Service question: 1680 Submariner

[pachamiulux]

Hi all,

First time poster and a new to this world, so please do let me know if I'm doing anything wrong :-)

My grandfather gave me few years ago his beautiful 1680 Submariner from 1978. This watch is definitely not new, he wore it everyday and so did I. The watch stopped working for no apparent reason - never took a shower with it, did not fall... Probably just has never been serviced.

Just got my estimate back from RSC and curious to have your opinion.

WATCH CONDITION

• Clasp worn
• Bracelet scratched
• Case dented
• Disc for bezel scratched l Bezel scratched
• Hands scratched
• Dial finish peeling
• Dial scratched
• Crystal chipped
• Crown worn
• Bracelet worn
• Case lightly corroded
• Case scratched
• Bezel worn
• Hands luminous material damaged l Hands spotted
• Dial luminous material worn
• Dial spotted
• Crystal scratched
• Full service required

SERVICE NEEDED

• FULL SERVICE
• CROWN WITH GASKET 704 ST
• DIAL 1680-0 BLACK MARKERS LGN
• HANDS 5513-0 /1665 /1675 240 G BATON LUMI
• SECOND HAND TR 1665-0 240 85 G DISQ LUMI
• CLASP 16/111 93150 ST

I'm definitely not looking forward changing anything that does not HAVE to be changed. Beyond its "vintage" value, I'm just really attached to this watch the way it is, even more now that he passed away.

Ok for the crown if I have to, why not for the clasp that might be too loose, but the dial and the hands?! Their rationale is because the dial is peeling and hands are spotted and luminous material worn. Apparently, some peeling dust might end up in the movement...

Should I really be concerned about that? Unfortunately I don't have pictures but nothing was apparent.

If it's a real concern, should i just change everything (including bezel - today optional) and then also ask for the for the case and bracelet to be refinished? So that it does not look like a vintage patchwork...

Thanks for your advice!

[swaini3]

Take it to a reputable watchmaker and and ask him/her to do what you need and what is recommended.

[Tools]

Rolex policy is to have a watch leave service as close to a new watch as they can get it.

This frequently means that they want to change dials and hands, which is typically where the value of a vintage watch lies.

There are many independent watchmakers who are capable of servicing a Rolex watch, and some who know what you should or shouldn't do if you are interested in keeping the flavor of your watch in-era.

There are also a couple of shops that specialize in rebuilding bracelets and clasps to bring originals back to life.

[pachamiulux]

Thanks a lot for your advice! I will go through old thread to find reputable addresses in NYC but if you have anything name in mind would love to know :-)

[Eric88]

Sounds like all replacement/service parts, which will probably take a lot of original value from the watch. Particularly dial and hands, unless they are really trashed in their original condition. Can you share photos of your watch? I'd suggest looking at one of the many trusted shops that we all like here, such as LAWW or Rolliworks, among numerous others. There is something about having the original parts sustained unless they are beyond repair. Some also like having all the brand new service parts that glow and work like brand new. I've had both.

[Dan S]

Most of us would choose to leave the original dial and hands. You may need to be willing to ship the watch to one of the better repair shops for vintage Rolex, since they are not primarily in the NY area.

[swish77]

To clarify, is the RSC saying all the changes under your “needed” section are mandatory or just recommended? Have you tried going back to them to ask if you can keep your original dial and hands but still do the rest of the service?

[pachamiulux]

Hi swish77!
I asked them and their answer was a bit vague. They just mentioned that peeled off material could end up in the movement in the future. I never noticed that the dial was peeling off so I’m a bit skeptical... wonder if it’s worth pushing for just servicing the movement without the rest or if I’ll most certainly end up wasting my money.

[harry in montreal]

Can you post a photo of the watch? Your grandfather had good taste. Rolex will force you to change many parts, ultimately ruining the value of it. It’s important that the scratches remain. In our world a nice orig Rolex with dents look good. A polished one is ruined as they are removing layers of metal in the process. The same for the dial. Same for the insert. There is a guy In central station that may be able to clean and oil it. I’m not sure if consensus is that he is still recommended

[athom]

send pictures but as always let only the movement serviced + gaskets. Keep the rest original since you do not even put it under water.

[swish77]

Originally Posted by pachamiulux

Hi swish77!
I asked them and their answer was a bit vague. They just mentioned that peeled off material could end up in the movement in the future. I never noticed that the dial was peeling off so I’m a bit skeptical... wonder if it’s worth pushing for just servicing the movement without the rest or if I’ll most certainly end up wasting my money.

Yeah, that sounds "mandatory" if there's a danger to the movement, although RSCs tend to exaggerate about the condition.

Sounds as if your only option is to go to a good independent if you want to keep the original dial and hands. You might need to address the dial problems anyway, assuming it is indeed peeling.

Good luck!

[zapokee]

Under no circumstances should you let Rolex service it - they will ruin its vintage value and its cherished heritage.

You need a sympathetic independent vintage restorer. The usual suspects are LA Watchworks, Rolliworks, Bob Ridley... Maybe others can chip in with more.

Good luck with it!

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by pachamiulux

Hi swish77!
I asked them and their answer was a bit vague. They just mentioned that peeled off material could end up in the movement in the future. I never noticed that the dial was peeling off so I’m a bit skeptical... wonder if it’s worth pushing for just servicing the movement without the rest or if I’ll most certainly end up wasting my money.

I have heard people mention this explanation before. I think it's just the standard Rolex response when they don't like the condition of the dial.

[@orariofisso]

Precision Watch Works in Boston is great. 20+ years experience, Rolex trained and respects the patina and aesthetic of vintage. He has serviced all my vintage pieces. Do not send to Rolex Service Center, they will ruin your watch.

[214270Explorer]

I only use a CW21 watchmaker.
If you do not mind mailing your watch, look up:

Bob Ridley, Dallas, TX
https://watchmakers.com/contact-us/
817-276-1400

or his son

Phillip Ridley, Mesa, Arizona
phillip@ridleywatchmakers.com
817-821-2118

They will both be glad to speak to you about your vintage watch (or other Rolex)

[pachamiulux]

Wow, thank you all for taking the time and for your great advice.

I'll grab the watch back from RSC and find someone better with vintage!

That will also give me an opportunity to take nice pictures to share here as I don't have any :-)

[@orariofisso]

Originally Posted by pachamiulux

Wow, thank you all for taking the time and for your great advice.

I'll grab the watch back from RSC and find someone better with vintage!

That will also give me an opportunity to take nice pictures to share here as I don't have any :-)

Good call! looking forward to seeing your pictures!

[1watch]

As already mentioned, do not let RSC touch that piece. Use one of the aforementioned CW21 watchmakers or another reputable source that understands vintage Rolex preservation. Letting RSC do a service is risky when it comes to touching the case or replacing components with non-period correct.