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prolle · 15 February 2017, 02:15 PM

I am stuck with a Rolex SeaDweller 1665 "Great White" which has a bark finish and Gold Crown. RSC will not service it due to the bark finish and gold crown. It has been serviced in the last 3 years but I never wear it because of the bark finish. I may want to sell it or find a way to get it back to stock.

U5512 · 15 February 2017, 03:15 PM

If you sell it for cheap...I will buy it!

I am guessing laser welding and then refinish the case should bring it back to stock configuration. If you refinish the case without laser welding, then too much metal is removed from the case.

The gold crown is an easy fix.

nfranco · 15 February 2017, 04:08 PM

Los Angeles Watch Works has dealt with this before.
http://lawatchworks.com

yannis · 15 February 2017, 04:24 PM

A new crown and refinish back to normal in a place like LA Watch Works above and you are done.

prolle · 16 February 2017, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nfranco

Los Angeles Watch Works has dealt with this before.
http://lawatchworks.com

I never knew this was possible I have been to 4 different watch shops in the Northwest and they all said it could not be done.

watchlovr · 17 February 2017, 08:51 AM

I suspect the bracelet may be beyond economical repair though.

Wesley Crusher · 17 February 2017, 09:24 AM

Wow. I've seen it all now.

mattedialdoc · 17 February 2017, 11:42 AM

In all seriousness, can someone please explain why anyone would put a bark finish on watch? I am very open minded...but that is the most hideous look I have ever seen.

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Boaters · 17 February 2017, 12:05 PM

^ You and me both!

terryuk · 17 February 2017, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattedialdoc

In all seriousness, can someone please explain why anyone would put a bark finish on watch? I am very open minded...but that is the most hideous look I have ever seen.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I agree it's horrible, but the 'bark finish' on jewellery is one of the 'standard' and most used texturing procedures.
The idea is, you must fill up any expanse of plain metal surface with some texture or another...
In the UK, untold millions of wedding rings, signet rings, bracelets etc., have been sold with this type of finish.
There's no accounting for taste... some people even buy WHITE GOLD! :-)

prolle · 17 February 2017, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattedialdoc

In all seriousness, can someone please explain why anyone would put a bark finish on watch? I am very open minded...but that is the most hideous look I have ever seen.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I am the owner and I am not a fan of the bark finish either, I have vintage Omega SpeedMaster MarkIII with the same problem.

mattedialdoc · 17 February 2017, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prolle

I am the owner and I am not a fan of the bark finish either, I have vintage Omega SpeedMaster MarkIII with the same problem.

I know Alex(ABC) or Beau(LAWW) can restore it for you. It can be beautiful again!

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prolle · 17 February 2017, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattedialdoc

I know Alex(ABC) or Beau(LAWW) can restore it for you. It can be beautiful again!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thank you for the comment, I called LAWW today and I sent them some pics and they gave me estimate just based on the pics. The price seemed reasonable as well. The Bracelet is done though so I might get a really nice leather strap or try my best to source a bracelet

JimSnyder · 17 February 2017, 10:38 PM

John Bull Jewelers in the Bahamas are known for these. I passed on a Air King at a local watch shop with the same finish this year. They wanted $1,400.00 for it.

prolle · 17 February 2017, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimSnyder

John Bull Jewelers in the Bahamas are known for these. I passed on a Air King at a local watch shop with the same finish this year. They wanted $1,400.00 for it.

I'm Originally from Nassau Bahamas and this watch was purchased at John Bull in the 1980's and the bark finish was applied a few years later after purchase.

MattCH · 17 February 2017, 11:26 PM

Case is and easy fix. Bracelet is not worth to repair. Here we have the right place but is a little too far...

motoikkyu · 17 February 2017, 11:34 PM

I'm old enough to remember when "gold nugget" watches with integrated gold bracelets were all the rage in the 1970s. I was happy when that craze died: it's hard to imagine a more expensive item that invariably made the wearer look cheap, like he'd just stepped out of a casino for a donut and whiskey run.

prolle · 18 February 2017, 04:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by motoikkyu

I'm old enough to remember when "gold nugget" watches with integrated gold bracelets were all the rage in the 1970s. I was happy when that craze died: it's hard to imagine a more expensive item that invariably made the wearer look cheap, like he'd just stepped out of a casino for a donut and whiskey run.

I have to say that was pretty funny

prolle · 11 March 2017, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattedialdoc

I know Alex(ABC) or Beau(LAWW) can restore it for you. It can be beautiful again!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The 1665 is at LAWW, will post pics of the before and after

Stuntpilot · 12 March 2017, 03:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattedialdoc

In all seriousness, can someone please explain why anyone would put a bark finish on watch? I am very open minded...but that is the most hideous look I have ever seen.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I am thinking a 1980's Corvette with targa roof removed, gold chains, chest hair....well, you get the point.

LAWW will fix it up. Nice 1665

prolle · 14 March 2017, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stuntpilot

I am thinking a 1980's Corvette with targa roof removed, gold chains, chest hair....well, you get the point.

LAWW will fix it up. Nice 1665

Close, my dad had a 1986 308 GTS no gold chains just the 1665 and a 18038.

