Rolex GMT Master 1675 Service/bracelet/hands

[charlesbr]

I have recently inherited from my late father a gorgeous Rolex GMT Master 1675 made around the late 1960's. As it had not been serviced in the last 15-20 years I sent it off to Rolex to get serviced. They said the following need to be done:
Complete service £835
Rebush case lugs £75
Bracelet £800 (very warn and close to falling apart)
Hands £105 (tritium has flaked off which I have seen myself)

After doing lots of reading up I have asked Rolex to send the watch back and I am going to another place that specialises in Rolex servicing (Watchcollectors based in Bond Street - London). The reason for this is because I don't want the RSC to make the watch look like new and keep it vintage as much as possible.

Is there anything that can done to prevent more tritium from flaking off? I fully intend to keep the original hands on.

I also want to repin the bracelet but was warned this could devalue the watch but as I want to wear it regularly I think repining could be one area I will perhaps have to compromise. Will the watch get devalued much?

I also will get the glass polished up a little but would prefer a "wear effect" still left on it. If the crown needs replacing I think I will get that replaced as well so the watch keeps its integrity and waterproofness.

Any advice or opinion would be useful.

Thanks in advance.

[Tools]

The hands can be stabilized and filled to be like new, but without the tritium. They would be considered repaired.

Same with the bracelet, it can be refurbished.

These things are considered repairs and do not generally "devalue" a watch if done properly. A trashed bracelet and an unwearable disintegrating dial or hands is not really a desirable trait.

If you had a very rare, high dollar, collectors piece you may not want to do anything but clean it - but these types of watches are not wearable.

[charlesbr]

Thanks Tools. Plenty to think about as I don't want to adversely affect the value but if I am going to wear it needs work doing to the bracelet for sure.

Some real horror stories of very nice vintage watches that have dials, hands and polish done that effectively change the watch significantly.

Is it common to re-pin a rolex bracelet with a watch like mine?

What can they do to stabilize the tritium on the hands?

I will be getting it valued for insurance purposes.

[Tools]

There are a few good shops in the UK that could give you a professional opinion on what to do and not do to your GMT, and even recommend proper craftsmen.

Check here in the Vintage area for these folks and seek them out.

[TimeLord2]

Here, check out the section on Rolex bracelet repair. https://www.rolliworks.com/ Not sure what's available across the pond for refurbishment. this one is located in Campbell, California, near San Fran. Good luck, and I think I am not alone in saying we would all love to see your treasure.

[lee fowler]

Hi Charles I have dropped you a PM as I am around that area.

Lee

[charlesbr]

Thanks all for the advice, pointers and offers of help. I am going to take this slowly and do more research as it is important any work done is from properly accredited people given the importance of owning such a fine watch.

[lee fowler]

If you need any advice please get in touch.

Lee

[Styles Bitchley]

If you're going to wear it regularly, you may want to lean towards a modern (but correct) bracelet and keep the old one tucked away.

[charlesbr]

Styles - yes that thought has crossed my mind and it is an option I will consider. Rolex did suggest that but to have a new strap with a vintage case may look not quite right but having said that it probably wouldn't be that noticeable.

[Paul]

I haven't heard of this before. Would be interesting to see how they do it, fill and drill the holes again perhaps but the terminology used here suggests some type of drill and sleeve arrangement ?

Unless the lug holes are extremely slogged out I might have thought that well fitting endlinks and correct Rolex style spring-bars woyld usually be all that's needed for a safe, effective bracelet fit.

A nice measure though If Rolex can restore the lug holes to original spec. without compromising anything else.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Paul

I haven't heard of this before. Would be interesting to see how they do it, fill and drill the holes again perhaps but the terminology used here suggests some type of drill and sleeve arrangement ?

. . .

Drilling the hole out, pressing in a core, then redrilling and detail finishing is a well-known process in metal work. Laser welding gets a lot of air-time now days, but it would take a very skilled welder to be able to properly fill the entire lug hole.

[charlesbr]

Originally Posted by Tools

Drilling the hole out, pressing in a core, then redrilling and detail finishing is a well-known process in metal work. Laser welding gets a lot of air-time now days, but it would take a very skilled welder to be able to properly fill the entire lug hole.

Apart form Rolex doing re-bushing should a competent watchmaker be able to do it as well?

[charlesbr]

With a stretched worn oyster bracelet does re-pinning it devalue it in anyway? I understand that having a non-stretched bracelet means that it takes away some of the vintage look.