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Frogman4me · 7 May 2011, 05:36 PM

Well as many of you who know me personally or around the forums then you know that I have been searching for a 1665 DRSD for quite some time. With this being a "Grail" purchase I did not want to settle for anything less than a "collectors" piece. Meaning all original, perfect dial/hands, unpolished case, provenance, etc. After near 7 months of searching I was unable to find the "right one" for me.

Now many of you know Ken aka Steelerfan around the forum as he is quite a well known and well respected vintage Rolex watch collector. During my learning and researching of the DRSD Ken among others like John and Sunny have really helped me understand what to look for and how to search for the right piece. I speak to Ken frequently as he is my go to guy when it comes to Vintage Rolex watches. He was aware of my hardship in the search and continued to encourage me to be patient and wait for the "right one". After months and months I naturally became discouraged and was ready to settle for a 1680 red M/F full set which would have been a nice catch but not what my heart was settled on.

To make a long story short one evening Ken contaced me and told me it was my lucky night. He said he would be willing to sell me his unbelievable DRSD! If you know Ken then you know everything he owns is nothing short of spectacular when it comes to condition, originality and provenance so I was blown away by the opportunity. Of course I said Yes! This exact watch was sold out of James Dowling's collection so I can now say I have a watch that was owned by James and Ken! How lucky am I! I have nothing but great things to say about this man, he reached out and sold me a watch that was not for sale and made my dreams come true. A world class gentleman, Thank you Ken.

So some of you have seen photos of this watch before but I am going to smother you with pictures because in terms of condition this might be the nicest vintage watch I have ever seen. Look at those chamfers!

Sorry, I had to spill the details as it was one long journey from start to finish. Special thanks to all my friends who have help me along the way to this watch. I will never forget all your help.

~David

Enjoy the photos

Got Chamfer?

Thanks for looking

Ezza8 · 7 May 2011, 05:50 PM

Oh you lucky lucky man David!! Ken is the best and has been very supportive of my searches too!

That is one amazing watch..10/10..does NOT get any better than that!

A BIG congrats!

WouterN · 7 May 2011, 06:19 PM

David, congrats with this grail! It is indeed a perfect piece! I love these stories.. it takes dedication, patience and lot of 'finding out stuff' to get to the point where you take the plunge. Always nice to have some experts looking over your shoulder.

I am currently in the same position as you.. I have a red sub but I want a 'perfect' red sub with all the paperwork and stuff (meters first, etc...). Hope I can find one within 7 months :)

Congrats again and wear it in good health!

ob1 · 7 May 2011, 06:32 PM

Oh my giddy giddy gosh. Massive congratulations. Any watch from Kens collection is going to be a star buy. Well done you and well done Ken

RLX-lvr · 7 May 2011, 06:48 PM

Big congrats, David!!

I have followed your threads, and know exactually what you mean. The hunt for the right piece is very tough, but worth it!

Your DRSD looks great, with some lovely patina. Looks like a MK 4 edition.
Well done.

PhilM · 7 May 2011, 06:57 PM

What a watch, serious congratulations David i'm happy for you

KarlFr · 7 May 2011, 07:06 PM

Congrats, what a beauty! It's all about the chase

dalip · 7 May 2011, 07:13 PM

David......

That is an absolute stunner...what a find. Many congrats

That must feel so good to wear....wow

mailman · 7 May 2011, 07:32 PM

WOW!!! Amazing watch

Congratulations David

It makes me feel good when two great guys make a good deal like this. Kudos to you both

Chris B · 7 May 2011, 07:44 PM

I love stories like these, very well done to you both & many congratulations

....

HL65 · 7 May 2011, 07:53 PM

Thanks David for the nice words--as well as the others!! That is what makes this forum such a great place--connects friends from all over the world. As for the watch--what great provenance it has--and it just got better!! It couldn't have gone to a more deserving or better person. Funny how things work out David when you are not in control!! My sincere congratulations and wear it in great health!! So very happy for you! It looks much better with your pictures than mine too!! One day I will get the camera thing down--LOL!!!

Felix.H · 7 May 2011, 07:55 PM

Huge Congratz on that fine piece bro,....

Paracentesis · 7 May 2011, 08:29 PM

Beautiful, well done.

T5AUS · 7 May 2011, 08:51 PM

Superb score David, it was well worth the wait, it don't get much better than a double red, that should keep you mesmerized for years to come.....stay lucky

roh123 · 7 May 2011, 08:55 PM

Wow! Great story

Congrats

Amazing piece. Looks as good on you as it did on Ken.

bluemartinifan · 7 May 2011, 09:04 PM

Thanks for sharing your great story David. This forum, and our members is a very special place. Gentlemen like Ken and others who are so Rolex knowledgeable and gracious with sharing that knowledge, make this place a life experience for me. Ken has also counseled me a bit and says "the finest vintage pieces don't come up for sale - they are passed from collector to collector".
Enjoy your beautiful Rolex.

