1501 shantung dial

[Newbie2277]

Just came across this 1970 reference 1501 shantung or blue mosaic tropical dial. Asking price is about 5K USD. I had to shrink the photo down to fit, but it’s on the original bracelet as well and appears to be in pretty decent shape. Is that price for this type of dial reasonable or does it seem a bit high?

[KY..]

I know the vintage blue Rolex dials are susceptible to becoming tropical around the lume, but that is not a good looking dial to me as it looks like mold or something.
And the lume on the hands look interesting too.
As for the price, I’d say it’s up to the individual that likes it enough to buy it.

[GGGMT]

I wouldn’t pay anywhere near that for a 1501. Not overly desirable in my view and that dial seems damaged rather than tropical.


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[MILGAUSS88]

Dial is so damaged that I couldn't tell it was a shantung dial at first.

There is one with a good dial on ebay for $4k right now, and even that seems a little high.
$5k in that condition is crazy.

[learningtofly]

That's not tropical - it's fracked. A hard pass for me.

[Newbie2277]

Wow, very glad I posted here. Thanks for the input. How can I differentiate between damaged and actual tropical? Also, what is fracked?

[Verdi]

"this watch had once a shantung dial", is it presented like that?

No blue colour left, no original texture/pattern left....it is no longer a shantung dial, it is a damaged dial.
I somehow like it but Id pay like 2.5k for it if the case is fat.

While sometimes there is a fine line between tropical and damaged, it is not the case here imo.
Generally, tropical dials have more uniform transformation rather than patches. Most of the times it is due to the effect of sunlight, ageing of the paint on the dial.....

This is what it should look like

[Dan S]

The dial is ruined and the asking price is absurd, like 2x too high IMO. Very few damaged dials carry a premium, and this is certainly not one of them.

[Newbie2277]

Originally Posted by Dan S

The dial is ruined and the asking price is absurd, like 2x too high IMO. Very few damaged dials carry a premium, and this is certainly not one of them.

Thank you, that seems to be the consensus. I do like the look of the dial, but seems like maybe around $2k would be fair. Also have to factor in any import taxes, so think I’ll be passing.

[Newbie2277]

Originally Posted by Verdi

"this watch had once a shantung dial", is it presented like that?

No blue colour left, no original texture/pattern left....it is no longer a shantung dial, it is a damaged dial.
I somehow like it but Id pay like 2.5k for it if the case is fat.

While sometimes there is a fine line between tropical and damaged, it is not the case here imo.
Generally, tropical dials have more uniform transformation rather than patches. Most of the times it is due to the effect of sunlight, ageing of the paint on the dial.....

This is what it should look like

That’s gorgeous! I can see a tiny remnant of that on the bottom of this one, and am intrigued by the dial, but definitely not willing to pay 2x what it’s worth. Thanks for the input!

[TimeLord2]

Yes there are a few on EBAY at the moment. love that dial, when in good condition.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/386465937081 Nice rivet link bracelet.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/126235079260 This one has some issues with the bracelet
Good luck!

[Newbie2277]

Originally Posted by TimeLord2

Yes there are a few on EBAY at the moment. love that dial, when in good condition.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/386465937081 Nice rivet link bracelet.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/126235079260 This one has some issues with the bracelet
Good luck!

Thanks!