NEED referral for case restoration - 16613LB

[SeeDweller]

Good Saturday afternoon, and Happy Father's Day tomorrow!!

I just obtained a truly beat-up 16613LB Bluesy, that belonged to a friend who just passed away. His widow sold it to me (no, I didn't take advantage of her!), but it's SO scratched and overpolished and worn for 34 years, that it's just not for me.

I want to have it "restored", and I mean a full case laser weld, and recut of lugs/bevels, and this will either need some good bracelet tightening, or actual replacement with a better condition 93153 oyster. I have some concerns that the crystal (and posssibly insert?) are aftermarket, from when this was "serviced" in '22. They replaced the crown at that time.

WHO does this group recommend for the best case "restoration" around? Obviously, I'm going to get some direction towards LA WatchWorks, and I've sent Beau an e-mail, but haven't heard back yet. Any other recommendations, gentlemen (and ladies)??

In advance, many thanks!!

PS: I'll try to upload photos with TapaTalk, since doing it through TRF is almost impossible.....

[SeeDweller]

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[SeeDweller]

Thanks all!!


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[SeeDweller]

And I beg you . . . please don't tell me to "Just wear it like that! It's more sentimental!"
( Because, that AIN'T gonna happen! )
I have other "vintage" pieces when I want to wear vintage.

But your advice is really appreciated!

[dcash0615]

Wait for the replay from Beau at Los Angeles Watchworks in Pasadena, CA. They are the best for this.

Zimmerman watch repair is great as well.

[beachboy17]

Rolliworks is reputable as well.

[SeeDweller]

Originally Posted by dcash0615

Wait for the replay from Beau at Los Angeles Watchworks in Pasadena, CA. They are the best for this.

Zimmerman watch repair is great as well.

Who's Zimmerman? Do you have a link or a location?

Thank you!!

[SeeDweller]

Originally Posted by beachboy17

Rolliworks is reputable as well.

Thank you . . . I've had a "not stellar" experience with Michael at Rolliworks when there were still here in California. Let's just say, I don't think I'd send a bracelet back there again.

I DO recall that the "best guy in the world" (about a decade ago...) was Michael Young, in Hong Kong, but I've never used him, and not sure how to even go about trying to contact him!

Thanks, Sir!

[Dan S]

If you are interested in LAWW, I would suggest picking up the telephone. In my experience, you may not receive a response to email.

[SeeDweller]

Originally Posted by Dan S

If you are interested in LAWW, I would suggest picking up the telephone. In my experience, you may not receive a response to email.

That's exactly what I normally do. Edvi will answer . . . but in the past week or so, I've called and they have a recording that says to send in an e-mail with pictures, etc . . .and they'll get back.

BUT: I think you're right, and I'll do both! Why not??

[dcash0615]

Originally Posted by SeeDweller

Who's Zimmerman? Do you have a link or a location?

Thank you!!

On Instagram @zimmermanwatchrepair

[SeeDweller]

Originally Posted by dcash0615

On Instagram @zimmermanwatchrepair

Thank you again….


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[mailman]

I’m addition to the crystal and insert you mention, the dial is either fake or redone.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by mailman

I’m addition to the crystal and insert you mention, the dial is either fake or redone.

Yep, looks totally fake.

[1675-David]

As others have pointed out this watch has many authenticity issues..

[77T]

I see about $4-5K's worth of work.
Are you up for that?

Since it has no sentimental value per post #2, I would save that money.

If the movement is performing well, I suggest having it polished, and put a proper insert into it. Leave the dial alone (it's aftermarket) and the crystal (if it passes pressure test).

This Sub has seen plenty of wear and the previous work has smoothed out chamfers etc.


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[beachboy17]

I am sorry to hear that. They did a complete restoration on my GMT 1675, in Miami two years ago. The watch came out impeccable. However, I only saw it in pictures. Unfortunately, I never got the watch back as a FED EX truck was robbed in MIAMI, and 10 packages were taken in the watch district. Unfortunately one of them was mine. Good luck with your restoration.

[tekno]

Rolliworks can do cases, I would rather someone who only does case work.

Beau or Alex Bui, Beau @ laww does all mine. Call ask for him and tell him you want it to look new.

I would buy a new band and sell the old links or send to MY

I agree with comment above to snag a better watch sell this one. $1200 -1500 case work and who know on the band


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[springer]

Originally Posted by tekno

Rolliworks can do cases, I would rather someone who only does case work.

Beau or Alex Bui, Beau @ laww does all mine. Call ask for him and tell him you want it to look new.

I would buy a new band and sell the old links or send to MY

I agree with comment above to snag a better watch sell this one. $1200 -1500 case work and who know on the band


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Based on my experience and others that I know that have used Rolliworks, I would not recommend their case repair service.

Alex Bui is doing dealer case repairs only.

Be careful with Zimmerman case repairs, he has a tendency to make the lugs much larger than factory specifications from when the watch was new.

[1675-David]

Got any pix of the engravings?

[SeeDweller]

Originally Posted by mailman

I’m addition to the crystal and insert you mention, the dial is either fake or redone.

Uh…. That is NOT something I expected, and if the dial is not original, then it’s a total dealbreaker.

BUT, my friend who passed away, bought this watch brand-new. I have the original papers with his name on it. He wore it nonstop for the last 30 something years. I can’t imagine him knowingly, putting an aftermarket new dial in it!

