This just showed up today. A correct (and all original I believe) 1958, center seconds, 2996-1 Ranchero, caliber 284, movement number 16847xxx, in nice condition except for some polishing. This most welcome addition to the fleet joins my white and black dial 2990-1 Rancheros. The radium dial is in, very nice, intact condition. Very little lume loss. Nice orange patina. The dial indicates "SWISS" below the number 6. The original broad arrow hands are intact and have original radium lume. Macros of the Arabic dial numbers. Notice the serifs. There are plenty of aftermarket Ranchero dials floating around. THIS is the real thing. The top of the SWISS is barely visible. Caliber 284, movement number 16847xxx. I believe both the SWISS (and not SWISS MADE) dial and movement number are indicative of an early production reference 2996-1 Ranchero. Original crown emblem polished down?? Under a UV light. Dial and hand lume appears to be a nice match. Looks rather nice on the wrist 2996-1 Ranchero taking center stage from it's slightly older brothers, the black and white dial 2990-1 caliber 267.
I'm putting you MUCH higher on the list of members I hate. (as if the double Breguet / Lange big date post wasn't enough, now he flaunts the trifecta of excellent dials on Rancheros) NFWes.
Marc- Big Congrats!! This is a Big Deal.! These 2996 Ranchero's are RARE, RARE, did I say RARE! Very jealous on this one. Excellent condition too Dibs!
Congratulations! Amazing watches. I have always loved that the 30mm text has a period after it, as if to say "This is it!" or "30mm nothing else, Period!". Like a boss
where do you find all these good looking watches .... stunning dial congratulations Marc another one to add to your extensive collection.
Thank you all for your kind comments. If the caliber is not 321 and there is no DON bezel attached, they are often overlooked.
Just gorgeous but you really should either be banned from here, or supply us all with zoloft Congrats on a stunning example.
That might be the real thing but your ability to land these beauties is unreal. Congrats yet again! (I should probably cut and paste these last three words for future use in your threads)
Yes! Me too!!! You beat me to it, big time! Where do you find that beauty!!! Clearly, I need to widen my search circle!