Repair or not

[whiterabbit66]

Hi,
I have an old Rolex Precision I think its model 9659. I have owned about 30 years and bought it with a scratched dial. I had it totally rebuilt 15 years or so ago in London (left original dial) and about a year later the winder fell off :). I put it in a box and forgot all about it. Just unearthed and am wondering what to do? Is it possible/worth it to to refinish or the replace dial? Am I better selling as is in classifieds to someone who knows what to do? I have done a good bit of research and have seen maybe 3 for sale in past few years for 3k or so but all have been restored.

Thanks for any help or thoughts.

[arinsd]

I’d do it.

I looked up that reference online and it looks amazing on a leather band.

[whiterabbit66]

Yes it is really nice looking. Just not sure if the dial can be refurbed correctly easily etc.

[jimcameron]

I hate to think what a restoration will cost on your watch. I just paid $700 for a "routine" service on an Omega Constellation from around 1960. It took about 3 months.

[spoilsofwar01]

have a sympathetic service done, new strap and keep for best "dress" wear, I think its well worth being given a second chance.

[whiterabbit66]

The watch actually runs, so I think it just needs the winder re-attached. Its what to do with the dial. Do I refinish or not. I got one quote for $75 to refinish by a company who come recommended but of course I will still need a shop to take it apart etc. Also looking everywhere for a NOS dial seems to be fruitless.

[Widows Son]

Even if it runs, it still needs a movement service. Those internal parts may be difficult to find, so get it cleaned and lubed before a part fails. As for the dial, I'd leave it alone, if it's original now, you'll destroy the value of the watch by having it refinished, it's perfectly readable as it. Don't send it to Rolex, find an independent watchmaker who specializes in vintage pieces. I'd like to see pics when it's done.

[whiterabbit66]

Originally Posted by Widows Son

Even if it runs, it still needs a movement service. Those internal parts may be difficult to find, so get it cleaned and lubed before a part fails. As for the dial, I'd leave it alone, if it's original now, you'll destroy the value of the watch by having it refinished, it's perfectly readable as it. Don't send it to Rolex, find an independent watchmaker who specializes in vintage pieces. I'd like to see pics when it's done.

Thanks for the input, I guess its next to impossible to find an old dial or restore this one correctly from my research.