I am looking forward to seeing what LAWW will do with. I sent them a vintage bracelet as well 93150. I will update post with pics as soon as I can

southtexas · 14 March 2017, 03:18 PM

I tried on a sand blasted 1680 (red era with white dial) recently. It looked very cool in its own right, but of course it just seemed "wrong". I believe it was bought by a known dealer on the west coast, who had it returned to its original glory (not sure who did it). As to why someone would do this, I guess different strokes for different folks.

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Robbyvm · 14 March 2017, 11:56 PM

how to rape a vintage beauty....

prolle · 15 March 2017, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robbyvm

how to rape a vintage beauty....

I know its sad, LAWW told me they will do the best they can to restore it back to its Glory. I purchased a vintage 93150 bracelet and had it verified for authenticity and I have original 585 end links so its coming along. LAWW is a little backed up at the moment but I was told that when the case was finished they would email me a photo

nolaclarky · 17 March 2017, 05:01 AM

Did John Bull apply the bark finish? John Bull is a fine shop(s) run by a fine family in Nassau.

brockburst · 17 March 2017, 05:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prolle

I know its sad, LAWW told me they will do the best they can to restore it back to its Glory. I purchased a vintage 93150 bracelet and had it verified for authenticity and I have original 585 end links so its coming along. LAWW is a little backed up at the moment but I was told that when the case was finished they would email me a photo

What do they charge for that?

JustinK · 17 March 2017, 05:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nolaclarky

Did John Bull apply the bark finish? John Bull is a fine shop(s) run by a fine family in Nassau.

I bought a GMT there minus the bark.

prolle · 17 March 2017, 02:26 PM

1

prolle · 17 March 2017, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brockburst

What do they charge for that?

I have not received a final bill, when I do I will break down the cost for the work done and share with the group.

prolle · 17 March 2017, 02:40 PM

John Bull Did not apply the bark finish it was done by a well known jeweler and former Rolex Certified watchmaker in Nassau.

15 February 2017, 04:24 PM	#4
yannis "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Real Name: Yannis Location: Europe Watch: maniac Posts: 9,070	A new crown and refinish back to normal in a place like LA Watch Works above and you are done. __________________ Rolex Submariner 116610LV \| Tudor 79220N DSSD MEMBERS - OWNERS CLUB

17 February 2017, 10:38 PM	#14
JimSnyder "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Real Name: Jim Snyder Location: Ohio Watch: Ask me later..... Posts: 7,722	John Bull Jewelers in the Bahamas are known for these. I passed on a Air King at a local watch shop with the same finish this year. They wanted $1,400.00 for it. __________________ "You ain't lived, 'til you've had your tires rotated by a red-headed women."

17 February 2017, 11:26 PM	#16
MattCH "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: EU Watch: PP/ROLEX Posts: 165	Case is and easy fix. Bracelet is not worth to repair. Here we have the right place but is a little too far... __________________

17 February 2017, 11:34 PM	#17
motoikkyu 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: PRJ Posts: 1,732	I'm old enough to remember when "gold nugget" watches with integrated gold bracelets were all the rage in the 1970s. I was happy when that craze died: it's hard to imagine a more expensive item that invariably made the wearer look cheap, like he'd just stepped out of a casino for a donut and whiskey run. __________________ "Do you like Breitling?" "I don't know, really, I've never been Breitled"

14 March 2017, 03:18 PM	#22
southtexas 2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Great State of TX Posts: 5,761	Rolex Seadweller 1665 I tried on a sand blasted 1680 (red era with white dial) recently. It looked very cool in its own right, but of course it just seemed "wrong". I believe it was bought by a known dealer on the west coast, who had it returned to its original glory (not sure who did it). As to why someone would do this, I guess different strokes for different folks. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ Forty six & 2 are just ahead of me. Follow me on Instagram @ccrolex

15 February 2017, 04:08 PM	#3
nfranco "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: socal Posts: 48	Los Angeles Watch Works has dealt with this before. http://lawatchworks.com

17 February 2017, 08:51 AM	#6
watchlovr "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: UK Posts: 253	I suspect the bracelet may be beyond economical repair though.

17 February 2017, 09:24 AM	#7
Wesley Crusher "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Real Name: Wes Location: Holosuite Posts: 6,345	Wow. I've seen it all now.

17 February 2017, 11:42 AM	#8
mattedialdoc "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,002	In all seriousness, can someone please explain why anyone would put a bark finish on watch? I am very open minded...but that is the most hideous look I have ever seen. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

17 February 2017, 12:05 PM	#9
Boaters 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2015 Real Name: Mike Location: Pacific Northwest Watch: 116610LV 16710 SD Posts: 10,653	^ You and me both!

14 March 2017, 11:56 PM	#23
Robbyvm "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Belgium Posts: 2,239	how to rape a vintage beauty.... __________________ Instagram : robbyvm Pinterest : robbyvanmele

17 March 2017, 05:01 AM	#25
nolaclarky "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: new orleans Posts: 266	Did John Bull apply the bark finish? John Bull is a fine shop(s) run by a fine family in Nassau.

17 March 2017, 02:26 PM	#28
prolle "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: The Bahamas Watch: Sea Dweller 1665 Posts: 52	1

17 March 2017, 02:40 PM	#30
prolle "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: The Bahamas Watch: Sea Dweller 1665 Posts: 52	John Bull Did not apply the bark finish it was done by a well known jeweler and former Rolex Certified watchmaker in Nassau.

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