DRSD advice needed please

[Richard.]

When you mention to an AD that you're considering the purchase of a DRSD you don't really expect him to disappear out the back and return with one in his hand, but that's what happened to me today!

The watch has had one owner and comes with its box, punched warranty certificate, books, tags, papers from various services and a letter from the supplying dealer to the owner. The watch has a 17##### serial which I think places it a few years before its sale date in September 1972 but I guess that's not unusual.

So where's the problem? The watch, which will come with a RSC service, looks to have already been polished a fair bit. One lug is noticeably thinner and the crown guards look as though they've had some work. Should I be put off by this or the general condition?

Apologies for the abysmal standard of the photos, they were the best I could do in the shop.

Richard

[BB83]

What's the price? I don't think the lugs look to be overpolished, although they do appear to point at strange angles. The dial is what I'm more concerned about--particularly the red writing, which looks blurred in the photo(though it could be the photo). What is your take on that based on viewing it in person? Can't tell whether it's an MK II or III dial from the photo.

[Richard.]

The crystal is so scratched that it's difficult to see the dial well, but that's not really what I'm concerned about (for now). The lug at five is thinner than the others and the crown guards come to points, presumably through polishing. So the question is, does this seriously detract from the value?

Richard

[BB83]

Oh I now see what you mean about the 5 o'clock lug-- yikes. The crown guards might be "pointed crown guards" (by design, not through polishing) which are the more desirable! It's hard to say whether it's a good buy in current condition without knowing the condition of the dial (lume markers look fine--think the scratched crystal is what I'm seeing there), question is the red writing, and the price.

[eparisini]

It looks to have a Mk2 dial, correct for that case number... the plexy is a replacement... I'd need better pics to say if it is all right

[Richard.]

PCGs are pointed in the other direction, and I don't think they were ever a feature of the SD.

[Richard.]

Originally Posted by eparisini

It looks to have a Mk2 dial, correct for that case number... the plexy is a replacement... I'd need better pics to say if it is all right

Thanks, any thoughts on the case?

[eparisini]

Originally Posted by Richard.

Thanks, any thoughts on the case?

Over polished

[BB83]

Ok, I'm clearly having a bad day, glad others are starting to weigh in--sorry!

[Richard.]

Originally Posted by BB83

Ok, I'm clearly having a bad day, glad others are starting to weigh in--sorry!

I appreciate your interest and help.

Richard

[GeorgeK]

Can you give us a ballpark on the price they are asking for it? A good price might forgive quite a few sins.

[Richard.]

Originally Posted by GeorgeK

Can you give us a ballpark on the price they are asking for it? A good price might forgive quite a few sins.

For me, it's not really about the price. It's more a question of whether this watch is of an acceptable standard for one of these.

Richard

[Beaumont Miller II]

Agree with the others that it is an over polished DRSD with a MK II dial. To me lugs look acceptable but the crown guards are nubbins. Not only has the watch been polished a lot, it still has many dings and scuffs on the case. I would be walking away from this one if you are looking for a nice example.

[GeorgeK]

Originally Posted by Richard.

For me, it's not really about the price. It's more a question of whether this watch is of an acceptable standard for one of these.

Richard

Respectfully, here is my point of view:
There is NO WAY I can afford a DRSD in collectors'/mint condition, and since I intend to use whatever I buy regularly, I don't mind having one with a few shortcomings, as long as they don't affect the intended function (accuracy and water resistance).
I fully understand and respect the "mint at all cost, papers and boxes" point of view, but my pleasure is on the wrist in every day life, not so much having a couple of months' salary on my wrist. Hence the curiosity about value for this particular watch, knowing its shortcomings.

[pz93c]

I agree George.

That said, I like a lived in watch and would buy that one, but the price would have to be right.

[Clay]

Price????

[Frogman4me]

An over polished case is hard to accept. You can never get that back but with nearly everything else you can find a period correct part somewhere somehow, but there is nothing you can do to an over-polished case.

Instead of a beat up 1665 DRSD how about a fine example Great White. Have you seen Clays? Stunning

[Richard.]

