Zephyr question

[bmt336]

Hello everyone,
I have been a member here for awhile but haven't posted very much. I have a buddy who told me about this site and I have looked through it a lot. I had a Submariner I bought new in 1997 and sold in 08 due to some economic issues. I have wanted another Rolex and ever since I was young and saw a vintage Zephyr ad I have liked them'
At this point I am looking to purchase one, but am scarred of eBay, etc. so I thought I would ask here. I would like a clean, nicely maintained one with an oyster bracelet. All stainless or stainless and gold would be fine.
Any help and/or guidance is appreciated and I hope it was OK to post this in this area since it is vintage related. I know there is a new GMT Master in my future, but would like this one first.
Thank you in advance, Bret

[motoikkyu]

I've never seen one in all white, that is white-gold and stainless. The distinctive Zephyr bezels that I've seen are all either red or yellow gold. This is a 34mm watch and wears very nice and slim. Many were sold without bracelets to be worn on a strap, so finding one with an original bracelet is a challenge. I've watched the prices climb on these, it used to be a nice example, head only (that's NO bracelet) was $1100 to $1300 USD, but they seem to be selling higher now. I assure you that they are not rare, and if you want one you will find one, but you might need to source the bracelet, or a bracelet that will fit, independently of the head. Also, beware of repainted dials. Since it's such a simple dial, many have been repainted to "freshen up" the overall appearance of the watch.

Sorry, I don't have a specific one that I can direct you to at this moment, but they do come up. I fell in love with the look a few years ago and found mine within six months of starting the search (I was looking for a certain price point and case condition and not obsessive about original dial).

[R.W.T.]

The bezel is EVERYTHING on this watch...and of course also the dial.

But you want a bezel that has never seen a polish cloth or wheel. You want crisp!

Ebay is not for the faint of heart but you will likely find one there.

You have a couple of bezel styles at least...the older style which came in the fifties 6582 which carried on over to the 1008. The movement change here is what is significant. The 50's variants use a 1030. You would likely be happier with the later version that has the 1560-1570.

Then there is the more space age variant bezel on the 1038. I love this watch stylistically.

It's pricey but just for example.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/A-Rolex-Oyst...IAAOSw9IpX0oVG

[bmt336]

Thanks for the information. I did not know they did not come automatically with a strap. Would be happy with just a good one then find the strap/bracelet independently. Stainless and yellow gold would be fine, too. Thanks again.

[janice&fred]

we had one last year and i think we sold it on VRF but i can't remember how much ahaha. i will take a look later on VRF (actually VRM is the sales section) as from what i recall it had a nice sharp bezel. it was two tone head on a newer SS oyster bracelet that rolex had sold to the previous owner at the time of service a couple decades ago. we see them around quite a bit here in the south pacific and there are also plenty to be had in the NYC markets and jewelry district. still kind of under priced and nice vintage lookers. some two tones are pink gold/ss which is real stunning as well.