1665 Rail

[Sea-Dweller 1978]

I want to recondition my 1665 and the current watchmaker is having trouble finding some parts. Is there someone that you all could recommend.

[ebc992299]

Phillip at Ridley Watchmakers


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[swish77]

Originally Posted by Sea-Dweller 1978

I want to recondition my 1665 and the current watchmaker is having trouble finding some parts. Is there someone that you all could recommend.

You really need to give details to get meaningful answers. What do you mean by "recondition" and what parts?

Maybe post a photo or two of your Sea-Dweller.

[1665fan]

If your looking for a rail dial beacause yours is toast……I don’t think anybody can help you there…..we need more info on what you have and are trying to do

[Sea-Dweller 1978]

I know I need an original date dial and the bezel is a replacement and have no idea whether it is authentic to this model. I am not a pro at this, but I want to get it up to snuff and the best it can be. I also need the hands relumed. You can see the second hand has lost its lume altogether. Sorry I wasn't that clear in my original post.

[MorningTundra]

Does this watch have sentimental value? Or any personal significance?

…this won’t be an inexpensive restoration. And you’re unlikely to recoup your investment. But if it’s a passion project and you have the time and budget, all the parts can be sourced if you’re patient. What parts specifically is your watchmaker looking for?

[Sea-Dweller 1978]

I think he is having trouble sourcing the correct Date Wheel and maybe the bezel insert as well. Is the bezel insert currently on there incorrect for the watch? Is there anything else discernable that needs to be updated?

[swish77]

Originally Posted by Sea-Dweller 1978

I think he is having trouble sourcing the correct Date Wheel and maybe the bezel insert as well. Is the bezel insert currently on there incorrect for the watch? Is there anything else discernable that needs to be updated?

I suggest looking over to the VRF forum for parts. You might try a WTB post.

The insert appears to be a service replacement with an odd pip/pearl. I'd track down an MK3 insert if you have the funds. They're pricey.

As for other suggestions, I'd give some attention to the case. It appears to have been fully polished, removing the brushed finish on the lugs. There are several watchmakers who do good work restoring vintage Rolex cases, including LAWW, Rolliworks and Zimmerman Watch Repair. You could also search for set of tritium hands, relume that seconds hand, or leave it alone, depending on how picky you are about such things.

As a side note, there appears to be quite a lot of texture on the lume of the hour markers. I'd be curious to see a UV photograph of the dial. There are batches of SDs that show quite a bit of that waffle texture in the tritium, so it could be fine/original, or it could be a sign that it is starting to slightly flake off. Hard to tell in the photos.

Good luck!