Originally Posted by GeorgeK

Respectfully, here is my point of view:
There is NO WAY I can afford a DRSD in collectors'/mint condition, and since I intend to use whatever I buy regularly, I don't mind having one with a few shortcomings, as long as they don't affect the intended function (accuracy and water resistance).
I fully understand and respect the "mint at all cost, papers and boxes" point of view, but my pleasure is on the wrist in every day life, not so much having a couple of months' salary on my wrist. Hence the curiosity about value for this particular watch, knowing its shortcomings.

Thanks George. I understand that and I certainly want a watch that's useable rather than one that needs to be mollycoddled. As you have no doubt surmised, I don't wish to disclose the price. It's not my watch and is not being openly marketed.

Let's try expressing the question another way: to what extent is the previous polishing of this case detrimental to the value of the watch?

Thanks for all of the comments, which are very much appreciated.

[Clay]

An over polished or unevenly polished case will always way heavily in a watches value......
Dials, hands, etc. can always be sourced, but a case is a different story......

And thanks David....

[BB83]

Originally Posted by Richard.

For me, it's not really about the price. It's more a question of whether this watch is of an acceptable standard for one of these.

Richard

My answer to this question would have to be no given the issues with the case. Take a look at Ken's (SteelerFan1965) DRSD, or Clay's Great White. That's what I'd shoot for! (And will be shooting for when I get around to adding one of these to my collection!)

[Michael M.]

Originally Posted by Clay

An over polished or unevenly polished case will always way heavily in a watches value......
Dials, hands, etc. can always be sourced, but a case is a different story......

And thanks David....

Totally agree with you! What's the asking price? If it is cheap enough it's worth it.

[Clay]

Here's my Great White.....

[jedly1]

guys ...get a grip ....its a tool watch...it is meant to have been used and abused...it's an early thin case mk2 ...with what looks to me to be possibly a deep choc dial ...its b&P and sourced through a supplier thats isnt going to run off with your cash....have you any idea how rare all of that is ???

OK so it isnt a museum piece but a single thinner lug is just part of its life story...as long as its priced fairly to reflect its condition wheres the drama ??...ok so if it's a 3k 5513 and it bothers you pass and move on to the next .... but really for rare pieces these things are fine ...just dont do much welding in it !!!!

[jedly1]

ps. if you cant live with it ...let me know where it is and ill take it ..im in UK anyway !!!

[Clay]

I think a little perspective is needed here.....

If you are a "collector" with deep pockets, your take on a watch like this will be very different from someone who would just like to own a nice vintage Rolex.

I would venture to say that most people cannot afford to be "collectors" and just want a nice looking example of this or that...(And I include myself in that group)

And we all have our own ideas as to what constitutes a "nice" example......

Price also comes into play.......If the watch is cheap enough then it's a no brainer, but we have no idea of what the asking price for this piece is?????

If you are looking for a specific, truly rare piece, then you take what you can find.....

If not, there are plenty of very very nice vintage pieces around to choose from......

Good luck....

[GeorgeK]

Originally Posted by jedly1

ps. if you cant live with it ...let me know where it is and ill take it ..im in UK anyway !!!

I'd take it too. I won't feel bad when I accidentally weld it to the part I am repairing

[Davvan]

Thin case varsion of the DRSD?

[Rolex116520]

It sure looks like it had a tough life , but as Jedly points out it was never meant to be a cocktail watch . Like most of the time : You'll get what you pay for .

[Frogman4me]

Bottom line, we need to know the price in order to make a real judgement on it's value. Everyone has made great points on both sides but the price will determine who is more accurate. Don't leave us hanging...lol

[Richard.]

Originally Posted by jedly1

guys ...get a grip ....its a tool watch...it is meant to have been used and abused...it's an early thin case mk2 ...with what looks to me to be possibly a deep choc dial ...its b&P and sourced through a supplier thats isnt going to run off with your cash....have you any idea how rare all of that is ???

OK so it isnt a museum piece but a single thinner lug is just part of its life story...as long as its priced fairly to reflect its condition wheres the drama ??...ok so if it's a 3k 5513 and it bothers you pass and move on to the next .... but really for rare pieces these things are fine ...just dont do much welding in it !!!!

Thanks for the down-to-earth advice. I've just been to have another look and, actually, it isn't as bad as the pictures make it seem. So, now just the twenty week wait for Rolex to do their bit.