To ALL Newbies n Novices: Here is Orchi's List of TOP 10 Priorities when buying Vintage Rolex..

Err...from Orchi's own NOVICE standpoint that is...

Orchi's List of TOP 10 Priorities when buying a Vintage Rolex:-

#1 Priority: Correct Case n backcase cover must NOT have corrosion...
(very minor pitting OK)
Case Ref# n Serial# can be clearly seen...
Minor W&T(wear n tear) on fonts is fine...
Factory conditioned lugs is a BONUS...
or at the least case lugs must be FAT...
Minimal W&T...is fine.
ROUGH n CORRODED watch case is NOT acceptable...

#2 Dial must be right n correct...
with STRONG markers...n PROMINENT prints.
A little craze..or minor W&T is fine...
Patina is more than welcomed...thus a BONUS.

#3 Movement must be right..
winding..n timing smoothly...
WITHOUT any corrosion or water damage.

#4 Hands & Crown must be Original Rolex...
Minor crack on lume..or minor W&T is fine...

#5 Bezel assembly must be Original Rolex...
Minor W&T is fine...

#6 Crystal must be original Rolex...
Minor scratches..or chipping is fine...

#7 Bracelet assembly must be right...n wearable.
Excessively worn out links n edges etc...are NOT.

#8 Original n correct Paper...is an obvious BONUS but NOT prerequisite.

#9 Original Box...is a little Bonus but NOT prerequisite.

#10 Original Accessories...is a little more Bonus but NOT necessary.

Pearl on Submariner/Sea-Dweller bezel insert...is the LEAST of Orchi's worries...

LUMINOVA Pearl...n Hands are acceptable...
as it gives a GOOD reference point in the DARK...

In addition to the above...

NEVER be afraid or shy to ask questions...or seek solid references.
NEVER be afraid to make mistakes...in asking questions.
THAT's the ONLY way to learn...

LAST but NOT the least...
IF what you see does NOT give you the Happy..or FEEL GOOD feeling...
it certainly WON'T.

ALL the BEST to the newcomers n novices...

The same thread is posted in the VRF...

http://www.network54.com/Forum/207593/thread/1267104983

Best regards
Orchi.

UPDATED: April 13, 2010

http://www.network54.com/Forum/207593/thread/1271075587/To+the+Newbies+n+Novices-++Sorry+Orchi+has+to+revise+what+was+said+before+in+here..%2B%2B

In the light of the latest findings by Orchi in VRF...
from the related Blog entry thread posted recently...

http://orchipalar.blogspot.com/2010/04/vintage-rolextudor-prices-falling.html

Orchi sees the need to revised the following statements said previously...
in this other related thread...

http://www.network54.com/Forum/207593/thread/1267104983

Orchi's List of TOP 10 Priorities when buying a Vintage Rolex:-

#1 Priority: Correct Case n backcase cover must NOT have corrosion...(very minor pitting MAY NOT be OK)
Case Ref# n Serial# can be clearly seen...
Minor W&T(wear n tear) on fonts is fine...
Factory conditioned beveled or chamfer lugs is a BONUS...
or at the least case lugs must be FAT...
Minimal W&T...MAY NOT be fine.
ROUGH n CORRODED watch case is NOT acceptable...

THE OVERSIGHT OF THIS IN ACCEPTANCE could cost a collector or dealer dearly...

#2 Dial must be right n correct...
with STRONG markers...n PROMINENT prints.
A little craze..or minor W&T MAY NOT be fine...
Patina is more than welcomed...thus a BONUS.

RELUMED MARKERS even on its Original Dial is A BIG NO-NO...
akin to being "crap"..."shitty"..."trash"...or "Horrible"...

THE OVERSIGHT OF THIS IN ACCEPTANCE could cost a collector or dealer dearly...


#3 Movement must be right..
winding..n timing smoothly...
WITHOUT any corrosion or water damage.

THE OVERSIGHT OF THIS IN ACCEPTANCE could cost a collector or dealer dearly...

#4 Hands & Crown must be Original Rolex...
Minor crack on lume..or minor W&T MAY NOT be fine...

