I find it strange that someone with a watch of this provenance doesn't know what year it is from. I have a 1993 Rainbow 400 and the person I bought it from is a very well respected member on this forum, who bought it from Japan via internet auction. My 1973 surf 3019 was purchased from a respected seller on a Canadian watch collector forum. That person bought it from a well respected seller on this forum.
True. It's so tough wiring thousands of dollars to a stranger and then not actually knowing what you're going to get....
I find it strange that someone with a watch of this provenance doesn't know what year it is from. I have a 1993 Rainbow 400 and the person I bought it from is a very well respected member on this forum, who bought it from Japan via internet auction. My 1973 surf 3019 was purchased from a respected seller on a Canadian watch collector forum. That person bought it from a well respected seller on this forum.
I bought my Rainbow Flyback, coloured dial version, from a Japanese dealer. They seem to have a few Rainbows available over there on various online platforms. I am very happy with the watch and the price paid. As a caveat it was from a dealer I had dealt with previously. El Primero movement was used in the Rolex Daytona for many years, although complicated, a Rolex trained watchmaker should be familiar with the movement. It ain't cheap to service though.
Attached.
Admittedly no service history from life in Japan but everything functions as it should and the watch has performed flawlessly for a year now. In my opinion the condition is pretty good for a 20+ year old watch, have seen many of these with faded, marked dials and hands. Not to mention battered bezels.
Probably not an out and out bargain but a better price, at the time, than any others I came across.
So I've been scouring for an early version of the Rainbow (https://forums.watchuseek.com/f27/z...all-different-models-1992-1999-a-1028001.html)
I've come across the below from a dealer in Italy. However, I'm pausing on the caseback. It looks laser etched, not deep and engraved. What do we think? Thanks for looking.
I don't know if you are still on the hunt but Kringkily has a lovely Rainbow Flyback for sale at a good price.
https://omegaforums.net/threads/zenith-rainbow-flyback-02-0480-405.101787/
A good tool watch with some honest wear if the price was right.
