"OYSTER DATE" dials?

[6466guitars]

In my quest for a possible replacement dial for my 6466, have seen these with "OYSTER DATE" as opposed to "OYSTERDATE".

Also, no "SWISS" markings at 6 o'clock?





Have seen another one with just "OYSTER" as well...and no "SWISS".



Seen all of these in my hunt for a possible replacement dial for my 6466.

Now it looks like it's going to be a bit of a challenge getting a correct dial.

Anyhow, it looks like something worth sharing...if anyone knows.

(Apologies for the imperfect photos - not mine, extracted as-is)

[alexkarbo]

It should have a marking at '6' 'SWISS' also there seems to be some bent metal between 31 and 34...could be distortion but just thought I'd point it out.

Here's my 6694 (1965) with 'TSWISST' and 6422 (1956) with 'SWISS'

[janice&fred]

hi alex your 6694 looks great on it's jubilee and that was an uncommon combo. is it the 19mm mexican oval jubilee?

[alexkarbo]

Originally Posted by janice&fred

hi alex your 6694 looks great on it's jubilee and that was an uncommon combo. is it the 19mm mexican oval jubilee?

Thanks J&F, I really like this combo. There's not much difference with my 1600 in terms of size and style with this bracelet on a 6694...It is stamped Rolex USA, the centre links are 14k white gold. I think they also used that bracelet on watches with 20mm lugs but I might be mistaken.

[onthedial]

@6466guitars
These 50s era Rolex watches are tricky. Oftentimes the dial text looks inexact and wonky leading one to believe that it's been redone when in fact it's actually genuine. That said, it's factually true that there's an abundance of repainted dials. My suggestion is to inspect the dial in hand and look it over thoroughly with a jeweler's loupe. Know what to look for. And fwiw I always avoid purchasing any Rolex watch of this era that doesn't have the Swiss or T Swiss T text at the 6 o'clock marker.
_______
Instagram: @onthedial

[6466guitars]

Originally Posted by onthedial

@6466guitars
...And fwiw I always avoid purchasing any Rolex watch of this era that doesn't have the Swiss or T Swiss T text at the 6 o'clock marker.
_______
Instagram: @onthedial

Agree fully - that's the safest bet.

I am seriously considering the dial below for a vintage look - looks like a safe choice on the authenticity front, but would like your opinion on its vintage look.





Thinking of replacing the champagne dial on my current 6466 for the vintage vibe; the head is already on a vintage military strap.

Btw I love the "dagger hands" or whatever they're correctly called.

[HogwldFLTR]

I recently added a 6694 to my collection as my 34mm choice. Both price and style really recommended it. I really love the watch and find I want to wear in spite of the remainder of my collection sitting idle. I agree about watching out for redone dials. From what I've seen it's not uncommon for these to have this as an advantage of issue depending upon perspective. It's dangerous to look too close; never know what will show up. Looked at it under a stereo zoom scope. Here's the T SWISS T print and a somewhat sloppy lume and some missing lume on the minute hand. The watch is from '85 (31 y/o); it's likely one of the last manuals made.

[6466guitars]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

...It's dangerous to look too close; never know what will show up...

No..no..no..you're right!

After your post, I just HAD TO take a look at my dial with a 60x microscopic loupe, and wish that I hadn't...

Minor sloppy refinishing on mine, but it's there.

I'll let it go, given that it's 55 years old now and wouldn't probably look this good had it not been refinished...or would it?