The Rolex 1665 Sea-Dweller, a legend in its own right, holds a special place in the hearts of watch enthusiasts. Its robust build, impressive water resistance, and iconic design have cemented its status as a highly sought-after collector's piece. However, the world of vintage Rolex collecting is fraught with pitfalls, and one of the most significant challenges facing potential buyers of the 1665 is the prevalence of over-polished examples. This article delves into the complexities surrounding over-polished Rolex 1665 watches, exploring their impact on value, desirability, and the overall collecting experience. We'll examine specific variations like the Rolex 1665 Great White, Rolex 1665 Double Red, and Rolex 1665 thin case, considering how over-polishing affects each.
The Rolex 1665, produced from 1967 to 1978, saw several iterations, each with its own unique characteristics. The most famous are arguably the "Double Red" (with "Sea-Dweller" printed in red on the dial and "Submariner 200m/660ft" also in red), and the "Great White" (featuring a white gold insert). These variations, along with the standard models and the elusive "thin case" variants, all share a common vulnerability: the susceptibility to over-polishing.
Over-polishing, as the term suggests, involves excessively polishing the watch case to remove scratches and imperfections. While a light polish can restore a watch to a respectable condition, excessive polishing removes significant portions of the original metal, altering the case's shape, removing crucial details, and ultimately diminishing its value. This is especially detrimental to vintage watches like the 1665, where the original condition and the integrity of the case are paramount to their collectability.
The Impact of Over-Polishing on Value:
The value of a Rolex 1665, especially the desirable variations like the Double Red and Great White, is heavily influenced by its condition. An unpolished or lightly polished example, retaining its original case shape and details, will command a significantly higher price than an over-polished one. Collectors and investors prioritize originality and authenticity, recognizing that over-polishing represents a significant alteration to the watch's history and integrity. The sharp angles and defined lugs, hallmarks of the 1665's design, are easily softened or completely lost through over-polishing. This results in a less desirable aesthetic and a substantial drop in value. The market readily reflects this disparity; a well-preserved example can fetch tens, even hundreds of thousands of dollars more than an over-polished counterpart.
Identifying an Over-Polished Rolex 1665:
Identifying an over-polished 1665 requires a keen eye and a thorough understanding of the model's characteristics. Here are some key indicators:
* Blunt Lugs: The lugs of an unpolished 1665 are sharp and defined. Over-polishing rounds them off, giving the case a softer, less angular appearance.
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