Recommendations for my Sea-Dweller

[diasurfer]

hi,
New member here. I own a "Great White" Sea-Dweller manufactured in 1978 based on the serial number. My dad bought it new in the Virgin Islands in 1980 and I remember this well (I was 11 years old). He died in 1990 and I've been wearing it fairly regularly ever since, although I don't dive/sail/surf with it, or wear it anywhere I think I could get robbed.

Everything about it is original, and I have the box and papers. But this is just back story, not a sales pitch. I have an idea of its value based on the classifieds, but it will be my 1-year-old son's one day, so zero interest in selling. There is no non-living thing on earth that means more to me than this watch. But I wear it because dad wouldn't have wanted me to keep it in a drawer.

That said, I should probably be ashamed of how I've treated it. In the 20+ years I've owned it, I've only had it serviced once, around 2001 or so, and I don't think it was certified service. It still keeps excellent time and looks good, so I just haven't thought much about it.

So my questions are, should I send it to Rolex for service? Or can you recommend someone in Miami that does good service (I assume this would be certified)? I'm financially comfortable but with 3 kids would rather not pay $1000 to get it worked on unless you guys really thought I should let Rolex do the work. Can you give me an idea of what it will cost?

Also, the bezel is missing the little jewel at 0. It's been gone for at least 10 years. Should I replace it? Would it hurt the value more to replace or leave off? Not that monetary value matters much, just wondering what you guys thought. I've attached a crummy picture I took a few minutes ago.

Any other advice you might have is welcome. Thanks!

[DamageInc.77]

Some people have no problem servicing and polishing watches that mean a lot to them. Some do.

If you have no intention of selling it, I don't think you should worry about its value. Do what you think needs to be done. It seems to be highly personal matter.

Personally, I don't service my watches unless they start acting up. My dealer has been in the watch business for 40+ years and has been Rolex service man himself back in the late 70´s and early 80´s. He told me that the 5-7 year rule is bull and only for extra post-sale revenue. He has sold and owned watches from pretty much every single brand out there, all the way from Casio to Urban Jürgensen. I trust he knows what he is talking about.

So if you want it serviced, do it for aesthetics, not value. You can always service it. You can never un-polish it. You could have it serviced and ask for it not to be polished. But if you do decide to do it, do it at an AD or have them send it to Rolex. It has to be done right.

Just my two cents.

[eco8gator]

Hello

I would send it to Rikki:

http://www.timecareinc.com/index.html

Brilliant with Rolex Watches and has a Rolex Parts account. He will only install genuine Rolex Parts.

It should cost less for his services than RSC but the quality will be no less.

He is in Semonle Florida.

Lots of good references on these fourms.

I wouldnt do more than just do a movement service and replacing the internal wear parts...

[DamageInc.77]

Also, please post a bigger picture. I would very much like to see it in HD.

[rmfnla]

Originally Posted by DamageInc.77

Some people have no problem servicing and polishing watches that mean a lot to them. Some do.

If you have no intention of selling it, I don't think you should worry about its value. Do what you think needs to be done. It seems to be highly personal matter.

Personally, I don't service my watches unless they start acting up. My dealer has been in the watch business for 40+ years and has been Rolex service man himself back in the late 70´s and early 80´s. He told me that the 5-7 year rule is bull and only for extra post-sale revenue. He has sold and owned watches from pretty much every single brand out there, all the way from Casio to Urban Jürgensen. I trust he knows what he is talking about.

So if you want it serviced, do it for aesthetics, not value. You can always service it. You can never un-polish it. You could have it serviced and ask for it not to be polished. But if you do decide to do it, do it at an AD or have them send it to Rolex. It has to be done right.
Just my two cents.

I agree except for the part in bold; Rikki or Vanessa could easily do as well as any RSC for less money and less Rolex BS...

[DamageInc.77]

Originally Posted by rmfnla

I agree except for the part in bold; Rikki or Vanessa could easily do as well as any RSC for less money and less Rolex BS...

Very well, I just have not had any personal experience with independent service, so I can't vouch for any of them. They may very well be excellent. I just know for a fact that the Rolex Service Center in Geneva does a fantastic job. That is what I know. But if the community here can vouch for independent shops, then they will be up to scratch for sure. There is not a doubt in my mind that anyone here would recommend second-rate service for their beloved timepieces.

Anyway, to OP, just make sure you do what you think is right. You can never unpolish a watch.

