The worth of a Rolex service - 16760 GMT II

[Herkztimez]

Hey watch world. I have a 1987 Rolex GMT II ref: 16760. I bought it for about $6000 US. I sent it in for service because the dial had some scratches which is very noticeable. After evaluating Rolex is telling me that the watch needs pretty much an entire overhaul and would cost me about $2500, almost half the cost of the watch! In return I get a functioning watch and a new service card and warranty good for 2 years from Rolex. My question is if the service is worth it for this model? It seems the value of this model is going up and if I need to sell do you see me breaking even in costs or close enough. There’s a good chance I will end up selling this watch because I have a BLNR, but I am willing to hold it for a while to help the value gain.

Let me know what your thoughts are and thanks!


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[envuks]

I might be mistaken, but I think 16710 models go for $8k-$10k these days so it seems to me that it would be wise to service. $2500 seems extremely high for a service cost. Are they saying a whole bunch of parts need to be replaced?

[Herkztimez]

Originally Posted by envuks

I might be mistaken, but I think 16710 models go for $8k-$10k these days so it seems to me that it would be wise to service. $2500 seems extremely high for a service cost. Are they saying a whole bunch of parts need to be replaced?

I was taken back by the cost as well, but they are telling me nearly everything will be replaced (parts of the movement, bezel, dial, hands, etc.) per Rolex. My concern will a service deter people from considering purchasing an overhauled Rolex such as this model. I know people prefer the original parts as much as possible.


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[037]

If it's never been serviced then that price is certainly possible. They likely want to replace not just the dial but the hands as well if they're still the original tritium parts, and possibly the crystal as well. If the movement is worn then you could be looking at reversing wheels, axle/pinion, possibly the rotor, plates if any have been worn by the rotor, crown and tube, gaskets, and so on. All of that adds up quickly.

Edit: You posted while I was writing my reply. A serviced 16760 is still worth $9k+ even with LumiNova dial and hands. But, maximum value comes from an original dial, hands, and bezel insert.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Herkztimez

I was taken back by the cost as well, but they are telling me nearly everything will be replaced (parts of the movement, bezel, dial, hands, etc.) per Rolex. My concern will a service deter people from considering purchasing an overhauled Rolex such as this model. I know people prefer the original parts as much as possible.

Generally, dial and hands are where originality and value reside. If you choose to replace the dial and hands, you will lose a large part of it's originality/value.

Typically, on this model it is best to have an independent do the work, stabilize the dial and hand paint, and to minimal metal work.

The high RSC price tag likely calls for replacement of items that should not be replaced on a collector piece.

[Nikrnic]

It sounds to me that either way you will get your money out of it if you plan to sell it. If you believe that is the case then l wouldn't send it in unless you wish to keep and wear it.

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[sillo]

They're probably quoting you with replacement dial, hands and refinishing the case. I wouldn't send a vintage watch like that to an RSC anyway. Send it to one of the recommended independents

[de66]

Do you know when the last service was done?
Have you any idea what the cause of the scratches on the dial might be? You really mean scratches and not cracks?
I would say try and get some more quotes...

[ltmgeller]

I had a similar quote for a 16700 I sent in. I went for it and the watch looks amazing.

[grymg]

My 16710 originally from 1992 - The winder was broken, it was running slow, huge gash on the non-crown side, and scratched crystal - opted to just to sell it as is last year. I let the buyer decide what they want to do with it and priced it accordingly. I'm sure I could have gotten more if I overhauled it but probably not make all my money back from the costly service.

But if you want to still wear it that's another story. If you can live with it then I would just keep it as is. Or else overhaul it and enjoy the heck out of it. Worry about flipping it when the time comes.

[breitlings]

IDK man. The new dial and hands may detract from it's value even if it is scratched. What does RSC estimate specify?

If there are aftermarket parts or a new band I would consider it.

[Herkztimez]

Here’s the reason why I sent it in. The Rolex tech said the dial was cleaned incorrectly and scratched the entire dial. I think previous owner removed the tritium as well as from the hands and indices.


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[sillo]

Originally Posted by Herkztimez

Here’s the reason why I sent it in. The Rolex tech said the dial was cleaned incorrectly and scratched the entire dial. I think previous owner removed the tritium as well as from the hands and indices.


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If that's the case I'd let Rolex put a new dial and hands on.

[breitlings]

Originally Posted by Herkztimez

Here’s the reason why I sent it in. The Rolex tech said the dial was cleaned incorrectly and scratched the entire dial. I think previous owner removed the tritium as well as from the hands and indices.


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Actually looks kind of cool to me.

So IMO the question really isn't should you service it but should you service it at RSC. I would buy a new bezel, hand set, and dial from an independent tech with Rolex parts account which will enable you to keep the originals and have them replace the parts but not service it. Then send the watch to RSC to get the warranty card and the RSC service. The watch is worth it, the issue is about losing the original hands as I think tools or Padi pointed out.

Maybe though the modifications to the dial have diminished its value, I'm not sure. I would defer to someone with expertise in the vintage market.

[sillo]

Originally Posted by breitlings

Actually looks kind of cool to me.

I would buy a new bezel, hand set, and dial from an independent tech with Rolex parts account which will enable you to keep the originals and have them replace the parts but not service it. Then send the watch to RSC to get the warranty card and the RSC service.

I retract my previous statement. This is what you should do.

[037]

Originally Posted by breitlings

I would buy a new bezel, hand set, and dial from an independent tech with Rolex parts account which will enable you to keep the originals and have them replace the parts but not service it.

Rolex won't send replacement dials to independents anymore despite active parts accounts. At least, that was the case as of a few months ago when I inquired.

[Drive]

If you don’t like the look, personally I think it’s kind of cool, service it at Rolex. You will not be dissapointed. I would suggest the Dallas RSC. Just my opinion.

[1665fan]

Yea I would make up a name for the dial like the popular vintage dealers do and it’s worth more than a fine example! Maybe the lines of life dial or something like that... hope the dealers can make up something for you

[Herkztimez]

Originally Posted by 037

Rolex won't send replacement dials to independents anymore despite active parts accounts. At least, that was the case as of a few months ago when I inquired.

I got the same response from my AD, it was a problem getting the genuine parts. They have an onsite certified tech who assisted with authentication of the watch.


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