"single owner" 1665 Mk1 originality help

[Mark020]

Do it!

[037]

$14k? Wow. Pay cash and hope the seller never finds out what his watch is actually worth.

Hope it all works out.

[ma.st.]

Originally Posted by 037

$14k? Wow. Pay cash and hope the seller never finds out what his watch is actually worth.

Hope it all works out.

Well fingers crossed it works out. I only had a few minutes to see it when I was there but it had a ton of presence on the wrist and just felt "right." And to be clear Im not looking to take advantage of anyone, they (the independent shop) named a price and I am comfortable with it, just wanted to confirm originality and details, not necessarily have this thread be a discussion of the price. Edit: Since my last post, the shop has reached out to me with more specific details and confirmed they know what they have and discussed the nitty gritty enthusiast details we all love and stood by their price : )

[037]

I'm envious for sure. My 1665 was water damaged while diving and ultimately destroyed by RSC NY due to a string of miscommunication by my (then) AD and service department. I sold it after it returned and stopped looking for a replacement after the market went crazy. It was a lesson in both pressure testing more often than annually and not letting RSC touch vintage watches.

The date disc on yours hasn't tarnished so that's a good sign the insides are in great shape. I wouldn't doubt the seller's story in this instance.

Keep us posted.

[Cooper33]

So...did you buy it? Post some pics!

[16610v]

$14? That's a steal price!!

[ma.st.]

I did! Arrived back home with it yesterday afternoon. Price adjusted a little from what I initially was quoted due to a miscommunication and exchange rate. However it's just unreal.

[ma.st.]

got the rest of the story from the original owner as well and confirmed it was worn 3-4x and put in a drawer until a few months ago when I found it. I'd rather not disclose those details as they are personal to that family, however, it left little doubt in my mind to its condition. I've never felt a movement feel so NOS on a vintage watch. It was a treat just to set and wind it.

[16610v]

Congrats OP!

The watch looks so perfect. I guess the market price may be around 20K usd or even higher for such condition.

[swish77]

Big congrats! Insane watch. I'm jealous.

And market value is well above $20K in that condition, IMHO. I've been looking.

[Juhuatai]

Very very nice! Congrats!

[Cooper33]

Looks in top shape, congrats! Send more pictures, let's see that patina up close!

[GrandCanyon]

There is a spring bar protruding from the right lower lug. I don't believe that is original. No criticism, just an observation. Enjoy your new purchase.

[ma.st.]

Originally Posted by Cooper33

Looks in top shape, congrats! Send more pictures, let's see that patina up close!

Thanks! Here's a few grabs from a video I took that had the best lighting/angles

[ma.st.]

Originally Posted by GrandCanyon

There is a spring bar protruding from the right lower lug. I don't believe that is original. No criticism, just an observation. Enjoy your new purchase.

Not sure I follow, but I believe what you are seeing is a shiny reflection of the hole in the lug evident in a few pics coupled with the side of the case reflecting my arm. I can definitively say there isn't a spring bar protruding

[GrandCanyon]

Sorry about that, you are right.

[ma.st.]

Originally Posted by GrandCanyon

Sorry about that, you are right.

no worries at all

[clock]

Beautiful patina!

I’m considering selling mine for a complete 116520.
Would it be a wise move in terms of value? And future appreciation?
Feedback is appreciated.

[Filipão]

Originally Posted by clock

Beautiful patina!

I’m considering selling mine for a complete 116520.
Would it be a wise move in terms of value? And future appreciation?
Feedback is appreciated.

Don't. Do yourself a favour... These are real beauties and NLA

[214270Explorer]

A beautiful watch possibly saved from a who-knows what sort of future had you not found it.

[Fabrice M]

I have never seen a textured date wheel... But the dial look amazing. Congrats.

[swish77]

Originally Posted by Fabrice M

I have never seen a textured date wheel... But the dial look amazing. Congrats.

The brushed date wheels from the mid-late '70s are indeed textured, as can be seen here on my 1655.

[ma.st.]

Originally Posted by swish77

The brushed date wheels from the mid-late '70s are indeed textured, as can be seen here on my 1655.

a favorite detail of mine of clean examples of that era. I hadn't realized it prior either as the majority are faded, darkened, degraded in some way and lose that texture and lustre

also, INSANE 1655, love it!