1655 cyclops question

[banwe11]

I have inherited an early model Explorer II from my late grandad (purchased 1972). As you can see, it has been well used and the crystal is quite scratched.

However, I have noticed the cyclops does not appear to magnify the date properly like other Rolexes. The date appears a bit small and there is some distortion at the corners. Is this normal/correct for this watch?

My grandad did have it serviced several times (I have the receipts) and there is no evidence the crystal was ever changed but it is not entirely clear if the services were done by RSC or by the jeweller himself.

Thanks!

[Dan S]

What a great watch. I agree the crystal appears to be aftermarket.

[herts9]

lugs, chamfers and crown guards look good too

it'd be cool to see what this looks like after a service!

[swish77]

Really nice straight-hand 1655. Crystal ain't right, as OP assumed. Should look like my (former) MK2 below. The crystal looks shot anyway, so time for a new one. Easy-breezy fix.

[1675-David]

So nice!!

[banwe11]

Originally Posted by swish77

Really nice straight-hand 1655. Crystal ain't right, as OP assumed. Should look like my (former) MK2 below. The crystal looks shot anyway, so time for a new one. Easy-breezy fix.

Thanks for the info. What can I expect if I send it for a Rolex service? I assume they would replace the crystal but would they also polish it to within an inch of its life to remove the marks on the case?

I understand that replacing parts and polishing takes away the authenticity and reduces the value, but equally I don't see myself ever selling this and I would like to enjoy it as a nice wearable watch.

[oysterfisher]

What a beautiful piece! And this straight second hands you dont see quite often!

Just stunning.

[banwe11]

Thanks for all your replies. If you are interested in the history of this watch - my grandad was an engineer and spent most of his life fixing old tractors, steam engines and various other pieces of machinery. He wore the watch everywhere and whenever it needed a clean I am told he would rinse it in some petrol (gasoline) to get the oil and marks off(!) So it is no surprise that the painted numbers on the bezel have not survived. However, other than that and the scratches it is in decent condition and keeps good time. The bracelet has been replaced at some point but I have the original.

[dhknola]

INCREDIBLE WATCH!!!
Wow.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by banwe11

Thanks for the info. What can I expect if I send it for a Rolex service? I assume they would replace the crystal but would they also polish it to within an inch of its life to remove the marks on the case?

I understand that replacing parts and polishing takes away the authenticity and reduces the value, but equally I don't see myself ever selling this and I would like to enjoy it as a nice wearable watch.

If you do not want the case and bracelet refinished, you can request that it not be done.

No, properly refinishing and replacing of movement parts or crystals does not reduce the value of the watch unless it is poorly done. You would not want to replace the bezel, dial, or hands, generally.

Most of us would not likely send a watch of this value to the RSC though, and would seek out a vintage specialist who knows what to do and still maintain value/originality

[swish77]

Originally Posted by Tools

If you do not want the case and bracelet refinished, you can request that it not be done.

No, properly refinishing and replacing of movement parts or crystals does not reduce the value of the watch unless it is poorly done. You would not want to replace the bezel, dial, or hands, generally.

Most of us would not likely send a watch of this value to the RSC though, and would seek out a vintage specialist who knows what to do and still maintain value/originality

Great advice here. If the watch is running well, I'd just find an independent watchmaker who can install a correct, genuine Rolex crystal.

If you do decide to go the RSC route, a movement service will be mandatory, regardless of any other considerations. They won't just install a new crystal.

[TuRo]

Very nice late straight second hand 't swiss t' 1655. Looks original incl waffle 12 marker dial, Handset, early Bezel, correct 7836 bracelet (up to 1976), datewheel, crown but aftermarket acrylic. Try and find a soft edged one like the one in both photos (it has a curved edge and a truly tiny dome to it) rather than the harder edged Rolex Service ones (vertical sides a 45 degree chamfer and perfectly flat top) as they look and feel so much nicer.
* Ps I'm not necessarily suggesting this....but in UK I use a artisan guy who can fill the numbers on the old bezel with an old looking black paint - some here will do cartwheels bemoaning such a thought...but he does such a good job with a nice fading so it looks original... I doubt anyone here could tell - charges £85 for this !

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by pauldavidthorpe

Very nice late straight second hand 't swiss t' 1655. Looks original incl waffle 12 marker dial, Handset, early Bezel, correct 7836 bracelet (up to 1976), datewheel, crown but aftermarket acrylic. Try and find a soft edged one like the one in both photos (it has a curved edge and a truly tiny dome to it) rather than the harder edged Rolex Service ones (vertical sides a 45 degree chamfer and perfectly flat top) as they look and feel so much nicer.
* Ps I'm not necessarily suggesting this....but in UK I use a artisan guy who can fill the numbers on the old bezel with an old looking black paint - some here will do cartwheels bemoaning such a thought...but he does such a good job with a nice fading so it looks original... I doubt anyone here could tell - charges £85 for this !

With zero original paint remaining, I can't see a downside in repainting. It can always be removed if the OP regrets it later.

[TimeLord2]

Lovely watch, and a great story. With gasoline used to clean it, no surprise the paint is gone from the bezel. My Dad has a 16570 and wore a white gold bracelet on the same wrist. Knocked all the paint out of the numerals on his too but he did have it repainted
and refinished when serviced (Phillip Ridley). Looks quite nice now. No longer wearing the bracelet on the same wrist…

[swish77]

Originally Posted by pauldavidthorpe

* Ps I'm not necessarily suggesting this....but in UK I use a artisan guy who can fill the numbers on the old bezel with an old looking black paint - some here will do cartwheels bemoaning such a thought...but he does such a good job with a nice fading so it looks original... I doubt anyone here could tell - charges £85 for this !

I'm doing cartwheels! I thought you loved the old worn look! (Just kidding, of course.)

I wouldn't do it, but in a case like this, why not, especially when the restoration could be undone, if you ever sold the watch.

[Innocenti]

It looks like the cyclops is worn almost flat. The plexi would clean up really easy. I would be tempted to keep it

[springer]

Originally Posted by swish77

I'm doing cartwheels! I thought you loved the old worn look! (Just kidding, of course.)

I wouldn't do it, but in a case like this, why not, especially when the restoration could be undone, if you ever sold the watch.

Paint it, I would. Who likes ratty old bezels? Not me - but, it i's rather personal so if you like the old worn out look, leave it alone. If you refinish the numbers and it wears on you later, acetone is your friend - just remove it.