Mauled dial on Explorer 1 ref 1016

[sunspot005]

Hello. I'm new to this site. A buddy of mine said you guys are extremely helpful.

Basically, my issue is this:

I found an explorer 1016 with a reputable dealer, although this dealer is not very knowledgeable about vintage pieces.

They wanted $8500, but I pointed out that the second hand was not original, nor was it an explorer second hand. It's a straight stick instead of the one with the bubble lume (sorry I don't know the lingo...just trying to describe it). Also, the dial has been repainted to where it's no longer matte, and even worse it doesn't say "swiss" or "swiss t>25" or whatever that should be. And there 's no circular outline around the second markers

It's obviously a frankenwatch, at best.

I offered $5k for it. If mechanically it checks out as a 1016, is it worth that much?

Also, is it possible to get the dial redone correctly and get a proper seconds hand?

Thanks. Appreciate your input

[AbsolutelyROLEX!]

Best to post pics here so we can help you better

[sunspot005]

Andy,
I put it on my avatar, since I didn't want to link a url

[Lgear080]

Just buy a good one from a reliable seller... Sounds like a waste of your money
Unless you can steal it. All of the value is in the parts you describe as bad.

[sunspot005]

if everything checks out mechanically as a 1016, is $5k a good deal?

[AbsolutelyROLEX!]

Originally Posted by sunspot005

Andy,
I put it on my avatar, since I didn't want to link a url

Well duh, didnt see that at all!

[sunspot005]

I posted that after you wanted the pic, so you wouldn't have seen it lol
What do you think? $5k a fair price if it's mechanically a 1016?

[AbsolutelyROLEX!]

I dont know, I wouldnt even buy it myself because of the hands and dial, and reselling it will be very hard.
I think you should find an all original 1016 personally

[Comacho]

I second that... Not enough margin if you have to start buying parts to make it right. I guess it depends on what you wanna do. If its to make a little money in a flip, I really think you're taking a chance (That may not matter to you if your plan is to make it right and keep it). Either way, I think you should be able to find a nice (correct) piece if you keep your eyes peeled.

[sunspot005]

thanks everyone

[GLADIATOR]

The dial in my opinion looks terrible (as does the incorrect second hand)
How do you know the movement is genuine or indeed if the case model is an explorer?
Have you checked the numbers between the lugs?

Without knowing these points, in my opinion it is not worth 5 cents!
A

[GGGMT]

Buy smart. Pass on this. It's just a roll of the dice.

[sunspot005]

Thanks. But if the movement and the rest check out, couldn't I just buy a serial number-appropriate replacement dial and hands, and the watch would be worth the money I put into?

[sunspot005]

I went and saw the watch in person today. They opened it up for me, and it was actually a 6610. The serial numbers matched the time period of the 6610 (1959-63).

I passed because I read that the 6610 dial is almost impossible to source, and it's also radioactive and can't be touched without instruments. The movement was in good working order and had been serviced very well. The dealer just didn't know what the hell they bought. It was probably worth $5k just for the movement, but I didn't want to deal with a restoration project that would probably require more effort than I'd care to exercise.

Thanks again for all your feedback.