docblackrock

Hidden text eh Nanuq You're right, but I'll have to push you for a little more info.

I did not pick him up on the 1680 reference, assumed he'd just left a 0 off by mistake - clearly he's asking about the QUALITY of the dial. As a transitional 16800 redial though it's not a bad example - but not worth 400usd nowhere near, a third of that at best.

Oh it's real all right. The misaligned L though is often an indicator of a redial, not always mind but often

'Better' how exactly? Durability? Level of AR? Side-by-side there's almost nothing in it, I agree - and as I said, for 20-30% of the gen crystal price (depending on where you live/source) what more can you want?

You know you really shouldn't feel intimidated or out of your league, there's actually a point or moral behind this entire thread Treat it like a puzzle or a diagnosis. This last one then, just start with the basic details, and say what you see even if it's obvious. Then have another look, see if there's anything that looks different or strange, what's right and what's not right. And then the picture starts to reveal itself..... Go on, give it a go

It uses an ETA movement but the 'datewheel' you see is just an overlay placed over the actual ETA datewheel. You need to post a pic, otherwise it's very difficult to help advise if yours is significantly different to normal.

One last teaser for now then.... To quote one of my favourite architects, remember gentlemen, "God is in the details..."

Ok so you've had some time to stew on the other two overnight....(it was night time here in GMT land ) Oooh, two completely different opinions here....well who's right then? FIRST ONE.... It is in fact an early (1958) 5508 with an aftermarket (MY) bezel insert. Nanuq I was sure you'd plump for 6536 like Nightstroker - the rehaut spot is superb (you remember Billy Crystal's response to De Niro, right? "No, YOU...." ) SECOND ONE... Nightstroker, that gilt dial with modern text and spec just messes with your head doesn't it?!! A gilt dial in a 1980's era watch? No way is it legit, right? Must be a franken. Or so you'd think... It is in fact completely GEN and ORIGINAL - as my wilderness-dwelling friend has again nailed it, an OBSCENELY RARE gilt dial 16800, made for a Middle East customer

Nope, the 168000 was actually a very limited (9-month!) transitional model at the end of the (itself a transitional model) 16800's lifecycle, the final stage before switching to the ubiquitous 16610. By this time, the 1680 was left far behind with the new models having an upgraded case, c.3035 movt, and sapphire crystal. The only real difference between the 168000 and the 16800 was they changed the SS grade from 316 to 904 - Nanuq must have a keen eye for that or of course he guessed I was trying to make things a little more difficult But then he also guessed it was a 'rep'

And one final one before I retire for the night then... Nanuq - feel free on this one, it's a toughie

Next one.... (Nanuq, play fair and stop consulting your watch box Let some of the other guys play ) So, what is it? Rep, Franken, or Gen what?

Ok Ken you have it Bloody Nanuq spotting it's a 168000 not a 16800 - I mean, a transitional transitional model only made for less than 12 months and the man nails it

Nope. Ok well half right

Care to put you money where your mouth is then, my Alaskan chum Gimme an exact answer and we'll move onto the next one...IF you're right of course

Just a bit of fun to get you vintage nuts working those brain cells All you have to do is tell me, Rep, Franken, or Gen? Model no. etc. info if appropriate get bonus points A nice easy one, first up...

Well for us, there's something quite gratifying about the venerable old

Ah, the infamous (and vomit-inducing) Rolex 'elevator shake' or 'lift rattle'. Last time I was subjected to that (one of my colleagues in 'legal') I gave the perpetrator my best sneer combined with a slight shake of my head - sign language for 'w*nker'. Doesn't come up this way anymore Not sure???? C'mon, you know which option we're talking about here don't you? But then I would expect nothing less given your past form

Hmmm, I spy with my little eye something beginning with....... 6152-1 MM with Cortebert c.616 'heart'

"I couldn't find London on a map if they didn't have the names of the countries. I swear to God. I don't know what nothing is. I know Italy looks like a boot. I know (Washington Redskins linebacker) London Fletcher. We did a football camp together. So I know him. That's the closest thing I know to London. He's black, so I'm sure he's not from London. I'm sure that's a coincidental name." Miami Dolphins linebacker Channing Crowder ahead of the clash with the New York Giants at Wembley. Americans - gotta love 'em. BBC Sport Quote of the Week

Unless you have a problem with your crown and stripped threads on tube then I say leave alone until/unless it becomes absolutely necessary. I agree on the crystal though - I got mine AR'd by k2222 and it is not only PERFECT but around 20% of the cost of the gen crystal (EU sourced).

Jeez, what is this thread, Pedants 'R Us? Anyway, as Carl @ Gasgasbones will happily sew onto your Speedy NASA strap...."Real Astronauts Wear Rolex"

Hmm, very good question (just kidding Bob )

Euno, as usual you're right, there are NO bargains with Rolex never mind vintage Rolex, and the old adage is indeed true, just like the other one about 'suckers' and their rapid birth rate However, you've got to admit that someone like Caesar with such a lack of basic knowledge about what he is buying, will unfortunately be equally clueless when it comes to guide prices. He simply saw a battered-up POS watch with the word 'Rolex' on the dial. Naiive, borderline stupid? Perhaps but at least he won't make the same mistake again (I hope at least - although the VC episode someone referred to doesn't bode well). Nice to see your 5512 again p.s. Caesar - disputes take ages and will give this scammer time to clear out his account and then you're up sh*t creek without a paddle. Do a chargeback via your credit card NOW.

Good advice, couldn't have put it better myself. Unfortunately there are no short cuts and bargains are as rare as hens' teeth.

To be fair, he has amended the listing due to advice it's an ETA movt not Rolex.