case engravings - reading badly worn ones any trick to reading them, restoration?

[jerseybean]

Any trick to reading badly worn engravings maybe using a graphite pencil or a dye. Also, is it possible to re-engrave or restore a badly worn engraving?

[Dan S]

I always start with a high power loupe and try viewing and lighting it from various angles. Sometimes you can read additional numbers by finding just the right viewing angles.

[jerseybean]

Originally Posted by Dan S

I always start with a high power loupe and try viewing and lighting it from various angles. Sometimes you can read additional numbers by finding just the right viewing angles.

is the case worth keeping even with the worn numbers the resale value is always an issue for me. Someone will always want something but with the worn case markings it a hard sell.

[TimeLord2]

Would not recommend restoration of serial numbers unless Rolex decides to do it. Angles and lighting definitely. Also try photographing and enlarging the image.

[jerseybean]

I got most of the serial numbers off which is 428330x from a 1016 thanks for the tips just the same that I had to use a loupe attached to my phone to read them. but the question is the watch worth keeping with unreadable serial numbers.

it's a shame that on a vintage watch, the Rolex doesn't have a better restoration service - I know that Porsche does in Germany and they do an incredible job.

[southtexas]

Originally Posted by jerseybean

I got most of the serial numbers off which is 428330x from a 1016 thanks for the tips just the same that I had to use a loupe attached to my phone to read them. but the question is the watch worth keeping with unreadable serial numbers.

it's a shame that on a vintage watch, the Rolex doesn't have a better restoration service - I know that Porsche does in Germany and they do an incredible job.

If you keep working different angles and lighting, I bet you can read the last digit unless it's just decimated/scratched off. If they're able to be read, even if it's difficult, then I personally wouldn't have a problem with the case.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by jerseybean

I got most of the serial numbers off which is 428330x from a 1016 thanks for the tips just the same that I had to use a loupe attached to my phone to read them. but the question is the watch worth keeping with unreadable serial numbers.

it's a shame that on a vintage watch, the Rolex doesn't have a better restoration service - I know that Porsche does in Germany and they do an incredible job.

It sounds like you were able to read the numbers, so it is definitely worth keeping the original case. In fact, I think it's always worth keeping the original case unless it is badly corroded. An original case with worn numbers is better than a service case. Any restoration will kill the value, it's not a car.

[swish77]

An RSC can also tell you the serial number even if it’s illegible. They can trace it via the movement number, assuming it’s original to the case.

[jerseybean]

Originally Posted by swish77

An RSC can also tell you the serial number even if it’s illegible. They can trace it via the movement number, assuming it’s original to the case.

I thought the watch was from the 60's but it looks like the 70's so the movement is correct for the watch and looks like it was serviced on a regular basis with a lot of watchmaker marks on the back. I didn't know you could trace a watch using the movement as well, that was a first for me as well.

It's a cheap 1016 but I wanted it to be worn as a daily driver and not draw too much attention to it plus I love the simplicity of the Explorer dials.

[TimeLord2]

Originally Posted by jerseybean

I thought the watch was from the 60's but it looks like the 70's so the movement is correct for the watch and looks like it was serviced on a regular basis with a lot of watchmaker marks on the back. I didn't know you could trace a watch using the movement as well, that was a first for me as well.

It's a cheap 1016 but I wanted it to be worn as a daily driver and not draw too much attention to it plus I love the simplicity of the Explorer dials.

Might not be so cheap anymore. Please post some pics as I think we would all love to see it!

[Tools]

Once you have the original serial number it's not a bad idea to etch it on the inside of the caseback.

It's not a perfect solution, but any noticeable change to the case serial seriously affects its originality/value/desirability.

[jerseybean]

Originally Posted by Tools

Once you have the original serial number it's not a bad idea to etch it on the inside of the caseback.

It's not a perfect solution, but any noticeable change to the case serial seriously affects its originality/value/desirability.

thats not a bad idea. I have a fiber laser, I was thinking about doing something like that.

[jerseybean]

Originally Posted by TimeLord2

Might not be so cheap anymore. Please post some pics as I think we would all love to see it!

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=924964

Here's the pics from a prior thread. The band is incorrect but Im not worried about since Im not able to wear metal bands because of a scar.