This Is What Can Happen When Rolex Services Your Vintage Sub

[JohnBaker3]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1959-Rolex-S...EAAOSw5UZY~SNR

New dial, new hands, new insert, and new crown....

So sad....

[offrdmania]

It also looks like the engravings between the lugs has been lost

[GLADIATOR]

Numbers between lugs are there, but faint.

How do we determine "ROLEX" did this, In think not Rolex?

I dont think Rolex would or can fit TRITIUM dials?

[springer]

Originally Posted by GLADIATOR

Numbers between lugs are there, but faint.

How do we determine "ROLEX" did this, In think not Rolex?

I dont think Rolex would or can fit TRITIUM dials?

Rolex used tritium service dials for decades. It is not unusual to find a tritium service dial on a 1950s Submariner or GMT 1675.

[GLADIATOR]

Originally Posted by springer

Rolex used tritium service dials for decades. It is not unusual to find a tritium service dial on a 1950s Submariner or GMT 1675.

I am sure they used for "decades". Do you know if they still fit them after 1998?? say in 2000?

[JohnBaker3]

Originally Posted by GLADIATOR

I am sure they used for "decades". Do you know if they still fit them after 1998?? say in 2000?

I think it is common knowledge that the Service Centers will use NOS parts as long as they are available...once they are gone they tell you they can't service the watch...

I started this thread to point out that although this watch "looks like new", it means that another vintage watch with patina has left the planet. RSC's do great work on "newer" models, but vintage is not their forte.

The sellers asking price more than reflects the loss in value.

[GLADIATOR]

Originally Posted by JohnBaker3

I think it is common knowledge that the Service Centers will use NOS parts as long as they are available...once they are gone they tell you they can't service the watch...

The point of the thread was to point out that although this watch "looks like new", it means that another vintage watch with patina has left the planet.

Understood the point of the thread, I was not trying to take it off topic.

I dont think ROLEX could or can fit TRITIUM dials after 1998 even if they have stock left.
Might be wrong, and happy to be corrected
But i 100% agree that its a crime an original dial with patina has been destroyed


Regards

[Vincent65]

Originally Posted by JohnBaker3

I think it is common knowledge that the Service Centers will use NOS parts as long as they are available...once they are gone they tell you they can't service the watch...

I started this thread to point out that although this watch "looks like new", it means that another vintage watch with patina has left the planet. RSC's do great work on "newer" models, but vintage is not their forte.

The sellers asking price more than reflects the loss in value.

From your/other vintage "nuts'" perspective; not that of Rolex. They don't consider patina important, nor is it functional. They have returned a watch which is serviced, functional etc. That's what they have to do, same as having any other machine serviced.

[mountainjogger]

Originally Posted by GLADIATOR

I am sure they used for "decades". Do you know if they still fit them after 1998?? say in 2000?

Well, as stated in my post today, I just passed on a RSC Dallas service because they wanted to replace the hands on my 5513. The quote says that they would have used a tritium second hand.

[JP Chestnut]

Someone recently posted (for sale) a really nice condition Tudor 79090 that they bought after the original owner kept it in a safe for 15 years. As soon as they got it, they sent it to RSC for service. The result? SL dial, hands, and insert. That's always a bummer to see.

[toxicavenger]

I think that watch is for sell on this forum.

[Sky21]

I'm guessing that attempting to purchase this as it is then turning it into a period correct piece will be nearly impossible. What would be the most difficult correct part to source, the gilt hands?

[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by JohnBaker3

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1959-Rolex-S...EAAOSw5UZY~SNR



New dial, new hands, new insert, and new crown....



So sad....

This watch is for sale now on TRF by autavian.


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[offrdmania]

Originally Posted by GGGMT

This watch is for sale now on TRF by autavian.


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The price is reflected in the sale

[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

The price is reflected in the sale

Yep sure is.


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[rootbeer7]

Forget the dial. lol at the crown-guards!

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by rootbeer7

Forget the dial. lol at the crown-guards!

Specifically, what about them?

[rootbeer7]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

Specifically, what about them?

Are they not completely polished away or is it the angle? They look so sharp they could cut!

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by rootbeer7

Are they not completely polished away or is it the angle? They look so sharp they could cut!

Ahh! See what you mean. Yeah, they look a bit "tailored"

[bbhewee]

Originally Posted by rootbeer7

Are they not completely polished away or is it the angle? They look so sharp they could cut!

Pointed Crown Guards?

