Came across this recently....Would love someone to say its unusual but then again it's probably an interesting redial, quite a nice watch though! It's a cal.565 and has a gold filled case back also.
Some Rolex guy was going to use it for target practice, but Omega Team 6 must have done a recovery mission.
Yes, this is a genuine and original dial variation. I've had several of these pass through my hands over the years.
Just because Norm's had a few doesn't mean they're not uncommon, he's had multiples of many uncommon references. I wouldn't say it's a high demand thing though in spite of it being rather cool to look at.
Uncommon, yes. You would see maybe one like this for 100 or more more typical dials. A not so popular attempt to update the SMDV for the psychedelic 60s.
Ok, what would you expect to pay for a 14ct example? (I think it's 14ct as the case back is gold too) I actually like the dial, I think it probably wasn't 'radical' enough for the 60's..but hey, it's got more depth and character than the plain dialled ones in my opinion..I've also never owned a DeVille..I think it's a cal 565..is that reputable?
I personally wouldn't put a premium of the dial over an more common one. 14K gold SMDVs seem to be going for $1000-$1500 these days. A really nice gf one should be about half that. Note that a gold back does not necessarily make for a solid gold watch, visually the gold-filled ones are identical. This case style is marked between the lower lugs. 14K GOLD or 14K GOLD FILLED. The cal 565 is a great movement and has the desirable quick-set date function.