Advice on Replacement Case

[bleepjay]

My wife has inherited a Ladies Oyster Perpetual M16719/3 from her grandmother who has passed away but it is not in working order and a little beat up. I brought to my local jeweler who sells Rolex, who sent it to their repair center to see what it would take to get it back going. To say the least, it's not in pristine condition, any my wife doesn't care about making it look 'new', but would rather it just be functioning if she is going to wear it.

I received the estimate for service, and on it, they said it was necessary to replace the 'CASE MIDDLE PART' to perform a full service. First of all, would this be necessary to do the service, and if I did replace it, would it decrease the value of the watch a large amount? The watch has a SN of 369XXXX, which seems to be made in about 1972.

They also recommended replacing the bracelet, 62523 two tone, but at approx $2700, I'm not sure if it's just better to try to fix or find a used replacement. From their estimate, it was noted as 'Bracelet worn beyond practical repair'.

Just looking for advice from any of you to see how I should proceed. This is our first Rolex but probably not going to be the only one.

[Tools]

Typically a middle-case is replaced when the back sealing surfaces are corroded and a good waterproof seal is unlikely. Your watch is not a rare collectible, so it is unlikely to affect market value regardless of your choices, as long as they are properly executed.

This is a personal decision as full waterproof specs may not mean much to you. You may also seek the services of a restoration professional who can resurface the sealing area.

Watchmakers International in Texas has done excellent work in repairing mid-cases, as well as your other servicing needs.

Rolliworks in the San Fran Bay area specializes in bracelet repairs, so they could be consulted for repairs - likely cheaper than replacement.

You only need to decide on the direction you want to go.

Personally, I would spend what it takes, within reason, for an heirloom watch to be brought back to life. Is the point to have this in the family for many, many more years?

[BryC]

I recently had my Tudor 74000N's case and bezel replaced by RSC during a service.

They sent me pictures of the corroded areas of the case and bezel. Most of the corrosion was taking place near the crystal.

I gave the green light with the replacement, as I really do not want to worry about any moisture breach. The serial number for the replacement case is approximately around the same year.

You get pretty much get a NOS watch in the end.

[bleepjay]

Thanks for the replies on this. It looks like I will move forward with replacing the case.

What are your thoughts on having them replace the bracelet? From what the estimate states, the $2700 cost includes them keeping the original bracelet. Should I look elsewhere for a replacement bracelet?

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by bleepjay

What are your thoughts on having them replace the bracelet? From what the estimate states, the $2700 cost includes them keeping the original bracelet. Should I look elsewhere for a replacement bracelet?

Can you post a picture of the bracelet? Just because one watchmaker claims it’s irreparably damaged, doesn’t necessarily mean it is. Like Larry mentioned, a place like Rolliworks can repair bracelets with fantastic results. I’d lean towards repairing the original rather than coughing up $2,700 AND forfeiting the original one.

[bleepjay]

Unfortunately, I don't have it currently, it is with the service center.

I'm also leaning on holding off on the bracelet replacement now. I guess I can always do that in the future for the same price if I wanted to.

[bleepjay]

Unfortunately, I don't have a picture of the band, as it is with the service center.

I think I am going to hold off and see how bad of condition the band is in and see if it's worth sending out, which seems to be a lot cheaper option for this watch.

[joli160]

Originally Posted by bleepjay

Thanks for the replies on this. It looks like I will move forward with replacing the case.

What are your thoughts on having them replace the bracelet? From what the estimate states, the $2700 cost includes them keeping the original bracelet. Should I look elsewhere for a replacement bracelet?

Rolliworks also works on cases, why not ask him for a full scope

[Mrpupsi]

As an heirloom, I’d repair rather than replace.
If you replace the case, is it even the same watch anymore?

[iliketime]

I grabbed a datejust from 1980 on here and when it came to service, the case wouldnt pass waterproofing. Rolliworks did their best with laser welding to correct this. Turns out the threads and where the threads were their failure point. Perhaps talk to rolliworks and see what an estimate would be?

[Toronto Soup King]

Michael Young in Hong Kong can do wonders with bracelets. The jubilee I sent him was AWFUL, so ratty I was worried it couldn't be fixed. But then I got it back and it was PERFECT https://imgur.com/a/7wnudnH

Between LAWW and MY, anything can be IMO fixed. Good luck

[BryC]

What's a typical range, or base price of a laser welding job?