Expert advice needed again for Rolex 1675 MK 1

[Qwerty01]

Hi Everyone,

I am considering my next purchase which is a Rolex 1675 Long E (serial 2 Mil)

The seller is asking for 7700 USD

I know the watch comes with a new service insert and 7836 bracelet (period correct) but 382 end links. Date disc is silver with open 6s and 9s

I would like to ask if I should go ahead or pass.

Thanks everyone in advance! Cheers

[TimeToGo]

Other than what you pointed out, do you know the service history?

Looks like a very nice watch!

[springer]

Looks nice...if you like it, buy it. I wouldn't worry or waste a second of my time worrying about a service date wheel.

[Qwerty01]

Originally Posted by TimeToGo

Other than what you pointed out, do you know the service history?

Looks like a very nice watch!

The movement has been overhauled a few years ago but I don't have the receipt. Movement looks clean from the inside

[Qwerty01]

Originally Posted by springer

Looks nice...if you like it, buy it. I wouldn't worry or waste a second of my time worrying about a service date wheel.

Springer, so what does the correct date wheel look like for this period? Silver disc with hooked 7s or should it be closed 6s and 9s? Thanks

[springer]

Originally Posted by Qwerty01

Springer, so what does the correct date wheel look like for this period? Silver disc with hooked 7s or should it be closed 6s and 9s? Thanks

I don't know where you read it should be silver, but it is an off-white color. It does not look silver to me. This is correct:

[Qwerty01]

Thank you Springer! I am not really concerned with the date wheel.

However, my biggest concern is now the serial numbers on the case. The top part of the letters are completely gone due to bracelet wear. However, under a loupe I can definitely tell the first digits is a 2 and I can also confirm the last 3 digits. the second one I guess its either a 3 or a 6 (which means both correct for a mark I dial.

But How would this vague serial affect the watch value?

Cheers everyone

[configsys]

You can get this (what appears to be a) genuine date wheel to replace the one you have. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Patina-Rolex...EAAOSwuhhXW8yb

[Qwerty01]

Originally Posted by configsys

You can get this (what appears to be a) genuine date wheel to replace the one you have. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Patina-Rolex...EAAOSwuhhXW8yb

Thanks configsys!

I need more input on whether or not to pull the trigger on this watch.

2 issues:

serial wear: With a lot time and patience using varying angles and lightings I managed to get 6 out of the 7 digits which i say 90% accurate (its really hard as I had to study various digit fonts I found on the web)

caseback is not stamped with Year and it just says 1675 with the normal rolex writings

[configsys]

I'm no expert but I've seen a few old Rolexes with the serial#s barely visible due to the rubbing of the end links (bad fitment) to the case so I would say it's fairly common. I've also seen pictures of (what it appears) someone had re-engraved the Ref and Ser#. I also would be interested if that affects the value of the watch.

Personally for me, the watch is obviously authentic but I would prefer it to have the original faded bezel (adds so much more character) than even the correct date wheel. On a side note my serial 1.9M 1675 has a 7206 bracelet like the one here http://www.ebay.com/itm/191951981595...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[Qwerty01]

Originally Posted by configsys

I'm no expert but I've seen a few old Rolexes with the serial#s barely visible due to the rubbing of the end links (bad fitment) to the case so I would say it's fairly common. I've also seen pictures of (what it appears) someone had re-engraved the Ref and Ser#. I also would be interested if that affects the value of the watch.

Personally for me, the watch is obviously authentic but I would prefer it to have the original faded bezel (adds so much more character) than even the correct date wheel. On a side note my serial 1.9M 1675 has a 7206 bracelet like the one here http://www.ebay.com/itm/191951981595...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

I have another insert for the watch and once I just lay it on top I am already melted away....( I like the dial so much)

I am just worrying about the serial and caseback issue might be a deal breaker at 7700 USD. I have heard that Rolex can confirm the serial by using the movement serial but I know even if they did it will be a long risky process...

[Qwerty01]

I have only like 12 hours left before I can return the watch so please help.....:)

[configsys]

Wow, that's so much better!

Springer needs to chime in. He's the expert, but as he already said "...if you like it, buy it". I don't think there is no question the watch is authentic. You just need to decide if the obscure serial number is a deal breaker and if it's worth $7.7K to you... ...or you might just regret not picking it up.

If you're keeping it, I say it's a keeper.

Decisions, decisions. Millions of people would LOVE to have your problem! ;-)

[springer]

Originally Posted by configsys

Wow, that's so much better!

Springer needs to chime in. He's the expert, but as he already said "...if you like it, buy it". I don't think there is no question the watch is authentic. You just need to decide if the obscure serial number is a deal breaker and if it's worth $7.7K to you... ...or you might just regret not picking it up.

If you're keeping it, I say it's a keeper.

Decisions, decisions. Millions of people would LOVE to have your problem! ;-)

You can find an issue with almost any vintage watch. If you like it - buy it. If you have issues, pass on it. I can't, nor can anyone else, tell you what to do...sorry.

[configsys]

I found this in the archives. You may have seen it already. http://www.rolexforums.com/archive/i.../t-235269.html

[onthedial]

@Qwerty01
Based on your description it seems quite possible that the faint serial number is caused naturally by wear (bracelet rub against/between the lugs). Can you post clear macro shots of the case serial number as well as the case back interior since you've brought that element into the discussion? If the case is genuine, with natural wear causing the serial number to be unintelligible, I'd say that's unfortunate but in the scheme of things not hugely important. If you've done your due diligence and everything checks out, go for it!
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Instagram: @onthedial

[configsys]

So what was your decision?

[Qwerty01]

Hey everyone, thanks so much for the advice. I decided to hit the hammer! Lol however The watch needed some adjustment cause it was running fast. I will post a wrist shot in a few hours :))

[Qwerty01]

Here is my wristshot!

Cheers everyone helping me out making the decision

Have a nice day!

[Vincent65]

Looks great - love that insert.

[Tom1675]

Congrats! Great patina!

[configsys]

Awesome - love it. Congrats!

[fizz]

Congrats...that's a great piece, especially with that insert. You made the right decision keeping it.

[onthedial]

@Qwerty01

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IG: @onthedial