Tudor Submariner restore or not?

[Hagop1981]

Hi everyone,

I recently picked up a Tudor Submariner 7016, and I’m debating whether to restore the case or leave it as is. It feels sharp overall, but the sides show some distortion from past polishing. The chamfers are still visible with faint brushing.

Would love to hear your thoughts—restore or preserve the originality?

Thanks in advance!
Jason

[Dan S]

It looks like someone tried to restore the lugs with a hand file. If it's in your budget, I think it's a candidate for professional restoration.

[studioal]

Originally Posted by Dan S

It looks like someone tried to restore the lugs with a hand file. If it's in your budget, I think it's a candidate for professional restoration.

LOL. More like fell asleep with it on the buffing wheel. Chamfers are still there but that is really polished. Agree with Dan, if it's in budget you have something to work with.

[carman594]

I would just get the top of the lugs re-cut and brushed but leave the bevels and sides of the case

[studioal]

Who is a good option for a re-cut and/or brush? LAWW? Anyone else that is reputable?

[carman594]

Originally Posted by studioal

Who is a good option for a re-cut and/or brush? LAWW? Anyone else that is reputable?

Rolliworks

[GGGMT]

Holy crap. It’s like a belt sander. I guess but I’d cut that one loose and get something within the zone of integrity.


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[daysky1]

It's always fun to have a project to work on even if you don't do the work you can ship it off to someone else who can restore it I think you would enjoy having it back after restoration.

[dcorn]

I was offered a 1680 that was completely beat to hell and went back and forth on if I wanted it or wanted it restored if I did buy it. When I got back to the shop, they already had their internal watch guy do a quick 'service', replaced the crystal, polished the case sides a bit and brushed the top of the lugs a bit. It still had plenty of marks and dents, but looked a lot better afterward. That way I could still wear it without any worries of damage.

[Tools]

You aren't preserving "originality", you are preserving damage.

If the watch has plenty of life left for a good refinish, no reason not to freshen it up.

[TimeLord2]

Bring it back to life with a refinish on the case and replace that bezel ring. IMHO. Love a snow-flake dial assuming that's in good condition… but since you have not posted any pics, who knows. Really liking the results from Zimmerman watch. Good luck!

[springer]

Originally Posted by Dan S

It looks like someone tried to restore the lugs with a hand file. If it's in your budget, I think it's a candidate for professional restoration.

I agree with Dan. Those are far and away from looking like original chamfers. Someone worked on them somehow, sometime.

I'd have the case professionally refinished.

[502 to Right]

Originally Posted by studioal

Who is a good option for a re-cut and/or brush? LAWW? Anyone else that is reputable?

LAWW, Rolliworks, and Zimmerman Watch Repair. I would contact all 3 and check on estimated cost and turnaround time.

I've used both RW and ZWR and was happy with both. But have also heard glowing reviews about LAWW. I think you're safe with any of the 3.

[TuRo]

Originally Posted by 502 to Right

LAWW, Rolliworks, and Zimmerman Watch Repair. I would contact all 3 and check on estimated cost and turnaround time.

I've used both RW and ZWR and was happy with both. But have also heard glowing reviews about LAWW. I think you're safe with any of the 3.

The bezel is very worn, the insert is chipped and scratched and plexi scuffed.

Personally, and depending on whether the caseback/crown/bracelet condition similar, I'd probably keep as is (if dial is correct), as frankly, it's 'all in keeping'.

[Dom9]

I've got one (well, 9411) with lugs like that... it's in the queue for resto, when two of the others come back. I know much of the forum appreciates the originality but I like 'em minty fresh and frankly enjoy the resto journey as part of the hobby. All my project watches have ended up costing more than buying good ones in the first place :D

[0nly5iv3Digits]

Whenever a watch looks like that, I think it's time to restore

[tekno]

It’s worth us seeing the whole watch I think before giving a recommendation.

Looks like the bezel is really f’ed. If the dial is nice have it fixed.

I haven’t seen RW recent work, his early recuts didn’t do it for me.


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[southtexas]

Originally Posted by studioal

Who is a good option for a re-cut and/or brush? LAWW? Anyone else that is reputable?

rik dietel @ time care inc is good at this

[linesiders]

Originally Posted by tekno

It’s worth us seeing the whole watch I think before giving a recommendation.

Looks like the bezel is really f’ed. If the dial is nice have it fixed.

I haven’t seen RW recent work, his early recuts didn’t do it for me.


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Good & clear photos are a must, macros like those skew things too much

[XavierM]

I personally see poor pictures and wouldn’t make any decision based on these.