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Tudor66 · 8 December 2014, 08:39 AM

Congrats, I think you have a great find there. Who cares if the dial is damaged. It's still a Double Red guys..

I would be over the moon if I could someday get my hands on a double red beater watch.

I am really enjoying this thread. Can't wait to see more progress...

jbshaffer · 8 December 2014, 10:24 AM

It is absolutely stunning!!!! IMHO keep your intervention to a minimum. I saw the job you did on the Sub. I'm not a sub guy, but it was awesome!!!

Rikki · 8 December 2014, 10:38 AM

The one thing I noticed that hasn't been mentioned is the rust that is being projected through the crystal ,which means that under the crystal retaining ring I suspect you will see quite a bit of corrosion and pitting which may make it difficult to water test. Laser welding may indeed be in your future if it is to pass the test. It should be repairable but, consider adding that to your restoration costs. Rikki

Mike1066 · 8 December 2014, 03:03 PM

Wear the heck out of it. It has earned it. Enjoy it.

Storky · 9 December 2014, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rikki

The one thing I noticed that hasn't been mentioned is the rust that is being projected through the crystal ,which means that under the crystal retaining ring I suspect you will see quite a bit of corrosion and pitting which may make it difficult to water test. Laser welding may indeed be in your future if it is to pass the test. It should be repairable but, consider adding that to your restoration costs. Rikki

Rik,
Thanks for your input. Your point is quite valid, the watch has been dismantled today.
The crystal is apparently crazed and that's why the moisture has got in it. Underneath the retaining ring it was was quite rusty but not too pitted, my Rolex man believes it will still seal ok.
The dial and hands are now off and fortunately there was no further damage caused by its removal .... phew!

dysondiver · 9 December 2014, 08:04 AM

loving the pics

topcat30093 · 9 December 2014, 10:46 AM

Amazing story, so far, I look to reading the concluding post, once the watch repairer has done their magic :)

PoderEsBueno · 9 December 2014, 10:48 AM

Good luck with the restorations, and keep us posted with photos

bayerische · 9 December 2014, 10:10 PM

I wouldn't like to think of this one as "ruined".

I do question the "stored for 25 years" as that watch looks as if it has been worn for 25 years everyday by someone who used it for it's intended use!

A good watchmaker (not RSC for this one) could probably make this one nice.

But still I'd take it for what it is, a lovely vintage "beater".

bayerische · 9 December 2014, 10:12 PM

Too many watches ruined by polishing! Don't!

dysondiver · 9 December 2014, 10:44 PM

totally agree with andreas.
look forwards to seeing the results.

Storky · 31 December 2014, 03:55 AM

I can't wait to get the dial back now!

... in the meantime, I have this bezel insert from a 'white' 1680 anyone know if this would be correct for the watch please? (1st quarter 1972 - 306**** serial)

I'm not sure what Mk this is... is this a 'long 5'?

Perhaps you experts could chip in and advise? Thanks in advance.

marcello pisani · 31 December 2014, 04:30 AM

it's a mk3 ( last version with fat fonts before service inserts that have small fonts ).
original but not consistent to your 1665 produced in 1972.
it would be correct for a watch from the 2nd half of the 70s ( roughly 1976-7 on ).
( pristine insert for your watch would be a mk2 that has " fatter " fonts ).

Doc Strange · 31 December 2014, 05:13 AM

amazing watch, amazing thread.

Storky · 31 December 2014, 05:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marcello pisani

it's a mk3 ( last version with fat fonts before service inserts that have small fonts ).
original but not consistent to your 1665 produced in 1972.
it would be correct for a watch from the 2nd half of the 70s ( roughly 1976-7 on ).
( pristine insert for your watch would be a mk2 that has " fatter " fonts ).

Amazing information ... thank you!
I'll probably use it until I find a 'correct' one.

Storky · 31 December 2014, 05:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by topcat30093

Amazing story, so far, I look to reading the concluding post, once the watch repairer has done their magic :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by PoderEsBueno

Good luck with the restorations, and keep us posted with photos

Quote:

Originally Posted by bayerische

I wouldn't like to think of this one as "ruined".

But still I'd take it for what it is, a lovely vintage "beater".

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doc Strange

amazing watch, amazing thread.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bayerische

Too many watches ruined by polishing! Don't!

Quote:

Originally Posted by dysondiver

totally agree with andreas.
look forwards to seeing the results.

Thanks for your enthusiasm & advice guys!

arguscanis · 31 December 2014, 02:45 PM

arriving late to the discussion but I can understand some of the decisions you're having to make. I know for me I wanted something to WEAR. I still have every part that I received with the watch which had wrong bezel, factory repaint dial, and will continue to source affordable "upgrades" ; crystal, bezel, insert. The movement is sound for a few more years. It will never be a mint, unworn, original, example but it's mine and it means something.
Good luck and love those pics.

strafer_kid · 4 January 2015, 09:20 AM

Great find - good luck with the refurb!

