Explorer 1655 MkII

[edhahn44]

Hi,
unfortunately, the planned purchase of a  really nice 1655 MKII didn't materialize. A lot of research for nothing.
Luckily, there is a new opportunity on the market, however, not so straight forward as the last one. Here are the facts and pictures below:

- S/N 636xxxx, ca. 1980.
- MK4 original Dial with "T SWISS < 25 T" in serif, lightly creamy tritium patina, tritium hands have aged a shade darker than the dial. No relume, no refinish
- MK3 original bezel
- Case has been polished, but in good condition
- Bracelet, tight 78360 with 11 links and 580 endlinks
- Clasp code "VE"
- No box and no papers 

I did some research already and compared with similar models on HQ Milton. What puzzles me a bit, also given the latest reviews in this forum of other 1655's, is the fact that the minute markers are not always 100%  touching the inner rim. What is the expert view here?

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Ov...V4Q4T3hI07Q24r

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PdZ...ew?usp=sharing


https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oWV...ew?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/15We...ew?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GBx...ew?usp=sharing


https://drive.google.com/file/d/15s3...ew?usp=sharing


Thanks

[swish77]

Sorry, don't understand your question about the minute markers. They shouldn't be touching the "inner rim." Or are you referring to the little squares at the edge of the dial, which are more of a design feature?

My main issue with this watch is the polish, although it depends how picky you are. The crown guards are quite rounded, lugs are a little thin, and the bezel edge is too polished, taking the edge close to the top of the numbers. Also, note the difference in patina on the tritium of the 24-hour hand. That might indicate that the other hands are newer, although not definitive.

Maybe nit-picky, but it's all about the details, of course.

[218225]

Just my 2ct, but aren’t you a little too eager to get this model? I agree with swish that even at first there are obvious “flaws” that would make me think twice

Even I noticed the bezel and the fact that the crown guards are polished differently.

Research is never for nothing.


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[edhahn44]

Sorry, didn't mean the minute markers bit the squares that mark every five minutes. My understanding was always that they have to always completely touch the inner rim? On this watch this is not always the case.

Thanks for the feedback. I mainly focused on the dial but good to learn more about the case too....

[swish77]

Originally Posted by edhahn44

Sorry, didn't mean the minute markers bit the squares that mark every five minutes. My understanding was always that they have to always completely touch the inner rim? On this watch this is not always the case.

Thanks for the feedback. I mainly focused on the dial but good to learn more about the case too....

Yes, it's true that the little squares should be right at the edge of the dial, but over time and perhaps during a service, sometimes a tiny bit of the tritium flakes off right at the rehaut, almost as if it's pinched there. I don't see that as a real issue on the example you posted.

Here's my MK2 version as a comparison.

[Dan S]

Agree that refinishing has affected the shape of the case a bit, so not really a top notch example. Still nice looking though. Depends on price I guess.