To go or not to go?

[johnjm]

This becomes a philosophical question now. My father 1969 air king quote for a serviceZ basically Rolex is going to replace everything. Case, caseback , the works.

Can it still be considered the same Watch? The price is basically another one, but it would be nice to swim and have a warranty with it again. It is sentimental. About USD3300 converted.

Or am I being stupid? Will keep the old bracelet, not sure what happens with the serial number, maybe they engrave it again.



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[BNA/LION]

Do you have any pictures?

Seems like a lot to put into it from RSC. There are very qualified people who can rebuild the bracelet, completely rebuild and tune it up for much less.

[Andad]

I would look for independent options for a ‘69 AK.

[johnjm]

Originally Posted by BNA/LION

Do you have any pictures?

Seems like a lot to put into it from RSC. There are very qualified people who can rebuild the bracelet, completely rebuild and tune it up for much less.

It was last serviced n 2007. I wore it in school so it did have water penetration etc after being dropped so many times.

On the surface it looks perfect except for the plexi that is cracked (I dropped it again last year) and the bracelet has plenty stretch.

The dial was replaced in 2007 so is perfect.

I’m still mulling over it as they are quoting this much because I said I wanted it to be guaranteed to be waterproof again. I’ll chat to Rolex and see if they are just willing to overhaul and do the bracelet instead of replacing the case and caseback.

I thought I could buy another one at this price as a matter of interest and I see they are about $4000 now.


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[ZY23]

I did a major servicing for my Dad's 1500. Changed the case and they issued me a new serial number with a service card to indicate the new serial number. Changed the bracelet (~S$1400) as well.

[Harry-57]

Sounds like you will be getting a new watch back. The question is, do you want it fully rebuilt with new parts or do you want it sympathetically refurbished, keeping it as original as possible? Two different watches, two routes to go, one RSC, one non RSC, your choice.

[Paka]

The price is absolutely ridiculous. Take it somewhere else.

[dannyp]

On the other hand, sentimentality aside, the idea of Rolex basically building a brand new, 50-year-old design watch for just over $3,000 is quite appealing.

[joejet]

Triggers broom

https://youtu.be/BUl6PooveJE

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Harry-57

Sounds like you will be getting a new watch back. The question is, do you want it fully rebuilt with new parts or do you want it sympathetically refurbished, keeping it as original as possible? Two different watches, two routes to go, one RSC, one non RSC, your choice.

This is where I would land on trying to determine what to do

I’d go the independent route with OEM parts. Bob Ridley for example.

[enjoythemusic]

imho don't get it serviced / replaced by RSC. Rolex wants to bring it to 'as new' condition (which is their goal), yet is that what you really want?

Imho find a quality independent watchmaker and ask him to keep as much original as possible (and NO polishing!!!). Did that with mom and dad's Omega Dynamic timepieces last year.

[siempreko]

I enjoy wearing my grandfather’s 1002, from 1961. I have it serviced every five years, or so. Somewhere along the way, I was led to believe that Rolex would no longer service older pieces. After much research, I found a master watch maker to do the servicing of my watch. The gentleman is able to use genuine Rolex parts, for repairs and replacements. He does phenomenal work! (His name is Dung Lam, at Herndon Watch & Clock in Northern Virginia, USA).

I recommend that you do your research, and find a master watch maker who has a Rolex parts license. You can continue to enjoy the timeless piece, and pass it on to your children. Does it financially make sense? No. But it is priceless!

[GONZO2LR]

I would just do it.....you know its your daddy's watch! the money shouldn't make the difference or another AK....it's just money...the AK is your daddy's Rolex!!!!!!
just knowing my daddy wore it and enjoyed it...if it could only talk....

[johnjm]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. They are going to revise it to only include the overhaul (which includes plexi and movement service/replacement) and the bracelet.

Just waiting for them to confirm if it needs the new caseback. There wont be a 2 year warranty on it unless they replace everything on the list, but im happy if it still works as it should as it isnt used much.Will get old bracelet back too.

Id prefer to use RSC locally instead of sending and receiving it offshore.

[Feb_29]

I'll go with RSC. You'll spend more money but you'll be satisfied with they work for another 50 years. Money is just a money after all.

[teager]

That was exactly what i was thinking

Originally Posted by joejet

Triggers broom

https://youtu.be/BUl6PooveJE

[paxjedi]

I have my father's Omega Seamaster 1957 and brought it to the Omega Service Center in NYC. They were going to charge me between $2,000 to $3,000, which will include replacing the case, the case back, dial and other stuff. I passed and said no thank you. The watch is essentially a display item, which I will never use again. I prefer to use my Rolexes, which are sturdier and less delicate.

[HHIslander]

Personally, I would never send a vintage piece to a Rolex AD unless you want the entire thing overhauled. Which kind of defeats the beauty of vintage.

I'd find someone local who can fix the mechanical issues and leave the aesthetics as they are.

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by johnjm

Thanks for the feedback everyone. They are going to revise it to only include the overhaul (which includes plexi and movement service/replacement) and the bracelet.

