Sbybbuser Posted October 10, 2013 Report Share Posted October 10, 2013 I am facing a dilemma. Here is my 1675. The watch is in superb condition. Minor scratches only on the case. Bracelet is almost scratch-less except on the clasp. Dial is almost perfect. No lume on the indices. All of them almost white. Insert looks almost new. Bezel is very tight. Now, to the dilemma. I am offered another 1675. This one has scratches all over the case and bracelet. The indices are yellow/brownish. The insert is slighlty fading. First watch: The second watch: (has only one pic of it) The actual watch actually looks much nicer than this pic. The second watch cost more than the first one. Should I keep the first one or "upgrade" it to the second one? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
devilseam Posted October 10, 2013 Report Share Posted October 10, 2013 I fail to see the 'upgrade'? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sbybbuser Posted October 10, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 10, 2013 The second one has more "character" to it? no? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
devilseam Posted October 10, 2013 Report Share Posted October 10, 2013 The second one has more "character" to it? no? I would stick as you are mate. Yours looks lovely. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pam007 Posted October 10, 2013 Report Share Posted October 10, 2013 I prefer the one you have now over the new one. Man you got a sweet 1675 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nanuq Posted October 10, 2013 Report Share Posted October 10, 2013 I'd get the 2nd one opened up and checked out by a talented watchmaker. I don't like the look of the stained hour indices. There are a few other things about it that also make me hesitate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddy333 Posted October 10, 2013 Report Share Posted October 10, 2013 Sorry, but the 2nd is a textbook example of too much of a good thing. Its 'patina' looks manufactured, man-made. Without a doubt, I would stick with the 1st option. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sbybbuser Posted October 10, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 10, 2013 Thanks a lot guys. I do think that most rolex experts reside in this forum. I value your opinions. Certainly clear up my mind on what to do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monkeypunch Posted October 10, 2013 Report Share Posted October 10, 2013 First watch, not even debatable... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lolex_panelai Posted October 10, 2013 Report Share Posted October 10, 2013 i would keep the one you have, if you ask me. the second one to me it is more "dirty" than "character"; there is a small grade betweeen patina and "too much", and too much vintage often is overpaid. the only thing that may be interesting is the authentic fading of the insert, but inserts like this are available from time to time, just a question of how much you want to pay for an old piece of plastic like this. you have a nice 1675. regards, lolex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seacraft Posted October 10, 2013 Report Share Posted October 10, 2013 I would want to know more about the 2nd first and better images. Looks old, Mk1 dial, SWEET insert. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sbybbuser Posted October 11, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 11, 2013 The second watch is from 1971. 2.9mil serial number Here are the pics: Comparison Shot: Bevel of first watch: Bevel of second watch: The second one seems to have unpolished case while the first one seems to be rounded already. The insert on the second one is a fat font insert. Who's the winner? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
panerai153 Posted October 11, 2013 Report Share Posted October 11, 2013 Although the second one may show some "character ", it also looks like the dial plots have been doctored, or have moisture exposure. If it's the latter, the damage may be worse inside. I would certainly want the case opened and everything looked at by a competent watchmaker. You have a lovely 1675 already, why trade a known quantity for and unknown ?Fat font nicely aged inserts come up for sale on the VRF all the time. Better to change the insert on yours than buy a "pig in a poke" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
automatico Posted October 11, 2013 Report Share Posted October 11, 2013 "I fail to see the 'upgrade'?" +1 If it was me, I would keep the better one and add 'character' by wearing it for a few years. It would take $1000+ to make the rough one look as good as yours. Two of my (many) rules with genuine rolex are: Never trade a slick watch for a rough watch of the same model. Always look for case corrosion before buying or trading. 'Case' in point...I have a 1603 from the mid 1970s that looks like it is a couple years old, someone really took care of it...the caseback is rotted out around the gasket area and the case has some damage where the gasket sealed against it. You never know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Akira Posted October 11, 2013 Report Share Posted October 11, 2013 May I ask which serial range yours is? Both have MK1 dials, however a 2.9mil serial should have a MK2 dial to my knowledge... This alone, along with the weird Tritium markers, would make me cringe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seacraft Posted October 11, 2013 Report Share Posted October 11, 2013 (edited) May I ask which serial range yours is? Both have MK1 dials, however a 2.9mil serial should have a MK2 dial to my knowledge... This alone, along with the weird Tritium markers, would make me cringe. This 2.9 mil would be MK2 dial. Mk1 end of gilt maybe up to 2.5 If I had to chose between I'd sell both and get a nice MK1 or gilt anyway Edited October 11, 2013 by Seacraft Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sbybbuser Posted October 11, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 11, 2013 serial number 2961XXX Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tmg Posted October 11, 2013 Report Share Posted October 11, 2013 I dig the fat font insert on #2 but yes if that is genuine patina on the dial it's likely from high humidity and the guts will need close inspection. And finding a more aged insert is easy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nanuq Posted October 11, 2013 Report Share Posted October 11, 2013 Edit: "if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all" -Mama Nanuq Okay, okay. I'll delete it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sbybbuser Posted October 11, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 11, 2013 Question reagarding the movement: If I pull the crown completely out, should the second hand still move? The first one, the second hand still move while the second one, the second hand stops Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
panerai153 Posted October 11, 2013 Report Share Posted October 11, 2013 Question reagarding the movement: If I pull the crown completely out, should the second hand still move? The first one, the second hand still move while the second one, the second hand stops Older non hacking movement, or the hack mechanism is messed up. Not sure when Rolex went from a non hack to a hacking movement, but you can find that out either here from some of the Rolex experts, or do some Internet research. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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