1655 has landed

[DarthBane]

I don't visit the boards often, but thought this would be a good reason.

I've been focusing on Speedmasters in the couple years as I felt vintage Rolex prices were getting out of control. But recently I had the fortuitous opportunity to purchase a rare reference that I've always longed for; a ref 1655 ExpII.

This example has a pretty much mint dial with intact lume. It comes from the first owner and was last serviced around 1980 and has sat in a drawer for the past 25 years. It's a MK1 with frog feet coronet, orange gmt hand, and straight sweep. Given its serial of 27xxxxxx, caseback with II'71 and original 7826 clasp stamp of 1 '71, it's among the first MK1 1655's made.

I swapped out the crystal as the original wasn't in terrific shape. I will have the bracelet tightened back up by MY.

What are your thoughts on getting the case refinished? It's been polished before (I imagine back in 1980 by RSC in Toronto). Or just leave it as is?

[ant1]

nice to see you around brother, congrats on the pick up man! just my opinion, but i think it's gorgeous, leave it as is.


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[sensui]

Wow beautiful is right. I'd leave that case be and enjoy the hell out of it. Fellow mk1 owner here.

[btinl]

Congrats. That dial looks amazing!

[Snow-Dweller]

Beautiful watch. It's the only vintage piece that interests me.

[KarlFr]

Congrats, a very nice one !
I´d leave it as it is too if you intend to wear it. Mine sure gets a lot of wrist time

[drefrank]

Congrats that's a beauty!

[1675-David]

Love it, want one just like it...

[TheRolexKingofLV]

Old school cool

Congrats

[swish77]

Stunning watch with fabulous patina!! Congrats from a fellow 1655 owner!

Tough call on the case. It's been slightly rounded by that last polish, especially the crown guards. Since it's already been polished, it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world to send it to a vintage case expert, such as LAWW, to have the case lines sharpened a little, with a light touch-up and a restoration of the factory finish to the tops of the lugs. Or not! Beautiful watch, either way.

[BNA/LION]

Congratulations! She is a Beauty!

[RickyRoxbin]

I second LAWW! Their work is amazing. I'm sure they could make that look like it just came from the store!

It's amazing! Congrats!!

[citanest]

Nice sample. Unless it is unpolished, I would prefer to recut the watch closer to factory specs. LAWW is great!

[Mick P]

Greetings from the UK.

I have a 1655 in slightly less worn condition than yours but never the less, it is well worn.

I had it serviced the same day that I bought it by an established AD and the instructions were to leave the bezel as is, mild polishing of the body to sharpen the edges and leave everything as is. You may be surprised that although I own 5 Rolex, the 1655 is the most accurate. It gains 2 seconds over 28 days. I really must get the AD to kick his watch makers ass to get it down to 1 sec per month.

I can only give you the same advice that I was given - you can get the thing fully restored any time you want, but once you have done it, you can't undo it.

So leave it as is. At first it is irritating to pay a lot of money to wear a knackered looking old watch, but after a few months you will grow to love it.

Regards

Mick

PS - This is an old thread of mine, it may be of use to you

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...ghlight=Mick+P

[Woody]

If the watch was mine (and if it was I would be a very lucky chap) then I would have the case refinished as I am not a fan of another owner's patina.......that said if your were asking me for advice over a pint then I would probably suggest you err on the side of caution and leave as is. Whatever you do you are fortunate to own such a lovely watch and I hope you enjoy the experience.

[DarthBane]

Thank you for the comments gents.

I think I will keep the case as-is for now. Theres only so much metal one can remove when refinishing and the process is irreversible. I will enjoy it as it is for now and decide in a year or so. Many thanks