[diasurfer]

Thanks for the opinions so far, even the suggestion that I might not want to have it serviced at all. Should I call "Rikki" and see what he suggests? Most people in business want to sell you a lot of services ... can't blame them for that.

Unfortunately Seminole is a long way to drive. I'm leery of mailing it because insurance wouldn't be able to replace what was lost. I might be able to deal with nerves while it is in transit. Alternately, does anyone have experience with Patrick Puton of Excel Time Service in Miami?

So why the reservations about having it polished? I think mine was polished back in 2001, but hard to tell now after 10+ more years of wear. Would an expert be able to tell if it was polished that long ago?

Here's a better picture, although still some glare. Note I have some paint on my crystal after bumping into a doorway. I seem to do that a lot but it goes away on its own after awhile. Definitely have some yellow patina on my hour markings and hands! Also notice missing jewel at 0 on bezel. I believe the face is a Mark 1.

[Jason71]

I cannot stress enough........send it to an independent Rolex watchmaker with the ability to procure vintage parts. Personally, I would send it to Bob Ridley, Rik, or Dalton at ABC watchwerks. Don't change the dial, hands, or bezel insert. Keep any old parts that are changed and document month, year, and what was changed. It doesn't matter if YOU care about current value. Your son might need the money someday.

This is my 1665. ABC Watchwerks transformed this:



Into this:

[DamageInc.77]

That looks beautiful. If it were mine and it had the same sentimental value, I would probably have the glass and bezel replaced, as well as having it polished. But with pretty much every single AD, you can request to keep the original parts, so they can be put back in at any time. I would expect an independent to do the same. That way, you can always go back.

Many people have a sort of bond with the scratches and dents, saying that it gives that watch "character". Some love it. Others don't.

[Jason71]

Btw, cost of service was pricey at ABC because I had to source a bracelet and a period correct bezel insert. I retained all original parts. It was TOTALLY worth the cost of service.

[diasurfer]

Thanks! I think it's beautiful too.

For sentimental reasons, I doubt I'll have any external parts replaced. I'm mainly just concerned with maintaining the inner workings in good condition, having read about oil drying out (controversial) and gaskets getting old. Hopefully I didn't have any parts replaced when it was worked on a few years ago. It probably would have cost a lot more if it had. I recall I spent $300-$400 and when I was younger and a lot poorer this seemed like a huge sum.

I'm seeing lots of good posts about Rikki through forum searches. From experience on other forums, I highly value the recommendations of a dedicated community. Very happy to have found this forum. I'll be giving him a call.

[diasurfer]

That's an amazing transformation Jason! Thanks for input. I'll check out ABC too, since I'll probably have to use mail either way.

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by diasurfer

That's an amazing transformation Jason! Thanks for input. I'll check out ABC too, since I'll probably have to use mail either way.

ABC might be able to insure it with parcel pro and send it fed-ex for a nominal fee. They were able to do that for me. I cannot stress enough what a good experience I had with ABC. I have also used Rik Dietel and Bob Ridley as well. I've had a good experience with them also.

There is NO WAY I would send that watch to the Rolex service center in the USA.

[diasurfer]

OK. I think all 3 of them will be on my list. Lots of good feedback for all of them. My mom lives in dallas area so it might work out to use Bob Ridley and skip the shipping all together.

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by diasurfer

OK. I think all 3 of them will be on my list. Lots of good feedback for all of them. My mom lives in dallas area so it might work out to use Bob Ridley and skip the shipping all together.

One other issue worth mentioning.......ABC will take a T39 service crystal and shave it down to look like the original superdome. I don't know it Bob or Rik offer this service.....they did NOT at the time of my last service with them. Personally, I would not put any other type of crystal on my 1665 besides this modified service crystal. Here is the pic of a regular T39 service crystal (on my 1680 white)



And a side view of the modified T39 service crystal on my 1665:

[diasurfer]

why should I replace the crystal? Just to preserve the original? I guess the same type of thinking would apply to the bracelet, no?

[DamageInc.77]

No I think the crystal should be replaced because it makes it harder to see the beautiful dial. You can always have the old crystal put back in if you wanted.

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by diasurfer

why should I replace the crystal? Just to preserve the original? I guess the same type of thinking would apply to the bracelet, no?

