Inherited 1982 Submariner Date Questions

[Dan S]

Regardless of anyone's opinion about whether they like vintage watches with service parts or not, the OP asked specifically about devaluation.

[studioal]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Regardless of anyone's opinion about whether they like vintage watches with service parts or not, the OP asked specifically about devaluation.

Understood.

The answer is "it depends". To someone looking to buy it from OP, yes, probably a significant devaluation—unless they're specifically looking to buy a refurbished 16800 w/modern parts (highly unlikely). But if the OP is insistent on adding new parts so his watch can glow, then I see it as a value add.

My Chicago-area watchmaker rec: Rhett Bertram of Martin Binder Jeweler. Note, he'll charge $75-100 to assess the watch, and can take upwards of 3-6 months on turnaround. So he's not fast, but his work is sound and he understands the value of preserving a vintage Rolex.

[David16800]

Originally Posted by studioal

Understood.

The answer is "it depends". To someone looking to buy it from OP, yes, probably a significant devaluation—unless they're specifically looking to buy a refurbished 16800 w/modern parts (highly unlikely). But if the OP is insistent on adding new parts so his watch can glow, then I see it as a value add.

My Chicago-area watchmaker rec: Rhett Bertram of Martin Binder Jeweler. Note, he'll charge $75-100 to assess the watch, and can take upwards of 3-6 months on turnaround. So he's not fast, but his work is sound and he understands the value of preserving a vintage Rolex.

Thank you for the recommendation.

[cajuntiger]

Originally Posted by studioal

Understood.

The answer is "it depends". To someone looking to buy it from OP, yes, probably a significant devaluation—unless they're specifically looking to buy a refurbished 16800 w/modern parts (highly unlikely). But if the OP is insistent on adding new parts so his watch can glow, then I see it as a value add.

a "value add" that decreases the value dramatically doesnt seem like much of a value add to me.

[studioal]

Originally Posted by cajuntiger

a "value add" that decreases the value dramatically doesnt seem like much of a value add to me.

Look at it this way. If the OP enjoys the watch more with service parts then yes, it's would be value added. "Value" is much more than just what something is worth in a monetary sense. And I realize that the basis of the question likely resides on monetary worth, but I also suspect that OP would like to wear the watch and finds value in having a dial and handset that is legible at night.