the valuation be?

Thank you, I appreciate it alot.

[Old Expat Beast]

We don't do valuations here, sorry. You can tell how much you paid and people will tell you if you got a fair deal.

[linesiders]

Missing correct bezel, insert, dial at minimum - those three things make a 1625.

I would bow out of this one - not a good piece.

[eliu908]

Originally Posted by linesiders

Missing correct bezel, insert, dial at minimum - those three things make a 1625.

I would bow out of this one - not a good piece.

Blazinga $1600

[crowncollection]

It's as the seller states it would appear, a lot of work/money to straighten it out IMHO. The bezel makes it a 1625 IMHO

[Fredrik]

It is close to impossible to find a dial for a 1625, it is apparently possible to put a DJ dial in a lathe and shave it down a bit to make it fit.

The bezel in yellow or white gold is almost as impossible to find if you want to straighten it out.

If you choose to keep the aftermarket parts you have to rely on independents for service. Also, the resale value will be quite low in my opinion. The diamonds do nothing for the value.

[GLADIATOR]

Originally Posted by linesiders

Missing correct bezel, insert, dial at minimum - those three things make a 1625.

I would bow out of this one - not a good piece.

+1
The dial is terrible!

[eliu908]

Thanks for the replies guys. Local rolex retailer will look over it for $30-70 bucks and hopefully authenticate the movement. For how much I got it for, I think if I don't like it, I can always get another and flip this one back.

[michael067]

Looks sketch to me, would stay away.

[TheRolexKingofLV]

Run Forrest Run

[eliu908]

Again I paid $1600. It should be arriving early this week. I will retake pictures with a better camera. I have ebay buyer protection and used my credit card so I think I will be fine if I find out if the guts are fake.

[Velox]

Did the seller say anything about the diamonds, and if the bezel is solid gold or plated? Because you can get a new diamond bezel with lab created diamonds (also called genuine) for as low as 50 bucks . Same goes for the Dial.
If that's the case you could have found an all original head in much better condition here on this forum for that price (though probably a 1601) and add the blingies yourself if thats your thing, but you would still have the original parts.

[eliu908]

double post, had to go through moderator verification.

[eliu908]

double post, had to go through moderator verification.

[eliu908]

The serial is:
192361

Can anyone help me decode, I read somewhere that the serial means something. Thanks.

@Velox
http://www.ebay.com/itm/252285775352...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
The diamonds are VS2/SI1 Clarity and H in color. Total diamonds are 1.50 carats. Bezel is Gold.

What I think it will look like (honestly think the seller has the worst camera ever):
http://www.jewelryunlimited.com/role...diamonds-23169

[dera]

The value of that watch is the value of the diamonds and scrap metal. It is "real" but it has been sabotaged too far for anyone to rescue it.

[eliu908]

Originally Posted by dera

The value of that watch is the value of the diamonds and scrap metal. It is "real" but it has been sabotaged too far for anyone to rescue it.

My dad has a black submariner. My grandpa still wears his oyster perpetual from the 1950s. I just want some bling. Maybe that's why I think this looks so pretty.

[breitlings]

Originally Posted by eliu908

The serial is:
192361

Can anyone help me decode, I read somewhere that the serial means something. Thanks.

@Velox
http://www.ebay.com/itm/252285775352...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
The diamonds are VS2/SI1 Clarity and H in color. Total diamonds are 1.50 carats. Bezel is Gold.

What I think it will look like (honestly think the seller has the worst camera ever):
http://www.jewelryunlimited.com/role...diamonds-23169

there is no way those diamonds are VSI or VSII. Those are no better than SI or I imo.

[eliu908]

Originally Posted by breitlings

there is no way those diamonds are VSI or VSII. Those are no better than SI or I imo.

I will take better pictures and have the diamonds verified as soon as the watch is here.

[eliu908]

As promised new pictures!

[jvmartin]

Originally Posted by fredrik

it is close to impossible to find a dial for a 1625, it is apparently possible to put a dj dial in a lathe and shave it down a bit to make it fit.

The bezel in yellow or white gold is almost as impossible to find if you want to straighten it out.

If you choose to keep the aftermarket parts you have to rely on independents for service. Also, the resale value will be quite low in my opinion. The diamonds do nothing for the value.

+1

[eliu908]

Originally Posted by jvmartin

+1

what would you think the resale value to be?