Rolex 16600 replace hands and bezel

[wlsun18]

Hi all,

I just purchase a Rolex Sea Dweller in Serial A (1999, super luminova). The watch wasn't keeping its time so I sent it to RSC for a service. They came back with two more optional items

1. Hands should be replaced. ($109)
2. New bezel insert. ($49)

I noticed there is a tiny chip on the second sweeping hands and bezel has light scratches.
I don't plan on sale the watch and plan on wearing it pretty frequently for the next 5 to 10 years.

Should I go head to do them? and how will it hurt the resale value/collector value?
Is it possible to spot that the hands have been replaced (from super luminova to super luminova)?

Since I just bought it used, part of me is wanting to replace everything so it looks "new", but I am worried it might hurt the value down the road.

Thanks,
Will

[Jason71]

Since your watch is luminova, I don't think it will hurt the value at all IMHO

[subtona]

Originally Posted by Jason71

Since your watch is luminova, I don't think it will hurt the value at all IMHO

Agree.


The bezel i would leave alone.

[Token74]

Curious to understand how a hand can get chipped?

Can't see that it's going to much harm he resale...these are classic watches and will be highly sought after in years to come, but volumes too high to be really collectible enough for resale to be affected by keeping it in good condition.

Is there an option to keep the original parts so that you can refit them if we are wrong about resale?

[Frosty]

There is a difference when the patina of the hands do not match the patina of the dial on a vintage watch.

If the lume on your dial and hands look new, I do not see where putting new hands at the RSC would hurt the value. imho

I do think you answered your own question though, "part of me is wanting to replace everything so it looks "new". It sound like you would like to have a fresh watch.

[wlsun18]

Originally Posted by Token74

Curious to understand how a hand can get chipped?

Can't see that it's going to much harm he resale...these are classic watches and will be highly sought after in years to come, but volumes too high to be really collectible enough for resale to be affected by keeping it in good condition.

Is there an option to keep the original parts so that you can refit them if we are wrong about resale?

Thanks for the reply. I bought the watch used. I am not sure if it should be called chipped or oxidized, I just know that there is a dot on the second sweeping hand when viewing from certain angle.

I dropped off the watch at Ben Bridge and they sent it to Rolex service center. To my knowledge Rolex won't/never give back the original parts, am I wrong?

[rmfnla]

Originally Posted by Token74

Is there an option to keep the original parts so that you can refit them if we are wrong about resale?

Rolex does not return used parts once they have been replaced.

[Friedl41]

I dont think there is a patina on a 1999 SD ... Mine is from 2001 and it looks like new ... If you want to change it, do it. If it makes a difference, it will be a positive one.

[cjohns]

DO IT!!It will never get cheaper to do it in the future!

[77T]

Should not be a future value problem with changing hands or insert and it will eliminate the little problems that you've already noticed. Especially since you have no intention of selling...

The small imperfection on the hand is easy to happen if the previous owner had a service done and it got damaged in removal or reinstallation.