getting a gilt-dial 1675 overhauled

[bscepter]

questions:

i want to get my father-in-law's 1966 GMT master overhauled by rolex. ideally, i'd like it working and looking like the day he received it as a wedding gift from his wife in 1969.

however, obviously, if they replace the dial, hands, and bezel, i'd want them to send back the originals along with the refurbished watch. but - i've heard that rolex sometimes doesn't do this; that they destroy the old dial, etc., to prevent old dials and hands ending up on counterfeit watches. is this true?

if so - and i wish to have a refurbished watch, but retain the dial, hands, and bezel - what are my options? to send the watch to an independent like bob ridley?

thanks - any help would be appreciated.

oh, here's the watch in question"

[etp095]

Rolex USA won't return any parts back to you.You have the option to not replace the hands,dial,bezel,bracelet.Your best bet would be to use Bob ridley,if you want to have old parts returned to you.the only way to return it back to 1969 is to replace the dial,hands,bezel,and bracelet.You will spend quite a few extra bucks if you choose Bob ridley,as opposed to having the Rolex RSC do the work.Bob's work will be second to none,he does beautiful work.

[joeyza]

Second vote for Bob. His work is outstanding. He just serviced my 5513 Maxi. Aside from servicing the movement, he was able to match the pearl and hands perfectly to the creamy hour plots (not an easy task to find the perfectly matching shade). Depending on your budget, you can do as little or as much as you like and Bob will present you with all of your options.

Your family watch looks to be well worth the investment in a complete service.

IMHO - I wouldn't mess around with the dial or bezel on that watch.

Good luck and post pics when all is said and done.

[Jason71]

Send it to Bob Ridley, have him service the movement, and leave the rest exactly as it is now. Don't change the way it looks, because it is perfect.

[Paulie 50]

Originally Posted by bscepter

questions:

i want to get my father-in-law's 1966 GMT master overhauled by rolex. ideally, i'd like it working and looking like the day he received it as a wedding gift from his wife in 1969.

however, obviously, if they replace the dial, hands, and bezel, i'd want them to send back the originals along with the refurbished watch. but - i've heard that rolex sometimes doesn't do this; that they destroy the old dial, etc., to prevent old dials and hands ending up on counterfeit watches. is this true?

if so - and i wish to have a refurbished watch, but retain the dial, hands, and bezel - what are my options? to send the watch to an independent like bob ridley?

thanks - any help would be appreciated.

oh, here's the watch in question"

I think you have answered your own question, it's a beautiful watch, good luck.

[bscepter]

thanks for the responses, folks. i'll talk to bob ridley.

one more question, though - if i decide to preserve the appearance and just have the movement serviced, would it be better just to send it to rolex?

[conrail]

That is possible. You could instruct them not to touch anything but the movement. I'd avoid RSC for this watch and send it to Bob Ridley. Its in much better hands from what I've read of people's servicing experience.

Beauty, btw!

[bscepter]

Originally Posted by conrail

That is possible. You could instruct them not to touch anything but the movement. I'd avoid RSC for this watch and send it to Bob Ridley. Its in much better hands from what I've read of people's servicing experience.

Beauty, btw!

cool - thanks!

[adam78]

Also, the cost of service is comparable, and Bob offers a much more personalized experience!

[conrail]

Originally Posted by adam78

Also, the cost of service is comparable, and Bob offers a much more personalized experience!

Yea! He takes pictures of it completely pulled apart, which is cool.

Unless the watch is a real nightmare in person I wouldn't have it "cosmetically restored" - I'd leave it. Unless you feel otherwise, that really is the allure of vintage watches....all the history and character they've developed :)

[bscepter]

Originally Posted by conrail

Unless the watch is a real nightmare in person I wouldn't have it "cosmetically restored" - I'd leave it.

it's pretty beat up. but every one of those scars tells a story.

[Jagatai]

From what I've read on here about Bob, it seems like you'd sleep much much better knowing that it is in his hands.

IMHO just keep it the way it is now! WATCHES LIKE THAT YOU CAN'T BUY. THE LIFE ITS LED (WITH THE MARKS TO PROVE IT) MAKES IT UNIQUE.

[Frogman4me]

I would just have the movement serviced and leave everything else alone. Look at that beauty full of character and history why change it. Its one of a kind in that condition...

[pdoukas]

You know, I've asked this question before but never had an answer. Maybe this is a good time to ask again.

What if you went to a local watchmaker that you knew and had him remove all of the parts that you wanted to keep. Then send in the watch to the RSC for service and get replacement parts.

Don't get me wrong, from everything I have read, Bob is the go to guy. But I was just wondering what one could expect from the RSC if you sent in an incomplete watch for service and part replacement?

Pete

[ob1]

I have to agree with david (above). The watch is absolutely super as it is. Just a movement service and a gentle clean up, and she'll be good to go. It has all the heritage and history from your Father which would all be lost (plus a load of its value!!) if you replace the dial, bezel etc.

It really is beautiful as it is and I would think that almost everyone that frequents the vintage forum would be proud to have such great timepiece.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do

[bscepter]

i think you guys are swaying me... i think that maybe leaving it alone and merely servicing the movement and replacing the crystal and gaskets to make it waterproof again would be the thing to do...

[roh123]

Originally Posted by bscepter

i think you guys are swaying me... i think that maybe leaving it alone and merely servicing the movement and replacing the crystal and gaskets to make it waterproof again would be the thing to do...

Right thing to do. That is an amazing watch. Don't let Rolex destroy it by changing dial, hands etc. :)

Can't you show us a couple of more pics? I would love to see more of that gilt.

[kyle L]

Originally Posted by bscepter

i think you guys are swaying me... i think that maybe leaving it alone and merely servicing the movement and replacing the crystal and gaskets to make it waterproof again would be the thing to do...

+1, that sounds like the right thing to do! Send it to Bob Ridley!

[KarlFr]

What a nice GMT! I'm currently in a similar position with an old sub, of course the only option here is keep it original and just a careful clean and service the movement

[roh123]

New plexi + movement clean and that baby is good to go. Awesome GMT :)

[dbphotos]

Originally Posted by roh123

New plexi + movement clean and that baby is good to go. Awesome GMT :)

Looks like the dial is in good shape once the scratched crystal is replaced.

[Piazza]

"....ideally, i'd like it working and looking like the day he received it as a wedding gift from his wife in 1969...."


This line got my attention! It's always especially nice to help with watches of sentimental value, but this will be the first time I've assisted anyone with a watch for an in-law! I'm impressed....

[Tools]

Bob's specialty is restoration.. He isn't just your ordinary watchmaker..

He can give you options on how far you need to go without destroying any value, yet still have a very pristing watch when done... He can probably source a better insert, but would give you back your old one...

[tsuie]

Important thing is the dial seems to be in good condition. you can replace the acrylic and perhaps even find another bezel insert of the same year made to give the whole watch a make over without hurting the authenticity.

[unitas12]

New plexi, service movement and be done.