Jason71 · 7 May 2011, 09:40 PM

HOLY SMOKES!!!!

I knew when I read the thread title that this was going to be a stunner, but it was even better than I expected. Congrats on a one-of-a-kind piece

fusionstorm · 7 May 2011, 09:52 PM

Wowzers!! Congrats!!

Jagatai · 7 May 2011, 10:23 PM

Unbelievable!! Great story. Stunning watch. Congrats to you both. Wear that beauty in good health! Cheers.

YetiBiker · 7 May 2011, 11:38 PM

Congrats David! That DRSD is killer! Wear in good health!

BUUUTTTT, the seller..Hmmmm..I have my reservations about!!!

.

Just kidding Ken!!

You are a class act in every way my friend!

Wonder what Ken got to fill the empty space in his watch box??!!

Brushpup · 7 May 2011, 11:49 PM

Wow, great story and what a great find. Great photos too man, I enjoyed the whole thing a whole lot. Must be really nice having that on the wrist.

Major congrats Frogman.

pk_diver · 7 May 2011, 11:55 PM

Superlative!!!

gansevoort · 7 May 2011, 11:56 PM

Nice story !
Stunning watch.

kyle L · 7 May 2011, 11:58 PM

Dude!

Great watch! You know what this means...Ken is saving up for something crazy.

Route 66 · 7 May 2011, 11:59 PM

WOW, you don't see a Double Red every day!

Well...I don't, but you will.

Big congrats David!

J.Wong · 8 May 2011, 12:23 AM

Very nicely done! Wear it in great health!!!

Frogman4me · 8 May 2011, 12:37 AM

Oh my goodness, I woke up this morning to such a warm welcome. Too many great comments to quote but I thank you fine gentlemen for the compliments, congrats and support you have shown me.

From the first day on this forum I have always felt welcome, you guys are an amazing group of people and I look forward to sharing more watch experiences together and getting know each of you more.

Annabell · 8 May 2011, 12:47 AM

Looks Great!!! My Great White 1665 cousin says hi

Beaumont Miller II · 8 May 2011, 12:50 AM

David
Congratulations to you on an absolutely beautiful watch. I know how happy you feel right now and am so happy for you. I think we can all learn from Ken's words of wisdom: be patient, buy the seller, and great watches come out of collections and rarely go on the market. I just want to also say that the camaraderie here on this forum and the friends you make are what makes this forum so special. David those are great pics. I can't wait to see what's next.

Yazo · 8 May 2011, 01:06 AM

Absolutely spectacular!! This is freaking awesome... Kens spot on.. This could not have gone to someone more deserving!! Patience really paid off for you my friend and as many have said.. That is the real lesson here!!

This also is a huge testimony to this site!! Probably never would have been possible w/o it!!

Wear it in good health my friend!!

7 May 2011, 05:36 PM	#1
Frogman4me Banned Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Maryland Posts: 6,268	Grail Arrival, Frogman has finally found "The One" Well as many of you who know me personally or around the forums then you know that I have been searching for a 1665 DRSD for quite some time. With this being a "Grail" purchase I did not want to settle for anything less than a "collectors" piece. Meaning all original, perfect dial/hands, unpolished case, provenance, etc. After near 7 months of searching I was unable to find the "right one" for me. Now many of you know Ken aka Steelerfan around the forum as he is quite a well known and well respected vintage Rolex watch collector. During my learning and researching of the DRSD Ken among others like John and Sunny have really helped me understand what to look for and how to search for the right piece. I speak to Ken frequently as he is my go to guy when it comes to Vintage Rolex watches. He was aware of my hardship in the search and continued to encourage me to be patient and wait for the "right one". After months and months I naturally became discouraged and was ready to settle for a 1680 red M/F full set which would have been a nice catch but not what my heart was settled on. To make a long story short one evening Ken contaced me and told me it was my lucky night. He said he would be willing to sell me his unbelievable DRSD! If you know Ken then you know everything he owns is nothing short of spectacular when it comes to condition, originality and provenance so I was blown away by the opportunity. Of course I said Yes! This exact watch was sold out of James Dowling's collection so I can now say I have a watch that was owned by James and Ken! How lucky am I! I have nothing but great things to say about this man, he reached out and sold me a watch that was not for sale and made my dreams come true. A world class gentleman, Thank you Ken. So some of you have seen photos of this watch before but I am going to smother you with pictures because in terms of condition this might be the nicest vintage watch I have ever seen. Look at those chamfers! Sorry, I had to spill the details as it was one long journey from start to finish. Special thanks to all my friends who have help me along the way to this watch. I will never forget all your help. ~David Enjoy the photos Got Chamfer? Thanks for looking

