New found t-bird!! Dream came true!

[vintage69]

Originally Posted by Subexplorer

Hola Amigos!! Hello friends!!

I wish to share a new found addition to my Collection-



I have been a long time admirer of the so called Thunderbird model (vintage), and a very recent post at TRF, a few weeks ago (http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=142116) just triggered to the sky my desire to own one of the type.

About two weeks ago, I was visiting my friendly vintage watches shop here in Buenos Aires, and talking to my friends there about old watches.
Then I told him about my wishes.
When I mentioned old T birds, and TOG, one of them said: “Mmm… very hard to come by here. It´s a real rare model in Argentina, and whe had only a very few in the past. Just two or three in many years…”
Then he said it would be very difficult to satisfy my expectations with this one!



Then, I told him something which has happened a few times to me in my long time career as serious collector of antique guns and knives.
Too many times to say they were mere coincidences?

Though I never believed in magic or superstitions, it had happened to me in more than one occasion, that I had told an antique dealer about a very rare piece (gun or knife) I was very much desiring to find, and a few weeks or a few months later, the piece appeared in the shop, and I was able to buy it.

As a matter of fact, It had happened with two vintage Rolex too!

My friendly dealer, laughed a lot when hearing my story, and I laughed too.

Fact is, that two week after this conversation, I received a phone call from this very same person during last week, asking me to visit him.
As usual, he wanted to surprise me, and spoke with with mistery air and suspense.

He gave me very few hints about what he wanted to show me. After insisting a bit, I broke his tight suspense, and he muttered: A 6609 like you wished, but a very special one. He said no more was to be said, and urged me to visit him.



Intrigued as I was, my work week was very hard, but yesterday Friday I made a little time space to drive to downtown to pay a quick visit, as I didn´t want to wait till next week.

He was so surprised as me, about this finding, and commented that may be my “mysterious power” of making a wish come true with just telling aloud, really worked, and this could be the only explanation. We laughed a lot after his thoughts, but, I added a new mark to the list of happenings of this type.

I hope you´ll like as much as I do, my new finding:
It is a 6609 Datejust of the T-Bird type, vintage circa 1950´s, but I had no time to research yet.
Full gold case, and with a set of original black alligator leather straps, with the Rolex gold buckle, and internal markings. (I doubt this was the original straps the watch came with, because they look as never been worn.) Anyway, this are very pretty straps, and I love the contrast of these very dark leather with the gold case, and silver dial.







Silver dial, with gold markers, and “Alpha” hands, as well as the lovely feature of red and black “roulette” numbers on the date window, complete this so nice watch features.
The watch looks as brand new, and runs as it should: as a Rolex!



I love these vintage watches!
I specialy love the looks and shape of the classic Oyster case which equips the vintage and present DD, DJ and Date line, which in my personal opinion, is so elegant, and an outstanding example of a timeless design.









Needless to say, I couldn´t resist the temptation to bring this baby home!
And that I´m very happy with this new “loud voice” find!

Thank you for your kind attention, and I send my most cordial regards, Abel.

[Subexplorer]

Originally Posted by Cicindela

Abel, es fantástico

Wow, and I thought that was Adam's great ( I still want his )

I need to get on a plane to Buenos Aires , muy, muy rápidamente!!!

Gracias Cicindela!! You´ll be more than welcomed here in Buenos Aires!!
But do not think that discoveries like this are very common here!!
I feel very, very lucky with this one!
My most cordial regards, Abel

[Subexplorer]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

What an elegant and good looking piece. Absolutely superb!!

Thank you JJ!! You are so kind!! A nice cumpliment comming for a good taste persona like you!!
I send my best cordial regards, Abel.

[Subexplorer]

Originally Posted by kyle L

You're on a lucky streak Abel! Great piece! Can you tell me the lotto numbers please?

Hello Kyle!!
I´m sorry my young friend!! I had tried very hard my "powers" on this matter, but it seems it doesn´t work with this one!

Would be fantastic to get some extra resources for my hobbies, but no way to make it happen!

I feel very happy anyway to had the luck in this and some few previous occasions with collection pieces in the past, as told.

I thank you so much for you message Kyle, and send my most cordial regards!
Abel

[Subexplorer]

Originally Posted by adam78

Egad, Abel, how do you do it?