THE OVERSIGHT OF THIS IN ACCEPTANCE could cost a collector or dealer dearly...

#5 Bezel assembly must be Original Rolex...
Minor W&T is could be fine...
INCORRECT PERIOD bezel even if its Rolex Original may spell trouble...
later on.

THE OVERSIGHT OF THIS IN ACCEPTANCE could cost a collector or dealer dearly...

#6 Crystal must be original Rolex...
Minor scratches..or chipping is fine...

THE OVERSIGHT OF THIS IN ACCEPTANCE MAY cost a collector or dealer dearly...
depending on its model...as Rolex might NOT produce any crystal any longer...
for example of an antique BubbleBack...or RARE Birds...

#7 Bracelet assembly must be right...n wearable.
Excessively worn out links n edges etc...are NOT.

THE OVERSIGHT OF THIS IN ACCEPTANCE could cost a collector or dealer dearly...

#8 Original watch n correct Paper...
is an obvious BONUS n MAY BE considered as prerequisite.

PREFERABLY from the 1st n Original Owner's watch...

#9 Original Box...is a little Bonus but NOT prerequisite.

#10 Original Accessories...is a little more Bonus but NOT necessary.

Pearl on Submariner/Sea-Dweller bezel insert...is the LEAST of Orchi's worries...

LUMINOVA Pearl...n Hands are acceptable...
as it gives a GOOD reference point in the DARK...

NEWER HANDS are MUCH LESS EXPENSIVE...as opposed to the faded ones...

In addition to the above...

NEVER be afraid or shy to ask questions...or seek solid references.
NEVER be afraid to make mistakes...in asking questions.
THAT's the ONLY way to learn...

LAST but NOT the least...
IF what you see does NOT give you the Happy..or FEEL GOOD feeling...it certainly WON'T.

CAVEAT EMPTOR: BE EXTRA VIGILANT n exercise due diligence...
when reading about these comments...

1. "SAFE QUEEN"
2. "Rolex did strange things..."
3. "Rolex was very inconsistent..."
4. "Rolex did this or that..."
5. "100% ALL Original..."
6. "RARE Opportunity to own..."
7. "Once in lifetime chance..."

ALL the BEST to the newcomers n novices...

Best regards
Orchi.

P/S: Whilst Orchi is typing out this thread...
Orchi noticed...that words used(in echo of those who uttered them)...
by Orchi in the other related threads...
like "shitty"..."crap"...have mysteriously disappeared...
(problem with forum engine?)...
whilst the same words uttered by the original posters in their relevant postings...
remain unchanged...

What is going on with the forum engine...?
It happens to Orchi's posting...only?

http://www.network54.com/Forum/207593/message/1271034571/DRSD%2BDial+relumed%2BImperfection+in+2010-.%26quot%3BHorrible%26quot%3B+akin

UPDATE: Case Series/Movement Nos. for The Earliest Rolex Ref 1675 GMT Master with 1st Gen. CR "OCC" Gilt Glossy Dial..

UPDATED 29th March 2010 in VRF...

http://www.network54.com/Forum/207593/thread/1269878273/Update-VRF+Buddies+with+the+Early+GILT+1675+GMT.Please+Help+to+expand+this+Project+LIST.%2B%2B


http://www.network54.com/Forum/207593/thread/1269878273/Update-VRF+Buddies+with+the+Early+GILT+1675+GMT.Please+Help+to+expand+this+Project+LIST.%2B%2B


The 1st n EARLIEST Version 1675 PCG GMT with CR "OCC SWISS" Gilt Glossy Dial...
Case Series: -------- Cal.1565 Movement Prefix/# :

"OCC" 503,26x ----------- 3244x (eBay 1675 "1959" + papers)
"OCC" 503,xxx ----------- 3871x (1675 "1959") Anonymous VRF Buddy
"OCC" 504,xxx ----------- 9950x (1675 "1960") - Ditto -
"OCC" 504056 ----------- N667xx (from VRF member Keith-VRF S/N Project)
"OCC" 505466 ----------- D63364 (Caseback "I.60" - Buddy Francesco)
"OCC" 504.1xx ----------- N/A (caseback "I.60" - Buddy Gennaro)

