Flooded GMT Master II

[Seibei]

Originally Posted by fsprow

Suggest;
- Sell the watch for parts. Many parts , the case for example, should be fine. Get perhaps 2-3
K$.

- Purchase a slightly used watch from a trusted seller or elsewhere.

- Swear off wearing watches in hot tubs.

If you ask me that is probably the worst advice yet. He would be better off getting the watch serviced and then sell it.

To people who think the price is high, it seems like everything apart from the case is being replaced and he is paying much less than he would be for a new watch off an assembly line. You must then think that the new price is way too high, but wait a minute. People are actually willing to pay way more than that! I think the OP should do this properly. The OP has enjoyed the watch for many years. The time has come to give it some love back. Nothing wrong with that.

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by brandrea

It would be interesting to hear from one of our watch experts on cause and potential costs but that sounds high.

I was under the impression that the watch is still water proof when the crown if unscrewed ... or is that just the trip-lock divers?

Regardless, maybe Bas will see will see this and advise.

Good luck

Well on fresh gaskets yes, but if they're older than 5 years I wouldn't trust going into a jacuzzi with the crown open on a non-triplock.

Price sounds right though, new movement+ dial and hands is not cheap. And if it is truly rusted then no independent can try and salvage it.

I know a lot of people are against a complete movement exchange, but they do not know the pain to try and salvage a water wrecked movement, not worth the effort.

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by rolexinfl

1) the watch should still be waterproof with the crown out

2) thats a REDICULOUS quote and should never be obliged

3) find out WHY it's that much and also take it to an independent watch service store and get a quote

1, no, the gaskets are most likely 10+ years old...
2, no, it is a complete new movement. Did you expect to sell them for peanuts?
3, Any watchmaker who wants to earn a living and wants to keep his sanity will avoid a job like this.
When it is thoroughly rusted there is no point in trying to save it, it is nearly impossible and a complete waste of time.

[Johnnie K]

Originally Posted by othertbone

I'd find a local expert watchmaker who works on Rolex. Rolex is not hard to work on, you will get better service and a much cheaper price. Oh and keep the bracelet, I'm sure they would LOVE to sell you a new one, thats silly.

I totally agree. A local expert watchmaker will do just fine. The RSC would have you build a new watch from the ground.

[nickrb]

3186 five digits GMTs sell for a lot more than $6500

[Uhtred59]

I wouldn’t argue with Bas.

[jedy617]

Get a second opinion from a trusted independent watchmaker near you.

[mmaggi]

Goto a local watchmaker for a 2nd opinion. They should be able to get all internal parts. A watchmaker here in the states told me he can get any Rolex internal part. He can't get external parts.

[jvb.nc]

Originally Posted by Uhtred59

I wouldn’t argue with Bas.

this

[Seibei]

Bas has spoken.

[fskywalker]

You may do better with an independent watchmen, think Rik Dietel (member here, Time Care in Seminole, Florida) has made such jobs and have been able to salvage some portions of the movement

[Seibei]

Originally Posted by fskywalker

You may do better with an independent watchmen, think Rik Dietel (member here, Time Care in Seminole, Florida) has made such jobs and have been able to salvage some portions of the movement

Yes, that will really make the OP's day...

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by mmaggi

Goto a local watchmaker for a 2nd opinion. They should be able to get all internal parts. A watchmaker here in the states told me he can get any Rolex internal part. He can't get external parts.

Up until the point where everything is rusted shut on the main plate, which can only be obtained through HQ Geneva, on exchange base...

I'd gladly watch a local watchmaker take this on, while I'll have some popcorn in the meantime.

[SearChart]

For reference, this is what it looks like when it is flooded.

Screws will al be rusted shut, studs are rusted. Rust is the ultimate loctite... Honestly, I've tried salvaging movements like this, tried it several times.

[SearChart]

Another one for fun.

This was of course because of the aftermarket diamonds... But you get the idea.

[kieselguhr]

Originally Posted by SearChart

Another one for fun.

This was of course because of the aftermarket diamonds... But you get the idea.

How did the aftermarket diamonds compromise the water resistance Bas?

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by nickrb

3186 five digits GMTs sell for a lot more than $6500

Precisely.
And Bas has given a very good insight into how the OP ought to seriously consider going forward.

[Seibei]

Originally Posted by SearChart

For reference, this is what it looks like when it is flooded.

Screws will al be rusted shut, studs are rusted. Rust is the ultimate loctite... Honestly, I've tried salvaging movements like this, tried it several times.

Thanks for injecting a dose of sanity. I still think the OP should be delighted to be offered what essentially is a brand new watch, far below MSRP of a new one.

I also think he should be careful about cutting corners. That may lead to expensive problems later. Do it once and do it right is my advice.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by SearChart

For reference, this is what it looks like when it is flooded.

