Inherited Explorer 1016...Need advice on where to start first.

[crbinnzz]

I inherited this early 60's Explorer 1016 about a month ago. I want to get it in better condition, increase its value and keep forever. Where/What should I do first? I live in Georgia. Will be in Augusta and ATL area soon, so if there’s someone in those cities I should take it to, I can. Any guidance is much appreciated.

[exador]

Get movement serviced/general clean and bracelet repaired. No polish.

[tkc324]

Movement serviced by a competent watch maker. Do not let them change out any parts.

[Grandcrew]

You might consider having the bracelet restored. This will require shipping. Two reputable outfits:
http://www.classicwatchrepair.com
https://www.rolliworks.com

[Kliminator]

As what other folks have posted. Get it serviced by a reputable watchmaker - keep it all original, no polish. Lastly, enjoy! 1016 is an awesome piece.

For vintage - polishing is like kryptonite

[SunTzu]

I second RolliWorks in CA. Will hook you up with a FedEx label at a discount to overnight it with insurance. His case, bracelet and movement service are top notch. A one stop shop for all your needs with that watch and a very reasonable rate to do it right.

[Rebel]

Stunning watch.

[janice&fred]

the biggest concern you should have is accidental dial and/or hand damage during movement service. the only two shops i would trust to de-case a movement from a semi-rare and very valuable vintage rolex would be either LAWW or RolliWorks. both in california.

[ratty]

That’s a nice looking watch, I hope you get it sorted out and enjoy wearing it.

Is there a story about how it came to you?

[Vlad]

Originally Posted by janice&fred

the biggest concern you should have is accidental dial and/or hand damage during movement service. the only two shops i would trust to de-case a movement from a semi-rare and very valuable vintage rolex would be either LAWW or RolliWorks. both in california.

+1 as far as this should be a very big worry. However, there are local watch makers (for sure in Austin), who can easily, carefully, and safely de-case such a watch.

[Tom1675]

Originally Posted by Vlad

+1 as far as this should be a very big worry. However, there are local watch makers (for sure in Austin), who can easily, carefully, and safely de-case such a watch.

GREAT piece. A favorite reference of mine. Use the recommends here and make sure you don't polish it. Service the movement and restore the bracelet. Then wear it daily depending on what you do daily.

Also, keep us posted and send better pics when you can. Have an accurate record of it's history. You'll be passing it on one day!

[Fabrice M]

I have the exact same watch (1016) and had it serviced at Watchmakers international / Bob Ridley and phillip Ridley
This is one of the most respected shop for vintage Rolex (do a search on this forum), they are extremely well known and the only one I trust. They did a fantastic job.

For the bracelet if you want the best, you need to send it to Hong Kong to Michael Young, he specialize in Rolex bracelets and like Bob Ridley is world renown, again a simple search on this forum or on google.

LAWW is a very good shop as well, but best for polishing or repolishing cases that were badly polished in the past. This isn't what you want to do with your particular watch if you want to keep it value as high as possible.

Each shop has something they do best, and for a Rolex or Patek watch movement, watchmakers international is it, for bracelet, most people will agree you want Michael Young.

[cajuntiger]

Originally Posted by janice&fred

the biggest concern you should have is accidental dial and/or hand damage during movement service. the only two shops i would trust to de-case a movement from a semi-rare and very valuable vintage rolex would be either LAWW or RolliWorks. both in california.

These are hardly the only shops that can be trusted, and honestly neither would be my first choice for this watch.

Originally Posted by Fabrice M

I have the exact same watch (1016) and had it serviced at Watchmakers international / Bob Ridley and phillip Ridley
This is one of the most respected shop for vintage Rolex (do a search on this forum), they are extremely well known and the only one I trust. They did a fantastic job.

For the bracelet if you want the best, you need to send it to Hong Kong to Michael Young, he specialize in Rolex bracelets and like Bob Ridley is world renown, again a simple search on this forum or on google.

LAWW is a very good shop as well, but best for polishing or repolishing cases that were badly polished in the past. This isn't what you want to do with your particular watch if you want to keep it value as high as possible.

