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R44 · 18 March 2014, 05:35 AM

Hi, I've been searching for a 1665 Great White for some time and I'd really apppreciate everyones thoughts on this 1665 Rail Dial that has been offered to me.

The insert is a later service variant which I can live with for the moment until I can find a suitable condition fat font (I like them jet black, unscratched and new looking rather than faded but definetly want fat font - strangely love faded ones on other peoples watches though!).

The case is thick with plenty of metal left on the lugs but lacks any kind of chamfer - If I purchase it I'm considering giving it to Rolex UK to service if they can put what used to be known as the 'bexley' chamfer on it (I will go in personally and talk through what I would like done and won't let them touch the dial / hands etc). The other option is to send it to ABC Watchwerks in the US, I have another watch in my collection which they serviced prior to me purchasing and the case detailing is of a very high standard with great chamfers. Thoughts welcome .....and thanks in anticipation.

Vincent65 · 18 March 2014, 05:56 AM

looks very nice - all depends on the price, I suppose! I'd send it to RSC UK if you want work done on it - good luck

R44 · 18 March 2014, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vincent65

looks very nice - all depends on the price, I suppose! I'd send it to RSC UK if you want work done on it - good luck

Sorry ........ Yes a guide to pricing might help! It's for sale in Europe and pricing is circa $15,000. I've priced in USD as that is the currency It seems the bulk of forum members are in.

descartes · 18 March 2014, 07:29 AM

Love it.

What is the serial number. For some reason, it seems that the rail dials are less likely to have custard patina. Anyone know why?

R44 · 18 March 2014, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by descartes

Love it.

What is the serial number. For some reason, it seems that the rail dials are less likely to have custard patina. Anyone know why?

Serial number is 57XXX. You're right, I've not seen many with heavy patina - I quite like the clean / sharp slightly off white look. Definetly says vintage loud and clear for those of us who are into this kind of thing.

Vincent65 · 18 March 2014, 09:13 AM

seems fair enough - nice example, IMHO

descartes · 18 March 2014, 10:30 AM

I'd go for it. GLWP.

cdweller · 19 March 2014, 12:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by R44

Serial number is 57XXX. You're right, I've not seen many with heavy patina - I quite like the clean / sharp slightly off white look. Definetly says vintage loud and clear for those of us who are into this kind of thing.

I am under the impression that the heavy patina you speak of is caused more by how the watch was stored (e.g. in a dark safe/drawer vs. worn in sunlight) than by the serial number or tritium batch used. Just my two cents! Good luck with your decision!

Beaumont Miller II · 19 March 2014, 12:46 AM

I'm in love.

Cc1966 · 19 March 2014, 12:53 AM

My rail 1665 also does not have the custard patina. The one you are looking at seems to be an excellent example. Harder to find these like that today. The price is about right (perhaps just a tag high for the US market). I say go for it and good luck.

R44 · 19 March 2014, 01:53 AM

A couple of other photos showing an end shot of the lugs and side view to get a feel for crown guards etc.

R44 · 26 March 2014, 12:50 AM

Just to complicate things this 1665 came up in Europe. I'm not totally set on a Rail Dial as I also like the look of the Great White as well (both would be great but that's not going to happen!). Apparently this was the personal watch of a watchmaker and has original dial,hands and bezel insert. The person selling it says it is the best condition one he has seen and could only be described as exceptional. Here are the pictures ........a difficult decision follows

Many thanks for everyone's input so far .....I'll be sure to finish the story with a purchase conclusion

Vincent65 · 26 March 2014, 12:55 AM

that second one is the (.)(.) !!

cdweller · 26 March 2014, 02:10 AM

I think most will prefer the second watch to the first, it looks great! Is there a large price difference?

R44 · 26 March 2014, 03:12 AM

Price difference of around $800 between the two of them (with the first Rail Dial watch being the higher priced of the the two). Obviously traditionally a Rail Dial would be priced higher but I think the condition of the 2nd watch (the Great White) is making the decision in this case.

It doesn't come with punched papers but I have to say I've completly lost interest in those over the last few years since so many questionable full sets seemed to be popping up (especially on ebay

)

Frosty · 26 March 2014, 03:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vincent65

that second one is the (.)(.) !!

I have to agree!

Do not hesitate.

R44 · 26 March 2014, 03:49 AM

Just to add, here are a couple of pictures of the case sides on the Great White (2nd Watch).

jdmi32 · 26 March 2014, 03:54 AM

The second one is lovely. I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

redsubdoc · 26 March 2014, 04:20 AM

The case of the second one.... i don't know...very fat, very fat...

CrownMe · 26 March 2014, 04:32 AM

I personally would choose the second one. The first one is nice as well but the case and patina are much better on the great white.

CrownMe · 26 March 2014, 04:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by descartes

Love it.

What is the serial number. For some reason, it seems that the rail dials are less likely to have custard patina. Anyone know why?

I seen Ben have one for sale and the patina was custard color. Alot of variables when it comes to patina color.

datejust24 · 26 March 2014, 05:43 AM

wow...both are pristine examples of my favorite reference....couldn't go wrong either way IMHO...i'd probably go for the second one as well....good luck and keep us posted.

dysondiver · 26 March 2014, 06:07 AM

great white is a stunner

R44 · 26 March 2014, 09:55 PM

Update

Thanks everyone .......I've placed a deposit on the Great White (the second watch). The seller will not post as he would like personal pick up so I have to fly to Europe to collect it next week. Flights are only $160 ish so a similar price to the quote I had for insured shipping and it means I get to have the watch in my hand to inspect it.

