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Post by carl on Oct 11, 2017 21:13:29 GMT -6
Today, I also paid a visit to Otto Friedl, and watchmaker and seller who have sold a number of my watches on consignment. Just wanted to see what they have of interest. As I have been enjoying my OP34 models a lot, I have often thought it would be great if they made the model in gold as well, which I know will never happen. Seems like in '65-66, though, it did happen. This one is a real little beauty, in 14k gold, original Rolex strap and gold filled Rolex buckle. It runs fine, was serviced last December, but I am worried about the crown mechanism. Also, a few minute spots on the dial. Not complaints, just observations, as I am really not a vintage guy. If I got the watch, I would pay for a complete service by Rolex, though, as it is such a beauty. Although, I would have to be assured that Rolex would indeed do a service on it. Anyway:      I was quite taken by this piece. One reason I also really like it, is the dial and hands were never lumed. I find on diver watches, the patina of the aged lume is actually attractive in most cases, but not so much on dress watches. This absence of lume is quite a bonus for me. they have had this watch for almost a year already, I saw it last time I was in there. So I'm kind of taking a chance that they may still have it when/if I decide to go for it. |
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Post by rw16610 on Oct 11, 2017 21:34:50 GMT -6
Now that's something special. From the pictures it does seem to be in great shape! For this particular watch / style it does indeed look better in my opinion without the lume.
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Post by shawndl5 on Oct 23, 2017 17:09:05 GMT -6
I really like it. It looks like it’s in good shape to be 50 years old
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Post by carl on Oct 23, 2017 21:58:53 GMT -6
I really like it. It looks like it’s in good shape to be 50 years old It is in wonderful shape. I asked if it could also be sent to Rolex to have a complete servicing and overhaul. I wasn't pleased with the crown action, it was very difficult to unscrew. That is not a complaint, just an observation, as I was amazed it is as good as it is after all these years. Also has a genuine Rolex leather strap. There are also a couple of very fine stains on the dial, which could have been caused by condensation as the watchmaker said. I suppose Rolex might think it a good idea to replace the dial as well. That is if they will even service it now after all these years. Apparently, they have a kind of cutoff time, after which they can no longer service it. I think this one would be safe, though. Anyway, I came very close to getting it, but decided there are just too many "ifs", not being a vintage watch guy myself. The question was not if I would spend the money for servicing, but if I did would the result be satisfactory to me. I think you have to have a special quality to appreciate a vintage piece like this one, and my gut feeling is that I am just not suited for this type of vintage piece. Too bad, as I have been wishing that Rolex would do a gold watch about the size of my OP34s, and it turns out that is exactly what this one is! I saw the watch first about six months ago, and my guess is that they still have it. For some reason, my skin tone suits a pink gold better, I have tried both yellow and gold over time. |
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CHIP
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Post by CHIP on Oct 23, 2017 22:22:47 GMT -6
That one should be in the 3k retail range, and I think that’s at the high end.
Sending it to Rolex would make no sense as it would cost more than half the retail price, while actually reducing the value of the Watch significantly.
The value is in the dial and hands, and that’s the first thing Rolex will replace.
My 1601 is worth around 6500 or so. If I service it with Rolex and pay them around 1500 for the service, the Watch will be worth around 2500 when all is said and done.
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Post by carl on Oct 24, 2017 7:46:15 GMT -6
That one should be in the 3k retail range, and I think that’s at the high end. Sending it to Rolex would make no sense as it would cost more than half the retail price, while actually reducing the value of the Watch significantly. The value is in the dial and hands, and that’s the first thing Rolex will replace. My 1601 is worth around 6500 or so. If I service it with Rolex and pay them around 1500 for the service, the Watch will be worth around 2500 when all is said and done. The price is actually $5200CAD. They did mention that Rolex would likely replace the dial. It is actually difficult to even see the imperfections on the dial without using a loupe. Glad you provided this info, Chip. It makes me realize how little I do know about vintage pieces. While I like the looks of them a lot, I think I will leave them for the experts. I will be happier with a new piece. The closest I will likely get to a vintage piece, is my OP34 silver dial, which I do appreciate more because it has, to me, a bit of vintage look to it. |
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CHIP
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Name: Chip
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Post by CHIP on Oct 24, 2017 8:24:41 GMT -6
Way too expensive, I’d pass on that one.
If you really want it, I’ll find you one for a lot less money.
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Post by carl on Oct 24, 2017 13:16:39 GMT -6
Way too expensive, I’d pass on that one. If you really want it, I’ll find you one for a lot less money. Thanks, Chip. But I've got past that idea now. Just gonna concentrate on getting a new model gold watch. Matter of fact, at this point, I am going to test my willpower and wait to see what Basel 2018 brings! |
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Baco Noir
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Post by Baco Noir on Oct 24, 2017 19:38:53 GMT -6
Way too expensive, I’d pass on that one. If you really want it, I’ll find you one for a lot less money. Thanks, Chip. But I've got past that idea now. Just gonna concentrate on getting a new model gold watch. Matter of fact, at this point, I am going to test my willpower and wait to see what Basel 2018 brings! That is a test of will power! The Basel 2018 releases won’t his stores until late summer or fall and are usually in short supply even then. Good call though, because it sucks to get a new piece and then see an updated model you like even better a few months later. |
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Post by carl on Oct 24, 2017 21:16:44 GMT -6
Thanks, Chip. But I've got past that idea now. Just gonna concentrate on getting a new model gold watch. Matter of fact, at this point, I am going to test my willpower and wait to see what Basel 2018 brings! That is a test of will power! The Basel 2018 releases won’t his stores until late summer or fall and are usually in short supply even then. Good call though, because it sucks to get a new piece and then see an updated model you like even better a few months later. Yeah, I'm especially interested to see what Rolex does with their new movement, maybe put it in the Sub? Who knows, but it's always a lot of fun anticipating, then seeing what happens after the event. |
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