16550 Cream Dial Question

[Diversd]

Hi,

I’m looking to purchase this 16550 cream dial and I just wanted to get your guys opinion on something. The dial seems to check all the boxes....1987 9M serial number, rail dial, white gold surrounds, Swiss - T <25 and the dealer is reputable. My only concern is the color has faded to more of a tan/taupe hue rather than the slight yellow that I’m used to seeing. Obviously my concern would be that the dial had been tampered with. This would be my first vintage purchase so i wanted to see if I was being a little overly paranoid.

Thanks so much for your responses!






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[Michael M.]

Dial is original, however, appears to have not aged to a darker cream dial like most. Nice original MK1 bezel!

[Diversd]

Originally Posted by Michael M.

Dial is original, however, appears to have not aged to a darker cream dial like most. Nice original MK1 bezel!

Thanks for your insight! Just for my own curiosity, how can you tell it’s a MK1 bezel? I tried to do some research and couldn’t find anything regarding the subject.


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[Michael M.]

Originally Posted by Diversd

Thanks for your insight! Just for my own curiosity, how can you tell it’s a MK1 bezel? I tried to do some research and couldn’t find anything regarding the subject.


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The font is fatter than the later 16550 and 16570 bezels. Also, the bezel numerals are straight and not curved like on later models.

[RyanPrasad]

IMO this would totally depend on the price. All the right components are there but for certain that is not what one would consider a "prime example" of a Cream 16550.

If you're paying Cream dial prices you should ask yourself if you'll still be happy with this in 5-10 years once you've gotten deeper into your collecting or will you be back on the hunt for a better example. In that case you'll have to ask yourself what kind of price will this "greyish color" example be able to pull given that most collectors are really looking for that vanilla ice cream color.

16550 cream is a hard one for this exact reason, colors vary so much...

[FrenchBigCrown]

Originally Posted by RyanPrasad

IMO this would totally depend on the price. All the right components are there but for certain that is not what one would consider a "prime example" of a Cream 16550.

If you're paying Cream dial prices you should ask yourself if you'll still be happy with this in 5-10 years once you've gotten deeper into your collecting or will you be back on the hunt for a better example. In that case you'll have to ask yourself what kind of price will this "greyish color" example be able to pull given that most collectors are really looking for that vanilla ice cream color.

16550 cream is a hard one for this exact reason, colors vary so much...

This ^.

See also: https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=459841

Good luck.

[swaini3]

Well said

Originally Posted by RyanPrasad

IMO this would totally depend on the price. All the right components are there but for certain that is not what one would consider a "prime example" of a Cream 16550.

If you're paying Cream dial prices you should ask yourself if you'll still be happy with this in 5-10 years once you've gotten deeper into your collecting or will you be back on the hunt for a better example. In that case you'll have to ask yourself what kind of price will this "greyish color" example be able to pull given that most collectors are really looking for that vanilla ice cream color.

16550 cream is a hard one for this exact reason, colors vary so much...

[BNA/LION]

Honestly... I looked for years to find mine and turned down a lot that just didn't meet my expectations. It is difficult to find one with a great creamy dial that has matching hands. It is also getting harder to find one with box and papers. IMHO it is key that you really like it and plan to have it in your collection a long time. GOOD LUCK finding one you Love!

[Diversd]

Thank you all for your opinions. I actually just purchased a 16550 cream dial. The dial is absolutely gorgeous and I love it. I wanted to get your opinion on the lugs. This is my first vintage piece and do you guys consider these lugs to be extremely overpolished? I’m trying to further my knowledge on vintage watches.

Thanks again for your opinions!








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[R.W.T.]

I would much prefer the white to the cream...all I want is the WG instead of the black.

[Onequik135i]

There is a really nice full set listed at Fog City, pricey but it appears to be the perfect example to own.