This one looks like it was stored for 50 years in a very dry place. The original dial and 18K case (which looks minimally polished, if at all) are exquisite.

It is so sad that you won't be able to wear it much in B.A....(please send it to me!).

It dates from ca. 1957-59 and has the cal. 1065 movement. In 1959, the model was updated with a cal. 1560 and became the long-lived ref. 1625. You can date it somewhat more accurately by the serial number between the lugs at 6:00, using the table at (e.g.): http://www.qualitytyme.net/pages/numbers.html

By the way, I finally got mine onto a Jubilee:

Hello Adam!!
Thank you so much for your message and info. I´m going to check number tomorrow and will tell you.
Yes, you are right, it is not a watch for daily use here, and I should be cautious about where and when to wear it.
I´d love to be again in the Buenos Aires of just 10 or 12 years ago, in the security department!

I find your watch on Jubilee stunning. Black dial contrast makes it so charming!
I´d love to have one with steel case and black dial too!! I´ll say these words to my vintage seller in loud voice on next visit! May be it happens again!!

Thank you again for your kind comments and advice, and always a pleasure to share pieces with you and receive your expertise help.
Very cordially, Abel.

[Subexplorer]

Vintage69: Thank you friend!! Very cordially, Abel.

[Subexplorer]

Originally Posted by Widows Son

Gorgeous!!! You sound almost as excited as when you found your no crown guard Sub!!!

Hello Widows Son!! You are completely right, and I thank you for remembering that opportunity!!
As a matter of fact, that was another case of telling in loud voice about a wish to a friend who owns a different shop (a Rolex AD, not a vintage dealer), and the old 5508 Sub appeared some weeks later!!

Thank you again friend!! Very cordially, Abel.

[Subexplorer]

Thank you Bob and Adam!! I appreciate that!

Thank you again to all nice friends making their kind comments here!!
You make me so happy friends!!
Very cordially, Abel

[sleddog]

Congratulations Abel....You have found a stunning example in that piece!!

[RLX-lvr]

Wow, Abel!!

Just stunning. That dial is crisp and pristine. And the case is magnificent.

Enjoy it in great health.

[Skullring]

Congratulations Abel. That is as good as you can find. Amazing condition Simply beautiful.

[mmmmp]

Beautiful piece! I bought a new TOG this year & it's my favorite watch. Btw - Great pix, cool story &, again wicked watch!

[Subexplorer]

Thank you again nice friends, for your so kind comments.
I´m delighted to know you like this oldie.

Mark P.: I love the looks of the current model TOG, and it is definitively in my wish list.
Only problem with this beautiful watch, is to decide between the white dial, white gold bezel and steel case or the rose gold TT with Jubilee one. Both are stunning watches on the wrist.

Kind regards, Abel.

[mmmmp]

FYI: The new T-O-G is also availble w a *blue* dial. I didn't know this when I bought mine or I SURELY would have purchased that version! I'm going to get mine changed soon & will post pix when it happens.(maybe in the new year) Best, Mark

[Subexplorer]

Originally Posted by mmmmp

FYI: The new T-O-G is also availble w a *blue* dial. I didn't know this when I bought mine or I SURELY would have purchased that version! I'm going to get mine changed soon & will post pix when it happens.(maybe in the new year) Best, Mark

Hello Mark! Thank you for your comments.
Never seen that blue dial TOG!!

I have seen the steel & white gold, with white or black dials.

Then the TT yellow or rose gold, with a dark -slate- gray or with black dial.

Never seen a blue dial, but would be interesting combination with gold.

I fell in love with the rose gold version with Jubilee. May be this is the version I will finally get, but will investigate if the blue option is available here in my Country.

Thank you again, and enjoy your nice watch!
Kind regards, Abel

[slcbbrown]

Beautiful watch. My favorite Rolex is a TT t-bird, black face from the 50's. I really like the look of your all gold model with the white face. Congratulations.

[Subexplorer]

Originally Posted by slcbbrown

Beautiful watch. My favorite Rolex is a TT t-bird, black face from the 50's. I really like the look of your all gold model with the white face. Congratulations.

Thank you slcbbrown!!
Would love to see a picture of your TT T Bird!

I´m glad to know you like mine. The dial is specially attractive in contrast with the gold case, as its color is not really white, but a silvery or pearl hue, which is very difficult to catch in the photographs.

Thank you again for your comment! Very cordially, Abel.