Sea-Dweller MK1 or rail dial

[Alexander88]

I'm a bit torn at the moment. I am a big 1665 fan.
At the moment I have a 1665 Mk1 (first picture).
Now I've been looking for a nice 1665 with rail dial for a while.
At the moment there is one on offer that I like very much (second picture).
I wanted to get some inspiration. Should I let my 1665 go and buy the rail dial, or keep my 1665?
They are too similar for me to own both.


I would be happy to exchange ideas with you.

Alex

[Dan S]

Maybe you could explain why the distinction between the two dial variations is important to you. To me, the difference is negligible and the decision would be entirely based on overall condition.

[MrBlobby]

I would say keep what you have. I think there is a cost to trading (selling and buying) so you really need to want to change to pay for the transaction costs as well as any price difference.

Is that a later bezel on the mk1? Does that matter? If it does then why not change the insert?

[Alexander88]

I like the rail dial version because of the symmetry in the lettering. Maybe I'm also attracted by the fact that the Rail Dial might be rarer than the MK1 Dial.
The condition of my 1665 MK1 is very good. Dial is perfect.
I would have to have a look at the 1665 rail dial, the dial also looks very good. I can't assess the case yet.

[lee fowler]

Originally Posted by Alexander88

I like the rail dial version because of the symmetry in the lettering. Maybe I'm also attracted by the fact that the Rail Dial might be rarer than the MK1 Dial.
The condition of my 1665 MK1 is very good. Dial is perfect.
I would have to have a look at the 1665 rail dial, the dial also looks very good. I can't assess the case yet.

I don't see the Rail as being rarer to be honest! Not many of either about.

[swaini3]

If the rail dial one is not in better condition than yours, than it's not worth it imo.

[Filipão]

That rail dial is a beauty, but I'd never get rid of yours.

[TimeLord2]

6 of one, half a dozen of the other… Both look great. Keep what you have unless this is a direct trade. If that is the case, then take what you want.

[baumare]

If the condition are equivalent or better then the one you already own, why not…
The rail dial is a little detail that makes you feel good when you look at it and is a little less common. But as you can see from the response here don’t think to much about rarity, it’s more for your own enjoyment

[1665fan]

Rail all day

[psv]

I have a 1665 - I'm a big fan of Sea-Dwellers.

For me, the honesty and condition of the watch is much more important than year, version/mark of the dial, etc. I think rail dial is a nice curiosity, but it is something that certain dealers hype in order to create differentiation and drive hype. To me, as an enthusiast, it is not that important.

I would pick the one with the best unpolished case, original insert, lume plot and nice dial. I find honest condition and originality much more important than the version of the dial or rail.

[Kingface66]

I think the fact that you’re not just considering it, but looking for support of the trade tells me that you want the rail. And that’s fine. Your money, your watches.

The rail, w the lovely insert and more custard-y patina looks better, too.

[TuRo]

The T Swiss T >25 does look nice (helped by plot colour, plexi and photo quality no doubt) but your Swiss T>25 is a good example too.

In UK the former commands about a 10% premium on a 1665 and 1655, but no more and dial and case condition paramount.
Pxing with a dealer is the most costly way to do it as you know...they'll offer you 65/70% of retail on your watch against full mark up, so you'll be £4-5k down before you start....but if monies no object/secondary it's your gig and do what your heart and head both coalesce on !

[Alexander88]

Yes, I would definitely have to pay a few thousand more for the 1665 rail dial.

I am actually very happy with my Sea-Dweller. Unfortunately I take bad pictures, the condition is nice in person.
I think I'll keep my 1665, even though the rail dial is really nice. I may still look at an older insert.

Thank you guys so much for your participation and support.

[davie489]

Hi there
Had the same quandary…. So I did buy a rail too. Love them both

[swish77]

Next to "meters-first," I find rail dials to be the most overrated dial detail for which dealers/sellers charge a premium. The visual impact is negligible.

Overall condition, especially of the dial and its patina, is so, so much more important.

OP, if the rail dial came with a much stronger case and nicer-looking patina'd dial, and/or came as a full set, I might consider it. Otherwise, no way.

[MrBlobby]

Originally Posted by Alexander88

Yes, I would definitely have to pay a few thousand more for the 1665 rail dial.

I am actually very happy with my Sea-Dweller. Unfortunately I take bad pictures, the condition is nice in person.
I think I'll keep my 1665, even though the rail dial is really nice. I may still look at an older insert.

Thank you guys so much for your participation and support.

Good choice.

[Alexander88]

Originally Posted by MrBlobby

Good choice.

Thank you :)