HELP! Lost bezel on Sub, in a weird situation

[FOFIVEOH]

Hello all,
I am in a bit of a situation here. I inherited my father's Submariner a while back. I only wear it occasionally, and cherish it because Dad cherished it. Dad loved it because he found it while metal detecting several years ago, and yes, it is a real one.
I put it on the other night to go out, and the next day, I looked at it and the bezel was gone! Not the insert, the whole thing. Talk about sick... I have been retracing steps, and actually located the flat washer that goes below the bezel in my garage, but I believe that it must have stayed on the watch after the bezel was lost, and fell of later, because I cannot locate anything else.
I need to have it repaired, but am concerned because Dad found it. If it was reported as lost, I am guessing that Rolex would contact the original owner and he of course would love to get it back, even if it was insured when lost. I know it would be great to get a watch back several years after it was lost, but it is pretty great finding a Rolex too! Does anyone here know what my chances of having it repaired and returned to me are, or if there is a statute of limitations on when the watch would actually be considered mine?
Based on what my gut feeling is going to be the answer to the above question, I need to look at alternatives. From what I have read on this forum, I don't think I can just buy the bezel from Rolex. Is this absolutley a fact, or does anyone know of a source for the original parts? I guess I also need to look into the real posibility of replacing the bezel with aftermarket parts. I know they are available on Ebay from different vendors. If I have to go this route, I would like to get the most "authentic" bezel as I can get my hands on. Does anyone have a suggestion on which company out there makes the best replacement parts?
Thank you very much in advance. Its a real shame I even have to ask this stuff, because I feel like a total loser for evidently bumping the watch just right to lose the thing in the first place. I am normally very anal about taking care of things, and sometimes feel like I am destined to have weird things like this happen to me. It really sucks!

[Tools]

If you live in Florida, there are about a zillion people who sell Rolex watches and parts..

However, it likely needs to be serviced by now.. Take it to a watchmaker with a Rolex Parts account who can order the correct parts and properly clean, oil and lube it.. Expect to pay 500 for the service and 300 for the bezel.

If it's been reported lost or stolen and is in the Rolex database, the watchmaker should be able to tell you... This is not the place to get into a philosophical discussion about who "owns" it, it is owned by the original purchaser.

There is no vendor who makes Rolex parts for the market place.

[FOFIVEOH]

Thanks. I originally figured that I could take it to a dealer and get the needed parts, but searching this forum for similar stories of lost bezels, the reply that I saw the most was that a dealer could not order parts like this, and that the watch would have to go to a service center. I would love to replace the lost bezel with original parts if at all possible, and yes, I realize that they are expensive. I see the parts I need on ebay (not original) seem to go for about $150-$175. This would be a last resort though, as I want the good stuff! I sure hope you are right about the parts availability, I will begin checking with local dealers.

[azguy]

There's a watchmaker that's on this forum that is located in Florida, you would be hooked up in no time

The last poster on this thread, good luck

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=224919

[FOFIVEOH]

Thanks azguy, I will look into this. I am still retracing steps in hopes of recovering the lost bezel, but it is certainly a longshot. Such a shame, didn't have a nick or scratch on it! I sure hope that I can get my hands on original parts if I don't find it.
Question for all...Like I said in my first post, I did in fact find the "shim", or "flat washer" part that goes under the bezel. The bezel and bezel insert are gone, and I believe there is also a little spring pin (guessing this pin is what keeps bezel from rotating clockwise?). I am probably not gonna find this even if I do find the bezel. Since I only found the one part, I assumed that the bezel probably fell off at a different location. Do you think that this is a possibility, or would they both fall off at the same time? Also, do you think they would pop off with enough force to really go flying, or be in the same vicinity of the impact? I think I would have heard the bezel hit if it fell off near where I found the other piece.
thanks!
fofiveoh

[Kevin B]

Wow, if you feel that bad about loosing the bezel just think how the guy who originally lost the watch feels? Never know what it meant to him. Not sending any guilt, just saying.....