Each shop has something they do best, and for a Rolex or Patek watch movement, watchmakers international is it, for bracelet, most people will agree you want Michael Young.

exactly this! Bob Ridley would be my first choice for servicing the watch. He and his son Phillip actually do the work themselves....its not a large shop, its a small family run operation.

I would add that RolliWorks also excels at bracelets and its actually what they are known for...not servicing watches. The advantage is that they are in the US

[OysterBracelet]

I would have the watch sent to RSC Dallas, movement service and light polish, full set of Rolex papers and two year guarantee.

[dhknola]

Do NOT do above! DO NOT HAVE POLISHED AT ALL!!! That polish literally is like taking money out of your pocket.

[Tools]

Great heirloom.

I would get a more modern and more comfortable Oyster bracelet to wear from day-to-day. Those old folded, hair pullers, are no longer made for a reason.

Restore the older bracelet if you must, but put it away someplace safe for the future.

[OysterBracelet]

Originally Posted by dhknola

Do NOT do above! DO NOT HAVE POLISHED AT ALL!!! That polish literally is like taking money out of your pocket.

Light polish removing microns of material > battered case

[Paulie 50]

Originally Posted by OysterBracelet

I would have the watch sent to RSC Dallas, movement service and light polish, full set of Rolex papers and two year guarantee.

I think this is a nonsensical idea.

[cajuntiger]

Originally Posted by OysterBracelet

Light polish removing microns of material > battered case

um no. The 1016 case is thin enough new...avoid polishing it. A competent watch maker will clean it, that's all thats necessary.

[plat7.3]

Originally Posted by SunTzu

I second RolliWorks in CA. Will hook you up with a FedEx label at a discount to overnight it with insurance. His case, bracelet and movement service are top notch. A one stop shop for all your needs with that watch and a very reasonable rate to do it right.

What he said!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[janice&fred]

Originally Posted by cajuntiger

These are hardly the only shops that can be trusted, and honestly neither would be my first choice for this watch.



exactly this! Bob Ridley would be my first choice for servicing the watch. He and his son Phillip actually do the work themselves....its not a large shop, its a small family run operation.

I would add that RolliWorks also excels at bracelets and its actually what they are known for...not servicing watches. The advantage is that they are in the US

i made my suggestion and presented it as "who i would trust". you have a different opinion and i respect that, however RolliWorks was primarily known for servicing watches before they ever started doing bracelets. let's give proper credit where it's due. i know the Ridley boys do great work but i have been told it doesn't come cheap. both the california guys i suggested are known for reasonable prices and super careful work.

[crbinnzz]

Watch has been sold!!!! Responses to my post are no longer needed.

Thanks for the input!!!

[JBZ]

I guess "keep forever" means different things to different people.

[alwayshere]

Originally Posted by JBZ

I guess "keep forever" means different things to different people.

No big deal I guess? Someone on the forum got a nice watch haha

I know the principles are not right but what can we do? we're on an online watch forum....

[dhknola]

Wow, huzzah to whoever threw out a big enough 'bone' to obtain that 1016; that is a very prime example. Full disclosure: I am not the soon to be, 'new', owner.

[Juhuatai]

I hope you got a good price. That watch is worth at least 20k if not 25.

[JBZ]

Originally Posted by alwayshere

No big deal I guess? Someone on the forum got a nice watch haha

I know the principles are not right but what can we do? we're on an online watch forum....

I'm just being snarky. All sorts of reasons that people decide a "keeper" is no longer that. I know I've done it.

[SunTzu]

Money talks

[Widows Son]

I knew this was going to happen!!!!!!

[Welshwatchman]

Originally Posted by crbinnzz

. I want to get it in better condition, increase its value and keep forever.

Originally Posted by crbinnzz

Watch has been sold!!!!

At least you held it for at least 4 long days.

We'll keep this thread open in case someone ever marries you and wants to know if the "love honour ... till death us do part" promise would mean anything if you uttered it.