Storky · 4 January 2015, 08:04 PM

Happy New Year vintage watch nuts!

I thought you guys would like to see this close-up I took before I sent the dial off for re-touching (only!)

I was going to wait until I got it back but I got a bit enthusiastic after my conversation with Michael Young a couple of days ago! (I know - I'm like a big kid with a new toy)

... looking forward to getting it back, but I know he's a busy guy. I'll keep you posted.

scooba · 4 January 2015, 09:14 PM

I am really loving this and can't wait for the dial to be returned , The classic before and after pictures ,

Thank you for sharing this restoration / repair with us !.

toph · 4 January 2015, 09:26 PM

Very interesting. Best of luck with it all

Vincent65 · 4 January 2015, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Storky

Happy New Year vintage watch nuts!

I thought you guys would like to see this close-up I took before I sent the dial off for re-touching (only!)

I was going to wait until I got it back but I got a bit enthusiastic after my conversation with Michael Young a couple of days ago! (I know - I'm like a big kid with a new toy)

... looking forward to getting it back, but I know he's a busy guy. I'll keep you posted.

Well, it can only get better - hopefully! Thanks for sharing

Storky · 15 January 2015, 06:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marcello pisani

it's a mk3 ( last version with fat fonts before service inserts that have small fonts ).
original but not consistent to your 1665 produced in 1972.
it would be correct for a watch from the 2nd half of the 70s ( roughly 1976-7 on ).
( pristine insert for your watch would be a mk2 that has " fatter " fonts ).

I'm hoping I've sourced the correct insert ... is this a MKII? Pearl ok? Marcello ... anyone who knows?
Thanks in advance.
I believe the dial has been done ..... it's like being excited about Christmas again!

Fabrice M · 15 January 2015, 07:58 AM

I don't know if this help, but here it is:
1972 Ref.1665 S.D. Double Red-MarkII case/3066094 with supermodel crystal.

Personally I would restore it... not so much to increase the value, but finding the right people, doing the research, etc... feels like it would be an adventure and an amazing learning experience... Dials no matter their condition can be restored or at the very least cleaned up.
You might want to contact Rolex RCS in Geneva. Unfortunately, RSC in the U.S will be very little help, they have very little vintage spare parts, but an RSC in Europe might... Not likely but you never know...

Storky · 15 January 2015, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fabrice M

I don't know if this help, but here it is:
1972 Ref.1665 S.D. Double Red-MarkII case/3066094 with supermodel crystal.

That looks very similar to me!
Thank you

jdmi32 · 15 January 2015, 08:18 AM

Very nice! Glad to see that you're getting it in shape to we worn for many years to come.

Fabrice M · 15 January 2015, 08:21 AM

A close-up of of the crown guards would help identify it better. Mark II has more pointy crown guards than Mark III. The Rolex size is a give-away as well, in some of your pictures it feels like a Mark II but in the close-up it looks a little "heavier" - "Bolder" which could make it a MIII?

A crown guard picture would help a lot.

RolexJNJ · 15 January 2015, 09:01 AM

Wow, great find and project! Can't wait to see how it turns out!! Always cool to find examples that were worn hard as intended.

omitohud · 15 January 2015, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Storky

I'm hoping I've sourced the correct insert ... is this a MKII? Pearl ok? Marcello ... anyone who knows?

Thanks in advance.

I believe the dial has been done ..... it's like being excited about Christmas again!

Depending on who u ask, it could b mark 1 or 2. But for sure its the long 5 FF which is correct for ur watch. The pearl might have been replaced but it still looks good. 👍

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Storky · 16 January 2015, 04:52 AM

Thanks for the info guys!

8 December 2014, 08:39 AM	#61
Tudor66 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Real Name: Al Location: California, USA Watch: GMT- Pepsi Posts: 3,462	Congrats, I think you have a great find there. Who cares if the dial is damaged. It's still a Double Red guys.. I would be over the moon if I could someday get my hands on a double red beater watch. I am really enjoying this thread. Can't wait to see more progress... __________________ -NAWCC Member

8 December 2014, 10:38 AM	#63
Rikki TechXpert Join Date: Jun 2009 Real Name: Rik Dietel Location: Seminole Fla Watch: 5512 s/s Sub Posts: 1,818	The one thing I noticed that hasn't been mentioned is the rust that is being projected through the crystal ,which means that under the crystal retaining ring I suspect you will see quite a bit of corrosion and pitting which may make it difficult to water test. Laser welding may indeed be in your future if it is to pass the test. It should be repairable but, consider adding that to your restoration costs. Rikki __________________ Century 21 Certified watchmaker Omega Service Provider Trained Omega OWME Certified. Rolex Parts Account Holder.