[77T]

Let's just simplify this whole thing. If you are going to try this yourself, 3 steps:

1. Get the serial number by removing the bracelet.
2. Post a WTB note here on the forum including a picture of the watch and the first 4 numbers of the S/N.
3. Find a DIY article on the web on how to put a bezel on.

Just my 2¢ - hope that helps.

[FOFIVEOH]

No doubt the guy had to be sick. I hope he had insurance on the thing, and not an incredible amount of sentimental value. But at the same time...if you are an avid metal detector guy and you find something like this, wow, pretty good feeling!

[Freedom fighter]

If it was my lost watch I'd hope it all fell to bits as I've had to work hard and save up for my watches and someone who finds one for free then complains he's lost the bezel like its a hardship doesn't really deserve it but to reiterate the above take it to an independent watch maker and hell sort it out in no time...

[Lisa]

Originally Posted by FOFIVEOH

No doubt the guy had to be sick. I hope he had insurance on the thing, and not an incredible amount of sentimental value. But at the same time...if you are an avid metal detector guy and you find something like this, wow, pretty good feeling!

It's an even better feeling to reunite a prized possession with its owner, if it's possible to do so. Even if you did turn the watch in for service, chances are slim it would show up as stolen and it would be yours to keep. A clear conscience is worth more than any watch, IMO.

[77T]

Originally Posted by FOFIVEOH

No doubt the guy had to be sick. I hope he had insurance on the thing, and not an incredible amount of sentimental value. But at the same time...if you are an avid metal detector guy and you find something like this, wow, pretty good feeling!

The more you flog this issue the less I like hearing it...

Since you've brought it up - IMHO, an honest person would call the local police department for the site your dad found it with his metal detector and report it as "found".

Maybe if I found $5000 in your backyard you'd be OK with me keeping it?

Not accusing anyone - just saying nice TRF members would do the right thing.

[77T]

Originally Posted by Lisa

It's an even better feeling to reunite a prized possession with its owner, if it's possible to do so. Even if you did turn the watch in for service, chances are slim it would show up as stolen and it would be yours to keep. A clear conscience is worth more than any watch, IMO.

You say it better than me

[xhype]

ok listen, if your dad found it and had it for years, the guy may have bought a new rolex by now. If it was me i wouldn't say all the things you just said especially on trf, people tend to be very serious about things like this, so do some searching and find someone other than rolex to service and repair the watch for you in the end its going to be cheaper than sending it to rolex.

[FOFIVEOH]

good advice 77T. I have s/n and I think there may be one for sale in EU, and know that Utube has a million videos on it. I haven't posted a WTB just yet, but probably will if I have trouble getting the parts. thanks.

[FOFIVEOH]

OK, let me back up just a minute... I certainly didn't want to get anyone's feathers ruffled, but now I feel I need to defend Dad a bit.
My Dad was a man of honor, and took great joy in returning lost items. He sometimes received rewards, and sometimes didn't, it was up to the owner. He had stories of returning $25K rings and getting a 5 dollar tip, and also stories of returning $100 rings and getting a $1500 reward. Tracking down owners of inscribed items was a huge part of his hobby, and he even returned many things that were lost for so long that the owner was dead and the item was returned to a relative. He also DID notify the police about this particular watch (although it was certainly something that you secretly hope nobody reports as lost). When dad found this watch he figured he would be returning it, but nobody ever claimed it. Now he is gone. The watch is a great memory of my dad to me.

[Johny]

Originally Posted by Lisa

It's an even better feeling to reunite a prized possession with its owner, if it's possible to do so. Even if you did turn the watch in for service, chances are slim it would show up as stolen and it would be yours to keep. A clear conscience is worth more than any watch, IMO.

i agree, well said lisa...put it into the rsc for a service and new bezel.

[Jason71]

Your father attempted to return the watch when he found it. IMHO, it is not necessary to lose sleep over the fact that it was never claimed. I would send it to Rikki to have it serviced and the parts replaced.

Can you post some pictures???

[Lisa]

Originally Posted by Johny

i agree, well said lisa...put it into the rsc for a service and new bezel.

Especially after the OP's further clarification - get it done right, and worry-free.

[Johny]

Originally Posted by Lisa

Especially after the OP's further clarification - get it done right, and worry-free.

