Service - what to keep, what to replace?

[KevWatch]

I'm planning on sending my 16710 to RSC for a full service soon. It is a 1996 T-Serial with holes case, non-SEL and tritium dial.

I wanted to seek your advice on what to keep original and what to replace during service. More specifically, would you advise to:

1. Keep the original tritium Swiss T<25 dial? Dial is in excellent condition but the lume is long gone.
2. Replace hands? Might be unusual to have lumed service hands with an un-lumed dial. Not really sure what the consensus is on that.
3. Swap the non-SEL to SEL?

I'm fairly confident in having them replace the crystal, crown and go ahead with a polish - I think those are added and welcome benefits from a RSC service.

I understand that this is a "to each their own" kind of scenario. But I do want to maintain as much value as I can if I were to sell it in the future.

I guess the another way to position this is: will the watch lose much (if any) value/desirability if I replace the tritium dial, hands and non-SELs?

Thanks all!

[TimeLord2]

Yes, it will definitely lose value if you replace the dial and hands. Do not replace the insert either unless you tell then you want to retain it. Also, you probably will not be able to replace the bracelet as there is a small ledge on the watch case specifically to support the SEL version. If you want it to maintain value and appreciate, do not replace anything that is not a consumable item like the crystal, crown, and movement bits. Even the date wheel is something to consider not replacing unless necessary. I do not have one of these but this is the advice I was given for my 1675/3. Good luck and post pictures!

Edit: I have seen some on this forum replace dial, hands and insert for fresh luminova versions only to keep the original dead set for future saleability. A matched tritium set is actually quite valuable for those interested in maintaining the original character of the watch.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by KevWatch

I'm planning on sending my 16710 to RSC for a full service soon. It is a 1996 T-Serial with holes case, non-SEL and tritium dial.

I wanted to seek your advice on what to keep original and what to replace during service. More specifically, would you advise to:

1. Keep the original tritium Swiss T<25 dial? Dial is in excellent condition but the lume is long gone.
2. Replace hands? Might be unusual to have lumed service hands with an un-lumed dial. Not really sure what the consensus is on that.
3. Swap the non-SEL to SEL?

I'm fairly confident in having them replace the crystal, crown and go ahead with a polish - I think those are added and welcome benefits from a RSC service.

I understand that this is a "to each their own" kind of scenario. But I do want to maintain as much value as I can if I were to sell it in the future.

I guess the another way to position this is: will the watch lose much (if any) value/desirability if I replace the tritium dial, hands and non-SELs?

Thanks all!

To maintain vintage value, just have a movement service and replace whatever's necessary for it to pass a pressure test (possibly crystal, gaskets, tube/crown). Swapping out the dial and hands will ruin its value. Also keep the original bracelet - source one separately if you want an upgrade. Rolex will insist on keeping the old one.

Better still, don't send it to Rolex. Have it serviced by a vintage-sympathetic expert (e.g., the Ridleys, LA Watchworks).

How about a pic?

[KevWatch]

Originally Posted by zapokee

To maintain vintage value, just have a movement service and replace whatever's necessary for it to pass a pressure test (possibly crystal, gaskets, tube/crown). Swapping out the dial and hands will ruin its value. Also keep the original bracelet - source one separately if you want an upgrade. Rolex will insist on keeping the old one.

How about a pic?

Thank you. Exactly the input I was looking for.

Of course, how could I forgot the pics!






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[KevWatch]

Originally Posted by TimeLord2

Yes, it will definitely lose value if you replace the dial and hands. Do not replace the insert either unless you tell then you want to retain it. Also, you probably will not be able to replace the bracelet as there is a small ledge on the watch case specifically to support the SEL version. If you want it to maintain value and appreciate, do not replace anything that is not a consumable item like the crystal, crown, and movement bits. Even the date wheel is something to consider not replacing unless necessary. I do not have one of these but this is the advice I was given for my 1675/3. Good luck and post pictures!

Edit: I have seen some on this forum replace dial, hands and insert for fresh luminova versions only to keep the original dead set for future saleability. A matched tritium set is actually quite valuable for those interested in maintaining the original character of the watch.

Thank you! Sound advice and makes sense. I’m curious what Rolex will say about replacing the insert as I’ve managed to put a tiny, but noticeable scratch on it.

I purchased this BLRO insert from the RSC in 2019, so originality is not a concern in that regard. Though I’d hate to pay for another insert only a year after buying it!

I will ask if it’ll cost extra to keep the original dial and hands, if I were to replace them for the fresh luminova versions.




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[subtona]

If you swap dial and hands be sure to keep originals. (Agree before proceeding)

For what it’s worth, as someone who owned an original tritium dial sub, luminova is utterly useless.