7 May 2011, 07:13 PM	#8
dalip "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Real Name: Dalip Location: Mumbai and Perth Watch: Rolex PAM Omega Posts: 18,656	David...... That is an absolute stunner...what a find. Many congrats That must feel so good to wear....wow __________________ ------------------------------------------------------------ *"The liar's punishment is not in the least that he is not believed, but that he cannot believe anyone else." George Bernard Shaw*

7 May 2011, 07:32 PM	#9
mailman TRF Moderator & 2025 Patron Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: . Watch: BLNR Posts: 35,551	WOW!!! Amazing watch Congratulations David It makes me feel good when two great guys make a good deal like this. Kudos to you both __________________ JJ

7 May 2011, 07:53 PM	#11
HL65 TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Ken Location: SW Florida Watch: One on my wrist. Posts: 64,216	Thanks David for the nice words--as well as the others!! That is what makes this forum such a great place--connects friends from all over the world. As for the watch--what great provenance it has--and it just got better!! It couldn't have gone to a more deserving or better person. Funny how things work out David when you are not in control!! My sincere congratulations and wear it in great health!! So very happy for you! It looks much better with your pictures than mine too!! One day I will get the camera thing down--LOL!!! __________________ *SPEM SUCCESSUS ALIT*

7 May 2011, 08:51 PM	#14
T5AUS Banned Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: USA Watch: ing the time go by Posts: 1,444	Woweeeeeeeee!!!! Superb score David, it was well worth the wait, it don't get much better than a double red, that should keep you mesmerized for years to come.....stay lucky

7 May 2011, 05:50 PM	#2
Ezza8 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Australia Watch: Rolex Posts: 165	Oh you lucky lucky man David!! Ken is the best and has been very supportive of my searches too! That is one amazing watch..10/10..does NOT get any better than that! A BIG congrats!

7 May 2011, 06:19 PM	#3
WouterN "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Real Name: Wouter Location: Amsterdam, NL Watch: Vintage subs Posts: 129	David, congrats with this grail! It is indeed a perfect piece! I love these stories.. it takes dedication, patience and lot of 'finding out stuff' to get to the point where you take the plunge. Always nice to have some experts looking over your shoulder. I am currently in the same position as you.. I have a red sub but I want a 'perfect' red sub with all the paperwork and stuff (meters first, etc...). Hope I can find one within 7 months :) Congrats again and wear it in good health!

7 May 2011, 06:32 PM	#4
ob1 Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: Mark Location: canterbury Watch: new pussycat? Posts: 635	Oh my giddy giddy gosh. Massive congratulations. Any watch from Kens collection is going to be a star buy. Well done you and well done Ken

7 May 2011, 06:48 PM	#5
RLX-lvr "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Jeff Location: Toronto Posts: 1,947	Big congrats, David!! I have followed your threads, and know exactually what you mean. The hunt for the right piece is very tough, but worth it! Your DRSD looks great, with some lovely patina. Looks like a MK 4 edition. Well done.

7 May 2011, 06:57 PM	#6
PhilM "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Real Name: Phil Location: London Watch: Sea-Dweller Posts: 1,765	What a watch, serious congratulations David i'm happy for you

7 May 2011, 07:06 PM	#7
KarlFr "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Scandinavia Watch: ♛ Posts: 1,330	Congrats, what a beauty! It's all about the chase

7 May 2011, 07:44 PM	#10
Chris B "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Peterborough Posts: 9,631	I love stories like these, very well done to you both & many congratulations ....

7 May 2011, 07:55 PM	#12
Felix.H Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Real Name: Felix Location: Indonesia Watch: Rolexes, APs, Pams Posts: 204	Huge Congratz on that fine piece bro,....

7 May 2011, 08:29 PM	#13
Paracentesis Banned Join Date: May 2010 Real Name: James Location: UK Watch: Tissot Posts: 1,454	Beautiful, well done.

7 May 2011, 08:55 PM	#15
roh123 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Real Name: Per Location: Sweden Watch: Gilt Rolex Posts: 2,946	Wow! Great story Congrats Amazing piece. Looks as good on you as it did on Ken.

7 May 2011, 09:04 PM	#16
bluemartinifan 2025 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Real Name: Russ Location: Dallas Texas Watch: 5513 Posts: 2,124	Thanks for sharing your great story David. This forum, and our members is a very special place. Gentlemen like Ken and others who are so Rolex knowledgeable and gracious with sharing that knowledge, make this place a life experience for me. Ken has also counseled me a bit and says "the finest vintage pieces don't come up for sale - they are passed from collector to collector". Enjoy your beautiful Rolex.

