Vintage Seadweller - Rail Dial?

[DBakes]

Hello,
Just signed up, and looking for advice/confirmation on a Rolex I've recently inherited.

I believe it's a 77 Seadweller Rail Dial? I also believe it's due a service but I'd like to know the best way to go about it. Is there is anything to be aware of when having it serviced? From what I've read here I can request the dials/hands etc remain untouched, is this correct?

https://imgur.com/gallery/WUIvs

Many thanks.

[datejust24]

It does look to be a nice example from the not so super clear pics....looks like a service insert I believe, could be wrong but other than that it's solid .. congrats she's a beauty

[crowncollection]

yep

[Haywood_Milton]

This appears to be correct, yes. Were you even luckier - did it come with any papers, box or accessories? If there is diving history related to your benefactor, many here would usually be most interested to read that, too. Back in the 1970s a Sea-Dweller was a specialist watch and many were bought by those who needed them professionally.

Do you happen to know the seven-digit case number, at the six o'clock end of the watch? This requires that the bracelet be removed, a simple task if you know how but perhaps best not attempted if it is an unfamiliar one.

If you'd like it serviced by Rolex themselves, you can save a lot by sending it directly to Rolex UK rather than through a main agent, who will apply a mark-up. I'm based in North West England and can help you do so if you wish. Yes, if you specify clearly enough what you wish not to be touched, they usually follow instructions.

I am sorry for the circumstances in which you acquired it...but congratulations on your good fortune that your benefactor chose so well!

Haywood M

[DBakes]

Thank you all for your responses, a very friendly forum this seems to be.

I'll attempt to attach more photos, how can you tell that it is a service dial? I have also considered insurance although the value isn't really important as the watch is irreplaceable to me.

I inherited from my grandfather who recently passed, he would always say "This will be yours one day" but you never pay much attention growing up. He dived a lot in the 60's and 70's with his brother-in-law, salvaging old wrecks I believe. He never took the watch off according to my dad, and I never recall seeing him without it. There may be papers but they are yet to be found. We do have a service receipt from 2004, I think.

The crystal is pretty beaten up, is this easy to remedy?

Many Thanks again. @Haywood_Milton I would appreciate your assistance to get it serviced when the time is right

Failed to add the pictures, I'll just link the gallery here and read up a bit more later - http://imgur.com/a/lDqjC

[Haywood_Milton]

It is the bezel insert --- the black ring (painted aluminium) running around the edge of the glass --- which appears to be a service replacement part. The dial appears to be original, which is far more important.

The story of your grandfather is exactly what we might have hoped....and just perfect for this watch at that time. Many will agree this is a lovely story and exactly the sort of provenance that we all enjoy reading about.

Which part of Wales was he in? I cannot help but think of the wreck of the Royal Charter off Moelfre, but am well aware our often-savage coast has many more sites. I write from Trearddur Bay, Anglesey at this moment :-)

HM

[DBakes]

Originally Posted by Haywood_Milton

It is the bezel insert --- the black ring (painted aluminium) running around the edge of the glass --- which appears to be a service replacement part. The dial appears to be original, which is far more important.

The story of your grandfather is exactly what we might have hope....and just perfect for this watch at that time. Many will agree this is a lovely story and exactly the sort of provenance that we all enjoy reading about.

Which part of Wales was he in? I cannot help but think of the wreck of the Royal Charter off Moelfre, but am well aware our often-savage coast has many more sites. I write from Trearddur Bay, Anglesey at this moment :-)

HM

I'm in the South Wales Valleys, Llynfi to be exact. I'll find more info about his diving history to share. He was up your way when he passed actually, 80 years old and still riding his BMW R1200GS!

[prolle]

I own a Rolex 1665 which I had refinished by lawatchworks take a look at my thread on the forum and you can see for your self what can be accomplished. You have great watch that needs a little TLC

[U5512]