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A Rolex headache.

NGO1
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Ladies and gentlemen, I’m loosing sleep over this. I’m usually decisive in picking up new shiny wrist things, but this, this left me pulling hair for the last 3 days.

Here we go.
I simply can’t add another piece to the box without letting one go. In this particular case, letting two go.


looking to add:
Rolex 1655 Explorer II, last production year 1984, in exceptional condition. Dial, hands, case and bracelet are all original. Bezel is replaced by Rolex from last service. It’s the finest 1655 I’ve seen. Ever!

IMG_8712.jpeg


For 1655 to come home, these 2 must exit: Two tone Zenith Daytona and a SeaDweller. I wear the Daytona often and it’s my favorite bimetal. Can’t remember the last time I put on the SD.
IMG_6876.jpeg IMG_3650.jpeg


Something doesn’t feel right. Adding a sport Rolex requires me to let two go. That’s a deep cut. I have never sold a watch… ever. This is emotionally draining. What would you do?
 
Evitzee
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Buy the Explorer and reassess the other two after you've lived with it for awhile. Done sell anything now to get the Explorer. Step by step.
 
Dan S
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To be a collector, you have to buy and sell. If you can't sell, you're just a hoarder. 😉

That said, I think you're overestimating the condition of the 1655. It would be ok at the right price, but there's mold on virtually every lume plot, and the service bezel is a major flaw that won't be cheap to fix. Don't get carried away with the valuation.
 
Perrier
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NGO1 NGO1
I wear the Daytona often and it’s my favorite bimetal. Can’t remember the last time I put on the SD.

Don't sell the Daytona, you'll regret it.

But sell the Sea-Dweller.

Then buy the Explorer with a bit of savings and pay it back as quickly as possible.
 
Subspecies
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Have you seen it in the flesh ? Reason I ask is because I always loved the look of these in photos and then saw one in real life. I instantly went off them. Just my opinion though. Good luck with your decision.
 
blufinz52
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I'd keep the Daytona and the Sea Dweller. That's just me.
 
itsjustausername
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I wouldn’t part with a watch that’s getting a lot of wrist time. I’d want to see where that relationship went first before deciding to break up 😎
 
NGO1
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Evitzee Evitzee
Buy the Explorer and reassess the other two after you've lived with it for awhile. Done sell anything now to get the Explorer. Step by step.
That’s the plan E. I have been “planning” to thin down my box. Adding more angers the boss. I am walking on thin ice as it is.

Dan S Dan S
It would be ok at the right price, but there's mold on virtually every lume plot, and the service bezel is a major flaw that won't be cheap to fix.

thanks for the ride back to reality Dan. My only concern is the mold on lume plots. I can live with service bezel and hunt for original. Asking is $21k.
 
NGO1
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Perrier Perrier
Don't sell the Daytona, you'll regret it.
I might. but that 1655 will haunt me for week if I don’t make a move.

Subspecies Subspecies
Have you seen it in the flesh ?
I have. It looks even better on the wrist. Imperfections on line plots are barely visible, on naked eyes.

harrymai86 harrymai86
Lume plots look dirty in the 1655. Try to find another example maybe.

There’s always a trade off with 1655 it seems. This imperfect dial has a sharp case and reasonable asking.
 
Dan S
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I don't know who the seller is; if you're comparing with dealer prices, it's a fair ask, but nothing special for an auction or private sale, IMO. Not something I'd feel the need to jump on.

Based on recent auctions I've followed, $20k-$21k would be ok with the correct bezel for a late model 1655 in this condition. A Mk1 with straight sweep hand will bring more. The watch may look good on the wrist, but the mold does affect the value, obviously. And I think the bezel is going to cost you at least $2k. The whole vintage/pre-owned Rolex market is still soft (although perhaps starting to pick up a bit).

However, this is just my perspective, and I don't know what options you have for buying vintage Rolex. If it is a convenient purchase for you and a seller you are comfortable with, that may add some value for you.
Edited:
 
ATWG
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I’d pass on the 1655, unless it’s sub $20K. I looked for years to finally find one that ticked all the boxes for me. Don’t rush into it, here is my MKI…
 
IMG_8617.jpeg
NGO1
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Thanks @Dan S, I appreciate the break down. This helps much. The sharp case got me excited and played down the spotted lumes. Amateur mistake. I haven’t seen a case this good in a while.
 
NGO1
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ATWG ATWG
I’d pass on the 1655, unless it’s sub $20K. I looked for years to finally find one that ticked all the boxes for me. Don’t rush into it, here is my MKI…


Very nice. Congrats. And dibs.
 
YVR785
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I’d keep the Daytona and SD, and simply add a Tudor BB Pro to the mix.

You can pick one up used for $3k and it’s a no brainer. Have you thought of that?
 
NGO1
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YVR785 YVR785
I’d keep the Daytona and SD, and simply add a Tudor BB Pro to the mix.

You can pick one up used for $3k and it’s a no brainer. Have you thought of that?

I saw the BB Pro. Very nice.
Ive been stuck on 1655 for 5 years now. I tried the substitute route before, it doesn't work for me. I'll end up with a BB Pro and same itch for 1655.
 
Mark020
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NGO1 NGO1
It’s the finest 1655 I’ve seen.
It is nice but the dial is certainly not fine....
 
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