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1655 Explorer II barn find

AAAKK
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An opportunity on short notice came to me today on this pc. Not something I usually chase and I'm far from an expert on these. A friend (complete watch novice) came across it from a estate buyer that he does business with. I thought it was a great price, so we ended up splitting on it.

Obviously lived it's life as a true tool watch, but to my eye it seems like an honest watch. Don't see any dial damage under all the crystal scratches. Back hasn't been off and the crown is seized and didn't want to force it. Watch runs for a bit with a light shake but wouldn't want to speculate on the movement condition. Rolex papers say it was sold in 1980.

I'd welcome any opinions. I thought USD $6400 ($3200 each) was a no brainer buy but let me know if I'm way wrong on this one. Thanks

20210904_180843.jpg 20210904_180936.jpg 20210904_181022.jpg 20210904_181213.jpg
 
BenBagbag
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Wow. Great great great find and buy.

What does it mean you split it? He gets to wear it weekdays and you get her on the weekends? 😜
 
ATWG
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Nicely done!

Put me on the Dibs list as well.
 
STANDY
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Stolen for $6400, but how does the halvsy with a mate work. Week at a time or year.
Service will be $500+ each
 
cakey007
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What a great result! I love seeing watches like this that clearly have been used. A good ultrasonic clean and service and its good to go. As long as it’s sounds, I’d probably leave the Crystal as is but I’m sure most wouldn’t.
 
AAAKK
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BenBagbag BenBagbag
Wow. Great great great find and buy.

What does it mean you split it? He gets to wear it weekdays and you get her on the weekends? 😜

STANDY STANDY
Stolen for $6400, but how does the halvsy with a mate work. Week at a time or year.
Service will be $500+ each

Probably should elaborate a bit. My friend sent me a couple of poor pics for my opinion. Remember, he's a complete novice and really just wants a modern Rolex. This was offered to him and when he told me the price, I told him to buy it now. He still had some trepidation which I could understand. I told him I'd go with him to see it in person and split the cost with him if it checked out. It was more reassuring to him if I had some skin in the game.

His plan was to use any realized gains from a sale to put towards something modern. So it's probably going to be sold. Sort of tempting to buy out his position and keep it myself, but I wouldn't know how to put a fair value on it.
 
cicindela
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AAAKK AAAKK
Probably should elaborate a bit. My friend sent me a couple of poor pics for my opinion. Remember, he's a complete novice and really just wants a modern Rolex. This was offered to him and when he told me the price, I told him to buy it now. He still had some trepidation which I could understand. I told him I'd go with him to see it in person and split the cost with him if it checked out. It was more reassuring to him if I had some skin in the game.

His plan was to use any realized gains from a sale to put towards something modern. So it's probably going to be sold. Sort of tempting to buy out his position and keep it myself, but I wouldn't know how to put a fair value on it.
Easy, do a little research. To get you started, somewhere between 18000 and 27500. Maybe even a little more. I’m giving you a big spread due to conditions unknowns and reconditioning cost variables. My advice, keep it you won’t find another for that price. If you get it looking nice ( this tricky as you can easily damage the value) maybe even a lot more.
 
BenBagbag
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What modern rolex does he want? I'd say if you just bought that for him as the 50% it's a good deal for him. He got what he always wanted and you get the watch find of the year. But would you keep it?

But yeah, partnerships are tricky. It's a lot of money. Make sure you stay friends through this. It's more important than the cash.
 
Donn Chambers
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BenBagbag BenBagbag
What modern rolex does he want? I'd say if you just bought that for him as the 50% it's a good deal for him. He got what he always wanted and you get the watch find of the year. But would you keep it?

But yeah, partnerships are tricky. It's a lot of money. Make sure you stay friends through this. It's more important than the cash.

That sounds like the perfect idea, if you really want to Explorer II. If he wants modern and new, that seems like a win/win on his side — what modern Rolex could he get for $3200?
 
BenBagbag
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Donn Chambers Donn Chambers
That sounds like the perfect idea, if you really want to Explorer II. If he wants modern and new, that seems like a win/win on his side — what modern Rolex could he get for $3200?
Hahaha I was thinking you'd get him a 8k + or - for rolex... 😁
 
BenBagbag
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This is totally a @watchknut find, where he promises his wife that he will sell it but then holds onto it for years and years.

If you can, totally keep this one.
 
Servius
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Wow, amazing find. Wondering how is that kind of find still possible.

I’d pay him the difference for him to get a nice modern one of his choice.

And who the hell wouldn’t want to keep and wear this beauty, come on !
 
Dan S
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Well, buying the friend a modern Rolex could be easier said than done, depending on what watch he wants.
 
cicindela
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Another note just to be sure you understand:
If you take it to a jewelry store/watch repair and they polish the hell out of it, you will destroy its value!!
Consult here first.
 
Darlinboy
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Dan S Dan S
Well, buying the friend a modern Rolex could be easier said than done, depending on what watch he wants.

In fact, any modern Rolex reference is quite easy to source - as a simple google search will confirm. ::stirthepot::
 
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