Double Red SeaDweller question

[antelope]

A good freind of mine’s sister was going through her late husband’s possessions and here are some pics of his daily wearer (for years.) She has ZERO interest in selling it but she knew I was into watches but unfortunately I collect modern watches therefore I know nothing about these other than they are awesome and collectible. Would someone be so kind to tell me a little about this watch ? I asked for serial number but she could not remove bracelet. Thanks!!



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[dhknola]

Amazing watch and you have somewhat answered your own question in that they are amazing and essentially PEAK vintage Rolex diver...I wish I had one to know the market value, with that said, tropical watch has one for sale at 48k.

[antelope]

Originally Posted by antelope

A good freind of mine’s sister was going through her late husband’s possessions and here are some pics of his daily wearer (for years.) She has ZERO interest in selling it but she knew I was into watches but unfortunately I collect modern watches therefore I know nothing about these other than they are awesome and collectible. Would someone be so kind to tell me a little about this watch ? I asked for serial number but she could not remove bracelet. Thanks!!



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This is not a value question but a request for information about this particular watch. Sorry in advance for lack of more pics and serial #.

[Dan S]

So what do you think she would want to know? Technical details like the dial variant? Whether the watch has any service parts? Opinions about condition? Just comments like "nice watch". ;-)

If she wants to know approximately when the watch was produced, it's best to just get the serial number, since other things could easily have been replaced. We obviously don't know the watch's history, and there's only so much we can say from a photo of the dial.

Some info here:
drsd.com

[brandrea]

Oh my

[MrGoat]

It’s refreshing to see a watch that’s been worn and treated like a watch!!


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[antelope]

Originally Posted by Dan S

So what do you think she would want to know? Technical details like the dial variant? Whether the watch has any service parts? Opinions about condition? Just comments like "nice watch". ;-)

If she wants to know approximately when the watch was produced, it's best to just get the serial number, since other things could easily have been replaced. We obviously don't know the watch's history, and there's only so much we can say from a photo of the dial.

Some info here:
drsd.com

Thanks and sorry for being vague as she did not give me much guidance

1) dial variant 2) original parts? 3) age? 4) condition obviously was well loved. I ask to get serial number but she was unable to remove bracelet thanks

[HMHM]

https://perezcope.com/2020/06/28/the...up-with-comex/

The article goes quite in depth about DRSD as shown above. Mk2 dial?

[swish77]

Looks like replaced hands on an MK4 dial, which is the only version with closed 6s in "610." Serial should be in the 3.0 million to 5.2 million range, according to DRSD.com. Datewheel looks like it might have been replaced. Looks white, in the photos anyway.

The case looks like it's been polished somewhat but hard to tell more about its condition without better photos.

You should get some Polywatch and give the crystal some attention.

Nice find!

[Garywebster]

nice to see a watch that’s so beat but in a good way

[Mendota]

My AD has one for $146,000. Is a complete set with all original parts, box, all papers and tags, etc.

I would take it into a reputable AD or independent and have it authenticated. There are so many high end replicas and Vietnamese aftermarket case super frankens using genuine exterior parts and some even have genuine 15xx movements. It's a literal minefield out there right now.

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[southtexas]

Originally Posted by Mendota

My AD has one for $146,000. Is a complete set with all original parts, box, all papers and tags, etc.

I would take it into a reputable AD or independent and have it authenticated. There are so many high end replicas and Vietnamese aftermarket case super frankens using genuine exterior parts and some even have genuine 15xx movements. It's a literal minefield out there right now.

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If the story is true, then it’s good.


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[Mendota]

Originally Posted by southtexas

If the story is true, then it’s good.


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That's it? Not even a quick trip to an AD to have it looked at and determine a possible value range so you know what you have?

If it's legit, then they should at least know what it's worth for insurance purposes and just basic peace of mind. She deserves to know if she's got a $40k watch or a $100k watch, right? Beats guessing.

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[southtexas]

Originally Posted by Mendota

That's it? Not even a quick trip to an AD to have it looked at and determine a possible value range so you know what you have?

If it's legit, then they should at least know what it's worth for insurance purposes and just basic peace of mind. She deserves to know if she's got a $40k watch or a $100k watch, right? Beats guessing.

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Odds are very good that said AD or independent won’t know what they’re talking about (unless said independent is a vintage watch specialist- it’s guaranteed the AD doesn’t have a clue other than its nickname). The Internet these days is pretty easy to use.


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[FrenchBigCrown]

Originally Posted by southtexas

Odds are very good that said AD or independent won’t know what they’re talking about (unless said independent is a vintage watch specialist- it’s guaranteed the AD doesn’t have a clue other than its nickname). The Internet these days is pretty easy to use.


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This^

I suspect better photos posted in this very thread will yield better advice than a current AD could/would give.

ADs are (generally) in the business of selling (mostly unobtainable) new watches - unless they have an 'old hand' working there, they're unlikely to know the small details on a DRSD without sending it away to a service centre.

Nice, properly used watch.

[scooba]

Originally Posted by swish77

Looks like replaced hands on an MK4 dial, which is the only version with closed 6s in "610." Serial should be in the 3.0 million to 5.2 million range, according to DRSD.com. Datewheel looks like it might have been replaced. Looks white, in the photos anyway.

The case looks like it's been polished somewhat but hard to tell more about its condition without better photos.

You should get some Polywatch and give the crystal some attention.

Nice find!

I am with Aaron on the above

[swaini3]

$146k for a DRSD full set is too much. Unless its a Comex or a tropical thin maybe.

[Mendota]

It's indeed a 1968 tropical dial. They took it in on local trade. I tried it on the last two times I was there. Nice watch but seems like a lot of money. Here's the link to it with photos.

https://www.wixonjewelers.com/products/450298/

My only point with this lady is that as all of us know, when you are talking these prices, at some point you have to get it appraised <if> you want to insure it. That's where the utility of the internet experts ends and a live human comes into the picture. If you don't want to insure it then who cares, right?

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[Dan S]

Originally Posted by Mendota

It's indeed a 1968 tropical dial. They took it in on local trade. I tried it on the last two times I was there. Nice watch but seems like a lot of money. Here's the link to it with photos.

https://www.wixonjewelers.com/products/450298/

Interesting how they just ignore the service insert in the listing. I agree with the comments above that it would be pointless for the owner of the OP watch to take it to an AD.

[baumare]

Originally Posted by antelope

Thanks and sorry for being vague as she did not give me much guidance

1) dial variant 2) original parts? 3) age? 4) condition obviously was well loved. I ask to get serial number but she was unable to remove bracelet thanks

Like Swish77 said looks like a MK4 Dial, I would guess mid 70'
My suggestion to your friend would be to take it to a watchmaker shop near her to have the bracelet removed and take photos of everything, then post them here.

[Mendota]

OP - here's a great website that I have bookmarked in my watch folder. It discusses double reds in great detail and has other sections devoted to other vintage Rolex models if you are interested in going down that rabbit hole.

http://www.drsd.com/

This will keep you busy for hours and I know that you collect modern pieces, but I promise that once you are done, you will be bitten by the vintage bug. Go check out Rolex Passion Report if you want to see some astonishing collections. They do get togethers where guys fly in from all around the world and meet to show off their collections while spending the weekend enjoying good food and wine. There will be hundreds of incredibly rare vintage pieces out on display for everyone to enjoy and talk about. I would love to be a guest at one of these!