What to fix and where on this old 16710 GMT?

[sevykor]

The above very enjoyed GMT from about '94 has some wear. Runs fine, but deserves a full service. Tiny chip on crystal edge (looking to replace). Bezel - debating on whether to keep or replace? Bracelet stretch - keep as is, fix or replace? Second hand lollipop has a scratch/crack in the white surface (maybe replace?). Dial - leaning to keep with current tritium. Needs a nice polish job too. For all the work, cannot decide whether to send to Rolliworks or RSC for everything. Not sure if oyster replacement will be much more $ at RSC versus Rolliworks repair. That may swing the choice one way versus the other. Your thoughts?

[mf44]

Can't answer all your questions, but a few thoughts. RSC is going to want to make the watch look new again, so they will likely require a new bezel insert and possibly a bracelet. One way around this is to pull out the bezel insert yourself (very easy) before sending it in. You then will have both a new, bright bezel insert and the original faded insert.

I'd estimate a new bracelet will be around $1250 from Rolex. Rolliworks probably cheaper for that.

[wilsonpepper]

I'd go with RSC, and not RolliWorks on this beauty. There are also other independent watchmakers who are expert on this type of restoration. Many are on this blog.

[Mystro]

Send it to Rikki. He is the expert. RSC is only for warranty work because you have to . All do respect, Rikki makes RSC look very average at best.

http://www.timecareinc.com/

[TimeLord2]

Originally Posted by mf44

Can't answer all your questions, but a few thoughts. RSC is going to want to make the watch look new again, so they will likely require a new bezel insert and possibly a bracelet. One way around this is to pull out the bezel insert yourself (very easy) before sending it in. You then will have both a new, bright bezel insert and the original faded insert.

I'd estimate a new bracelet will be around $1250 from Rolex. Rolliworks probably cheaper for that.

I like all of these suggestions. As far as Rolliworks, I'm quite sure this is regarding the bracelet only for refurbishment. Send in the head of the watch to RSC. Bracelet to Rolliworks. As suggested, keep the insert but remove before sending in if it goes to RSC as they will charge you for the new insert as well as removing and installing. You can also tell RSC exactly what you want done and what you don't want replaced. Or go with an independent CW21 certified Rik Deital, Phillip Ridley, Bob Ridley.

[jgottsman11]

I'd send it to Rolliworks if you want bracelet stretch repaired. If you don't send it to Zimmerman watch repair. Both will make your watch look a lot better than RSC

[sevykor]

Originally Posted by Mystro

Send it to Rikki. He is the expert. RSC is only for warranty work because you have to . All do respect, Rikki makes RSC look very average at best.

http://www.timecareinc.com/

I don't suppose he does anything to restore bracelet stretch? Or at least nothing is mentioned on his website. I've also always have been a fan of before and after pics. I found there is a huge difference among watch restorers as to a properly restored lug.

[996marty]

Looking forward to see which way you go with this with hopefully some photos once done.

[MrGoat]

Originally Posted by Mystro

Send it to Rikki. He is the expert. RSC is only for warranty work because you have to . All do respect, Rikki makes RSC look very average at best.

http://www.timecareinc.com/

X2!!


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[MrGoat]

Originally Posted by sevykor

I don't suppose he does anything to restore bracelet stretch? Or at least nothing is mentioned on his website. I've also always have been a fan of before and after pics. I found there is a huge difference among watch restorers as to a properly restored lug.

Rik did an amazing job on my 16613lb and he’s a good dude.

He doesn’t do anything to bracelets as far as I’m aware.


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[sevykor]

Originally Posted by TimeLord2

I like all of these suggestions. As far as Rolliworks, I'm quite sure this is regarding the bracelet only for refurbishment. Send in the head of the watch to RSC. Bracelet to Rolliworks. As suggested, keep the insert but remove before sending in if it goes to RSC as they will charge you for the new insert as well as removing and installing. You can also tell RSC exactly what you want done and what you don't want replaced. Or go with an independent CW21 certified Rik Deital, Phillip Ridley, Bob Ridley.

I was under the impression that RSC no longer takes a watch in for service with missing parts (ie. without the bracelet). Also, is the bezel under a "swap" condition or are they really okay with a watch coming in with a bezel missing?