Rolex Sea Dweller '666' pitted case

[GeoGio Greece]

Originally Posted by T1MWV

Ah Ha!! I get it, thanks George!! :0)

You are welcome

Back to the SD. You have a good watch there. Try to take the proper steps as to service it, and focus on the target to make it operable for daily use. Do not run after the feet of depth. Are you ever going to go that deep ever ? 30 to 40 m is the most you will need unless you dive professionally.

Do not let them confuse you. Too much analysis, leads to paralysis.

[Cannop]

Originally Posted by T1MWV

Thank you all for your input, makes me feel a bit better about whats gone one. I need to try and find a specialist in the UK that might be able to have a look at how bad this supposed pitting really is. As far as Rolex go, i'm pretty disappointed the way they work and it refreshing to hear all of your views to back that up! Have I ruined it having the face and hands replaced?

Thanks again to you all

Tim

Unfortunately yes.

[T1MWV]

Actually, I might have ruined the old look thing, but I love the way it looks now and Im never likely to sell it so hey ho? Having not known too much about this before it went to Rolex, I was guided by them which I now know isn't something you should do if you want your watch to stay original. Tried uploading a pic but was unsuccessful.

[T1MWV]

[T1MWV]

[subtona]

[roro]

Originally Posted by T1MWV

There's nothing you could do to a Sea-Dweller to make it look bad. That watch looks smooth as silk! Sort-of like having an NOS vintage watch

I'm sure you have more peace of mind knowing that its 100% waterproof and functional.

Wear it in good health

[T1MWV]

Originally Posted by subtona

Subtona - Im feeling your disapproval!! SORRY!!!

[T1MWV]

Originally Posted by roro

There's nothing you could do to a Sea-Dweller to make it look bad. That watch looks smooth as silk! Sort-of like having an NOS vintage watch

I'm sure you have more peace of mind knowing that its 100% waterproof and functional.

Wear it in good health

Thanks Roro, I'm really pleased with it

[subtona]

Originally Posted by T1MWV

Subtona - Im feeling your disapproval!! SORRY!!!

sorry, your watch looks great

im not over the time RSC did it to me, AND those horror stories you hear every now and then when they alter the truly vintage stuff... gives me chills.

there is a thread here about a AD swapping out a highly collectable dial.... customer didn't know any better.... he got a quick education here and with some serious nail biting aside, he eventually reacquired his original parts from the AD.

it would just be appreciated if RSC would explain or hand out a pamphlet to educate and allow for an informed decision, before they alter an original watch.


best of luck with your improved watch and enjoy the functioning lume
as long as shes seeing wrist time, its all good!

[Rikki]

Well first of all if your watchmaker has a Rolex parts account the crystal is available I stock 1/2 a dozen myself so it shouldn't have had to go where it went. Stainless steel does pit and rust but rarely on that part of the watch usually on the case back and where the gasket seats on the case. The case itself if it has to be replaced should be less than 1 thousand dollars. Rikki

[Dr.Brian]

Originally Posted by T1MWV

You have a very good point thinking about it....

I'm sure the corrosion that they are referring to is pitting where the glass meets the case and/or at the gasket. That's external corrosion, and would explain why it was not detected by your guy and why they refuse to pressure test it. It may pass today, but the pitting precludes them giving it a 2 year warranty. I wouldn't sweat it. But, I wouldn't take it back into the ocean or pool either.

[T1MWV]

Originally Posted by Rikki

Well first of all if your watchmaker has a Rolex parts account the crystal is available I stock 1/2 a dozen myself so it shouldn't have had to go where it went. Stainless steel does pit and rust but rarely on that part of the watch usually on the case back and where the gasket seats on the case. The case itself if it has to be replaced should be less than 1 thousand dollars. Rikki

Hi Rikki, thanks for your message. Im not sure if things are different over here in the UK but Rolex wont supply the Crystal's for the Sea Dweller, its something they will only do in house. Tim

[T1MWV]

Originally Posted by Dr.Brian

I'm sure the corrosion that they are referring to is pitting where the glass meets the case and/or at the gasket. That's external corrosion, and would explain why it was not detected by your guy and why they refuse to pressure test it. It may pass today, but the pitting precludes them giving it a 2 year warranty. I wouldn't sweat it. But, I wouldn't take it back into the ocean or pool either.