"OCC" 505,xxx ----------- N/A (Caseback "I.60" - Buddy AndrewShear)

"OCC" 503,xxx ----------- 775xx (Caseback "I.60" - Buddy Gigigi)


The 2nd n LATER Version 1675 PCG GMT with CR "SCOC SWISS" Gilt Glossy Dial...
Case Series: -------- Cal.1565 Movement Prefix/# :

"SCOC" 506,xxx ---------- D 2328x (Caseback "I.63" - 1 owner watch)
"SCOC" 5xx,xxx ---------- D 25xxx (Caseback "1964" - Anonymous VRF Buddy)
"SCOC" 5xx,xxx ---------- D 5646x (eBay Caseback "IV.60" - Base Cal.1530 Movement is later replacement.)

"SCOC" 733,xxx ---------- D 6421x (VRM: Caseback "II.61" - Buddy Officinementali)
"SCOC" 694,xxx ---------- D 63xxx (Caseback "II.61" - Buddy AndrewShear)
"SCOC" 696,xxx ---------- D xxx26 (Caseback "II.61" - Buddy AndrewShear)

"SCOC" 695,5xx ---------- D238** (Caseback "II.61" - Buddy MikeWood)

"SCOC" 696,4xx ---------- N/A (Caseback "III.61" - Buddy Snorlex)


[img]The 3rd n LAST Version 1675 GMT WITHOUT Chapter Ring(CR) Minute Track...
Gilt Glossy Dial..."SCOC"...

Case Series: -------- Cal.1565 Movement Prefix/# or Cal.1570 Movement #:

From: 8xx,xxx ----------- D? xxx,xxx? or N? xxx,xxx?
Until: 1.4xx,xxx or 1,5xx,xxx -

With 1,217,9xx IV.64
With 1,219,XXX IV.64
Note: The above has SWISS-T25 above 5 minute indexes under 6 o'clock marker...

With 1,431,XXX
Note: This one has SWISS-T25 above 3 minute indexes under 6 o'clock markers...

**********************************************************************************


Err...here's an update of Orchi's study of the Earliest Rolex 1675 GMT Master with 1st version Chapter Ring(CR) "OCC"...
n the LATER version of "SCOC" Gilt Glossy Dial...

http://orchipalar.blogspot.com/2010/02/rarestelusive-n-earliest-rolex-ref-1675.html

Orchi has recently discovered from various reliable sources that...
the following Case Series n Cal.1565 Movement Nos....
would be correct for these RAREST n Earliest Rolex 1675 GMT Master watches...
up until the time of this posting...


http://www.network54.com/Forum/207593/thread/1267280202/Update-VRF+Buddies+with+the+Early+GILT+1675+GMT.Please+Help+to+expand+this+Project+LIST.%2B%2B


The 1st n EARLIEST Version 1675 GMT with CR "OCC" Gilt Glossy Dial...

Case Series: -------- Cal.1565 Movement # :

"OCC" 503,26x ----------- 3244x (eBay 1675 "1959" + papers)
"OCC" 503,xxx ----------- 3871x (1675 "1959")
"OCC" 504,xxx ----------- 9950x (1675 "1960")
"OCC" 504056 ----------- N667xx (from VRF member Keith-VRF S/N Project)
"OCC" 505466 ----------- D63364 (Caseback "I.60" - Buddy Francesco)
"OCC" 504.1xx ----------- N/A (caseback "I.60" - Buddy Gennaro)

UPDATED: Feb 27, 2010

"OCC" 505,xxx ----------- N/A (Caseback "I.60" - Buddy AndrewShear)


The 2nd n LATER Version 1675 GMT with CR "SCOC" Gilt Glossy Dial...

"SCOC" 506,xxx ----------- D2328x (Caseback "I.63" 1 owner watch)
"SCOC" 5xx,xxx ----------- D25xxx (Caseback "1964")
"SCOC" 5xx,xxx ----------- D5646x (eBay Caseback "IV.60" - Base Cal.1530 Movement is later replacement.)

