Need help on reference 16800 with possible service case (4-million)

[Bladeshot]

Hi. New in the forum here and looking for guidance. I recently purchased a 16800 which has a 16800 case back and the case with serial number 4401449. Was told that this case could be a service case used as a result of damage to the original, and that might explain the mid-70's 4-million serial on the 16800 piece. Complicating the "explanation" is that the previous owner enjoyed the piece as a two tone for many years. I would like to take this back to reference, and wondering how the serial number could be accounted for. My friend suggested I ask here, since there is such a deep knowledge base.

Guidance and suggestions appreciated. Thank you.

http://s1073.photobucket.com/user/bl...erial%20number

[Tools]

4.4M serials are known to be replacement case serials.

[Passionata]

Originally Posted by Tools

4.4M serials are known to be replacement case serials.

Exactly according to my knowledge too ,i doubt they make different ser# for TT watches,i think nothing wrong with a service case i d prefer much more than a laser welded one

[Bladeshot]

Thank you "Tools" and "Passionata"!

[TimeToGo]

Welcome to the Forum!

For being a service case, I would not expect to see pitting on the case.. Interesting!

[JustinK]

Originally Posted by TimeToGo

Welcome to the Forum!

For being a service case, I would not expect to see pitting on the case.. Interesting!

I noticed that as well. Maybe the prior owner worked in a salt mine :)

[Bladeshot]

Originally Posted by JustinK

I noticed that as well. Maybe the prior owner worked in a salt mine :)

I noticed the case back pitting, too. The previous owner was a car salesman working in Birmingham, AL who said he wore it for 25+ years and it was TT when he bought it used. I suspect that the case was replaced 30+/- years ago. My hypothesis is that the owner was in and out of hot weather, sweating over the years and that he never properly cleaned the piece. The case back in particular has quite a lot of pitting around the edge which was not sealed by the gasket.

[JustinK]

My suggestion would be to sell the watch and buy a correct 16800.

To replace the matte dial and hands alone your probably looking at $800 on the cheap. Then you have the bezel, insert and crown that will cost you at least $500.

In the end you've spent $1500+ and have a correct 16800 with a damaged case.

It's a nice looking watch you could always just enjoy it as is.

[Bladeshot]

Thank you for the guidance!