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subjust · 26 February 2013, 01:11 PM

So I bought a Datejust 1603 on ebay. Brought it to the BH RSC to get it serviced (and find out if it was authentic). Total cost to service would have been 2500+ because they would insist on a new case due to pits of corrosion in the case near the seals. Obviously, I'm not paying that.

My question, and I know it probably depends on lots of factors, but how important is it that the case be perfect. I imagine with a watch this old there is often some pitting. I don't intend to swim with it or shower with it, so I'm not sure how much being waterproof matters.

Is there anything I'm not thinking of? I have the option to return it to the seller within 14 days. I've just kind of grown attached to the look of it and am not sure how much a little corrosion matters to me. Thoughts?

James 45 · 26 February 2013, 01:38 PM

I like it!
But if you are worried have them give it a pressure test.
If they wont, go to a watch maker and get them to.
If it does not pressure test well then you have to make that call.

Myself i would only get a $250 movement service with new seals!

Nice looking watch though.

JohnBoy · 26 February 2013, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James 45

I like it!
But if you are worried have them give it a pressure test.
If they wont, go to a watch maker and get them to.
If it does not pressure test well then you have to make that call.

Myself i would only get a $250 movement service with new seals!

Nice looking watch though.

Yeah, this.

And perhaps a light polish if you really want it. The case sealing surfaces have been compromised to some degree - perhaps that is not to RSC's liking, it will not comply with their strict provisions that go with the standard service warranty.

In reality, its probably not worth the cost of a complete rebuild/case replacement. However, if you want to keep it, an independent watchmaker might make the case sufficiently watertight with a good cleanup, a little RTV-type sealant under the gasket (common cheap fix) - a light pressure test - and life goes on. Sure, its a bandaid and it will never be a watch for surfing or diving - but was it ever?

There were a lot of water-resistant watches that lasted for decades - with a lot cheaper designs than the heavy captive gasket/threaded joint seal on your watch. JMHO. Good luck in your decision!

subjust · 26 February 2013, 02:36 PM

This board has been so helpful. Glad I found it, and thanks for the advice guys.

Tools · 26 February 2013, 04:55 PM

Give Bob Ridley a call at Watchmakers.com

He is a restoration specialist and I have seen the results of filling pits and saving an original case.. Rolex does not do repairs, they simply replace..

It is also possible to slightly turn the case on a lathe and flatten/level the sealing surface...

A good watch is wort a good restoration - if you don't, who will..

swish77 · 27 February 2013, 02:16 AM

If you got a good deal on the watch, keep it, do a simple movement service at an independent watchmaker, and just don't swim with it, or even take it in the shower. One issue might be that if the pitting is so bad that even a little moisture/humidity could get inside over time, even if the watch is never submerged in water. From the photo, the case doesn't look too bad, and the watch looks beautiful from the front! If you decide to keep it, Mr. Ridley is your man for case evaluation and possible repair. He handled a very similar situation for me a couple of years back.

Just curious, did the seller show photos of the movement that would also show the case from the back or is that a newer photo? That would have shown the corrosion. Was there any mention of the corrosion in the listing? This issue is squarely on my radar because I just bought a Datejust and obsessed over these very points for a year.

harry in montreal · 27 February 2013, 02:17 AM

FYI, on ebay this type of case is basically worthless, so you could get one very easily. specificaly, we are talking like $250 to replace it on ebay so stay away from Rolex. a similar era tudor sub case is worth 1200 and rolex sub like 1500-2000.

i find it VERY hard to believe that the corrosion noted would compromise its performance on a pressure test. its a fine looking case, and my tudor sub was in much worse shape and i wash my dog in the tub with it. take hot showers. long slow showers ;0)

anyawy, go to a good watchmaker and get a new crown, tube, gaskets and seals. for 300-400 it should be good. unless the threads are bad on the caseback....

harry in montreal · 27 February 2013, 02:19 AM

i think a bigger defect is the dial... has some dammage on the lower edge where it meets the rehaut of the case. still, these dials are very affordable. my 1601 has the same defects

subjust · 27 February 2013, 03:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swish77

Just curious, did the seller show photos of the movement that would also show the case from the back or is that a newer photo? That would have shown the corrosion. Was there any mention of the corrosion in the listing? This issue is squarely on my radar because I just bought a Datejust and obsessed over these very points for a year.

