Theoretical: Would RSC build you a “new” vintage watch?

[dannyp]

So this is purely theoretical, but I got curious:

Let’s say one acquired a borderline vintage (maybe mid-90s five-digit) that was so trashed nothing but perhaps the bracelet was salvageable but all parts were present. Would RSC provide an estimate for a new case, movement, dial, hands, crystal, bezel, and back? Essentially recreating a vintage watch from service parts. Or would they decline to service?

We’re talking a watch where the basic components were in use until around 2010 (so Professional, not DJ) and would be readily available.

[CHF]

I asked here about a 1655 that is of course older than what you have brought up. The 1655 had a new dial, hands and bezel but original case and bracelet. As far as complete rebuild I’d also be interested to know.

[HERITAGE82]

Yes I believe they would rebuild you the watch at some considerable cost.

[ExplorerI]

I think unless you got the watch basically for free you’d spend way more on the service than it was worth.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by ExplorerI

I think unless you got the watch basically for free you’d spend way more on the service than it was worth.

“Worth” is relative, assuming this is about wanting a particular watch vs resale potential. Plenty of posts here to extrapolate cost of hands, dials, case backs, and crystals. But what would a mid-case run on, say, a GMT or Explorer? And the bigger question: What would be the RSC charge on a new 3130/35/85?

[Auric Goldfinger]

1680 example.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=584477

[Filipão]

Yes.

As long as parts are available they'll rip you off of all the goodies.

[Filipão]

P.S. Still alive and kicking in original condition, btw.

Did I go for it? Of course not.

[TuRo]

Originally Posted by Filipão

P.S. Still alive and kicking in original condition, btw.

Did I go for it? Of course not.

Pukka :-}

[HarryLime]

Would've that gotten a 4.4 serial case?

[Filipão]

Originally Posted by HarryLime

Would've that gotten a 4.4 serial case?

Most certainly.

One more reason to gently decline the kind offer from Brussels...

I'd rather have an SD with wear, character, life, sea and salt.

[strafer_kid]

Originally Posted by Filipão

Yes.

As long as parts are available they'll rip you off of all the goodies.

That's a sizeable charge alright!

[Woody]

I have a 1680 which when I purchased it already had a number of service replacement parts (dial, date wheel, handset, bezel insert, bracelet, date wheel etc.). I sent it through to the RSC in London and asked them to service and to replace the mid-case (i live in a sub tropical environment so a waterproof case is important to me). They agreed to do so and since then I have also replaced the clasp.......so I guess it is now an RSC certified "new" vintage 1680.