Vintage Service Advice needed!

[007Sub]

Hello all,

So its time to get my vintage sub serviced. I've decided to go to RSC-NYC. I know that the movement will need a full service but with regard to the cosmetics... the watch is in good condition but could use a little re-brushing. I would never change any of the aesthetic original parts (aside from perhaps the crystal which has a few small chips and the case back which has remnants of an engraving from the previous owner).

My question is this... in terms of value retention... should I avoid having ANY cosmetic re-brushing done? Will i loose lug thickness from case re-brushing? Should I avoid even a crystal and case-back replacements?

Your thoughts and counsel are appreciated.

Thanks!
G

p.s. i reposted this here after i realized this may be more appropriate for the vintage forum segment.

[azguy]

Do not go the RSC route, look up Bob Ridely and send the watch to him do a search here on TRF and you'll see many threads about him.

He'll help you decide "what to do and what not to do" to your watch-



Actually here you go: https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=229195

[dddrees]

What model do you have?

Bob will cost more, but in some cases it's a lot better choice.

For a vintage model, I would avoid polishing whenever possible. You'll never get more metal no matter who does it.

[gwalker]

Originally Posted by dddrees

What model do you have?

Bob will cost more, but in some cases it's a lot better choice.

For a vintage model, I would avoid polishing whenever possible. You'll never get more metal no matter who does it.

I agree. It really depends on the model.

[007Sub]

Thanks all! I've got a 16800. Matte dial.

[007Sub]

Also... why not go with RSC? Just curious.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by 007Sub

Also... why not go with RSC? Just curious.

RSC tends to look at servicing a bit different than what a collector of a vintage watch would.

A vintage owner will tend to want to keep everything as original as possible. The value of a vintage watch is often determined by originality.

RSC main goal is to return everything to as new as possible or fully operational.


If the dial or hands for example are such where luminosity no longer works or there is damage of some kind to the dial were it isn't functional then RSC might want to fix or replace something. A vintage collector may have actually bought the watch because they actually like that look, but regardless originallity would be destroyed if replaced or fixed.

Bottom line there tends to be a vast disagreement in regards to how some of these things should be addressed.

Althjough RSC will contact the owner as to what work should be done thay can refuse to do any work if certain things are not done to an extent when they believe it has to be done to meet their standards. The really scarry part is that is that it has been reported on the internet that they have actually performed some work by accident and have lost things such as the the original hands. After all they do not return parts they replace.

[dddrees]

This is an example of one of the type of things I was talking about. Now they were able in this case to retrieve the part and correct their error, but this is not always possible.

http://www.rolexforums.com/~trfcom/s...d.php?t=229914

[azguy]

Originally Posted by 007Sub

Also... why not go with RSC? Just curious.

How would you feel when that matt dial comes back gloss, or when you hands are as white as casper the ghost, or when the perfectly aged bezel insert is replaced with a brand spanking new one.....

[Rikki]

Send it down you won't be dissapointed. Rikki

[swish77]

You should probably read this thread, too. RSC-NY wanted to charge me $150 just to "evaluate" my 5.1-mil 1675.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=228741

Good luck no matter what route you take!

[azguy]

so, OP, what are you gonna do

[007Sub]

Update re: vintage service. Over the past summer, I had my matt dial 16800 serviced at RSC-NYC. I gave them specific instructions not to change any cosmetic peices. The watch came back and everything looked great! I was so pleased! Though i noticed something a bit different about the date wheel... indeed the 6s and 9s were now closed! Bastards changed that out on me for a newer date wheel!

On one hand, its really nice to have the security of knowing that ROLEX serviced your timepiece. Its nice to have that 2 year warrente and all the papers along with it adding to the value of the watch. On the other hand, anyone considering taking their vintage watch to RSC, be as explicit as possible about what you DONT want changed!

Overall, I'm still happy I went with RSC. The feeling of assurance and the paperwork was my main motivating factor, though if I had a rarer vintage... i might think a bit more before heading to RSC again.

[vintagewaferthin]

Send it to Bob Ridley and not a RSC.