For the wifey ❤️

[gregouille]

Hello vintage hunters,

I saw this beautiful watch during a random visit at my store yesterday and I was thinking of buying it for my wife.
However before pulling the trigger and because I don't even know this reference I wanted to have your advice.

So it's a 34mm 6694 (watch only ) from 1969.
I am quite amazed by this dial but I doubt that it's the original one (because of the condition).
Do you think it is a service one? How can I check if it's the case?

[gregouille]

(Just realised it was my 250th post on TRF my be a sign... ;) )

[Old Expat Beast]

It's a repainted dial.

[harry in montreal]

It’s a manual wind watch. My wife isn’t a watch girl nor very mechanically inclined. I recommend an automatic, unless she will enjoy the crown and wind activity each day. My girl likes the waterproof feature because removing a watch before a shower Is way too complicated. A tudor 72000 was perfect until she dropped it in the bathroom and shattered the crystal. Plastic is a wise choice.

[gregouille]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

It's a repainted dial.

Thanks for the answer ! Does it decrease a lot the value of the watch in this case? (He is asking 4k$ for it)
Those the plots remains tritium as mentionned on the dial (T swiss T) or you think they have been replaced during this job?

Originally Posted by harry in montreal

It’s a manual wind watch. My wife isn’t a watch girl nor very mechanically inclined. I recommend an automatic, unless she will enjoy the crown and wind activity each day. My girl likes the waterproof feature because removing a watch before a shower Is way too complicated. A tudor 72000 was perfect until she dropped it in the bathroom and shattered the crystal. Plastic is a wise choice.

Thanks for the input !
Yeah I saw that also, but I am lucky because she is a watch girl so she doesn't mind manual watch

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by gregouille

Thanks for the answer ! Does it decrease a lot the value of the watch in this case? (He is asking 4k$ for it)
Those the plots remains tritium as mentionned on the dial (T swiss T) or you think they have been replaced during this job?

The whole dial, lume plots and all, looks redone. I haven't checked prices on these lately, but I would say 4k is more than double what it's worth.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by gregouille

Does it decrease a lot the value of the watch in this case?

Yes. And $4k would be far too much for the watch even with an original dial IMO.

[gregouille]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Yes. And $4k would be far too much for the watch even with an original dial IMO.

I see... It’s a shame because I liked a lot that dial colour and when looking online (C24) I cannot find any other like this one.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by gregouille

I see... It’s a shame because I liked a lot that dial colour and when looking online (C24) I cannot find any other like this one.

Well, if you really believe that your wife will love it, don't let us stop you. Just look at it like buying her jewelry. If she does like it, it's unlikely you'll be re-selling it anyway.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

The whole dial, lume plots and all, looks redone. I haven't checked prices on these lately, but I would say 4k is more than double what it's worth.

The hands look relumed or replaced, too - the lume is too pristine white for a watch that old. If everything's replaced, including the case, it's the Ship of Theseus.

Seller should be asking 1.5 - 1.8k tops. Keep looking.

[gregouille]

Thanks guys for you inputs! I’ll have a think about it then...

[alwayshere]

Originally Posted by gregouille

Thanks guys for you inputs! I’ll have a think about it then...

Agree with the others here.

The "salmon" colour dial is nice I must admit but not natural for this model.

Have you tried explaining this to the seller? He/she may not considering slashing 50% off the price but maybe a discount might make it more palatable for you.

the reality is the 6694 is a very basic model so its really its personal taste. It won't be like bastardising a 1680 red submariner with a repainted dial in terms of impact to value so really its what you think your partner would like!

[gregouille]

Yeah I was kind of thinking the same thing. It is not like a was buying a 1675 or a 1665 double red...

[motoikkyu]

My time with vintage watches has taught me very little. Two things, however, have proven to be true time and time again. Sometimes, a watch just calls out to you, whether it is 100% "correct" or not. I have a favorite bubbleback that has a stunning early repainted dial, I wouldn't love it quite so much without the "incorrect" dial. The other thing I've learned is that something better ALWAYS comes along. If your potential seller/vendor is unable to make a deal with you because they have too much in the piece, or because they are stubborn, or whatever reason, NEVER despair. Something better ALWAYS comes along. There are tens of thousands of these watches "out there", no single example is worth paying DOUBLE the market value, unless you really don't care even a little about money.

[Oyster Perp]

its the 'eye of the beholder' again. If it fits the bill and you think she would love it then go for it. Its not being bought for 're-sale'.

[Jmbarrack]

Wait OP ... Something isn't right with these photos.

The photos of the dial head-on show a rivet bracelet while the side and rear shots show a folded. I assume these photos are of two completely different watches.

Something is not quite right with this listing. Others have pointed out the dial/hands issue. But these photos to me raise more questions than answers.

[gregouille]

Yes I saw that also. So I went on a Airking 14000 from 2002 with a cream dial.
Will post pictures tomorrow.
Thanks for your help

[winst]

I have had 2 6694 manual winders over the years - lovely watches. They were made in large numbers over many years and if you look on eBay there are a lot of watches with refinished dials. Not a bad thing if that is the coloured dial you want and you get it serviced by an independent as an RSC would not work on it with aftermarket dial.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by gregouille

Yes I saw that also. So I went on a Airking 14000 from 2002 with a cream dial.
Will post pictures tomorrow.
Thanks for your help

I got a similar Air-King for my wife a number of years ago and she likes it.

[gregouille]

Here it is:

[Jmbarrack]

Originally Posted by gregouille

Here it is:

Very nice OP! Much better than the piece you started out posting. Good hunting! Congrats!


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