[Scary Hat]

Originally Posted by Lisa

It's an even better feeling to reunite a prized possession with its owner, if it's possible to do so. Even if you did turn the watch in for service, chances are slim it would show up as stolen and it would be yours to keep. A clear conscience is worth more than any watch, IMO.

Well said, Lisa!

I would do whatever it took to return it to its rightful owner. Checking with the police department where the item was found is a good start, and check with Rolex RSC to see if the watch was reported missing/stolen. I have never felt bad when I do what I know is the right thing.


Tom

[Kevin B]

OK, let me back up just a minute... I certainly didn't want to get anyone's feathers ruffled, but now I feel I need to defend Dad a bit.
My Dad was a man of honor, and took great joy in returning lost items. He sometimes received rewards, and sometimes didn't, it was up to the owner. He had stories of returning $25K rings and getting a 5 dollar tip, and also stories of returning $100 rings and getting a $1500 reward. Tracking down owners of inscribed items was a huge part of his hobby, and he even returned many things that were lost for so long that the owner was dead and the item was returned to a relative. He also DID notify the police about this particular watch (although it was certainly something that you secretly hope nobody reports as lost). When dad found this watch he figured he would be returning it, but nobody ever claimed it. Now he is gone. The watch is a great memory of my dad to me.

Thanks for the update. If your dad did his due diligence in trying to return the watch then enjoy it. As for service, I personally would opt for a trusted and trained local watchmaker to do the service. If you ask around it should be pretty easy to locate one.
Again, thanks for the clarification and welcome to TRF. There is no end to the knowledge you can glean from this site.
As for your dad, it sounds like he brought a lot of happiness to others through his hobby and was a great guy. My hats off to him

[Rollie2011]

Originally Posted by Lisa

A clear conscience is worth more than any watch, IMO.

Send it to RSC to get it checked 100%

If it comes back clean both physically and by the serial number you can be happy.
If it gets returned to its original owner, you can sleep well knowing that your dad would be proud that you returned the watch to its rightful owner as you said he did many times

[bgbg13]

Originally Posted by Rollie2011

Send it to RSC to get it checked 100%

If it comes back clean both physically and by the serial number you can be happy.
If it gets returned to its original owner, you can sleep well knowing that your dad would be proud that you returned the watch to its rightful owner as you said he did many times

Perfectly said!

[hbbfam]

I cannot speak for Florida, but in Phoenix area the lady who services Rolex for Ben Bridge is world class, and I would pick her over an RCS any day.

[azguy]

Throw a picture up, it sounds like you have no idea how old that watch is. Our suggestion may change if it's and old 1680 or something......

[FOFIVEOH]

[QUOTE=azguy;3175906]Throw a picture up, it sounds like you have no idea how old that watch is. Our suggestion may change if it's and old 1680 or something......[/QUOTE

I know a little about it...its a Sub 16620 that was made in 94 I think (Ser # starts with W). No pics, cause the darned thing looks like a Timex right now!

[DCgator]

Originally Posted by Jason71

Your father attempted to return the watch when he found it. IMHO, it is not necessary to lose sleep over the fact that it was never claimed. I would send it to Rikki to have it serviced and the parts replaced.

Yes, let Rikki service it for you. He comes highly recommended by members of this forum.

[Runnin' Rebel]

Originally Posted by Rollie2011

Send it to RSC to get it checked 100%

If it comes back clean both physically and by the serial number you can be happy.
If it gets returned to its original owner, you can sleep well knowing that your dad would be proud that you returned the watch to its rightful owner as you said he did many times

[Tools]

Sorry, this is starting to sound like a fish story...

[77T]

[QUOTE=FOFIVEOH;3175948]

Originally Posted by azguy

Throw a picture up, it sounds like you have no idea how old that watch is. Our suggestion may change if it's and old 1680 or something......[/QUOTE

I know a little about it...its a Sub 16620 that was made in 94 I think (Ser # starts with W). No pics, cause the darned thing looks like a Timex right now!

A 16620 is a Datejust. Posting a pic validates this discussion. Otherwise, don't be surprised if nobody will take you seriously.