The seller did not show photos of the movement. I snapped that photo when the guy at the RSC showed me why it would need a case replacement. There was no mention of corrosion in the listing. It was listed as "near mint."

Now, had I done the research I've done SINCE buying the watch, I could have asked the seller about case/case back pitting since it's a known issue with older watches. He should have mentioned it. I'm still toying with the idea of returning it. I didn't get a steal on it, and it's not like I can't find another one quickly.

rmfnla · 27 February 2013, 04:58 AM

If you do some searching you will find that you have minimal corrosion for a watch of this age.

The real issue, of course, is water tightness, and I cannot imagine that little bit causing a problem.

I love how the RSC insists on a new case (at retail, of course!) without even checking the integrity of this one.

I wonder if they are such alarmists in their own lives (when they are paying the bill!) "Honey, we need a new car; I put a ding on the bumper"...

TSW · 27 February 2013, 05:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tools

give bob ridley a call at watchmakers.com

he is a restoration specialist and i have seen the results of filling pits and saving an original case.. Rolex does not do repairs, they simply replace..

It is also possible to slightly turn the case on a lathe and flatten/level the sealing surface...

A good watch is wort a good restoration - if you don't, who will..

x100

subjust · 28 February 2013, 04:16 PM

I took your advice. I got it pressure tested and it failed. I decided to return it, so now I'm back in the market for the perfect late 60's era Datejust. Only a matter of time before the right one comes along.

kooltzar · 28 February 2013, 11:45 PM

Did you buy it from a Hong Kong seller?

harry in montreal · 1 March 2013, 01:42 AM

too bad she failed. i am surprised.

subjust · 1 March 2013, 02:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kooltzar

Did you buy it from a Hong Kong seller?

No. A Beverly Hills seller, who welcomed the return.

harry in montreal · 1 March 2013, 06:39 AM

that is cool. i would try another watch. to be fair, an old tube and crown can also be leaky. depends if you really want to wear your rolex when you swim or wash your M3 (just a guess with a L.A.address!)

subjust · 1 March 2013, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harry in montreal

that is cool. i would try another watch. to be fair, an old tube and crown can also be leaky. depends if you really want to wear your rolex when you swim or wash your M3 (just a guess with a L.A.address!)

Haha. S5. Close!

swish77 · 1 March 2013, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by subjust

I took your advice. I got it pressure tested and it failed. I decided to return it, so now I'm back in the market for the perfect late 60's era Datejust. Only a matter of time before the right one comes along.

Good move. The mere fact that the watch was listed as "near mint" and that the caseback corrosion wasn't listed, is reason enough.

rmfnla · 2 March 2013, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swish77

Good move. The mere fact that the watch was listed as "near mint" and that the caseback corrosion wasn't listed, is reason enough.

Unless the seller didn't take the back off...

rmfnla · 2 March 2013, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by subjust

I took your advice. I got it pressure tested and it failed. I decided to return it, so now I'm back in the market for the perfect late 60's era Datejust. Only a matter of time before the right one comes along.

If it was reassembled with the original seals I am not surpised it failed the pressure test.

I think you will find any watch that old that has seen normal use will exhibit at least as much corrosion as this one.

What you are looking for is a safe queen...

26 February 2013, 01:11 PM	#1
subjust "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Real Name: shane Location: Los Angeles Watch: Blue Snowflake Posts: 145	1603 corrosion So I bought a Datejust 1603 on ebay. Brought it to the BH RSC to get it serviced (and find out if it was authentic). Total cost to service would have been 2500+ because they would insist on a new case due to pits of corrosion in the case near the seals. Obviously, I'm not paying that. My question, and I know it probably depends on lots of factors, but how important is it that the case be perfect. I imagine with a watch this old there is often some pitting. I don't intend to swim with it or shower with it, so I'm not sure how much being waterproof matters. Is there anything I'm not thinking of? I have the option to return it to the seller within 14 days. I've just kind of grown attached to the look of it and am not sure how much a little corrosion matters to me. Thoughts? Attached Images

