Speed King

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Waltesefalcon

·Jun 26, 2018

Okay guys I have a question, I am thinking about getting a Speed King for my first Rolex because I like older watches and I like smaller watches. I've been hunting for a month or two now so I am still pretty new to this so I'd appreciate any input y'all wouldn't mind giving. Is there anything that sticks out as wrong with this watch other than the fact that Todd had his name engraved on it:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rolex-Spee...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

 

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Canuck

·Jun 26, 2018

Manual winder. That’s why it is small. Are you certain you want a watch you have to wind? Obsolete. No parts. It’s 55 years old. I think I see one repair number inside the case back, so it hasn’t been maintained. Could be bad, or could be good. It’s a lot of money to float on a watch you might not be sure of. Be prepared to spend a bundle on servicing it.

 

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Dan S

·Jun 27, 2018

Looks good to me at first glance, but the photos are low resolution and terrible. The hands are blocking the printing, there is no photo of the serial number (or at least I didn't see it), no photos of the crown, etc. On the good side, the serial number mentioned in the listing dates from 1963, which matches the case-back stamp. Request better photos, and if everything checks out, go for it. It's too small for me, but that's a matter of taste, and hand-winding doesn't bother me at all.

 

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rkman11

·Jun 27, 2018

I’d say wait and spend a bit more to get a 6694. Slightly larger (34mm) easier to sell down the road, and I believe more watch for the money. Good luck on the hunt!

 

U

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ulackfocus

·Jun 27, 2018

Canuck

Manual winder with no date. That’s why it is thin.

FIFY. Manual wind watches, even vintage ones, can be larger than 31 mm. The IWC Caliber 89 reference R521 is 37mm in diameter without the crown.

The rest of your post I agree with 100% - part can be hard to find for a model that isn't very popular.

I'd also wait for a better size, maybe a Zephyr or another 34mm Oyster case. Which says a lot coming from me, a vintage guy who sometimes wears sub-30mm watches from several brands.

 

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Waltesefalcon

·Jun 27, 2018

I don't mind it being a manual or a small size, nine of my fourteen in regular rotation are manuals and four of them are this size or smaller. The parts availability and the service history are valid concerns for it.

Edited: Jun 27, 2018

 

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Waltesefalcon

·Jun 27, 2018

A 6694 is a date just isn't it?

 

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ICONO

·Jun 27, 2018

Unless you have very small ‘Girls Wrists’ ? …31 mm is virtually unwearable, if you are Male

A 6694 Rolex Precision Oysterdate represents much better value…tough as nails, & superbly understated

 

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rkman11

·Jun 27, 2018

6694 is an oysterdate. If you're not into the date feature, the 1002 is an option. Or a 5500. Or a few others of the same vintage in a 34mm. I will say, 31/32 doesn’t bother me if we're talking bubbleback, but I think unless it's a bubbleback looking speed king (in terms of dial, or a very similar looking speed king to the one McQueen wore - you'll have a hard time flipping down the road. Should you choose to.

Edited: Nov 20, 2018

 

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Waltesefalcon

·Jun 27, 2018

ICONO

Unless you have very small ‘Girls Wrists’ ? …31 mm is virtually unwearable, if you are Male

A 6694 Rolex Precision Oysterdate represents much better value…tough as nails, & superbly understated

I must have a little girl's wrists then because I have no problem wearing a smaller watch. As long as I can read the time the size doesn't matter that much, but I'm fairly secure in my masculinity.

 

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Waltesefalcon

·Jun 27, 2018

rkman11

6694 is an oysterdate. If you're not into the date feature, the 1002 is an option. Or a 5500. Or a few others of the same vintage in a 34mm. I will say, 31/32 does bother me if we're talking bubbleback, but I think unless it's a bubbleback looking speed king (in terms of dial, or a very similar looking speed king to the one McQueen wore - you'll have a hard time flipping down the road. Should you choose to.

Thanks, I am just bringing to learn about these Rolexs and have a ways to go still.