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Old 19 June 2019, 06:25 AM   #1
GADGET-MAN
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SeaDweller 1665 questions

I confess I do not know much about vintage Rolex watches. I have only modern Rolex watches. Also if Admin does not think this post should be allowed please delete, not trying to cause any trouble.

I am helping a good friend out. He has a 1665 6xxxxxx serial that he lost the bezel off of while on his boat. I was telling him he did not want to send into Rolex service as they do not return the original parts and that would devalue his watch. The bezel would have to be sourced and then the local water maker could service it. Sticker shock set in pricing the missing bezel. He said he was not sure if he wanted to restore at that kind of price. He then said would just like a SS Black on Black Seadweller or Submariner.

My question is one of value. Could his watch (it runs) be worth close to enough money in original condition without bezel to be able to pickup a good modern SD or Sub?

Not really asking for members to value it, but would like to know if it be a path to pursue for him.

Appreciate any advice. I have not cleaned the watch.

M
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Old 19 June 2019, 07:22 AM   #2
Harmon Rabb
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Now I don’t know how much it cost to fix the 1665 by sourcing parts secondhand or by sending it to Rolex for repair. I think a 1665 is worth quite a lot more than a modern SD or Submariner. If it where me I would repair and keep the 1665. I own one myself and would not let it go for any modern Rolex modell no matter of price or hype at the moment.
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Old 19 June 2019, 07:26 AM   #3
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Your friend is bummed bc his watch needs to be repaired, but if he trades or sells it, he will miss it down the line.
I vote to get it repaired. I am sure you are getting messages with newer watches, but I would fix what he has.
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Old 19 June 2019, 07:34 AM   #4
Juhuatai
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A service bezel can't be that much relative to what the watch is worth...
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Old 19 June 2019, 07:37 AM   #5
GADGET-MAN
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Thanks for the replies. Pretty sure he doesn't want to repair as he is rough on watches and if he puts a bunch of money in it he will not wear it anyhow. I think that's why he is leaning toward getting a modern Sub or SD. I think the DeepSea would make a good match as he is a big guy :-)

M
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Old 19 June 2019, 07:41 AM   #6
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Not sure how much a service bezel is but the watchmaker says they would require a full service and many parts will be replaced. I was told you can only get a bezel if you send it in. Watchmakers cannot order the part even with serial number.

The used Bezels I seen were $4K and inserts are all over the place in price.

M
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Old 19 June 2019, 07:42 AM   #7
dhknola
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Different strokes for different folks...luckily 1665's are pretty desirable; I don't know much about 6 digit refs but my guess is he should be there or close, depending on how bad he gets dinged not having the bezel.
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Old 19 June 2019, 07:47 AM   #8
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BTW - He was an underwater welder and if you look closely you can see a couple of spots at the 12 o'clock position on bracelet.
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Old 19 June 2019, 07:49 AM   #9
strafer_kid
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It certainly seems as if it has seen a bit of action but if were me I would seriously consider sending it in for service and bezel replacement, possibly the head only if Rolex would agree that since they may well advise bracelet replacement. Yes, this will not come cheap but look at the watch it will be upon return.
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Old 19 June 2019, 07:54 AM   #10
GADGET-MAN
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Ok I confessed to not being an vintage expert. But would not the replacement parts like dial, bezel and such de-value the watch. I was thinking finding a used OEM bezel and insert and just have the watch fully serviced would be the way to go?

M
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Old 19 June 2019, 08:57 AM   #11
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Given the condition of the dial and hands, it is likely Rolex will not require replacement but it will probably be "optional." They can then install a service bezel and service the movement.
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Old 19 June 2019, 10:10 AM   #12
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@GADGET-MAN

Q: Could his watch (it runs) be worth close to enough money in original [current] condition without bezel to be able to pickup a good modern SD or Sub?

