My dad just gifted me his Rolex; What now?

[Wlai]

I just received a 1996 Black Submariner (16610) from my dad as a gift, and this is my first Rolex which I'm pretty excited about. I already checked the serial numbers and that's how I learned about its date, etc.

So he is a bit rough with it during the watch's life so far, and there are a few things that are jumping out at me:

1. The case itself is a bit banged up and I wonder if it's worth it to be refinished. In threads I've read I've heard both sides of the argument, some says showing wear is a sign of age which is a plus; or that a pristinely restored one is more valuable. What should I consider?

2. The bezel rotates one way but it's kind of gunked up. Would like to get that cleaned and lubed.

3. The sapphire has some nicks in it, particularly in the "bulge" over the date

4. When I took off the band to check the serial number, there was some kind of black rubbbery thing that seems to have been disintegrated.

5. The crown when tightened isn't lining up at 12 o'clock, as I understand it should be.

6. I am unclear when the watch has been serviced and what should be done to make sure it's in good condition.

I'm wondering if the cognoscenti can help me understand what kind of cleaning/service I should be looking to do, where I should consider taking it to to be done, and how much I should expect.


Thanks,


William

[Duey]

Post up some pictures of this special watch

[chucelli]

Yes, we like love pictures!

[nick c]

Pictures please

[up2nogood]

Not to be one to look a gift horse in the mouth, I'd happily accept it and scoot it over to Rik Dietel for a service and spruce up. It's not a rare model, so don't stress about Rik refinishing it to 'as new'.
http://www.timecareinc.com/credentials.html

Don't attempt to clean it yourself, you'll likely be sick if you take off the bezel and see the goop under it. That black rubbery thing could have just been a ball of the same goop. I won't tell you what it's made of.....

Your old man will want it back after it's been dolled up!

[Justinmg]

Welcome, sounds like you got a great heirloom, most crowns don't face the 12 o'clock position, that's normal. Enjoy!

[judson]

Awesome. Wear it few days before you decide to clean it up, it's the way your dad wore it.

[beer]

Originally Posted by Wlai

6. I am unclear when the watch has been serviced and what should be done to make sure it's in good condition.

Send it to RSC (http://www.rolex.com/rolex-dealers/services-locator) for a full service and they will do the rest. Everything you mentioned is pretty routine stuff to get "fixed" during service. It will come back good as new . If the dial/hands are beginning to patina (turn brownish) you may want to request this to be left alone if you prefer the "vintage" look. BTW congrats on the watch

Originally Posted by Wlai

1. The case itself is a bit banged up and I wonder if it's worth it to be refinished. In threads I've read I've heard both sides of the argument, some says showing wear is a sign of age which is a plus; or that a pristinely restored one is more valuable. What should I consider?

Depends if you prefer the "character" or a newer looking case (remember it will get banged up again). I would not worry about value and go based on personal preference however IMO polishing it would not increase the value as a buyer can have this done themselves. To some it would even decrease value

Originally Posted by Wlai

2. The bezel rotates one way but it's kind of gunked up. Would like to get that cleaned and lubed.

Fair enough r.e. the clean/lube but it is supposed to only rotate one way

Originally Posted by Wlai

3. The sapphire has some nicks in it, particularly in the "bulge" over the date

4. When I took off the band to check the serial number, there was some kind of black rubbbery thing that seems to have been disintegrated.

These will be replaced during service, make sure to request a new cyclops lens

Originally Posted by Wlai

5. The crown when tightened isn't lining up at 12 o'clock, as I understand it should be.

No this is normal. Some people prefer it to line up but it is quite uncommon for this to be the case

[WS9D]

Very cool!!! What a great gift to get from your dad. I can't wait til my sone is old enough for me to pass one on.

[Rolex addict]

Definitely get it serviced. New gaskets and seals will protect the internals from moisture damage. You can request the band and case to not be polished. That's up to you. Congrats on the watch.

[superdog]

I would service ASAP.

But congrats. You've got urself a modern classic.

[JoelUlrich]

Post some "before" pix, and after you have it serviced and polished, show us the "good as new" pix.

[james1787]

Agreed, get it serviced. Choose to get it polished or not polished.. all the internals and seals will be back to spec. Post some pics.. you have an iconic watch there! It's one you may pass down someday yourself.

[Tools]

Great gift \

2. The bezel is only supposed to rotate one way.


4. The black stuff may have been some tape used to space off the case and keep the bracelet endlink from rattling

5. The crown is not supposed to "align" with 12 oclock or anything else..

[swils8610]

Have it serviced, wear and enjoy!

[Chadridv]

Originally Posted by Wlai

The sapphire has some nicks in it, particularly in the "bulge" over the date

Receiving your fathers personal Rolex as a gift is just about the best material item you can receive in life.

Calling the cyclops "the bulge" is almost as great!

[HogwldFLTR]

Wow, congratulations on a great watch with a wonderful history; it doesn't get much better than that.

A question worth asking is if it came with box and papers? If not when getting it serviced use RSC (Rolex Service Center); their prices are competitive and they will provide you with documentation that proves it is a true Rolex and not a fake as well as a world wide warranty card for the next two years.

[Tri-Tip]

As others have said, get it serviced so you don't have any moisture issues.

You will cherish this watch until you pass it down to your child.

Post some pics!

[bdex75]

Service, wear daily, repeat.
Congrats that is a great gift. And welcome to the forum!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[tkerrmd]

When I gave my first sub to my son I had it sent in for a total overhaul to bring it back to like new condition, that is one way to go! Congrats on getting a great watch and more importantly from your father!

18 years old....

[chloebear]

Originally Posted by Chadridv

Receiving your fathers personal Rolex as a gift is just about the best material item you can receive in life.

Calling the cyclops "the bulge" is almost as great!

Well said! I look forward to the day I give my son mine.

Congrats! Wear it in good health.

[Chadridv]

Originally Posted by chloebear

Well said! I look forward to the day I give my son mine.

Congrats! Wear it in good health.

Thanks! Me too. My son was born this year, so I should probably go out and buy a bunch dated 2015 so he has a few options. That makes sense right? They're for my son ;)

[9*9*3]

Originally Posted by Chadridv

Thanks! Me too. My son was born this year, so I should probably go out and buy a bunch dated 2015 so he has a few options. That makes sense right? They're for my son ;)

Buy Buy Buy.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[jw0n]

Congrats! Great gift from your dad, one that I'm sure you will appreciate in time to come.

Already been suggested above, so I'll add to it - send it in for a cleaning and service, and if it doesn't bother you too much, don't need to refinish the watch. Enjoy it for many years down the road, and pass it on to your son :-)

[Hairdude1]

Congrats! Enjoy the watch

[bkertzer89]

Take it for a full service its not a rare model on the market but its a rare model cuz its from your dad and you want to enjoy it as long as possible which a service will ensure

[kbutler971]

Congrats!

Originally Posted by JoelUlrich

Post some "before" pix, and after you have it serviced and polished, show us the "good as new" pix.

[Pangit]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

When I gave my first sub to my son I had it sent in for a total overhaul to bring it back to like new condition, that is one way to go! Congrats on getting a great watch and more importantly from your father!

18 years old....

Stunning pic. It makes me want one !

[Jari from Finland]

Your dad has probably been wearing that watch daily. Naturally it has signs of wearing. Take it to a RSC for service.

[benlee]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

When I gave my first sub to my son I had it sent in for a total overhaul to bring it back to like new condition, that is one way to go! Congrats on getting a great watch and more importantly from your father!

18 years old....

Very nice picture