Opinions: Warranty papers or better condition?

[Tubeguy]

Hey there

If we were talking about two Rolex 4 digit sports watches, about the same year. Both are 100% original, have nice dials, hands, and bezels.

One of them has papers or even box and papers, but the bracelet was quite worn with moderate stretch as was the rest of the watch.

Or

One with a bracelet with very very little stretch and a watch that simply looks like it's had less use, including the inner back case having only one service marking.

What would you tend to prefer?

[Dan S]

In general, condition is paramount. However, the condition issues you mentioned (less stretch on bracelet, fewer marks inside the case-back) seem quite trivial to me, and it's possible that you are focusing on the wrong things. I would suggest posting photos.

[springer]

Photos, and plenty of them for an honest opinion. Personally if the watches are fairly equal and from the same era, I would prefer a set. Of course the selling price and any restoration costs will play a major factor in any decision.

[Tubeguy]

This is the 1981. It has box and papers.

[racerx]

Condition is paramount.

[Tubeguy]

And this watch is a 1979 vintage






The one on the left is the 1665 comparing to a brand new 16570

[77T]

The 1981 watch.

The other one without papers has a dial that I don't like. Maybe I'd change my mind if the seller gave you sharper photos...


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[Tubeguy]

Originally Posted by 77T

The 1981 watch.

The other one without papers has a dial that I don't like. Maybe I'd change my mind if the seller gave you sharper photos...


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Thank-you @77T I've looked at the dial closely, and it's fantastic. This is the watch listing, and there are many pictures there, though the way they are done is not to my liking. Maybe you can comment.

https://www.grayandsons.com/w526862-...ler-40mm-1665/

I bought the 1979 watch and had it in my hands, and it really shows like a newer watch. The dial is beautiful, the bracelet is tight, it's nice. But it ran a little slow so they are servicing it and I can refund if I choose.

In the meantime the 1981 watches showed up. They are about the same price, maybe a little higher. I pay 10.5% sales tax on the 1979, and the 1981 is only duty, which isn't much.

Thanks for jumping in man.

[77T]

I did look at the better photos in that link. If the 1979 one you bought was this one:


Stock # ending in 6862 then I withdraw my dislike of the dial. The other photos in post 1 were not as sharp and I thought the fonts looked questionable.

Hope the deal stays good after they service it.


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[Tubeguy]

I want one with box and papers, original, and in great condition, but the prices go up so much. Thank you very much for commenting. You rock @77T

[TuRo]

The tiny t (in ft) mk 1 looks very nice, with perfect hue of dial markers and pip, good n/svc DW and crown, and the way the plexi ovalises the HR markers suggests original dome plexi too. Paint inSitu caseback hints to light wear. Might have it's original C, D or E stamped bracelet if lucky. Make sure pricey 585s not swapped to 580s or like - it happens...

[0nly5iv3Digits]

The answer is (almost always) condition :)

[tellsnow]

Beautiful watches! Let us know which one you end up with.

I like checking their site as they get some interesting watches in, but agree that their pictures can be a bit strange... not misleading, but hard to make out what is going sometimes. Good idea getting additional photos.

[Tools]

If you have an excellent watch with original papers, you have a much sought after combination.

If you have a watch in excellent condition without papers, you also have a much sought after example.

Papers are not going to make a thrashed watch better, in fact you are more likely to be disappointed every time you look at it. There is really no reason to buy a poor example simply because it has paper unless you hold that the paperwork is more important than the watch.

[Tubeguy]

I decided to stay with the original one from Gray and Sons. It's really is striking in person. And like everyone else jumping in here, I prefer better condition.

As mentioned, it ran a bit slow. Their watchmaker called me personally minutes ago to get clarity on what I saw on my timegrapher as it reported 15-20 seconds slow a day, yet lost four or five minutes in 24 hours.

He's going to replace the mainspring, clean and oil, and asked if I wanted it set to +3 to +5 seconds a day like Rolex does when they service. The dude was super cool and asked if I had any questions.

Super happy.

[Tools]

[joli160]

Bracelets can be restored to like new and cases can be recut to like new.
Bearing this in mind a full set with a lesser case/ bracelet might be preferable.
I would opt for the best looking dial

[KY..]

I like the vintage vibes of the lume and bezel insert on the ‘79 more…
Congrats!

[SVH]

Originally Posted by Tools

If you have an excellent watch with original papers, you have a much sought after combination.


Papers are not going to make a thrashed watch better, in fact you are more likely to be disappointed every time you look at it.

This - consider what you'll think every time you look at it.