Vintage plastic will become brittle over time and will develop micro-cracks. If the dial becomes damaged, it could be quite difficult to source. Even If you have no plans to swim / dive with this watch, you need to protect the dial and hands. Environmental damage to a vintage watch concerning the dial, hands, and movement is a vintage watch's worst enemy.

Now, when it comes to the bracelet, I say have it repaired by Michael Young if necessary. Wear it all the time on the original bracelet though is my 2c

[Charliedog001]

Originally Posted by diasurfer

hi,
New member here. I own a "Great White" Sea-Dweller manufactured in 1978 based on the serial number. My dad bought it new in the Virgin Islands in 1980 and I remember this well (I was 11 years old). He died in 1990 and I've been wearing it fairly regularly ever since, although I don't dive/sail/surf with it, or wear it anywhere I think I could get robbed.

Everything about it is original, and I have the box and papers. But this is just back story, not a sales pitch. I have an idea of its value based on the classifieds, but it will be my 1-year-old son's one day, so zero interest in selling. There is no non-living thing on earth that means more to me than this watch. But I wear it because dad wouldn't have wanted me to keep it in a drawer.

That said, I should probably be ashamed of how I've treated it. In the 20+ years I've owned it, I've only had it serviced once, around 2001 or so, and I don't think it was certified service. It still keeps excellent time and looks good, so I just haven't thought much about it.

So my questions are, should I send it to Rolex for service? Or can you recommend someone in Miami that does good service (I assume this would be certified)? I'm financially comfortable but with 3 kids would rather not pay $1000 to get it worked on unless you guys really thought I should let Rolex do the work. Can you give me an idea of what it will cost?

Also, the bezel is missing the little jewel at 0. It's been gone for at least 10 years. Should I replace it? Would it hurt the value more to replace or leave off? Not that monetary value matters much, just wondering what you guys thought. I've attached a crummy picture I took a few minutes ago.

Any other advice you might have is welcome. Thanks!

No...I have only ever had one watch serviced in the 30 years Ive bern collecting for no other reason than I just never seem to get around to it...mine are 100% still. Not a recommendation but sharing.

[diasurfer]

Sending it out to Rik today. Haven't decided what I'm going to have him do other than maintenance on the workings.

[DamageInc.77]

Originally Posted by diasurfer

Sending it out to Rik today. Haven't decided what I'm going to have him do other than maintenance on the workings.

Great to hear you decided on a solution. I would still have the crystal replaced for legibility. You could always put the old crystal back in if you didn't like it.

I'm just glad that you found a way to keep your treasure ticking.

[joli160]

Good that you sent it to an independent
Nice piece, you now will have your heirloom for many more years to enjoy.

[diasurfer]

Thanks. When I talked to Rik, he is aware that some are buying the service crystal and grinding it down to a superdome. He expressed some interest in this doing himself (without my prompting). I'm undecided. I want him to have a close look at my current crystal and assess the condition. Given that I don't wear it in water anymore, I might delay this until next service time, which will be less than 10+ years. I feel like the bracelet may be the same ... have it cleaned now, and might let MY recondition it next time around. Or maybe I will.

[cht]

A replacement acrylic crystal is relatively cheap, all things considered.
I would def replace it, as mentioned, before, it is old and brittle. A ticking time bomb IMO, you don't want to risk it breaking and damaging the dial/hands.

I also STRONGLY disagree with the people saying to NOT to service it.

YES, service the watch.

It needs maintainence, just like your car.
There is oil on the moving parts, small amounts of wear lead to dust/particles inside and accelerate wear.
If you wait till it starts acting up, its likely going to cost you more than a standard service and also parts.

Just like your car, if you wait to change the oil till it starts "acting up" I gaurantee you will spend more than if you had just regularly serviced it.

I think a new crystal, service, cleaning and polish would make you fall in love with the watch all over again...
this I think would honor your dad and he would be proud you have taken care of it.

cheers...

[Tuffstang]

At the least take it to your local independent to open it up for inspection. Clean, oil and pressure test. Get those spring bars checked or replaced to secure it on your wrist. After that see if you want more done, if your happy with the customer service.

[bayerische]

Jason your 1665 is stunning!

To the OP, go the independent route. Rolex will suggest you change the dial, hands, insert... The watch will look like new, but it's value and history erased with it. You can of course deny the change, but as mentioned, you will be better off sending it to one of the watchmakers suggested above.

Good luck! A fine family heirloom to cherish for years.