A: Yes

___________
IG: @onthedial
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Old 19 June 2019, 07:21 PM   #13
Jimmy 1665
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Personally I would consider sending to Rolex for a service. They will replace the plexi-glass and pressure test the watch as part of the service.
My 1665 has a 6mil serial and has been back for a service twice - they do an excellent job. Once it does get to Rolex they will quote for necessary (deemed critical) & optional work, you could then speak directly to them about what is required and acceptable to your friend. Rolex would replace the bezel & insert at a reasonable price, however that may have been on an exchange basis for me (I was naive thinking that a new bezel insert at £30 was a great idea at the time )
I have a ceramic Sub also, however I wouldn't look to upgrade from a 1665 to the new ceramic generation if it was a binary choice, but that's my view after wearing the 1665 since '92 & the 114060 since 2015.
Don't rush on this!
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Old 19 June 2019, 07:36 PM   #14
GADGET-MAN
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Members I thank you so much for the information to pass along to my friend. Great place TRF especially helping someone that knows little about vintage.

M
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Old 19 June 2019, 10:35 PM   #15
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One more quick question. If he wants to sell instead of restore would it be best to use eBay or find someone to appraise and then sell on watch forums? I have advised him to restore, but I am afraid he is leaning toward out right sell. I would buy myself and restore but I am guessing that might be hard on our friendship.

M
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Old 24 June 2019, 06:40 AM   #16
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Had the local certified Rolex watchmaker take a look at the 1665. He tested the timing because it was running and said it obviously needs a service, but it was all Rolex. Guess the dial was a rarer one he said he had not seen many like it. He put watch at 1979ish.

M
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Old 24 June 2019, 07:58 AM   #17
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Yeah it's a MK2 great white.
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Old 24 June 2019, 08:10 AM   #18
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Not even sure what that is. I thought by my little reading that it was a Rail Dial because the Cs line up. Is there a link to the different dial for a 1665?

Thank you
M
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Old 25 June 2019, 07:46 AM   #19
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Well my friend decided to restore [fix] watch. Will post a photo after that happens. Thanks to all members for their thoughts and guidance.

M
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Old 25 June 2019, 08:03 AM   #20
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When you say restore I hope you mean service and leave original...
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Old 25 June 2019, 08:07 AM   #21
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I do, he is going to clean watch & service it. Found a used bezel and Rolex service insert. Restore was a bad choice of words. Meant replace missing parts. Brain Fart... I apologize...

M
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Old 26 June 2019, 01:06 AM   #22
dhknola
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Glad he decided to keep it!

The frustration for when a tool breaks can be significant, but I am glad you helped him simmer down and realize it would be foolish to part with this great watch for a new one.
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Old 9 August 2019, 07:49 AM   #23
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This situation took a turn. He is now buying a house and now wants me to give him $6K for this 1665. Gees no good deed goes unpunished. Not sure if I would flip it or source a bezel and wear it on a Rubber-B strap. Members thoughts?

Admin if this post is not appropriate please delete.

M
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Old 9 August 2019, 04:13 PM   #24
scooba
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Buy it immediately
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Old 9 August 2019, 04:30 PM   #25
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GADGET-MAN View Post
This situation took a turn. He is now buying a house and now wants me to give him $6K for this 1665. Gees no good deed goes unpunished. Not sure if I would flip it or source a bezel and wear it on a Rubber-B strap. Members thoughts?

Admin if this post is not appropriate please delete.

M
How did your friend come up with that price of 6k?
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Old 9 August 2019, 04:37 PM   #26
ILuvSubs
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Looks to be a Rail Dial 1665. See this link for further info http://drsd.com/watch-info/white-sea...eadweller.html

Wow - $6K is a steal in my book.

You should be able to source a new bezel easily through the classifieds here.

The bracelet can be restored by Michael Young or Rolliworks.
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Old 10 August 2019, 08:17 AM   #27
GADGET-MAN
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Just placed an ad in the WTB section. Hopefully I can get a bezel. Been watching eBay also.

M
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Old 10 August 2019, 09:29 AM   #28
Nickn
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I lost a bezel off a 5513/1680 ,I can’t remember which , playing cricket a few years back I took the watch into Rolex st James and they fitted a new one while I waited cost £100 inc vat
I have the receipt if anyone’s interested
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Old 10 August 2019, 09:56 AM   #29
GADGET-MAN
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Interesting difference in service at Rolex in USA. They will do a service and replace what they think is needed. EG dial has a mark on it, get rid of rail dial for oem replacement.

M
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Old 10 August 2019, 09:51 PM   #30
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Interesting difference in service at Rolex in USA. They will do a service and replace what they think is needed. EG dial has a mark on it, get rid of rail dial for oem replacement.

M
They'll only suggest replacing the dial if it is damaged, not marked.
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