Tritium would appear brighter as the night grew longer, it was fantastic... for ~10years before decay.

As long as the tritium is not flaking I would leave it alone.


As far as the sel, would rsc agree to the option?

[Dan S]

I agree with what has been said above, but just wanted to mention that RSC will not return the original parts, no matter how much you demand that they do so. So if that is a consideration, you will need to send it to an independent. Personally, I would just keep the original parts, since working lume doesn't matter to me as much as preserving originality.

And from a subjective perspective, your watch has developed a lovely patina, it would be incredibly foolish to replace that dial. Before that, you should sell it and buy a new one.

[athom]

keep it all !

[Tomas Eriksson]

Don't replace anything, looks great

[1watch]

Send to an independent like Ridley who understands how to service these pieces and replace worn parts with period correct pieces. RSC is a big NO for me with anything not current. Add no polish to the list. That will hurt value as well.


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[swish77]

I'd have no problem sending to RSC for a service, BUT ... only for a movement service, along with whatever is necessary to pass the pressure test for water resistance, such as the crown and/or crystal. I'd also have them replace the scratched insert if it's a replacement anyway.

Definitely no polish and a big NO to replacing the dial and hands. Make sure it is all stated on the paperwork like that, and repeat it a couple of times to the rep to make sure.

I did this recently at the RSC in NYC with my 16520 and they did exactly as I asked.

[Woody]

I think the watch looks great as it is. If it was mine I would send it to the RSC and have them service the watch and (if it bothers you that much) to fit a new bezel insert. You can decline a new dial and handset (if they recommend you change....which they may not). Unfortunately you are not able to switch to a SEL bracelet as your mid-case does not have the required "lip" to support the SELs.....but the rattle of a non-SEL bracelet is a sound to cherish. Please let us know what you finally decide.

[Das]

Beautiful watch. I'd keep as is and just service the movement.

[saxo3]

Your 16710 looks very nice.
Service of the movement only.
I have very positive experiences with RSC.
Always write what they must NOT do, apart from the movement revision. Pressure test is not required if you don't dive or snorkel with this 16710.

[Das]

Agree with the above, and London RSC actually told me once not to replace a textured dial before I got the chance to tell them leave it alone!

[Tools]

A mid 90's Sub Date will not suffer much of a value loss if the older tritium hands and dial are replaced with functional, proper service Luminova pieces.

This just isn't a "vintage" or high collectible that will suffer from good routine maintenance. All you would do is reduce some interest from those folks that swear that every Rolex needs to be all original - that just isn't so.

As to replacing the bracelet with the later SEL bracelet, you would need to discuss this option with RSC as they usually do not put on parts that were not available for the model at it's time of production. You also need to decide if a 2,000 dollar bracelet upgrade will be of value to you.

Personally, I like the look of a nicely aged tritium dial, so I wouldn't replace them unless they were damaged. I can always find some light or other source to see the time if needed.

[swish77]

Originally Posted by Tools

A mid 90's Sub Date will not suffer much of a value loss if the older tritium hands and dial are replaced with functional, proper service Luminova pieces.

This just isn't a "vintage" or high collectible that will suffer from good routine maintenance. All you would do is reduce some interest from those folks that swear that every Rolex needs to be all original - that just isn't so.

In theory, I'd agree with this point about functionality, but we're dealing with the crazy world of vintage/classic Rolexes, so logic isn't always applicable.

While those '90s Rolex sports watches aren't technically "vintage," they certainly appeal to the type of guy who prefers originality and collectibility over whether the watch still glows in the dark. Replacing the original tritium dial and/or hands definitely affects the appeal of these watches for that type of buyer (and therefore the value).

[1665fan]

Keep it original....

[saxo3]

Originally Posted by swish77

In theory, I'd agree with this point about functionality, but we're dealing with the crazy world of vintage/classic Rolexes, so logic isn't always applicable.

While those '90s Rolex sports watches aren't technically "vintage," they certainly appeal to the type of guy who prefers originality and collectibility over whether the watch still glows in the dark. Replacing the original tritium dial and/or hands definitely affects the appeal of these watches for that type of buyer (and therefore the value).

Agreed. That's also my view, apart from the fact that in the Rolex world there is no theory

[blueslug84n]

I agree with the keep it original == keep its value view, particularly if you were to want to sell it. For a buyer who wants it original, it seems they're willing to pay the premium for a watch that has "lived." For someone who just wants a wearable piece that tells the time, I think they wouldn't care about non-original parts and would want it as cheap as they could get it.

I was going to make my own thread (but I don't have enough posts) for a family member's upgraded 90s bluesy sub, which to my eye has upgrades 1 and 3 from the OP. I just can't see it retaining the value.