16753 or 1675/3 Clint Eastwood

[waspy1]

Originally Posted by thenewrick

Ah interesting. I sort of like the large plots but I suppose the CE was the nipple dial. Both are cool. And it’s radioactive lume on the nipple dial too vs their luminova on new indices right?

Yes, except the radioactive Lume from the 80s has almost disappeared by now. There are also luminova service dials which are nipple style for 1675/3.


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[thenewrick]

Would it be unreasonable for me to expect a vendor to know which parts on the watch they're selling are original and which are service parts?

I'm assuming all pieces I'm looking at will have been serviced/polished to an extent and I was hoping for as little as possible.

Other than the transition to large plot indices can y'all think of any other changes during the reference's lifetime?

[TimeLord2]

Radiation would be for the very early models like 1959 - 1962 with a Bakelite bezel or something, which actually had Radium in the lume plots and the insert. Rolex switched over to Tritium for the luminous material around that time, which is why you see the T SWISS T on the dial or T < 25. They also replaced many Regarding your other comments, even the auction houses are guilty of selling watches with the wrong parts and fake inserts so it is in your best interest to research, draw your own conclusions and take advantage of the knowledge base on TRF. That said, I would recommend you do some research. Many older watches you will find in pristine condition after 40-50 years have also been recut or re-polished, if you will, and in some cases laser welded to bring the case back to Rolex specs. Collectors frown on laser welding but it does make for a pretty watch with nice chamfers. Unpolished is very rare indeed from what I have seen just on this forum. There are a great many minor changes throughout the years but they are not as well documented for the 1675/3 or 16753 compared to the full steel Pepsi model 1675 or 16750. Here is a pic of mine that has been poorly polished in the past. It also has the wrong bezel insert, which should be a two tone, half brown half gold, not all brown.

[thenewrick]

Thanks for the replies.

I do suspect there's virtually no chance of finding an original example. But, I'd like to avoid getting one that has a random ebay dial replacement from 2017 if you know what I mean. I don't mind a genuine Rolex replacement bezel if it's the original two tone style.

The polishing on your example does seem pretty extreme but I'm sort of expecting that.

I love how crisp and sharp my new OP41 case edges feel. It's fully brushed so it'll never be polished. I prefer fully brushed.

It sounds like if I want a true "Clint Eastwood", I'll need to find a nipple dial with two-tone bezel, brown sunray dial, jubilee bracelet and otherwise I'm golden and there isn't anything else to look out for other than general condition.

I'd love to have the watch serviced and the bracelet repaired by a high quality repair shop if possible too. Get it in good running order and water resistant without massive band flex.

It seems like there's virtually none for sale in the USA at the moment. If anyone finds one for sale I'd be interested to know what they think of the listing.

I found one for sale on C24 from Naples for $25k. They told me it's a 1984 model sold new in 1989 and recently serviced by Rolliworks. It looks excellent, but the price!

[oligeo]

Hi,

When I got mine, couple of years ago, it was considered as the poor kid of the family, especially compared to its 16750 "Pepsi" sister. Seems to be more and more appreciated nowadays.
I like its look, typical 70's .......



It's not for everybody's taste, sure.

Oli

[thenewrick]

It seems like they are much more common in Europe and the rest of the world. Not sure why supplies are limited in USA. I’ll keep my eyes out.

[oligeo]

Originally Posted by thenewrick

It seems like they are much more common in Europe and the rest of the world. Not sure why supplies are limited in USA. I’ll keep my eyes out.

At least in Germany and Italy.

Oli

[thenewrick]

Bump from the past.

I’ve been saving up and I’m ready to start shopping in earnest for a 16753. I could use some help. As discussed earlier in the thread I’m looking for something that’s all original and unpolished and in very good/excellent condition. I like the two tone bezel and chocolate Sunday dial. I’m looking for the same reference Clint Eastwood wore.

I’m still seeing prices anywhere from $13k-$40k for a Tiffany dial Clint Eastwood.

I’m looking for something maybe on the higher end of the scale but it would be something I’d wear everyday. So probably not a Tiffany dial or anything museum quality.

I am obviously new to buying watches and have never purchased used let alone vintage. I’m hoping some folks with lots of experience can help me find good examples and help me with the process of asking the right questions and having the examples vetted properly.

I also have a wide 7.5 inch wrist so I might need an extra bracelet link or two. Is this going to be a huge problem to find an original link or two?

Feel free to contact me in private messages I’d you’re willing to help me out some or post here.

I’m not in a rush. I just want to get the right watch without any nasty surprises or buyers remorse. I’d feel terrible I’d I either bought an example with replacement parts or a defect or something I’m missing. I also don’t want to buy a reference and find out if I had gotten an example that was 1 year more recent that I would have gotten an updated feature like 14k-18k or a better clasp or something I’m just not aware of.

