70's Explorer II Help

[jhacker]

Hi everyone,

I would appreciate some advice or assistance on how to best restore this Explorer II in a way that will preserve its value.

If it were sent in directly to Rolex, what would they do/not do? Are there specific things to ask?

This watch will never be sold. But obviously do not want to do something that will also destroy value either.

Aside from whatever needs to be done to the movement, I think it needs a new crystal since there are a lot of scratches. There is a black dot on the hour hand, which hopefully can be fixed to keep the original hands. Maybe a light polish?

Thanks!
J

[tjbender]

Whatever you do, do not send it to Rolex. Send it to someone like LA Watch Works if you decide you want it refinished. Looks great as is though.

[jhacker]

Thanks for the feedback so far.

Originally Posted by tjbender

Whatever you do, do not send it to Rolex. Send it to someone like LA Watch Works if you decide you want it refinished. Looks great as is though.

Why shouldn't it go to Rolex?

[machob55]

I'm sure movement must be serviced if it hasn't been done in the last 5 yrs. Acrylic crystal replacement as you mentioned. Polish of case and bracelet. Hopefully, the black dot on one of the hands can be removed, but if it's detoriated, they may want to replace the hands unless you deem otherwise. Any RSC or the company I use, (OFFICIAL TIME WATCH out off Salt Lake City, Utah) will have the watch back to you in a superb condition so that you may enjoy it for many more years to come. Good luck!

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[77T]

If you know that it was 100% original - and if that means the most to you - then an overhaul of the movement by a good watchmaker is maybe all you want. The Crystal may be able to be polished to remove scratches. If not a replacement might be sourced from a NOS dealer. The hands are very difficult to polish out and still preserve the original vintage lume - but a very experienced hand may be able to remove that black dot if it is just a fleck of dial paint that floated loose over the years.

Can you share some sharp close-up pics of the clasp inside and out? That could help on the bracelet front.


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