Smudge/corrosion on edge of dial - Oyster Perpetual Date (ref. 15000)

Hnansen · Jan 22, 2019

Having mostly being into vintage Omega, I am about to take my first step into the world of vintage Rolex.
I have my eyes on a ref. 15000 Oyster Perpetual Date, where I have found a good candidate from 1983. The seller lives doesn't live far away, which is obviously a huge bonus.

The watch generally looks to be in a good, unpolished condition, with a nice looking dial. But what bothers me and makes me uncertain about the watch, is what seems to be smudge/corrosion/dirt/what ever it is, on the edge of the dial. I can be seen mainly at 11-12 o´clock. Is it acceptable for a 35 years old Rolex, or would I be better off with continuing my search?
When I compare it with similar models there a lot of pristine examples, but apparently it is not an uncommon phenomenon either. Any ideas on what it could be caused by?

Thanks in advance! 😀

Dan S · Jan 22, 2019

Yes, there is some minor loss to the paint on the edge of the dial. Who knows why it happens, but certainly moisture entry in the past is always a likely culprit. It does affect value, but in my opinion, this could still be worth having at the right price if the dial damage doesn't bother you on the wrist, and it probably won't, unless your eyes are extremely sharp. 😉

Hnansen · Jan 22, 2019

Dan S
Yes, there is some minor loss to the paint on the edge of the dial. Who knows why it happens, but certainly moisture entry in the past is always a likely culprit. It does affect value, but in my opinion, this could still be worth having at the right price if the dial damage doesn't bother you on the wrist, and it probably won't, unless your eyes are extremely sharp. 😉

You are probably right! I guess you can always find imperfections on a 35-year old watch, if you zoom in just enough 😀

Otherwise I think it looks good with a sharp case and probably unpolished case, and a bracelet with only minor stretch. Any comments? 😀

Dan S · Jan 22, 2019

Hnansen
You are probably right! I guess you can always find imperfections on a 35-year old watch, if you zoom in just enough 😀

Some pieces are totally pristine ... this one isn't. I think that the flaws are minor enough for it to be appealing at the right price. Just my personal opinion.

Hnansen
Otherwise I think it looks good with a sharp case and probably unpolished case, and a bracelet with only minor stretch. Any comments? 😀

I agree with you about the case and bracelet. They look solid, and that's a significant part of the value as well.

Hnansen · Jan 22, 2019

Dan S
Some pieces are totally pristine ... this one isn't. I think that the flaws are minor enough for it to be appealing at the right price. Just my personal opinion.

I agree with you about the case and bracelet. They look solid, and that's a significant part of the value as well.

Thanks for your input! 👍
What price would you reckon would be fair for this piece? Unknown service history (within -5 seconds pr. day) and watch only (full length bracelet).

Dan S · Jan 22, 2019

Perhaps you can try to stay under $2k? Maybe @slique12 can give his opinion. I know that he was recently shopping for similar watches, so he is probably more current on pricing than I am. Obviously the silver dial is the most common.

slique12 · Jan 22, 2019

I agree, $1.9k - $2.1k would be a good price for this example. While silver dials are common and the dial does have slight imperfection on the edge, the case and bracelet condition is lovely and the aged lume looks perfect to my eyes.

Hnansen · Jan 22, 2019

Holy moly, that sure is cheap!
I must be cursed by living in Europe, as I can't seem to find the ref. 15000 cheaper than around 2800 to 3500 dollars. The example I have posted is for sale at 2920 dollars.

Where are you looking?! 😁

slique12 · Jan 22, 2019

Hnansen
Holy moly, that sure is cheap!
I must be cursed by living in Europe, as I can't seem to find the ref. 15000 cheaper than around 2800 to 3500 dollars. The example I have posted is for sale at 2920 dollars.

Where are you looking?! 😁

Haah, I think I was being extra conservative there. That range is probably a great price, not a good price. Still, I think $2900 is too much. At that price, you're close to DJ territory.

Hnansen · Jan 22, 2019

slique12
Haah, I think I was being extra conservative there. That range is probably a great price, not a good price. Still, I think $2900 is too much. At that price, you're close to DJ territory.

I agree. And I reckon these 34 mm would be a lot harder to sell again than a DJ 😀

slique12 · Jan 22, 2019

Personally, I prefer the Oyster Date Precision - identical in size and aesthetics at a price that is meaningfully less than a nice DJ. And I don't mind winding it every couple days.

Dan S · Jan 22, 2019

I’m surprised to hear that the 34mm references are selling in that price range without some extra to carry a premium, like a blue dial or B&P. Maybe it’s just priced far too high and you need to be patient for an auction or a forum sale.

Smudge/corrosion on edge of dial - Oyster Perpetual Date (ref. 15000)

Hnansen

Dan S

Hnansen

Dan S

Hnansen

Dan S

slique12

Hnansen

slique12

Hnansen

slique12

Dan S

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