Thanks!

[1665fan]

Root beer nipple always the best choice

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by thenewrick

Bump from the past.

I’ve been saving up and I’m ready to start shopping in earnest for a 16753. I could use some help. As discussed earlier in the thread I’m looking for something that’s all original and unpolished and in very good/excellent condition. I like the two tone bezel and chocolate Sunday dial. I’m looking for the same reference Clint Eastwood wore.

I’m still seeing prices anywhere from $13k-$40k for a Tiffany dial Clint Eastwood.

I’m looking for something maybe on the higher end of the scale but it would be something I’d wear everyday. So probably not a Tiffany dial or anything museum quality.

I am obviously new to buying watches and have never purchased used let alone vintage. I’m hoping some folks with lots of experience can help me find good examples and help me with the process of asking the right questions and having the examples vetted properly.

I also have a wide 7.5 inch wrist so I might need an extra bracelet link or two. Is this going to be a huge problem to find an original link or two?

Feel free to contact me in private messages I’d you’re willing to help me out some or post here.

I’m not in a rush. I just want to get the right watch without any nasty surprises or buyers remorse. I’d feel terrible I’d I either bought an example with replacement parts or a defect or something I’m missing. I also don’t want to buy a reference and find out if I had gotten an example that was 1 year more recent that I would have gotten an updated feature like 14k-18k or a better clasp or something I’m just not aware of.

Thanks!

TBH, it sounds like you are a perfect candidate to purchase from a reputable dealer. That way you don't necessarily have to take a deep dive yourself into researching the details, and you seem willing to pay a premium. Maybe you should contact some of the usual suspects and let them know what you are looking for. Based on their responses, you will get a sense of who will be most helpful.

[thenewrick]

I wasn’t even considering purchasing private party. If I did I’d have to have the watch vetted by a professional that really knew the reference. But in my experience grey vendors don’t put much thought into vetting their stock. They try to make sure it’s a real Rolex and that’s about as far as they go.

I need to really get into the details of the example. Whether or not the dial or hands were replaced or the bezel. Whether it has an original full bracelet etc etc. these are the nitty gritty details I need ironed out.

So I need a good vendor, a good example, and knowing all the specific questions to ask for this reference. Then it’s figuring out if the bracelet fits and getting more links. I know it’ll be a long process but I figured this is where I’m starting. I know we have some 16753 experts hanging around that could help me vet some examples based on their experience.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by thenewrick

But in my experience grey vendors don’t put much thought into vetting their stock. They try to make sure it’s a real Rolex and that’s about as far as they go.

I'm not talking about "grey vendors", but specialist vintage watch sellers. Some of them are as knowledgeable as anyone about the details of Rolex references, and they will be happy to teach and guide you since there is something in it for them. I would put forum member @springer into this category, for sure. Yes, there are other GMT experts on the forum, and if you post detailed info and photos of specific examples, you will get great feedback on those watches. Forum members are usually very generous in that regard.

I'm not sure that a stranger on the forum will jump at the chance to hold your hand through the entire process of buying from someone else, but maybe I'm wrong and your message-box is already full of volunteers. Good luck.

[springer]

Bracelet links for a Jubilee 62523 are easily sourced on the secondary market or through Rolex authorized dealers.

Be careful that the Jubilee is in fact a GMT Jubilee and not from a Datejust or similar 20mm lug width model. On the GMT 62523, the last link on each side of the bracelet should have 50 stamped into it on the right side of the link.

The correct GMT 16753 end links are 450.

[thenewrick]

Thanks Springer. These are the tips I need.

I don’t think I need my hand held necessarily. But maybe people like Springer like to browse sales sites out of curiosity(I do) even for models I’m not looking to purchase just to see what’s out there. And they may find really clean examples that they could recommend.

I love helping friends buy cars and watches and things. I think it’s fun. I’m not really into the investing side of watches so much as the collecting and finding what appeals to me. Not really a money thing I guess. But I of course want a fair deal. I have no problem paying fair value.

[thenewrick]

I've found an example I'm interested in and trying to contact the seller to ask more questions.

Springer if you're around would you be willing to PM me and check out the listing and help me with some questions to ask?

[Tom1675]

Originally Posted by thenewrick

I've found an example I'm interested in and trying to contact the seller to ask more questions.

Springer if you're around would you be willing to PM me and check out the listing and help me with some questions to ask?

Post it here for all to see!

[shaunylw]

I wouldn’t pay a premium for a Tiffany dial unless it had Tiffany stamped papers. Slight premium, maybe from a reputable dealer. But nothing near the top of the price range you mentioned without stamped papers.