26 February 2013, 04:55 PM	#5
Tools TRF Moderator & 2025 Titanium Yacht-Master Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,662	Give Bob Ridley a call at Watchmakers.com He is a restoration specialist and I have seen the results of filling pits and saving an original case.. Rolex does not do repairs, they simply replace.. It is also possible to slightly turn the case on a lathe and flatten/level the sealing surface... A good watch is wort a good restoration - if you don't, who will.. __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

27 February 2013, 04:58 AM	#10
rmfnla "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Real Name: Richard Location: Los Angeles, CA Watch: TT DJ Posts: 4,456	If you do some searching you will find that you have minimal corrosion for a watch of this age. The real issue, of course, is water tightness, and I cannot imagine that little bit causing a problem. I love how the RSC insists on a new case (at retail, of course!) without even checking the integrity of this one. I wonder if they are such alarmists in their own lives (when they are paying the bill!) "Honey, we need a new car; I put a ding on the bumper"... __________________ Today, I believe my jurisdiction ends here... Lug Hole Lover®

26 February 2013, 01:38 PM	#2
James 45 Banned Join Date: May 2011 Location: USA Watch: No date Sub 14060M Posts: 432	I like it! But if you are worried have them give it a pressure test. If they wont, go to a watch maker and get them to. If it does not pressure test well then you have to make that call. Myself i would only get a $250 movement service with new seals! Nice looking watch though.

26 February 2013, 02:36 PM	#4
subjust "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Real Name: shane Location: Los Angeles Watch: Blue Snowflake Posts: 145	This board has been so helpful. Glad I found it, and thanks for the advice guys.

27 February 2013, 02:16 AM	#6
swish77 2025 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Aaron Location: CT/NYC Watch: ing the time! Posts: 7,085	If you got a good deal on the watch, keep it, do a simple movement service at an independent watchmaker, and just don't swim with it, or even take it in the shower. One issue might be that if the pitting is so bad that even a little moisture/humidity could get inside over time, even if the watch is never submerged in water. From the photo, the case doesn't look too bad, and the watch looks beautiful from the front! If you decide to keep it, Mr. Ridley is your man for case evaluation and possible repair. He handled a very similar situation for me a couple of years back. Just curious, did the seller show photos of the movement that would also show the case from the back or is that a newer photo? That would have shown the corrosion. Was there any mention of the corrosion in the listing? This issue is squarely on my radar because I just bought a Datejust and obsessed over these very points for a year.

27 February 2013, 02:17 AM	#7
harry in montreal "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Montreal Watch: The Habs pick 1st! Posts: 3,589	FYI, on ebay this type of case is basically worthless, so you could get one very easily. specificaly, we are talking like $250 to replace it on ebay so stay away from Rolex. a similar era tudor sub case is worth 1200 and rolex sub like 1500-2000. i find it VERY hard to believe that the corrosion noted would compromise its performance on a pressure test. its a fine looking case, and my tudor sub was in much worse shape and i wash my dog in the tub with it. take hot showers. long slow showers ;0) anyawy, go to a good watchmaker and get a new crown, tube, gaskets and seals. for 300-400 it should be good. unless the threads are bad on the caseback....

27 February 2013, 02:19 AM	#8
harry in montreal "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Montreal Watch: The Habs pick 1st! Posts: 3,589	i think a bigger defect is the dial... has some dammage on the lower edge where it meets the rehaut of the case. still, these dials are very affordable. my 1601 has the same defects

28 February 2013, 04:16 PM	#12
subjust "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Real Name: shane Location: Los Angeles Watch: Blue Snowflake Posts: 145	I took your advice. I got it pressure tested and it failed. I decided to return it, so now I'm back in the market for the perfect late 60's era Datejust. Only a matter of time before the right one comes along.

28 February 2013, 11:45 PM	#13
kooltzar "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Zürich Watch: Submariner 5512 Posts: 922	Did you buy it from a Hong Kong seller?

1 March 2013, 01:42 AM	#14
harry in montreal "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Montreal Watch: The Habs pick 1st! Posts: 3,589	too bad she failed. i am surprised.

1 March 2013, 06:39 AM	#16
harry in montreal "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Montreal Watch: The Habs pick 1st! Posts: 3,589	that is cool. i would try another watch. to be fair, an old tube and crown can also be leaky. depends if you really want to wear your rolex when you swim or wash your M3 (just a guess with a L.A.address!)

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