Advice on 16660 condition

[MrGoat]

I am looking for a 16660 and this one has come on my radar. I know the dial has some issues around the date window.

I’m not very familiar with the SD’s but the crown guards look really thick to me (almost too thick). Model number stamp the 6’s look to be stamped higher than the 1 and the 0. I notice the caseback engraving is very worn down, I don’t know how the hell that happens.

Are these concerns? Are there any other issues I am not noticing?

Watch is priced at $7,500 and will be worn the same as I wear my 16613lb (daily through any task) so a perfect condition watch is not in the running.

I appreciate all help and advice!!












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[MrGoat]

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[omar-rye]

Ask for a photo of the movement. The moisture likely came up through the date window and caused that damage. Regardless, the dial is everything and holds most of the value in my opinion. I personally wouldn’t go for it.

[csaltphoto]

Originally Posted by omar-rye

Ask for a photo of the movement. The moisture likely came up through the date window and caused that damage. Regardless, the dial is everything and holds most of the value in my opinion. I personally wouldn’t go for it.

This. It looks like moisture damage. I think you can do better although maybe not for that price. I'd personally spend a little more for a watch in better condition.

[Deep18]

Originally Posted by csaltphoto

This. It looks like moisture damage. I think you can do better although maybe not for that price. I'd personally spend a little more for a watch in better condition.

Same feel here, spend a little more and get a much better piece.

[MrGoat]

Originally Posted by omar-rye

Ask for a photo of the movement. The moisture likely came up through the date window and caused that damage. Regardless, the dial is everything and holds most of the value in my opinion. I personally wouldn’t go for it.

Originally Posted by Deep18

Same feel here, spend a little more and get a much better piece.

Originally Posted by csaltphoto

This. It looks like moisture damage. I think you can do better although maybe not for that price. I'd personally spend a little more for a watch in better condition.

Thanks y’all.

These are harder to come by than I thought. Especially with an undamaged dial.

I haven’t even contacted the seller yet to see if it’s been serviced or not. If movement is working and not damaged is it really worth passing on and paying 2-3k more for a better watch that I’m going to put through hell?


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[Kevin of Larchmont]

I could live with the scratches and beat up lugs but that date window would drive me crazy at any price.

[joli160]

For me its ruined, even for this price I would not buy it

[Little machines]

Better examples for that model. I would pass based on condition and overall look. I would say a little more than 1 k you would get a great example of a SD. Good luck with your hunt!

[inadeje]

The date window is a red flag in my view. Who knows whats going on behind that clear moisture damage? The fact it got to that date window location surely means other hidden issues below and behind within the movement.

Hard pass for me unfortunately.

[Greg.A]

16660 is not rare, dial condition is everything, pass and find a better example

[Giankey]

I would pass, you can find 16660 in better condition

[swiss_seth]

Epitome of the Rolex tool watch

[Maleg]

I have more bracelet stretch on newer watches. If the bracelet is original, it wasn't worn a lot considering the age. In this condition, it may not have been serviced since new. With concerns about moisture showing on the dial and service history I would question whether the movement is in good order.

Even at the low end of the value range (and it will be a daily beater), I would pass on this watch with the information you have.

[Gerry62]

Originally Posted by Kevin of Larchmont

I could live with the scratches and beat up lugs but that date window would drive me crazy at any price.

Exactly

[Zach69SS]

Op, I would pass on it, unless you are getting a very sweet deal, the dial condition is concerning as others have mentioned it looks like moisture damage. I would have the movement checked for water damage.

The overall condition is not bad for its age. Like all watches condition is everything.

That is a great reference very under the radar.

Cheers,

[yowlie]

No disagreements with what has been said but this is how I like my cases. Eventually this will surpass others in value. But the dial is an issue. Are we sure that is moisture damage? We often see paint loss around structures, i.e. indices, so maybe that edge just isn't holding paint well after sun . . .

[hutch300]

Water ruined that dial and who knows what else. Pass at that price.

[racerx]

Originally Posted by MrGoat

Thanks y’all.

These are harder to come by than I thought. Especially with an undamaged dial.

I haven’t even contacted the seller yet to see if it’s been serviced or not. If movement is working and not damaged is it really worth passing on and paying 2-3k more for a better watch that I’m going to put through hell?


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IMO the watch has lots of miles on it and possibly had water/moisture intrusion. The bracelet looks pretty worn too. Nice 16660's are hard to come by.

Have you considered a 16600? They are newer, usually in much better condition and overall more of a modern watch.

[MrGoat]

Alright, I heard you all and have expanded my search. What about this one? $9650.










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[Kevin of Larchmont]

Less questionable.

[omar-rye]

Do they mention anything about the case being refinished in the ad? The bezel insert shows a lot of age, while the case looks pristine, which makes me think it might have been professionally refinished.

[MrGoat]

Originally Posted by omar-rye

Do they mention anything about the case being refinished in the ad? The bezel insert shows a lot of age, while the case looks pristine, which makes me think it might have been professionally refinished.

Second watch has been polished and appears to have a service crystal. Listed by a reputable seller.

As long as it’s not over polished I’m not phased by polishing.


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[Roddypeepa]

To me the price looks low and there a reason for that. Case loos like it’s been done a couple of times, lugs aren’t crisp and then it’s been battered again. Bezel insert looks new. There are better examples out there for not much more imo.
Second one looks much better but not brilliantly done refinishing on flanks.

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[MrGoat]

Originally Posted by Roddypeepa

To me the price looks low and there a reason for that. Case loos like it’s been done a couple of times, lugs aren’t crisp and then it’s been battered again. Bezel insert looks new. There are better examples out there for not much more imo.


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Are you talking about the first or second example?


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[Roddypeepa]

Originally Posted by MrGoat

Are you talking about the first or second example?


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First. Second better but I’ve seen better.


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[Roddypeepa]

Tbh i would bite the bullet and get the 116600- bit more money but a better bet long term I’d say. A lot of the 5 digits are pretty beat up now. People were wearing them not putting them in the safe!


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[MrGoat]

Originally Posted by Roddypeepa

Tbh i would bite the bullet and get the 116600- bit more money but a better bet long term I’d say. A lot of the 5 digits are pretty beat up now. People were wearing them not putting them in the safe!


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I don’t like the 6 digit models. 5 digits are my sweet spot.

A watch that’s been worn and has some character to it is much more appealing to me than a pristine example. Especially because my watches aren’t safe queens.


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[omar-rye]

Originally Posted by MrGoat

Second watch has been polished and appears to have a service crystal. Listed by a reputable seller.

As long as it’s not over polished I’m not phased by polishing.


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Just to clarify, when I say refinished, I mean laser welded and recut. It’s a bit different from a polished case. It’s not a bad thing, but I wanted to point it out as it does affect the value.

[MrGoat]

Originally Posted by omar-rye

Just to clarify, when I say refinished, I mean laser welded and recut. It’s a bit different from a polished case. It’s not a bad thing, but I wanted to point it out as it does affect the value.

Jacek states it is “recently polished” not recut or laser welded.


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