Screws will al be rusted shut, studs are rusted. Rust is the ultimate loctite... Honestly, I've tried salvaging movements like this, tried it several times.

Just for the fun of it and experience

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by kieselguhr

How did the aftermarket diamonds compromise the water resistance Bas?

They drilled through the case

[drgoro]

Came in expecting a GMT blinded w diamonds, realized OP was being literal.

[uncleluck]

How old is the watch and when was it last re-sealed?

I think people need referring to threads like this when you get the “you don’t need to service them until something goes wrong, modern seals last decades”

Fact is (if it was the crown) the watch would have remained water tight if the seals were fresh.

[scruffydoo]

"I still think the OP should be delighted to be offered what essentially is a brand new watch, far below MSRP of a new one."

Dunno why people keep banging this drum, the watch wasn't free in the first place and no I'm not delighted at a random big bill to return it back to working order for something as innocuous as going swimming, but while I would concede the service interval should be adhered to where possible... this is the real world, if your a busy guy then finding time to get your seals checked every year is about as possible as an annual prostate check.

Interestingly, in my day subs were issued kit for specialist units based on being able to do anything with them anywhere in the world, yet I'm now told you can't take one in a shower and I just got lucky that it hadn't happened before.

I'm also advised independently that keeping as many of the original parts (damaged or not) retains more value as does not polishing out the wear marks. I think I'll get a some pricing from independents and RSC's on my travels and report back... as a comparable heads up for others who will no doubt have this problem, particularly if you wear your watch daily as I do. I know I'd definitely be happier keeping it on and risking a leak than taking it off for every wash/shower/swim and risk losing it.

Keep ya posted

[scooba]

Would you sell the watch as it sits right now ?

[uncleluck]

Originally Posted by scruffydoo

"I still think the OP should be delighted to be offered what essentially is a brand new watch, far below MSRP of a new one."

Dunno why people keep banging this drum, the watch wasn't free in the first place and no I'm not delighted at a random big bill to return it back to working order for something as innocuous as going swimming, but while I would concede the service interval should be adhered to where possible... this is the real world, if your a busy guy then finding time to get your seals checked every year is about as possible as an annual prostate check.

Interestingly, in my day subs were issued kit for specialist units based on being able to do anything with them anywhere in the world, yet I'm now told you can't take one in a shower and I just got lucky that it hadn't happened before

First bit I’ve highlighted I agree.

Second bit, well I guess it depends when you last had it serviced? If it was recently then I sympathise but how long ago it was done really has a bearing on context for your views on how robust it should be.

[scruffydoo]

If it was recently then I sympathise but how long ago it was done really has a bearing on context for your views on how robust it should be.

It has never been serviced, not due to lazyness or unwillingness, more due to lack of knowledge. I have a long history with Rolex, they have always performed perfectly and look great, they are the world's best watch for the adventurous guy no? I always just assumed they were fully waterproof or at least splash proof and the servicing was just a check up to fix any minor faults etc.

Obviously I have to suck up this expensive lesson and change my opinion of how I think the world's best watch should perform.

[joli160]

It’s a pity this happened and would bugger me. I would have lost my joy in owning it and a new engine would not do it for me.
Scrap the thing and buy a 6 digit

[KeithP]

Originally Posted by scruffydoo

"I still think the OP should be delighted to be offered what essentially is a brand new watch, far below MSRP of a new one."

Dunno why people keep banging this drum, the watch wasn't free in the first place and no I'm not delighted at a random big bill to return it back to working order for something as innocuous as going swimming, but while I would concede the service interval should be adhered to where possible... this is the real world, if your a busy guy then finding time to get your seals checked every year is about as possible as an annual prostate check.

Interestingly, in my day subs were issued kit for specialist units based on being able to do anything with them anywhere in the world, yet I'm now told you can't take one in a shower and I just got lucky that it hadn't happened before.

I'm also advised independently that keeping as many of the original parts (damaged or not) retains more value as does not polishing out the wear marks. I think I'll get a some pricing from independents and RSC's on my travels and report back... as a comparable heads up for others who will no doubt have this problem, particularly if you wear your watch daily as I do. I know I'd definitely be happier keeping it on and risking a leak than taking it off for every wash/shower/swim and risk losing it.

Keep ya posted

People are banging this drum as that’s how the watch will be brought back to life. These people didn’t leave the crown unscrewed on your 5 digit Rolex and submerge it in 100 degree F water, you did. We all learn expensive lessons sometimes.
I think folks are trying to help. I hope you find satisfaction w an independent, it’s a real bummer.

[Dirt]

If you're determined to go with an independent watchmaker then I highly recommend Max Schweitzer. Though he may not want to take it on.
You will certainly get the best result overall and long term with the RSC option though.

[Dirt]

If you're determined to go with an independent watchmaker then I highly recommend Max Schweitzer. Though he may not want to take it on.
You will certainly get the best result overall and long term with the RSC option though.