Submariner Red - Replacing Parts

[Mfidler]

Have a family watch that is a Rolex Submariner 6536 with red lettering on the depth. In really bad shape. Sending it out to Rolex for service. I am curious what users think about this. If Rolex has the parts to replace most of the pieces (from it's original year with correct parts), is it worth it to maintain it's value? Getting the piece properly fixed is something I am very interested in, but still want to know value. Let me know. I have attached two pictures. Forgive the bad pics.

[HarryLime]

I don't know much about this reference, but do NOT send it to Rolex. They will replace everything that makes it valuable. Send it to an independent watchmaker. I use Phillip Ridley.

[Mfidler]

Originally Posted by HarryLime

I don't know much about this reference, but do NOT send it to Rolex. They will replace everything that makes it valuable. Send it to an independent watchmaker. I use Phillip Ridley.

The way Rolex explained it to me was that they would replace the vintage parts with the same vintage parts (dated from the same time frame). If it was a 1958 watch, they'd use parts from 1958 watches. Is this not accurate?

[OysterBracelet]

Originally Posted by HarryLime

I don't know much about this reference, but do NOT send it to Rolex. They will replace everything that makes it valuable. Send it to an independent watchmaker. I use Phillip Ridley.

Rolex USA won't touch this watch, never mind change parts.

It needs to go to Rolex in Geneva rather than local RSC. They'll look after it

[brockburst]

+1 do not send to rolex

[ajn3323]

As others have said - do not send to Rolex.

You can send it to me instead!



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[didyunt]

Do not send to Rolex.

[cajuntiger]

I would advise having it sent to an independent watchmaker that understands how to sympathetically restore your watch. Anything less will severely affect the value. That being said, this will not be cheap, so if your not prepared for a long and expensive journey, I would suggest leaving it as-is and don't touch it. It will only go up up in value untouched, but in the wrong hands the value can be significantly harmed.

[Dan S]

I just wanted to say that I don't think it's in such bad shape. Yes, the bezel is missing and the hands have been re-lumed, but the watch has a LOT going for it, and it is quite valuable as it sits. As mentioned above, any tampering is likely to hurt the value.

[Filipão]

Originally Posted by Dan S

I just wanted to say that I don't think it's in such bad shape. Yes, the bezel is missing and the hands have been re-lumed, but the watch has a LOT going for it, and it is quite valuable as it sits. As mentioned above, any tampering is likely to hurt the value.

Dan, you state hands have been relumed due to their greenish look?

I've always had difficulty "understanding" relumes.

Thank you!

[zapokee]

For the love of G, don't let Rolex get their hands on it. They'll destroy all the value by replacing with new parts.

[Racer X]

I echo the others: Do NOT send this watch to Rolex. If you need a service, send it to Bob Ridley or LA Watch Works and request to get all the original parts they remove back.

[vintagewatch]

I also say avoid Rolex USA service. If you choose to have Rolex S.A. (Switzerland) for service they are far more likely to use period correct parts for your Submariner. You will be required to pay a significant premium for "Heritage Service" . I have an older Submariner (ref#6204). I looked into the Heritage service a few years ago. I was told the initial cost would be around US$1700 just to have an estimate (not refundable). The total cost would likely exceed $10K, the bulk of which is a replacement dial. I have an intact dial, but was redone poorly many years ago.
FYI: I passed on this service, as the picture clearly shows!

[Crown & Shield]

Originally Posted by vintagewatch

I also say avoid Rolex USA service. If you choose to have Rolex S.A. (Switzerland) for service they are far more likely to use period correct parts for your Submariner. You will be required to pay a significant premium for "Heritage Service" . I have an older Submariner (ref#6204). I looked into the Heritage service a few years ago. I was told the initial cost would be around US$1700 just to have an estimate (not refundable). The total cost would likely exceed $10K, the bulk of which is a replacement dial. I have an intact dial, but was redone poorly many years ago.
FYI: I passed on this service, as the picture clearly shows!

Those prices are in line with what I heard from a couple friends who have used that service. I would first try to determine how much that watch is worth once properly restored to see if it worth the expense. Most often nowadays it is better to leave it as is...
BTW, I do not think the OP's watch is in such bad condition, from the limited view I got from those two pictures. The case looks nice and so does the dial.

[Mark020]

Not bad at all. Service and a new insert will make this a killer watch

[Mfidler]

I have gotten a few offers on this watch already, but have no idea what the value is. Does anyone has a number that makes sense for this watch? Just trying to understand what I have.

[Styles Bitchley]

Originally Posted by Mfidler

I have gotten a few offers on this watch already, but have no idea what the value is. Does anyone has a number that makes sense for this watch? Just trying to understand what I have.

It’d be well worth your time and money to relax and spend a few weeks or months researching this watch before deciding to sell or service it.


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[Lgear080]

Suffice it to say you’ll not get a straight answer, but frankly worth what someone will pay.
You’re missing bezel and insert impact overall price, but I’d expect a number between $15-20k maybe a little higher.

[roh123]

Originally Posted by Lgear080

Suffice it to say you’ll not get a straight answer, but frankly worth what someone will pay.
You’re missing bezel and insert impact overall price, but I’d expect a number between $15-20k maybe a little higher.

Much higher. Much, much higher.

[Lgear080]

Originally Posted by roh123

Much higher. Much, much higher.

So many issues with this watch I’m not sure where to begin. If you want to pay more then by all means but you’ll spend the rest of your life trying to put the pieces back together.

[cajuntiger]

Originally Posted by Lgear080

So many issues with this watch I’m not sure where to begin.

what exactly are the so many?

[HeyScott]

This appears to be a very old submariner from about 1958 without the bezel. Check this video out to learn more.

https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/ro...ference-points