Best option for a beaten up 1675?

[Captkerosene]

I'm the second owner of this 1972 watch. Bought it from a Vietnam pilot in 1986 and flew with it for thirty years. I don't like the idea of completely restoring it but I want to wear it and I want it to look nice. The hands were replaced (and lost) ten years ago but everything else including oyster bracelet are original. Is it too far gone? Polish it, buy a good service dial, insert and hands or some other less invasive restoration?

[Dan S]

I would start with replacing the insert and then consider if anything else really needs to be done.

[Boopie]

Originally Posted by Dan S

I would start with replacing the insert and then consider if anything else really needs to be done.

This. The insert will make a huge difference, and you may not want to do anything else after that.

Cool watch!

[0nly5iv3Digits]

Insert as others mentioned. Then some polywatch to buff out the deeper scratches on the crystal. Done. Wouldn’t call this “beaten up” tbh.

[996marty]

Why would you want to replace the dial? I would do as little as possible to keep it as genuine as possible and as mentioned see if any scuffs or scratches can be buffed out of the crystal

[interestedwatcher]

A new redback insert will give this watch a new lease on life, and maybe a modern (1990s plus) bracelet. Dial looks great given its life.

[geoach]

I would not change a thing other than a service on the movement if need be

[linesiders]

A good vintage service, maybe replace the insert, and pick up a new bracelet from your local AD (after the service)

Let's see a better photo of that dial, I bet it looks great in the sun.

[1William]

I would send it to a vintage restorer. Get an evaluation on what they think and what needs to be done. Go from there.

[TimeLord2]

As you are located in Scottsdale I would contact Phillip Ridley who is located in Mesa. https://ridleywatchmakers.com/
He can definitely help you sort it out for a sympathetic restoration and source some period correct parts if need be. Definitely keep the dial but an insert would do wonders for it. Keep the original too.

[00Seven]

I have one from 1967 that had a re-painted dial as a result of of water damage, most likely. I replaced with a service dial, hands and a new bezel and it looks amazing. Will try to post some pics shortly.

[Tom1675]

Insert is fake anyway. Kick down for a correct folded steel bracelet and redback insert, polywatch. Wear it!

[TuRo]

If you're not to fussed about the keeping a legit insert unmolested ... a little hack I've used with a heavily scratched insert is to apply cape cod to it gently in a circular action for a hour or so.

The result is nearly all the scratches disappear, but of course the shading becomes lighter. I then apply some oil/mixed with lacquer to it to get the colour slightly back, art refurb-stylee.

The results are quite pleasing. But it's not something I'd do with/to a valuable insert but it's great hack for an (otherwise scrap) unsightly heavily scratched, non-valuable, black, blue/red or gold/brown insert.

[Tom1675]

Very interesting restoration TuRo, I may try that one day on a spare I have in the drawer that is in need of attention.

Also, do you think the OP's insert is genuine? Looks like hooked 2s to me.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by Tom1675

Insert is fake anyway. Kick down for a correct folded steel bracelet and redback insert, polywatch. Wear it!

[Captkerosene]

Thanks for all the advice. I appreciate every comment.

I'm in touch with a watchmaker for a restoration. I don't want to give his name and potentially expose him to criticism.

I need the watch to be serviceable. It's a problem if paint is chipping off of the dial and you can't read UTC time. Also, it'd be nice to have some lume again. I was hoping to repair/restore the components I already had but that doesn't seem to be an option.

Interesting that someone thinks my insert isn't original. Certainly possible, and if it's not original then I already have a frankenwatch. I now think I don't have the original end links either since there are channels for the spring bar. (36 years I was married to this watch only to find out she's a fraud!)

Restoring the watch opens up another possibility. I have several students I'm mentoring. One of them could get it with a fresh restoration and they can use and enjoy it in their flying career. Better that than it ends up in some drawer somewhere not being used.

[Dan S]

The insert is not only not original, it's aftermarket. Not authentic Rolex.

[linesiders]

Originally Posted by Dan S

The insert is not only not original, it's aftermarket. Not authentic Rolex.

Had to rotate the image 90 deg to get the hook - good point

[Captkerosene]

Originally Posted by linesiders

Had to rotate the image 90 deg to get the hook - good point

Had no idea the insert wasn’t Rolex. I’ll be asking for a refund on my $625 1986 purchase price.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by Captkerosene

Had no idea the insert wasn’t Rolex. I’ll be asking for a refund on my $625 1986 purchase price.

No need to get defensive. If you didn't want information about your watch, you didn't have to start this thread. In your place I would be happy to know that the insert is fake, because it would make the decision to replace it easier.

[Captkerosene]

Originally Posted by Dan S

No need to get defensive. If you didn't want information about your watch, you didn't have to start this thread. In your place I would be happy to know that the insert is fake, because it would make the decision to replace it easier.

Couldn't find the appropriate smiley face to indicate I was joking ... which of course I was.

I very much appreciate those who brought it to my attention.

[Dom9]

Great watch and back story! I'm likely to be Cape Codding inserts all weekend now! Paul - I'd be interested to hear more about the oil/lacquer mix!

[watchdawg]

I beg to differ about the insert. It looks exactly like the one put on my watch by the RSC in Abu Dhabi.

[TimeLord2]

The "2" and the "20" look like hooked 2s but not the "22" for whatever reason. Still screams aftermarket with those first two numbers. Great thread on aftermarket inserts by @Springer here: https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=462474

[Texasjim]

Do what you can to get it OEM, service it and enjoy. Love these 1675’s.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by TimeLord2

The "2" and the "20" look like hooked 2s but not the "22" for whatever reason. Still screams aftermarket with those first two numbers. Great thread on aftermarket inserts by @Springer here: https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=462474

To me, the 22 also looks fully hooked.

Originally Posted by watchdawg

I beg to differ about the insert. It looks exactly like the one put on my watch by the RSC in Abu Dhabi.

Let's see a photo of your authentic insert with hooked 2s.

[996marty]

Originally Posted by watchdawg

I beg to differ about the insert. It looks exactly like the one put on my watch by the RSC in Abu Dhabi.

Doesn’t sound like that is legit either

[Captkerosene]

Originally Posted by texasjim

do what you can to get it oem, service it and enjoy. Love these 1675’s.

Image 9-14-24 at 12.25 AM.jpeg

How does this look? I think it's a '74 vintage.

[linesiders]

Originally Posted by Captkerosene

Couldn't find the appropriate smiley face to indicate I was joking ... which of course I was.

I very much appreciate those who brought it to my attention.

[linesiders]

Originally Posted by Captkerosene

Attachment 1457916

How does this look? I think it's a '74 vintage.

No - this is later. 70s and earlier have a Fat Font - where the 8 would look wider with the top portion a bit squished. The GMT inserts link above is very explanatory