[TuRo]

The early 70s 1675/3 nipple dials have the lightest flat milk chocolate dial colour and come often on two tone Oyster folded links. PLEASE NOTE THEY SHOULD HAVE SILVER steel integrated end links not gold or two tone if you want period correct oyster.

[thenewrick]

I’m looking for a 1981+ 16753 in the Clint Eastwood configuration. Nipple dial, 2 tone bezel, jubilee bracelet. The classic classic. I’m tempted by one I found recently but it’s one of those price is too good to be true things. And it’s been serviced multiple times in multiple places and parts have been replaced and I’m just not 100% confident so I’m waiting for an example with better documentation and originality.

[Aymerich]

I own a Rolex 16753 with Jubilee bracelet. Gold/Steel I bought it brand new in Geneva Switzerland June 1986 at the Rolex dealer. I can confirm it has a Sapphire Crystal. The salesman made a point that mine had it. and if you look on the bracelet you will find an 18 confirming it is 18k gold with a J5 on the bracelet showing it was built in 1985. Serial number in the 9million range. I can’t speak to some 16753 models not having a Sapphire Crystal but the ones sold in Switzerland did have a Sapphire crystal.

[thenewrick]

That’s very interesting. Thanks for posting. Can we see photos including the crystal which I assume would still be scratch free? Let me know if you’re interested in selling or trading it for a fair deal!

[thenewrick]

Hi all. Bump from the dead!

I am still on an eager hunt for a 16753.

How concerned should I bet about a replacement dial/bezel if it looks the same as the original part and was replaced by Rolex? I sort of assume most of these have been serviced/polished quite a bit in their lifetime. The goal is all original new old stock never polished with full set. I know that's unrealistic but that's the dream. I'm trying to get as close to that as possible.

Also, if anyone happens to know of anyone looking to sell/trade a clean Clint Eastwood, please let me know.

Very excited to continue the hunt and find one someday!

[Traveling]

Originally Posted by thenewrick

Ah interesting. I sort of like the large plots but I suppose the CE was the nipple dial. Both are cool. And it’s radioactive lume on the nipple dial too vs their luminova on new indices right?

Lume is totally dead by now on all the original matte dials...service dial replacements migrated to the the more shiny copperish dials with new luminova since it is greenish (i know). When I first got my grandfather's 1675/3 with matte tritium dial, there was still a little something left and seemed whiter. In the 70's when those watches were produced, they were all 1675's with the TT being an upgrade. Rolex cannot differentiate between the early SS and TT based on serial numbers from my understanding (they just didn't keep those records then - it was simply a different bracelet and bezel with all else similar). Things were more fluid in those days.

1675/3 nipple with service replacement dial circa 2005:

0225222121_smally.jpg

The reason i went to an RSC after some watch-maker gouged the original dial and tried to use a brown marker to fix it (the horror):

0227220951 copy.jpg

The 2005ish lume a few days ago:

0225222324a copy.jpg

So, these days i have a 50 yr old watch that my grandpa bought when i was born, but that will outlive me from what I can see and is essentially brand new. Best of both worlds, I guess, it always bugged me that that the lume was disappearing because I wear the watch all the time and like to know the time when I wake up which is impossible with no lume.

[thenewrick]

I feel like the grail is a 18k gold version with potentially a sapphire crystal but so far that's been mostly heresay and rumors.

It seems like these things are rare but not so rare that they're unobtanium. Maybe one comes up for sale every couple of years or so.

[Traveling]

Originally Posted by springer

Bracelet links for a Jubilee 62523 are easily sourced on the secondary market or through Rolex authorized dealers.

Be careful that the Jubilee is in fact a GMT Jubilee and not from a Datejust or similar 20mm lug width model. On the GMT 62523, the last link on each side of the bracelet should have 50 stamped into it on the right side of the link.

The correct GMT 16753 end links are 450.

Be clear that is in reference to the 16753, not the 1675/3.

I've had my 1675/3 serviced by BH RSC with both the jubilee my grandfather had and the oyster i bought circa 2005 and they used to not care and you could also request either the all brown bezel insert or the two-shade insert in the old days of service. As i mentioned, things were much more fluid in the old days. My most recent service, they forced me away from the all brown (since it should be reserved for GOLD GMT now), but many of the OG 1675/3's had an all brown bezel insert.

Edit: I love Timelord2's watch! That is exactly what I received from my grandmother when my grandmother passed, minus the Tiff and CO.

Timelord2, could you snap a pic of your jubilee endlinks so we can see the numbers?

