1655 advice for restoration

[milov]

Hi all,

This is my first post on this forum...

So, I am now the owner of this 1655. It's second ever owner.

Sorry about the poor quality photo. But I'm not presenting it for sale. And I am 100% certain about its authenticity.

I am just after some advice in regards to the best way to restore it.

After 42 years of daily wear… it is more than a little beaten up. That said… it keeps very good time (losing about one second a day). The bracelet is a replacement (559B 78360). I'm not sure about the bezel. And there is some interesting asymmetrical fading on the GMT hand.

I was advised to take the watch to the Sydney Rolex service centre. And I was told that here I should expect about $5000 worth of repairs (new bracelet, bezel, crystal, and possible replacing the case).

I'm not concerned about saving money on the restoration… I'm more concerned about doing the right thing and making sure that this rare and very sentimental watch keeps running and looks good.

I'd be keen to hear some advice from this forum.

regards
m

[sleddog]

You have a fantastic piece Milov.

I'm no expert on vintage, but I do know that is one reference to hold onto, and most importantly, 'refresh' correctly!!

Others with more vintage experience will guide you in the right direction from here. I will just tell you to never let that dial or hands be replaced, even perhaps leave all battle scars on the case and do not allow a polish (certainly not a re-case), and try to hold as much originality as you can.
I don't think RSC Sydney is the right place for it either, but I can not recommend (to my knowledge), of any reputable repairer in AU.

Wait for some more replies before moving forward!

Welcome to TRF, and enjoy the website and it's many fantastic members!!

[fitzs]

Do not, do not, do not send that to Rolex for a refreshment. You'll tank its value. Do not "restore" it. Clean and lubricate the movement only. Do not do anything else.

[mike]

milov,

First welcone.

As I'm sure you know the value is enhanced by the straight seconds. Eariler model and most desirable. I assume the serial number matches the timeframe so my thought would be to seek the assistance of one of the noted watchmakers on the forum and let them service.

New crystal, crown, etc... service the movement and call it a day.

I might have a new bracelet and endlinks added, with the understanding you keep the originals. My reasoning is that worn endlinks can (and have ) worn the serial number down. Protect all you can and have the originals set back for whatever if come happens.

[eliwise]

ABC Watchwerks in Los Angeles is the only place I would trust with that piece.

I have to completely agree with the above:

-DO NOT SEND IT TO ROLEX.
-Service the movement and have done anything that needs doing.
-If the bracelet is too stretched for you, have it cleaned and put it in the safe. Pick up a vintage oyster bracelet for about $1k US along with end links and wear it with that.
-Replace the crystal.

Whatever you do, don't let anyone replace the dial or hands.

Best of luck and make sure to take pictures when you get it restored.

[Mark020]

Given the fact that OP lives in Sydney I wouldn't ship it to the US. However: I'm sure there are competent watchmakers around in Oz

[jdmi32]

Beautiful straight hand you've got. Bezel has likely been replaced as a MK I or II would be period correct. The bracelet could be sent to Michael Young for restoration at a fraction of the cost of a new replacement. The case looks strong to me and no reason to replace it unless there is damage not seen in the pictures. As stated by others, a movement service and new crystal is about all I'd have done to that watch.

[Xantiagib]

like others have said - do not do not do not do anything but a movement service.
Crystal replacement for a period correct one if you can find one.
and theres a guy in Japan who is a whizz at restoring bracelets.

[Jonnyred72]

As Above- Movement, new crystal and seals, breacelet to MY. Btw, nice watch.

[Daytona4130]

Originally Posted by jdmi32

Beautiful straight hand you've got. Bezel has likely been replaced as a MK I or II would be period correct. The bracelet could be sent to Michael Young for restoration at a fraction of the cost of a new replacement. The case looks strong to me and no reason to replace it unless there is damage not seen in the pictures. As stated by others, a movement service and new crystal is about all I'd have done to that watch.

This

[milov]

Thank you all for the advice. I've come to learn a lot in a short time about where to go with this watch.

I will take the watch to Melbourne early next year and have both the RSC and a local independent watchmaker look at it and give me advice for a new crystal, pressure test and movement service.

I will also keep my eyes open for a replacement period bracelet and bezel (though I expect that they might not be easy acquisitions).

But there are another couple of questions I would like to ask.

This watch has been worn daily for over 42 years and keeps very good time… with regular servicing will it continue to do so? Or is it reaching the end of its lifespan?

Also, I can't wear this watch daily (I work in construction). Should I keep it on an automatic winder or is it ok to let the spring wind down?

thanks

Milov

[Tools]

Originally Posted by milov

. . .
1. This watch has been worn daily for over 42 years and keeps very good time… with regular servicing will it continue to do so? Or is it reaching the end of its lifespan?

2. Also, I can't wear this watch daily (I work in construction). Should I keep it on an automatic winder or is it ok to let the spring wind down?

thanks

Milov

1. 42 years is still a young mechanical watch..

2. Up to you. A stopped watch, though, is incurring zero additional wear and tear.

[bdex75]

You have all the advice here that you need. Have the bracelet repaired by MY in HK or wear on a NATO or other strap option. As you state it is not the original anyhow, no harm in fixing.

Isn't the crystal on these a plastic crystal? May some of the bad scratches be able to be polished out??

Leave the case alone unless there is an issue with the WR.

Service the movement and probably a new crown/crown tube I would guess.

That is a beauty. You may hear it referred to as a Steve McQueen Rolex.


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[Toaster]

I just sent mine to abc in los angeles and chose to leave the externals alone, except what is required to pass pressure testing. I posted a similar thread a week or so about the same reference. Mine says hellouploadfromtaptalk1445887314446.jpg

Sent from my VS876 using Tapatalk

[Mark020]

Dont send it to an AD. They will destroy your watch

[strafer_kid]

Very nice find! Hope you are able to keep it as original as possible for the future - enjoy!