Just waiting for them to confirm if it needs the new caseback. There wont be a 2 year warranty on it unless they replace everything on the list, but im happy if it still works as it should as it isnt used much.Will get old bracelet back too.

Id prefer to use RSC locally instead of sending and receiving it offshore.

If it were me and due to sentimental value I would do the following. Primarily because I would want the watch to retain as many of the main components as possible.

1. Get the watch movement, crown and stem and crystal done at RSC.
2. Get the case and bracelet professionally repaired. Laser welding can build-up case areas and the bracelet can stay authentic but be completely overhauled (new pins etc).

Not sure what could require a new caseback, but I’d find out and see if it can also be refurbished as in 2.

I’d also do it all in reverse. First concentrating on 2, and once concluded, send to RSC for the rest.

[johnjm]

Originally Posted by inadeje

If it were me and due to sentimental value I would do the following. Primarily because I would want the watch to retain as many of the main components as possible.

1. Get the watch movement, crown and stem and crystal done at RSC.
2. Get the case and bracelet professionally repaired. Laser welding can build-up case areas and the bracelet can stay authentic but be completely overhauled (new pins etc).

Not sure what could require a new caseback, but I’d find out and see if it can also be refurbished as in 2.

I’d also do it all in reverse. First concentrating on 2, and once concluded, send to RSC for the rest.

Where could I send it to for laser welding? Do you know of someone?

[Jerrocop]

Originally Posted by johnjm

This becomes a philosophical question now . . .

Any photo's of the watch "in situ"?

[BigTasty]

Originally Posted by joejet

Triggers broom

https://youtu.be/BUl6PooveJE

100% this

[johnjm]

Originally Posted by Jerrocop

Any photo's of the watch "in situ"?

maybe 6 months ago. Not worn since except for a crack on the plexi.

https://ibb.co/N2Lmdx1

[bp1000]

I'd look for an independent watch maker who deals specifically with servicing for older watches. They understand and will keep as many parts as possible. I think its nice to retain the character in the dial, handset and plexiglass. The first sign of a blemish and Rolex will replace them.

Would be good to see pics.

Unless its in a very bad way, a movement service, new seals and bracelet refurb is pretty standard on old watches.

[bp1000]

Originally Posted by johnjm

maybe 6 months ago. Not worn since except for a crack on the plexi.

https://ibb.co/N2Lmdx1

wow. That's not even close to what I had in my head.

I'm no expert here but that looks like its had a replacement dial and handset at some point fairly recently. The lume plots look new!

I really would advise to have a movement service at a trusted independent in SA (shouldn't be much more than $800USD / 12kZAR). Maybe some local members can advise on that.

What's the bracelet stretch like. Close the clasp and hold the head of the watch straight so the bracelet sticks out horizontally, how much does it sag?

I wouldn't even polish it for sentimental reasons.

[Chewbacca]

If you want to use it like a Rolex, spend the $3300 and rebuild it.

If you just want it to work, let an independent do the min level of rehab and gaskets. Perfect for light swims.

[2001jesper]

I would really consider the sentimental value. If everything essentially is replaced, then it's really no longer you dads watch or what he used to look at and enjoy. It becomes a watch you have purchased via Rolex in parts over time. Hence, i would try to retain as much as possible.

If the sentimental value does not matter. Then I would let them do it all

[johnjm]

Originally Posted by bp1000

wow. That's not even close to what I had in my head.

I'm no expert here but that looks like its had a replacement dial and handset at some point fairly recently. The lume plots look new!

I really would advise to have a movement service at a trusted independent in SA (shouldn't be much more than $800USD / 12kZAR). Maybe some local members can advise on that.

What's the bracelet stretch like. Close the clasp and hold the head of the watch straight so the bracelet sticks out horizontally, how much does it sag?

I wouldn't even polish it for sentimental reasons.

Yeah thanks, I’ve worn it maybe 10 times in 15 years since it’s last service where they replaced the dial, it still glows incredibly well.

The bracelet is with Rolex so I don’t have the best photo, but it is truly stretch worthy to say the least. The amount of movement makes it jingle like a chain so definitely needs to be replaced, but the old one will be kept for what it’s worth.

I can see the corrosion they refer to if I go back, it’s slight but it’s there. My own fault for swimming with it after it being cracked… youth is wasted on the young haha.

I’ll mull over it further but I’ll definitely have it serviced and the bracelet replaced. It’s still a great watch.


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[Daytonaboy1977]

Originally Posted by joejet

Triggers broom

https://youtu.be/BUl6PooveJE

Too funny! I did laugh hard at this one, however, I can certainly understand the OP's dilemma. Good luck with your choice an I hope it all works out.

[Harry-57]

Originally Posted by brandrea

This is where I would land on trying to determine what to do

I’d go the independent route with OEM parts. Bob Ridley for example.

If I had a watch of high sentimental value, maybe passed down to me, I'd want to keep it as original as possible, if possible.