1665 - Double Red

[Storky]

Hi Guys,
Got this tatty old watch head today! I believe it to be an honest one owner watch from a family I have known for years. Apparently it has been tucked away in a box for at least 25 years.

This is how I bought it... aaaargh!:

[dysondiver]

quick wipe with a damp rag , and it will be grand.

[Storky]

I have now cut off the old strap and removed the brass wires that were shoved in the case lugs! I've given the crystal a light polish so I could have a good look at the dial. It's obviously not in great shape so I am hoping I may get some advice from you experts please?

Here are some details ... hopefully I've educated myself a little from this forum so here goes:

- Serial & case number between lugs nice & clear, the serial is 306****
- Inside case back engraved with last 3 digits of serial, 1665 then 1 72
- Triplock crown fitted ... is this a later addition? (the only repair mark in case back is dated 1976)

The dial is obviously in a bad way and is flaking, I can post some close up pics if someone is happy to advise me? I suppose the burning question is:
- Do I leave alone?
- Get it 'sealed?' so it doesn't get worse?
- Do I get it restored by an expert to some degree.
- Remove it, store it away carefully and buy a white dial (so I can wear the watch)

Then there's the lack of a bezel insert!
Do Sea Dwellers have specific 'mark' bezels for particular years like Subs?
I love to get one that is period correct for the watch ... or at least look for one.

Then there's the hands ......!

[Vincent65]

Yep, it's definitely honest! It's knackered mate, sorry. Dial ruined, hands trashed, and lost bezel insert. I hope you didn't pay a lot for it. It might make a fun 'beater' if it's running OK, but I personally would not spend any money on it. You'd have to get a replacement dial hands and insert, and get it serviced - might as well get another watch.

[dysondiver]

i actually like the look , be a nice daily wear with some careful fixing , but as mentioned , you could easily spend more than its worth and end up with something you cant sell.
just go slow and be wise.

[Storky]

Originally Posted by dysondiver

quick wipe with a damp rag , and it will be grand.

I think that perhaps you are joking but that is one option I'd consider ... do nothing, store it safely away and leave it to my son.

[dysondiver]

i was of course joking ,,,, id not put anything wet any where near that watch at the moment ,,, but , i think it will transform ,, some of the proper vintage guys will be along soon.

[HERITAGE82]

I would just get it serviced and a new insert and enjoy the watch as is!

[Storky]

Oh dear!
Please don't say use super glue and go over it with a felt pen!
I certainly didn't pay a fortune for it but also didn't 'steal it' from the seller.

[Vincent65]

Originally Posted by Storky

I think that perhaps you are joking but that is one option I'd consider ... do nothing, store it safely away and leave it to my son.

Storing it safely is pointless, honestly. Wear it hard and enjoy it. All the value of these is in the dials, originality, and general condition; it's not a 'safe-queen' or a worthy 'family heirloom.' Your son would just inherit the same set of problems you have just acquired, sadly. I say this all with the best intentions and respect, but it has little intrinsic or aesthetic value, IMHO.

[azguy]

Sorry, bad buy, the dial and case show serious degrading and maybe even water intrusion, I'm scared to see what the movement looks like....

[jyan212]

Interesting DRSD as I've never seen anything in that condition before. Finding the right parts and servicing it would certainly cost a lot. I would bring it to whichever spec seems fit for you and wear it daily. It's been through hell and back so you know it can take the abuse.

[nycpassat]

may we ask how much you purchased it for?

[Beaumont Miller II]

I would talk to a dial restorer and have him seal only seal the dial. The dial with matching hands and a faded insert would look great.

[Storky]

Originally Posted by Beaumont Miller II

I would talk to a dial restorer and have him seal only seal the dial. The dial with matching hands and a faded insert would look great.

Thanks for your reply, that's what I want to hear... and I know you're the man to know!

... maybe get the dial retouched properly? It looks a bit of mess as it is! I realise a restoration is a no go.

[Storky]

Originally Posted by azguy

Sorry, bad buy, the dial and case show serious degrading and maybe even water intrusion, I'm scared to see what the movement looks like....

Everything has a price! Case is fine. Dial has had moisture on it without a doubt but I've seen worse. Movement runs and is bright but it will be serviced, tube unscrews with crown .... don't be scared, I'm not!

[Vincent65]

Originally Posted by Storky

Thanks for your reply, that's what I want to hear.

You're welcome

[Storky]

Thanks for your input everyone ...
I know its a project and over time I will probably get it sorted. I realise it needs work, expense and effort!
Anyone able to point me in the right direction as to the correct bezel insert please? Thanks.