UPDATED: Feb 27, 2010

"SCOC" 733,xxx ----------- D 6421x (VRM: Caseback "II.61" - Buddy Officinementali)
"SCOC" 694,xxx ----------- D 63xxx (Caseback "II.61" - Buddy AndrewShear)
"SCOC" 696,xxx ----------- D xxx26 (Caseback "II.61" - Buddy AndrewShear)


The above list would be updated for more entries from time to time...
as Orchi goes along...in search for additional data...
of these Earliest 1675 GMT Mater watches...


Thanks for watching...

To be continued...

Posted pictures n vital details are excerpt from eBay...
n from various reliable sources of VRF GMT Buddies...
n from Shear Time...


"OCC" - "OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED CHRONOMETER" -


"OCC" - "OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED CHRONOMETER" -


"OCC" - "OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED CHRONOMETER" -


"OCC" - "OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED CHRONOMETER" -


"OCC" - "OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED CHRONOMETER" -

"SCOC" - "SUPERLATIVE CHRONOMETER OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED' -


"SCOC" - "SUPERLATIVE CHRONOMETER OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED" -


"SCOC" - "SUPERLATIVE CHRONOMETER OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED" -


"SCOC" - "SUPERLATIVE CHRONOMETER OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED" -


"SCOC" - "SUPERLATIVE CHRONOMETER OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED" -


UPDATED: Feb 27, 2010



"SCOC" - "SUPERLATIVE CHRONOMETER OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED" - Shear Time.

"SCOC" - "SUPERLATIVE CHRONOMETER OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED" - Shear Time.




"SCOC" - "SUPERLATIVE CHRONOMETER OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED" - Shear Time.





"SCOC" - "SUPERLATIVE CHRONOMETER OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED" - Shear Time.

The Rarest..Elusive n Earliest Rolex Ref 1675 GMT Master with 1st Gen. CR "OCC" Gilt Glossy Dial..

Err...for Orchi only that is...
(More update on this topic...soon.)

- 1959/early 1960 OCC(CR) Very RARE - PCG "SWISS"

- Early 1960 onwards SCOC-CR - Exclamation-Point(RARE) in 1960/61 - PCG "SWISS"...

- Chapter Ring SCOC n Underline(RARE) in 1962/early 63 - PCG - White/Silver (Single or Double) "SWISS" or "T"

- NON-CR SCOC 1963/64 - Square-Guards - 5 minute indexes under "SWISS-T<25"...

- NON-CR SCOC 1964 to 1966 - Rounded-Guards - 3 minute indexes under "SWISS-T<25"...

- Matte Mk.1/2/3/4/5 etc. 1966 up...

Crossovers in rare nos. might exist between the respective...
Transitional period...


This interesting topic was initially raised by Buddy Francois...in VRF.

http://www.network54.com/Forum/207593/thread/1265984531/Is+OCC+really+the+first+1675-


After much debate on the same subject by a Veteran VRF member...
Orchi posted this in response...


http://www.network54.com/Forum/207593/thread/1266000938/Buddy+Arthur.Orchi+didn%27t+think+need+to+buy+these+in+order+to+learn+n+be+in+VRF..%2B%2B


To be continued...

Rolex Ref 6542 GMT Master OCC Dial Variants + "Albino" GMT Dial(Great works by Buddy Stefano Mazzariol)..