Hi Brian, thats exactly what it is. It still surprises me that this should occur.. I have a boat which lives in salt water, with stainless fitments, there isnt one bit of pitting on that!! I just dont find it acceptable.

The first thing i did when I got it back from Rolex was to have it pressure tested. The 2nd thing I did was go for a nice swim!!

[roro]

Hi T1MWV,

Concerning pitting, I think it also has to do with perspiration/dirt from wearing a watch and not just water.

Just curious, did they replace the date wheel or does it have its original "open sixes and nines" date wheel?

Kayvan

[T1MWV]

Originally Posted by roro

Hi T1MWV,

Concerning pitting, I think it also has to do with perspiration/dirt from wearing a watch and not just water.

Just curious, did they replace the date wheel or does it have its original "open sixes and nines" date wheel?

Kayvan

Hi Kayvan, no they didnt replace the date wheel so still has the open numbers.

They say the pitting was down to moisture sitting behind the seal. What ever!! ??

Tim

[GeorgeK]

So if I get it right, They took the valuable original dial, hands, and wanted to take your case with the rare triple 6 reference. Then they charged you how much for all that?
Congratulations, you've been raped.

That said they are getting sloppy for forgetting your open six date wheel. They did not forget that on my 16800...

[T1MWV]

Originally Posted by GeorgeK

So if I get it right, They took the valuable original dial, hands, and wanted to take your case with the rare triple 6 reference. Then they charged you how much for all that?
Congratulations, you've been raped.

That said they are getting sloppy for forgetting your open six date wheel. They did not forget that on my 16800...

Hi George, without the case they charged £1280 inc the service and they want £3030 for the case!!

Well and truly done!!!!!

[drtooth73]

Thank you for posting this.

[subtona]

Originally Posted by Rikki

Well first of all if your watchmaker has a Rolex parts account the crystal is available I stock 1/2 a dozen myself so it shouldn't have had to go where it went. ... The case itself if it has to be replaced should be less than 1 thousand dollars. Rikki

fyi:
i just got a New "case frame" for a submariner, i can assure you it was well over 1 thousand dollars.... as the OP said, closer to 3 thousand dollars.

[T1MWV]

The insurance company have opened the claim again which is positive in a way however im stuck between a rock and a hard place. If they pay out I get a watch thats going to be waterproof but I lose the 16660 case if they dont pay out, i retain the original case but Rolex dont deem it to be waterproof??? Which one devalues the watch more?? If i ever came to sell it surely anyone would be put off if Rolex black mark it with their 'Dustproof' comment even though its pressure tested to 656 feet? Any of your thoughts would be valued please.

[roro]

Definitely try to keep the original case if you are ever planning to sell the watch. A 666 with a service dial and hands is one thing (less desirable for a collector but sellable nonetheless) and a Rolex with a service case is another (much more difficult to sell without a significant discount). Save all the service receipts in either event!

[T1MWV]

Originally Posted by roro

Definitely try to keep the original case if you are ever planning to sell the watch. A 666 with a service dial and hands is one thing (less desirable for a collector but sellable nonetheless) and a Rolex with a service case is another (much more difficult to sell without a significant discount). Save all the service receipts in either event!

Thanks Roro, so do you think it would be worth more with old case and without Rolex Waterproof certification then?

Tim

[zeuloa]

Originally Posted by T1MWV

Thanks Roro, so do you think it would be worth more with old case and without Rolex Waterproof certification then?

Tim

With all due respect to everyones opinion on this matter, it seems ridiculous to me to have a SD that is not water proof and is pitting away!