[QueueCumber]

Originally Posted by Vincent65

Storing it safely is pointless, honestly. Wear it hard and enjoy it. All the value of these is in the dials, originality, and general condition; it's not a 'safe-queen' or a worthy 'family heirloom.' Your son would just inherit the same set of problems you have just acquired, sadly. I say this all with the best intentions and respect, but it has little intrinsic or aesthetic value, IMHO.

[Beaumont Miller II]

Personally I think it would be a fun watch to own. I would not try to restore or touch up anything on the dial. My fear would be once you start, you don't know where to stop. There are many reasons to love a watch, a perfect pristine dial is just one reason. Sometimes the history and provenance of the watch can be interesting as well.

[JimSnyder]

I thinks it's amazing. It's had a hard life but that's what Rolex was about before the "bling era" Hell it's a Double Red SD! A ruff one, but better then not one

[kyle L]

Get the dial flaking taken care of and repaired, get the movement serviced, get the watch cleaned and sealed and put a faded bezel insert on it. Nowhere near a mint example but a nice watch with a lot of history.

[GeoGio Greece]

Originally Posted by JimSnyder

I thinks it's amazing. It's had a hard life but that's what Rolex was about before the "bling era" Hell it's a Double Red SD! A ruff one, but better then not one

Very correct

[JerimiahLee]

I wouldn't worry too much about correcting the dial. Finding a period correct dial will be expensive and long process.

If you got it for a good price do what Beaumont suggested and wear it.

[Storky]

Originally Posted by Beaumont Miller II

Personally I think it would be a fun watch to own. I would not try to restore or touch up anything on the dial. My fear would be once you start, you don't know where to stop. There are many reasons to love a watch, a perfect pristine dial is just one reason. Sometimes the history and provenance of the watch can be interesting as well.

I really like it, a proper DRSD with history!... almost everyone wants a vintage Rolex that has never been out of the box... as long as it has a faded bezel(!) That's another story, but this has come from the original owner with a military background. I'm sure it was his 'tool' watch that he couldn't wait to take off and replace with his gold dress watch when he wasn't at 'work'.

The most water that modern 'Sports' watches see is if they are worn in the rain!

Yes, the dial is a mess and I'd probably leave it but I fear that if left alone it will get get worse... please take a look at no.9 on the thread.
I just wondered if it was professionally improved/ retouched it may be a good compromise.

I really started the thread for honest advice about the dial (thank you) and the correct bezel insert rather than to be told how bad the watch is!

My favourite watch is my beautiful Red Sub that I bought years ago. It was found by the original owners son in the bottom of his deceased Fathers tool box. It looked dreadful and was filthy ... never serviced by Rolex. It has an original perfect dial hidden behind the scratched crystal. Perhaps I should start a before and after thread to show the transformation .....?

[Storky]

Had some nice replies whilst I was writing my last post.
I was delighted to get this watch, a proper one that hasn't been messed with ... trashed - maybe!
Thanks guys!

[CrownMe]

Originally Posted by Storky

Oh dear!
Please don't say use super glue and go over it with a felt pen!
I certainly didn't pay a fortune for it but also didn't 'steal it' from the seller.

very cool watch with a story to tell. I hope u didnt pay anywhere near what these go for tho

[QueueCumber]

Originally Posted by Storky

I really like it, a proper DRSD with history!... almost everyone wants a vintage Rolex that has never been out of the box... as long as it has a faded bezel(!) That's another story, but this has come from the original owner with a military background. I'm sure it was his 'tool' watch that he couldn't wait to take off and replace with his gold dress watch when he wasn't at 'work'.

That is because many of us "collect" watches. When collecting anything, condition and rarity determines value. With vintage items, condition often moderates rarity. The exception with watches is the sometimes additional rarity created by fading and unnatural color change due to factory defect. In many collecting spheres these would be considered damage...

[CaveDiver]

Storky,
IMO..Restoring that dial will not devalue given the state that it is currently. Unfortunatly, you most likely would have to send the dial to Asia to get a good dial restoration. I've seen a few that were in worse shape and turned out to be respectable.

Cd

[Texican]

I have read the occasional post on this forum and others that say a service dial may be available for order from HQ in Geneva by an RSC. Might pay to call and at least ask what they would replace a damaged DRSD dial with...lately there have been two 1680 Reds with service dials from Rolex with red writing for sale and you never know....would be great if this is the case, you'd wind up with a very nice watch!