The crystal and insert I can accept, but not a phony dial. You two (Old Expat Beast and Mailman) seem pretty sure about this. Any thoughts as to why?
I’m not trying to start an argument, but I have huge faith in you guys. BUT, now that you know the history, any chance you’d rethink your assessment?

[SeeDweller]

Originally Posted by 1675-David

Got any pix of the engravings?

Don’t mean the case engravings under the endlinks?
I can remove the bracelet and take those.

Yes?

[TimeToGo]

Dial is no good, as mentioned.

No need to second guess this issue.

[SeeDweller]

Originally Posted by tekno

Rolliworks can do cases, I would rather someone who only does case work.

Beau or Alex Bui, Beau @ laww does all mine. Call ask for him and tell him you want it to look new.

I would buy a new band and sell the old links or send to MY

I agree with comment above to snag a better watch sell this one. $1200 -1500 case work and who know on the band

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Thank you!
I’m definitely leaning towards just sending it to Beau, for sure. But, who is Alex Bui? Is this someone different altogether?

And contrary to the comment by 77T (with all due respect, Sir, I think this was a misunderstanding), there IS a bit of sentimentality to this. It WAS my friend’s watch, so it would be fun to wear it at gatherings of our mutual friends. (I had made the comment that leaving it looking all scratched up was not sentimental to me.)

But now, with the possibility that even the dial is not original… IF that’s true, then I will not put anything into this watch, and simply sell it as is. I’ll take it to Giovanni (here in San Francisco), and he can look at it. I guess I didn’t feel that was necessary before, but clearly is, now!

[SeeDweller]

Originally Posted by TimeToGo

Dial is no good, as mentioned.

No need to second guess this issue.

Thank you again…
Can you please point out the “obvious” (to you and 2 others) flaws and discrepancies?

I’d really like this to be an educational experience, since it’s already quite the disappointment…. 😞

[1675-David]

Originally Posted by SeeDweller

Thank you again…
Can you please point out the “obvious” (to you and 2 others) flaws and discrepancies?

I’d really like this to be an educational experience, since it’s already quite the disappointment…. ��

the dial printing is very sloppy in general and misses the mark in terms of quality and font shape, "SWISS MADE" is missing at the foot of the dial, the WGS are irregular and too heavy and the lume looks like it was applied from a toothpaste tube. (and they are white gold, in colour)

The dial, the bezel, the bezel insert, the hands and the crystal together with the course rehaut are the reason I think you should check out the engravings and post them before putting any money in this piece. It's good to know for sure what you have so as to make the right move.

[77T]

Originally Posted by SeeDweller

Thank you!
I’m definitely leaning towards just sending it to Beau, for sure. But, who is Alex Bui? Is this someone different altogether?

And contrary to the comment by 77T (with all due respect, Sir, I think this was a misunderstanding), there IS a bit of sentimentality to this. It WAS my friend’s watch, so it would be fun to wear it at gatherings of our mutual friends. (I had made the comment that leaving it looking all scratched up was not sentimental to me.)

But now, with the possibility that even the dial is not original… IF that’s true, then I will not put anything into this watch, and simply sell it as is. I’ll take it to Giovanni (here in San Francisco), and he can look at it. I guess I didn’t feel that was necessary before, but clearly is, now!

You're correct, I misunderstood your 2nd post.

There is no doubt about the dial. If your friend had water intrusion or other damage that broke the crystal and the bezel and needed a reasonable price to get his watch working again, then what we see is the outcome.

Otherwise, barring that thought, then he was swindled by a watchmaker who replaced his dial.

Here is a genuine photo of mine before I sold it. You can compare it.




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[swaini3]

Originally Posted by SeeDweller

Thank you!
But, who is Alex Bui?
:

Don't bother

[tekno]

Guys
Alex Bui is dealer only, please forget I said this.


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[mailman]

Originally Posted by SeeDweller

Uh…. That is NOT something I expected, and if the dial is not original, then it’s a total dealbreaker.

BUT, my friend who passed away, bought this watch brand-new. I have the original papers with his name on it. He wore it nonstop for the last 30 something years. I can’t imagine him knowingly, putting an aftermarket new dial in it!

The crystal and insert I can accept, but not a phony dial. You two (Old Expat Beast and Mailman) seem pretty sure about this. Any thoughts as to why?
I’m not trying to start an argument, but I have huge faith in you guys. BUT, now that you know the history, any chance you’d rethink your assessment?

Originally Posted by 1675-David

the dial printing is very sloppy in general and misses the mark in terms of quality and font shape, "SWISS MADE" is missing at the foot of the dial, the WGS are irregular and too heavy and the lume looks like it was applied from a toothpaste tube. (and they are white gold, in colour)

The dial, the bezel, the bezel insert, the hands and the crystal together with the course rehaut are the reason I think you should check out the engravings and post them before putting any money in this piece. It's good to know for sure what you have so as to make the right move.

Originally Posted by 77T

You're correct, I misunderstood your 2nd post.

There is no doubt about the dial. If your friend had water intrusion or other damage that broke the crystal and the bezel and needed a reasonable price to get his watch working again, then what we see is the outcome.

Otherwise, barring that thought, then he was swindled by a watchmaker who replaced his dial.

Here is a genuine photo of mine before I sold it. You can compare it.




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Everything I was going to say about it is covered above. I was going to post a link to a FS ad, however Paul posted a picture. The lume on the 6 0’clock hour marker is sloppy. If you take another look, you’ll see it. I wasn’t picking it apart. I was just trying to point something else out that you might have missed.