[springer]

Originally Posted by TimeLord2

1675/3 was introduced I believe around 1970 with steel and gold, although the general version 1675 was produced from around 1959 - 1981. 1675/3 has an acrylic crystal and non-hacking date, plus applied crown on matt dial although there are sunburst versions as well. 16750 or 16753 also has an acrylic crystal, painted on crown on dial and has date hacking with the 3075 movement, produced from 1980 - 1989. Stacking order on hands is different between the 1675 and 16750 too. Clint wore the 16753, which is an entirely separate reference from the 1675/3. You are correct the 1675 is all stainless, 1675/3 stainless and gold (Rolesor), 1675/8 all gold. Later reference 16750 all stainless, 16753 stainless and gold, 16758 all gold. The TT and solid gold versions both come in brown and black dials. Sapphire crystals not in the mix until the 16760. Regarding 14K gold, I believe those sold in the USA and a few other countries had 14K gold bezel and bracelet while those sold in Europe were 18K. At least this is my understanding…
A few references:
https://gmtmaster1675.com/
https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=801057
https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=692513

Regarding the area in bold print from the previous post by Timelord, I'd like to add a couple quick corrections to this post.

All of the 1675/3 models had hacking movements after around 1972. What the 1675/3 did not have was the quick-set date feature which was not found until the later 16753 models.

[TimeLord2]

Originally Posted by Traveling

Be clear that is in reference to the 16753, not the 1675/3.

I've had my 1675/3 serviced by BH RSC with both the jubilee my grandfather had and the oyster i bought circa 2005 and they used to not care and you could also request either the all brown bezel insert or the two-shade insert in the old days of service. As i mentioned, things were much more fluid in the old days. My most recent service, they forced me away from the all brown (since it should be reserved for GOLD GMT now), but many of the OG 1675/3's had an all brown bezel insert.

Edit: I love Timelord2's watch! That is exactly what I received from my grandmother when my grandmother passed, minus the Tiff and CO.

Timelord2, could you snap a pic of your jubilee endlinks so we can see the numbers?

Thank you Travelling! Good thing my Dad had good taste! Even though the 1675/3 is kind of the red-headed step-child of the reference I do like it! Regarding the end links, mine is on an American made 14K bracelet. Rolliworks rebuilt a few years ago but it is still pretty beat but serviceable. The end links do not have any numbers. Both are the same. From what Springer has said, I hope you don't mind me quoting you JP, some were stamped with a 50, or nothing at all. These do rattle around because there is no spring bar retaining tube inside the end link. Tightness is maintained (poorly!!) with small crimps on the last two center links. I have been looking from time to time for some 450 end links but then thought I might as well get a whole bracelet. An oyster next—not anytime soon. Probably a more modern 78363 bracelet as I do not like the folded links. The bracelet itself is very slinky and comfortable—no hair pulling, and I have hairy arms…

PS. thanks for the edit JP. I often confuse hacking with manipulating the date wheel without cycling through the whole 24 hour cycle to change the date.

And one more thing as nobody else gives a crap in my familiy (except my dad!). That last pic is my answer to not being able to see it at night. Also the reason the Oyster is on hold. But I will get one eventually… Hahahaha!

[springer]

Originally Posted by thenewrick

Hi all. Bump from the dead!

I am still on an eager hunt for a 16753.

How concerned should I bet about a replacement dial/bezel if it looks the same as the original part and was replaced by Rolex? I sort of assume most of these have been serviced/polished quite a bit in their lifetime. The goal is all original new old stock never polished with full set. I know that's unrealistic but that's the dream. I'm trying to get as close to that as possible.

Also, if anyone happens to know of anyone looking to sell/trade a clean Clint Eastwood, please let me know.

Very excited to continue the hunt and find one someday!

It is not impossible to find a decent 16753 set. They are out there. Are you looking for a nipple dial set or the later version with the larger round markers?

As far as being polished, that mantra is way over worked and is, quite frankly, way over used when trying to find a nice vintage watch. Most vintage have been polished in the past. While having a decent polish to the case is desirable, a poorly polished watch is not to most collectors.

[Traveling]

Originally Posted by springer

It is not impossible to find a decent 16753 set. They are out there. Are you looking for a nipple dial set or the later version with the larger round markers?

As far as being polished, that mantra is way over worked and is, quite frankly, way over used when trying to find a nice vintage watch. Most vintage have been polished in the past. While having a decent polish to the case is desirable, a poorly polished watch is not to most collectors.

Its just when they are too shiny that i cringe.

[Traveling]

Originally Posted by springer

Regarding the area in bold print from the previous post by Timelord, I'd like to add a couple quick corrections to this post.

All of the 1675/3 models had hacking movements after around 1972. What the 1675/3 did not have was the quick-set date feature which was not found until the later 16753 models.

No quick-set here. I have to do the deal every weird month.