7 May 2011, 09:40 PM	#17
Jason71 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Real Name: Jason Location: USA Watch: Rolex/Tudor Divers Posts: 7,973	HOLY SMOKES!!!! I knew when I read the thread title that this was going to be a stunner, but it was even better than I expected. Congrats on a one-of-a-kind piece __________________ Best Regards, Jason Just Say "NO" to Polishing Card-Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch Curmudgeons LIfe is too short to wear inexpensive watches PLEXI IS SEXY

7 May 2011, 09:52 PM	#18
fusionstorm "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Piedmont, CA Watch: various vintage Posts: 2,270	Wowzers!! Congrats!! __________________ 1680 MK II 2.2M (my daily); 1655 MK IV 8.1M (my 1st vintage); 16660 x 4 - 8.0M spider & matte 7.4M, 8.0M, 8.0M; 16610LV F MK I/MK I; 116528 Z; 14060 M COSC; Tudor 75090 Gone.....never forgotten: 14000 F, 14060 V COSC, PAM 048, 16623 F, 1680 MK V 3.1M, 16800 matte 8.3M & 1655 MK IV 7.4M

7 May 2011, 10:23 PM	#19
Jagatai "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: Philip Location: NY Posts: 851	Unbelievable!! Great story. Stunning watch. Congrats to you both. Wear that beauty in good health! Cheers.

7 May 2011, 11:38 PM	#20
YetiBiker "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Real Name: Vijay Location: Louisiana, USA Watch: ..sure, why not? Posts: 368	Congrats David! That DRSD is killer! Wear in good health! BUUUTTTT, the seller..Hmmmm..I have my reservations about!!!. Just kidding Ken!! You are a class act in every way my friend! Wonder what Ken got to fill the empty space in his watch box??!!

7 May 2011, 11:49 PM	#21
Brushpup "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Real Name: Patrick Location: Texas Watch: what I'm wearing Posts: 5,943	Wow, great story and what a great find. Great photos too man, I enjoyed the whole thing a whole lot. Must be really nice having that on the wrist. Major congrats Frogman. __________________ *TRFs "AFTER DARK" Bar & NightClub Patron-Founding Member* PClub # 10 74,592 The safest place for your watch is on your wrist.

7 May 2011, 11:55 PM	#22
pk_diver "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Italy Watch: the stars Posts: 91	Superlative!!!

7 May 2011, 11:56 PM	#23
gansevoort "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Real Name: Patrick Location: new york ny Posts: 26	Nice story ! Stunning watch.

7 May 2011, 11:58 PM	#24
kyle L "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: USA Watch: Rolex Explorer I Posts: 10,278	Dude! Great watch! You know what this means...Ken is saving up for something crazy.

7 May 2011, 11:59 PM	#25
Route 66 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Real Name: Steve Location: Burbank, CA Watch: 214270 Mark II Posts: 4,121	WOW, you don't see a Double Red every day! Well...I don't, but you will. Big congrats David!

8 May 2011, 12:23 AM	#26
J.Wong "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Real Name: Jon Location: Hong Kong Watch: Tudor/Rolex Divers Posts: 244	Very nicely done! Wear it in great health!!! __________________ Member #88 Instagram : @jwlife37

8 May 2011, 12:37 AM	#27
Frogman4me Banned Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Maryland Posts: 6,268	Oh my goodness, I woke up this morning to such a warm welcome. Too many great comments to quote but I thank you fine gentlemen for the compliments, congrats and support you have shown me. From the first day on this forum I have always felt welcome, you guys are an amazing group of people and I look forward to sharing more watch experiences together and getting know each of you more.

8 May 2011, 12:47 AM	#28
Annabell Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Real Name: Dr. Fisher Location: Jackson, TN Watch: Tag Monaco Posts: 79	Looks Great!!! My Great White 1665 cousin says hi

8 May 2011, 12:50 AM	#29
Beaumont Miller II "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: USA Posts: 2,615	David Congratulations to you on an absolutely beautiful watch. I know how happy you feel right now and am so happy for you. I think we can all learn from Ken's words of wisdom: be patient, buy the seller, and great watches come out of collections and rarely go on the market. I just want to also say that the camaraderie here on this forum and the friends you make are what makes this forum so special. David those are great pics. I can't wait to see what's next. __________________

8 May 2011, 01:06 AM	#30
Yazo "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Dallas TX Watch: Rolex Posts: 2,812	Absolutely spectacular!! This is freaking awesome... Kens spot on.. This could not have gone to someone more deserving!! Patience really paid off for you my friend and as many have said.. That is the real lesson here!! This also is a huge testimony to this site!! Probably never would have been possible w/o it!! Wear it in good health my friend!!

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