Although a beautiful classic, this is not an extremely rare piece that shouldn't be touched - in my opinion if the insurance will pay for a new case from Rolex get it, enjoy the watch, and service it only with Rolex from here on. Even with this you will be able to sell the watch should you need to for way more than you purchased for.

[roro]

Originally Posted by zeuloa

With all due respect to everyones opinion on this matter, it seems ridiculous to me to have a SD that is not water proof and is pitting away!

Although a beautiful classic, this is not an extremely rare piece that shouldn't be touched - in my opinion if the insurance will pay for a new case from Rolex get it, enjoy the watch, and service it only with Rolex from here on. Even with this you will be able to sell the watch should you need to for way more than you purchased for.

Not sure I argree with the last part of what's been said but everyone is entitled to their opinion. A 666 is one of the rarest Rolex references that exist.

My advice is to get the new case if you want to keep the watch and use it for diving/swimming and are not planning on selling it. Keep the old case if you want to sell the watch eventually in the not so distant future.

[zeuloa]

Originally Posted by roro

Not sure I argree with the last part of what's been said but everyone is entitled to their opinion. A 666 is one of the rarest Rolex references that exist.

My advice is to get the new case if you want to keep the watch and use it for diving/swimming and are not planning on selling it. Keep the old case if you want to sell the watch eventually in the not so distant future.

I agree, it is a desired watch, but in my opinion not extremely rare (I just googled 16660 and 3 popped up for sale on the first page!). Not sure how much of a premium it would fetch with a pitted case over a service case. If it was a COMEX maybe, but this is not the case (no pun intended). He already replaced dial and hands - I would move forward with case and enjoy the watch which now has a rich Rolex history.

Either way it's a great watch!

[T1MWV]

Right!!!! The insurance company have eventually agreed to pay out which I am chuffed to bits about. It sounds like they will stamp the case as a 16660 which is great however the serial numbers going to be different to the original so what are your thoughts around that. The bonus is the insurance payout amount is also going to include service costs, face, glass, Clasp and glass on top of the £3035 case!

[Mickey®]

Originally Posted by T1MWV

Right!!!! The insurance company have eventually agreed to pay out which I am chuffed to bits about. It sounds like they will stamp the case as a 16660 which is great however the serial numbers going to be different to the original so what are your thoughts around that. The bonus is the insurance payout amount is also going to include service costs, face, glass, Clasp and glass on top of the £3035 case!

What is the actual "claim" you placed with insurance company? So confused by that

[edouble141]

in 1982-1984 Rolex used a different type of alloy mixed in with the steel cases of their watches. The result is that you get that swiss cheese, pin hole pitting in the case on the watches from those years. For some reason mostly the sea dwellers.

As crazy as I sounds, Rolex Service centers lie, as do most authorized manufactures repair centers. I have seen a dozen people get told that their case would not be air tight or guaranteed air tight but, when they put it on the pressure machine it is as tight as a drum and passes. Never seen one fail due to a pitted case ever. Some other reasons and it can fail but, change a gasket or crank another 1/2 turn on the case back and it passes. Not water tight it complete BS.

They know full well what they are doing when they take those rare dials, inserts, hands and bracelets and replace them with new. They act like they are doing you a favor but, what they are doing is removing a certain amount of vintage from the marketplace on a regular basis. Helps drive up the cost of vintage and parts but, you get a 3,000 bill and a watch worth 3,000 less so you just lost 6,000 servicing it there.

I would never, ever bring a Rolex to RSC for about 10 different reasons.

[zeuloa]

Originally Posted by T1MWV

Right!!!! The insurance company have eventually agreed to pay out which I am chuffed to bits about. It sounds like they will stamp the case as a 16660 which is great however the serial numbers going to be different to the original so what are your thoughts around that. The bonus is the insurance payout amount is also going to include service costs, face, glass, Clasp and glass on top of the £3035 case!

Sounds like a no brainer to me - go for it!