Err buddies...here are the relevant links to Orchi's opinions...
related to the great initiative works by Buddy Stefano Mazzariol...
when he researched n wrote convincingly on his world renown...
own Vintage Rolex Blog...


http://stefanomazzariol.blogspot.com/2010/02/rolex-gmt-master-ref-6542-albino.html

The Originally Articles created by Buddy Stefano Mazzariol...
was also posted by himself in the VRF...

http://www.network54.com/Forum/207593/thread/1265350716/Rolex+GMT-MASTER+ref+.6542+ALBINO


Subsequently in Orchi's relevant VRF postings...
Orchi wrote in response...to Buddy Stefano's findings...
that the Most Elusive Rolex 6542 GMT Master with...
"Albino" White Dial...could perhaps existed...
in very very small numbers...whilst at the same time...
Orchi also opined additionally...
what Orchi thought to be...
the correct OCC Dial variants...
for the historical n classic World's 1st Rolex GMT watches...
the Ref 6542 GMT Master with No Crown Guards...

http://www.network54.com/Forum/207593/thread/1265724120/Orchi+reads+with+fascination+for+6542+GMT+%26quot%3BAlbino%26quot%3B+White+Dial..%2B%2B


Thanks for watching...

Happy Chinese Lunar New Year to the Traditional Chinese - Rolex Vintage GMT collectors Worldwide..

Err...the Mandarin Orange is the Symbol of Abundance n Good Fortune..
which is so true according to this Wikipedia article...
for the Chinese populations...especially during the Chinese Lunar New Year...


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandarin_orange

Nonetheless...these Rolex Vintage GMT watches on Mandarin...
could also be the symbol of Abundance n Good Fortune...to Orchi...
who is afterall a person of little material possession...to begin with.

Here's wishing ALL Readers n Visitors to Orchi's Blog...

GONG XI FA CHAI...GONG HEI FATT CHOY...HAPPY LUNAR NEW YEAR OF THE TIGER...

Best regards from humble Orchi.


1st Watch: 9.4mil case series Rolex 16760 GMT II a.k.a "Fat Lady"...

2nd Watch: 8.4mil case series Rolex 16760 GMT II a.k.a. "Fat Lady" with No "DATE" plot on Dial...

3rd Watch: 2.99mil case series Rolex 1675 GMT with original Mk.2 Matte Dial variant...

Re: Dingomad..Fellow VRF members are NOT fools..They could easily tell that Pics show the SAME Rolex 16800 Matte Dial..

Err...there is a familiar saying that goes like this...

"You can fool certain folks once...BUT NOT every time..."

By simple comparisons based on the following characteristics of imperfections found...evident in the undermentioned Pictures of 16800 Sub Matte Dial...
even a fool can tell that...the Pictures taken belonged to the SAME Dial...

The Pics show the Dial is precisely having...
the blemish above "X"...
n fading area next to the 2 o'clock marker...
n fading spot between 8 n 9 o'clock markers...
n the lost prints around the many prominent minute indexes...
are the SAME...n the Scratch on Coronet...is the SAME...


At the risks of repeating...
here are the SAME imperfection characteristics...once again...


Same blemish above 12 o'clock marker on the minute index...
Same blemish above "X"...
Same fading area next to 2 o'clock marker...
Same fading spot between 8 n 9 o'clock markers...
Same SCRATCH on Coronet...
Same lost of prints on many minute indexes...

n on TOP of it all...The SAME Dial is in USED conditions...
evidently also from the above mentioned imperfections...

IT is definitely NOT in...
"NOS 98% never been fitted to a watch before"...
as so claimed by the relevant...
"Veteran Seller n HIGHLY respected" VRF member..."
Buddy *Philip* a.k.a. Dingomad...

Therefore...the readers of Orchi's Blog...
would come to realized...with relative ease...
that ALL the pictures taken...are from precisely the SAME Dial...

Even a Diehard Fool could see that...
BUT Orchi has been amply advised by wised buddies...
that Orchi should NOT start an argument with fools...

That's what they said...though.

This pic is excerpt from the Original Seller of the Dial...
(famous background used by the Original Seller)



n these other pictures of the SAME Dial...
with bright background...
was published by the relevant VRF Seller...









The easiest way to tell whether a similar Dial had been USED or not...
is to observe the CIRCULAR shade of stain mark(or the lack of it)...
between the centre hole...n the DATE Window...

This is evident due to the fact that the DATE Wheel on the Cal.movement...
would impose this CIRCULAR shade of stain mark(or the lack of it)...
whilst the Dial is fitted on the Cal. movement for quite long period of time...