Gen Rolex 16610 water damage on the dial???

[masterly]

Thanks again for all those who take time to chime in on my post. I went to see the watch today and it looks like there's is moisture damage. Took it to the jeweler who think the same thing.. but the watch looks good for a 30 year old. It a R97xxxx serial @botsyboy. It winds smooth but the bezel is a little tight..

Here are the pic

I'm thinking of buying this piece, love the patina ...but I'm a little concern. We did not get the case back opened to see the movement as the jeweler we went to do not have the tools ..

Questions , should I buy? Can this dial be cleaned? Should I be concerned of anything, rusty movement, etc...?

This will be my first gen Rolex purchase and wanting to know if this a good move[emoji6]

Appreciate all your help..

Cheers,


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[Rx4Time]

Based on the dial, I'm sure the movement should be serviced and all gaskets replaced. As far as dial, it may clean up some. The lume has a nice patina. Ashame as the case and bezel look to be in good condition. What kind of price are you being offered it for?

 

[masterly]

Based on the dial, I'm sure the movement should be serviced and all gaskets replaced. As far as dial, it may clean up some. The lume has a nice patina. Ashame as the case and bezel look to be in good condition. What kind of price are you being offered it for?

No price yet, he is asking me what's my offer, I was hesitant to make one today because of the dial[emoji30]The watch still looks great..Thanks


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[Ephry73]

That's not water damage per say. There's good documentation on some of the beyeler dials going through this process of oxidation depending on wish varnish was used in the finish. I have had a few gen "leopard print dials" which I loved. Another effect is the spidering effect. Also a naturally occurring process and highly regarded. Go for it


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[masterly]

That's not water damage per say. There's good documentation on some of the beyeler dials going through this process of oxidation depending on wish varnish was used in the finish. I have had a few gen "leopard print dials" which I loved. Another effect is the spidering effect. Also a naturally occurring process and highly regarded. Go for it


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Thank you for the info! Sent you a quick question.. thx


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[GWT#1]

Before I went for anything I would look at the movement! Opening a case back is no big deal!

 

[Mr Smith]

Love that old case. Deep Rehault nice
Definitely look at the movement never know what's in there these days

 

[sputim]

Yup a very nice case and a nice tritium dial with exceptional patina! In case you get the watch have it serviced and all gaskets changed but insist on not changing any parts or have the case brushed! Would be a shame to lose such a nice matching dial, handset and insert! And I second to check the movement first but pretty positive everything is alright with this watch.


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[lukko]

Is this one a stock watch or someone put his hands to "aged"?

I've a 1992 genuine 16610 with tritium dial and the dial has a nice light patina on the index and pearl. The lume of all hands still white as all other 16610 like mine i've seen.

 

[asiparks]

I like a nicely patined dial, but that seems very "agey". Also the bezel insert edges seem overly scuffed.
I'd rather get one that looks a bit cleaner, but that's me, if you like it and the price is right, go for it.

here's an '88 R serial that's for sale on one of the forums:

 

[lukko]

That's exactly what i mean. Seems that some one has intentionally aged this watch imho.

Also the cyclope seems to has a tiny shine of blue? That's totally incorret for this watch period

 

[masterly]

@lukko how can I tell if the if the hands get artificially age. I will definitely look at the watch again for sure and pay particular attention to cyclops.
No question I will open the case back... thanks all!


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[Thrasher]

Look at movement.
Have movement serviced and all seals replaced. @misiekped or @Tickleshoes can do as good a service as rolex and wont ruin your watch with unwanted parts like Rolex.
I dont think that insert is correct, maybe not even genuine.
How does it feel when you wind it? I assume when you turn the crown clockwise the hands turn clockwise?
Ask also @occb2

 

[Tickleshoes]

If there is currently water incursion you'd see it on the inside of the crystal, not just the dial. Previous water damage with service would dry the dial and could be stable. If it's original to the piece, I'd leave it. You can check for 3135 vs 3035 by checking to see which way the date changes. If the dates come up from the bottom then it's a 3035. If they come down from the top it's a 3135.

I'll let others chime in on authenticity but I'd remember that you should "buy the seller" more than the watch.

 

[Thrasher]

So it could have a 3035 does that make it a 168000?
https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=36048

Have you looked between the lugs to see it really is 16610. I think it would be very cool if it were a 168000

 

[masterly]

@Tickleshoes this is local guy, the date definitely changes just don't remember as well if it come from the bottom or up as I was planning to open the case back , it also turns at midnight . I can also move the. Hand clockwise and counter clockwise...The bezel has a little resistance when turning @trasher, more pics

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[asiparks]

the insert looks like it was removed and sanded around the outside and inside edges, between '50' and the lume pip especially.
How would an insert naturally wear there so much, especially on the inner edge next to the crystal, yet the flatter part of the bezel stay in much better shape ?
I'd say someone aged it but didn't want to deface the numbers...

 

[Thrasher]

I mean if when you turn crown clockwise the hands should turn clockwise if it has a 3135, but I'm betting this is 99% genuine....Just the Insert is weird around edges and font

 

[Thrasher]

I honestly like it , its pretty cool looking except for the insert.

 

[Turbo350z]

Open her up and let us know. Also I'd be interested in what's between the lugs.


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