Views on refurbished 1655

[OTH]

Hi all

I have been in the market for 1655 for regular wear.

I have stumbled across a 1980 1655 that has had significant RSC refurbishment, including a new bracelet, bezel and hands.

I had been searching for a good condition original, but I am undecided if I like the idea of a watch that is refurbished for another 40 years of enjoyment, or if this piece has lost some of its charm. This is a piece I intend to keep forever. I would welcome views on this example.

I unfortunately can’t post a link as I do not have enough posts. Please could a member share a link to the Swiss Link site for photos - it is the first link that comes up after googling ‘Swiss Link UK 1655’.

Thanks

[Dan S]

Please post photos using the Go Advanced and Manage Attachments features. You will just need to size the photos appropriately.

But ultimately, it's going to be your choice regarding a watch with original vs service parts. These questions come up all the time and nobody can choose for you. In this forum, most people prefer original watches, but there are always a few who like the service watches. There's no question that service parts do reduce the collectible value.

[996marty]

Original as possible for me is what it’s all about otherwise you might as well buy a new watch.

[TuRo]

Here's the watch folks

https://theswisslink.co.uk/watches/r...erviced-19000/

If the dial is original, it is not as bad as a service dial one. But not too great if both bezel and hands (very white of course) are service and the 78360 too. £19k is proper-toppy imho.

But there are many say 5513, 1675, 1680 etc etc floating about with service hands and inserts that don't get marked down too much by collectors if the dial, mid-case, caseback are original.

Few years ago someone else I know had 5513 that was run over and totally mullered except most of the calibre !

So, as a bit of an exercise, he had RSC fit everything new around the calibre - i.e. 4 million case, sterile (no yr/qtr) caseback, luminova swiss dial, hands, big crown/fresh tube, service plexi and a service 93150. The bill was circa £4500, and at the time the mkt value was also about £4500, and original matte MTR first were about £9000, so a halving of value.

Now I'd guess it's worth about £6k (to the right 'fresh vintage' buyer), and to keep the comparisons going.... an original matte MTRS first is about £12k or so now - so value is half still (but pool of interest potentially quite low)!

[OTH]

Thank you for the opinions all.

[996marty]

Kibble watches have one in for a fair bit less if that helps

[indianmachine]

1655 seems to be priced quite attractively today vs a few years ago, so would go for as original as possible one as fits in your budget