1665 Mark 1 advice

[Sam Dubai]

Hello all,

I am new to the forum but have been collecting for over 20 years. I have just acquired a 1665 mark 1 from 1979. Its just had a movement service by Rolex UK but the case has not been touched at my request.

I need some input on the case, its had quite hard a hard life but it seems to be unpolished. I know a bit but I am no expert hence reaching to you guys....


I think bezel insert may be newer?? But should I keep this or look to replace, considering that the cost for inserts seems to have gone crazy

it also got re profiled service dome which I had installed to ensure water tightness.

Could you let me know your thoughts on the watch overall and the case. Also, would you leave as is or have the bevels re cut at LA Works etc.


Cheers,

Sam

[4rnold]

I'm no expert, but this watch looks great. It just had a service so I would not touch it anymore. Certainly NOT have the case recut, that would be a huge mistake.

[sgk]

Agreed that if it has bevels present then don’t reprofile.

BTW, I have a 5513 on the way back from LAWW which had rounded lugs and hence needed the treatment.

Great SD!

[andy2518]

Hi,

I cant speak for the case as it is all down to personal preference. There are many threads on here and vrf about whether or not to recut, polish or leave a case as is.

With regards to the insert you are right this is a service insert, the correct insert would be a fat font mk3. As it happens I have exactly the same watch as you and have changed the service insert back to a FF mk3 and tritium pearl. I would say it is worth it as it completes the vintage feel. Prices are high but they aren’t getting any cheaper so if you do decide to go for it. Now is a good time. There are few that come up from time to time on here and vrf so well with taking a look.

Here’s before and after of my watch




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[Woody]

I would have had the RSC refinish the case when it was serviced.......I personally couldn't cope with the marks to the lugs etc. As others have said it is a very personal decision and only you can decide. I am more relaxed about the bezel insert but if you can stomach the cost of an original replacement then why not......just make sure you buy from a trusted source. Good luck with your decisions (it is a lovely watch and one I would very much like to own!!).

[rootbeer7]

I would have had RSC polish it (if it was St James). Saying that, these vintage pieces have charm with a few scrapes. Regarding the bezel insert and even the crystal, you could start collecting the originals so that if you were to part company you have a complete and ‘original’ piece.

[1665fan]

Looks great leave it alone I would never polish that watch in a million years...... I would find a proper onset for it as well

[BrazenC5]

That's not a hard life on that case. It's in fantastic condition after ~40 years of use. Please don't make it look like a museum piece.

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[stmoore]

That case is perfect for the age. Do not have it polished. Don’t listen to the dandys who want a new watch.

Get a proper mark 3.2 insert (rounded 4) insert and it will be perfect (F that service insert).

[Tom1675]

Your SD is about 40 yrs away from needing a polish.

[05carbondrz]

You are insane to have that Case polished.

[Sam Dubai]

Guys thanks for the feedback, the case will stay as is. I will hunt down an period correct insert....

[Rashid.bk]

Beautiful watch.

[1665fan]

Anybody who says polish that case wants you to have overpolished 1665 so theirs looks better lol

[shaunylw]

Never polish something in that condition. It looks awesome for almost 40 years old. It looks awesome!


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[rolstaff]

Originally Posted by shaunylw

Never polish something in that condition. It looks awesome for almost 40 years old. It looks awesome!


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Word !

[Jaques]

Originally Posted by 4rnold

I'm no expert, but this watch looks great. It just had a service so I would not touch it anymore. Certainly NOT have the case recut, that would be a huge mistake.

This is good advice.

[pynic]

very nice