8 December 2014, 03:03 PM	#64
Mike1066 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: San Diego, CA Watch: 16600 Posts: 728	Wear the heck out of it. It has earned it. Enjoy it. __________________ V/R Mike

9 December 2014, 10:46 AM	#67
topcat30093 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Tony Location: England Posts: 5,449	Amazing story, so far, I look to reading the concluding post, once the watch repairer has done their magic :) __________________

9 December 2014, 10:48 AM	#68
PoderEsBueno "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Real Name: peb Location: Istanbul Posts: 3,145	Good luck with the restorations, and keep us posted with photos __________________ Instagram• ~ poderes.bueno

8 December 2014, 10:24 AM	#62
jbshaffer "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Utah Watch: SDK&F Posts: 344	It is absolutely stunning!!!! IMHO keep your intervention to a minimum. I saw the job you did on the Sub. I'm not a sub guy, but it was awesome!!!

9 December 2014, 08:04 AM	#66
dysondiver "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: tom Location: northern ireland Watch: my fins Posts: 10,063	loving the pics

9 December 2014, 10:10 PM	#69
bayerische "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Real Name: Andreas Location: Margaritaville Watch: Smurf Posts: 19,879	I wouldn't like to think of this one as "ruined". I do question the "stored for 25 years" as that watch looks as if it has been worn for 25 years everyday by someone who used it for it's intended use! A good watchmaker (not RSC for this one) could probably make this one nice. But still I'd take it for what it is, a lovely vintage "beater". __________________ Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man.

9 December 2014, 10:12 PM	#70
bayerische "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Real Name: Andreas Location: Margaritaville Watch: Smurf Posts: 19,879	Too many watches ruined by polishing! Don't! __________________ Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man.

9 December 2014, 10:44 PM	#71
dysondiver "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: tom Location: northern ireland Watch: my fins Posts: 10,063	totally agree with andreas. look forwards to seeing the results.

31 December 2014, 04:30 AM	#73
marcello pisani "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: italy Posts: 991	it's a mk3 ( last version with fat fonts before service inserts that have small fonts ). original but not consistent to your 1665 produced in 1972. it would be correct for a watch from the 2nd half of the 70s ( roughly 1976-7 on ). ( pristine insert for your watch would be a mk2 that has " fatter " fonts ).

31 December 2014, 05:13 AM	#74
Doc Strange "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: NYC Posts: 49	amazing watch, amazing thread.

31 December 2014, 02:45 PM	#77
arguscanis 2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: cape cod Watch: my subs Posts: 173	arriving late to the discussion but I can understand some of the decisions you're having to make. I know for me I wanted something to WEAR. I still have every part that I received with the watch which had wrong bezel, factory repaint dial, and will continue to source affordable "upgrades" ; crystal, bezel, insert. The movement is sound for a few more years. It will never be a mint, unworn, original, example but it's mine and it means something. Good luck and love those pics.

4 January 2015, 09:20 AM	#78
strafer_kid "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Real Name: Kenny Location: northern ireland Watch: SDs, Subs & GMTs Posts: 5,136	Great find - good luck with the refurb!

4 January 2015, 09:14 PM	#80
scooba 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Europe Watch: Anything Posts: 2,585	I am really loving this and can't wait for the dial to be returned , The classic before and after pictures , Thank you for sharing this restoration / repair with us !.

4 January 2015, 09:26 PM	#81
toph "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: ChrisTOPHer Location: Sydney Watch: Rolex, Brellum, Posts: 12,601	Very interesting. Best of luck with it all __________________ "Where no counsel is the people fall, but in the multitude of counselors there is safety." Member No.# 11795

15 January 2015, 08:18 AM	#86
jdmi32 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Real Name: Ky Location: Bay Area, CA Watch: 16570 Posts: 2,362	Very nice! Glad to see that you're getting it in shape to we worn for many years to come.

15 January 2015, 08:21 AM	#87
Fabrice M 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Denver Watch: This and that... Posts: 1,644	A close-up of of the crown guards would help identify it better. Mark II has more pointy crown guards than Mark III. The Rolex size is a give-away as well, in some of your pictures it feels like a Mark II but in the close-up it looks a little "heavier" - "Bolder" which could make it a MIII? A crown guard picture would help a lot.

15 January 2015, 09:01 AM	#88
RolexJNJ "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: Joe Location: Chicago Posts: 5,036	Wow, great find and project! Can't wait to see how it turns out!! Always cool to find examples that were worn hard as intended.

16 January 2015, 04:52 AM	#90
Storky "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: London Watch: Rolex 1680 Posts: 382	Thanks for the info guys!

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