1980s SD 16660 caseback no engravings - definitive answer on authenticity

[kippyhunt]

Hi All (and particularly) Experts

recently I bought a 1984 16660 from a very reputable Seller - this is a really nice watch all round but caseback was un-engraved?

Apparently Rolex did produce a batch of these transitional SDs with plain casebacks - although there is a school of thought that says this is either a service case (I have read of 1665 service casebacks with no engraving?) or a downright fake? Knowing the Seller as I do I must say that I find this HIGHLY unlikely.

Perhaps I haven't read all the articles BUT currently this argument does not seem to be conclusively settled?!

Please can the experts assist and lay this matter to rest once and for all?

Many thanks in advance.

PS Photos are not really relevant in this instance.

[Vlad]

Don't know the answer to your question, but would be curios to know. I have a PCG 7928 with absolutely unengraved case back - inside marking match exactly the wacth (date, fonts, writing, etc.) but outside is absolutely smooth - and no, based comments from a number of jewelers the engravings were not polished off (thinkness of the case, polish marks, ...)

[scooba]

Originally Posted by kippyhunt

Hi All (and particularly) Experts

recently I bought a 1984 16660 from a very reputable Seller - this is a really nice watch all round but caseback was un-engraved?

Apparently Rolex did produce a batch of these transitional SDs with plain casebacks - although there is a school of thought that says this is either a service case (I have read of 1665 service casebacks with no engraving?) or a downright fake? Knowing the Seller as I do I must say that I find this HIGHLY unlikely.

Perhaps I haven't read all the articles BUT currently this argument does not seem to be conclusively settled?!

Please can the experts assist and lay this matter to rest once and for all?

Many thanks in advance.

PS Photos are not really relevant in this instance.

Hi,

Firstly I don't factually know the answer,

Rolex have been known to change things at Service but a case back seams unlikely, Would it have left Rolex with the incorrect or unusual back ? Possibly. Have you thought of buying a Period correct case back with engravings if it troubles you ? . Would it make you happy if it had engraving on the back ? . How long have you owned it ?

Hopefully someone like Haywood /Jed/MikeWood / PhilippStahl can comment and clear this up

[onthedial]

@kippyhunt
Your question has been asked before, so you're not alone. I haven't done any deep research on the topic, but I've always considered the unengraved case back on a 16660 to be a service replacement. However, I know a few collectors who maintain the "last batch" 16660's left the factory with plain backs. I suppose that it's in the realm of possibility, but I've never received a believable explanation WHY it was so.
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