Hope it's as good as it looks in the sales pictures!

mluther · 26 March 2014, 10:06 PM

congrats - looking forward to seeing some wrist shots of that beauty

metaphysician · 26 March 2014, 11:50 PM

Second one looks like a peach! If it was in the USA, I'd be all over it.

redsubdoc · 27 March 2014, 04:00 AM

Case-No. of second one? Pics of the Serial-No and/or Registered Design?

Second one is a brand new case as u can see. Take a look at the holes of the lugs.

StaceeJaxx · 27 March 2014, 04:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdmi32

The second one is lovely. I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

I agree

Vincent65 · 27 March 2014, 04:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redsubdoc

Case-No. of second one? Pics of the Serial-No and/or Registered Design?

Second one is a brand new case as u can see. Take a look at the holes of the lugs.

It may well not be 'brand new', just well-preserved. How do you know it's new?
Sometimes, just sometimes, things are as good as they appear.

datejust24 · 27 March 2014, 04:41 AM

good choice!! I would have gone with the second one as well...both are gorgeous examples but I like the patina on the one you chose. congrats!

19 March 2014, 12:46 AM	#9
Beaumont Miller II "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: USA Posts: 2,615	I'm in love. __________________

19 March 2014, 12:53 AM	#10
Cc1966 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Real Name: Christopher Location: Georgia, USA Watch: ing the Sea... Posts: 6,713	My rail 1665 also does not have the custard patina. The one you are looking at seems to be an excellent example. Harder to find these like that today. The price is about right (perhaps just a tag high for the US market). I say go for it and good luck. __________________ "I wish to have no Connection with any Ship that does not Sail fast for I intend to go in harm's way." Captain John Paul Jones, 16 November 1778 "*Curmudgeons* " Favorites: 1665 SD, Sub Date, DSSD, Exp II, Sub LV, GMTIIc

26 March 2014, 02:10 AM	#14
cdweller "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: PA Watch: SubLV, 1665 Rail Posts: 1,054	I think most will prefer the second watch to the first, it looks great! Is there a large price difference? __________________

26 March 2014, 11:50 PM	#26
metaphysician "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Delaware Posts: 164	Second one looks like a peach! If it was in the USA, I'd be all over it. __________________

18 March 2014, 05:56 AM	#2
Vincent65 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Switzerland Posts: 14,294	looks very nice - all depends on the price, I suppose! I'd send it to RSC UK if you want work done on it - good luck

18 March 2014, 07:29 AM	#4
descartes "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: North Shore Posts: 1,116	Love it. What is the serial number. For some reason, it seems that the rail dials are less likely to have custard patina. Anyone know why?

18 March 2014, 09:13 AM	#6
Vincent65 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Switzerland Posts: 14,294	seems fair enough - nice example, IMHO

18 March 2014, 10:30 AM	#7
descartes "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: North Shore Posts: 1,116	I'd go for it. GLWP.

26 March 2014, 12:55 AM	#13
Vincent65 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Switzerland Posts: 14,294	that second one is the (.)(.) !!

26 March 2014, 03:12 AM	#15
R44 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Surrey UK Posts: 111	Price difference of around $800 between the two of them (with the first Rail Dial watch being the higher priced of the the two). Obviously traditionally a Rail Dial would be priced higher but I think the condition of the 2nd watch (the Great White) is making the decision in this case. It doesn't come with punched papers but I have to say I've completly lost interest in those over the last few years since so many questionable full sets seemed to be popping up (especially on ebay )

26 March 2014, 03:54 AM	#18
jdmi32 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Real Name: Ky Location: Bay Area, CA Watch: 16570 Posts: 2,362	The second one is lovely. I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

26 March 2014, 04:20 AM	#19
redsubdoc "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Netherlands Posts: 37	The case of the second one.... i don't know...very fat, very fat...

26 March 2014, 04:32 AM	#20
CrownMe "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Real Name: Kevin Location: Maryland Watch: My Open 6 Posts: 3,433	I personally would choose the second one. The first one is nice as well but the case and patina are much better on the great white.

26 March 2014, 05:43 AM	#22
datejust24 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Real Name: Chris Location: Cincinnati,Ohio Watch: Rolexssss Posts: 3,504	wow...both are pristine examples of my favorite reference....couldn't go wrong either way IMHO...i'd probably go for the second one as well....good luck and keep us posted.

26 March 2014, 06:07 AM	#23
dysondiver "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: tom Location: northern ireland Watch: my fins Posts: 10,063	great white is a stunner

26 March 2014, 09:55 PM	#24
R44 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Surrey UK Posts: 111	Update Thanks everyone .......I've placed a deposit on the Great White (the second watch). The seller will not post as he would like personal pick up so I have to fly to Europe to collect it next week. Flights are only $160 ish so a similar price to the quote I had for insured shipping and it means I get to have the watch in my hand to inspect it. Hope it's as good as it looks in the sales pictures!

26 March 2014, 10:06 PM	#25
mluther "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: Michael Location: Brussels Watch: aholic Posts: 1,108	congrats - looking forward to seeing some wrist shots of that beauty

27 March 2014, 04:00 AM	#27
redsubdoc "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Netherlands Posts: 37	Case-No. of second one? Pics of the Serial-No and/or Registered Design? Second one is a brand new case as u can see. Take a look at the holes of the lugs.

27 March 2014, 04:41 AM	#30
datejust24 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Real Name: Chris Location: Cincinnati,Ohio Watch: Rolexssss Posts: 3,504	good choice!! I would have gone with the second one as well...both are gorgeous examples but I like the patina on the one you chose. congrats!

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