[Autavian]

I guess il chime in since I'm selling this watch :)

1. I agree 100%, it hurts terribly to see vintage pieces sent in for service and coming out looking new with service parts, it breaks my heart.

2. This piece came from a nice lady who's late husband owned it. The son sent it to service some time ago and he wore it for over 20 years and it came back with a tritium dial, insert, crown, and 1570cal movt.

3. The case is in pretty nice shape, esp the CG, but because of its age, being from 1959, the bracelet has worn a majority of the serial #s off, which is not out of the ordinary. CB stampings are good.

4. I do have it listed as a project watch, because it needs a gilt dial and hands.

5. It is listed very cheap and I'm sure someone would enjoy it as is. Runs great, looks nice, but it is just that a project watch and stated as such.

Here's what it looked like when I first acquired it and what it looks like now, after I was done with it.

[/URL]

Thanks

E

[Will1979]

Anyone know if Rolex "services" their museum pieces? I would think not, which only raises the question of why they would default to replacement with their customers' vintage watches. They need to consider a "vintage" or "classic" department like Porsche has done.

[rootbeer7]

Originally Posted by Will1979

Anyone know if Rolex "services" their museum pieces? I would think not, which only raises the question of why they would default to replacement with their customers' vintage watches. They need to consider a "vintage" or "classic" department like Porsche has done.

I've started a thread here https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=531498

[Autavian]

Originally Posted by Will1979

Anyone know if Rolex "services" their museum pieces? I would think not, which only raises the question of why they would default to replacement with their customers' vintage watches. They need to consider a "vintage" or "classic" department like Porsche has done.

In conversation with other collectors, this is what I've heard.

Rolex knows the value in their vintage parts, Dials, Bakelite and ff bezels/inserts etc.

It came up In conversation that Rolex keeps their vintage parts after servicing and stores them away for safe keeping (to increase in value) or sells them through 3rd party vendors. I don't know how accurate this is, but you would have to imagine that some technicians or employees for RCS are vintage enthusiast and collectors like we are. Just imagine coming across a perfect chocolate 6542 OCC dial that's mint and swapping it for a gmt service dial. Dial alone is worth upwards $20k. Truth is, many people don't know the true value of what they have when it comes to vintage Rolex's and believe it or not, which is mind blowing to me, some people want it restored to look as new.

I don't think Rolex services their museum pieces since they just sit as mannikins in display and not worn, or if they do, they know the value and foolishnish in swapping parts.

I could be wrong here, but it makes sense.

The appreciation in collecting vintage Rolex is the love for the craftsmanship and detail in the piece. It's functionality during that period it was made, which in itself, was so far ahead of the norm. Vintage pieces carry with them a story, who wore it, what was going on in the world and in their life when it was worn, all the whispers it onsorbed, the beatings, romances, travels on different ends of the planet and the list goes on.

If your wearing a vintage Rolex today and reading this, just take a look at that beauty and ask, "if you could share your life experiences, what would you have to say??" Hopefully not "shoot, I've been sitting in a safe my entire life!" Ha!

Truth is, many of the watches were wearing are older than the wrist bearer. So just imagine ��

I'm done, have a great day folks!

E

[Micha]

Originally Posted by Autavian

In conversation with other collectors, this is what I've heard.

Rolex knows the value in their vintage parts, Dials, Bakelite and ff bezels/inserts etc.

It came up In conversation that Rolex keeps their vintage parts after servicing and stores them away for safe keeping (to increase in value) or sells them through 3rd party vendors. I don't know how accurate this is, but you would have to imagine that some technicians or employees for RCS are vintage enthusiast and collectors like we are. Just imagine coming across a perfect chocolate 6542 OCC dial that's mint and swapping it for a gmt service dial. Dial alone is worth upwards $20k. Truth is, many people don't know the true value of what they have when it comes to vintage Rolex's and believe it or not, which is mind blowing to me, some people want it restored to look as new.

I don't think Rolex services their museum pieces since they just sit as mannikins in display and not worn, or if they do, they know the value and foolishnish in swapping parts.

I could be wrong here, but it makes sense.

The appreciate in collecting vintage Rolex is the love for the craftsmanship and detail in the piece. It's functionality during that period it was made, which in itself, was so far ahead of the norm. Vintage pieces carry with them a story, who wore it, what was going on in the world and in their life when it was worn, all the whispers it onsorbed, the beatings, romances, travels on different ends of the planet and the list goes on.

If your wearing a vintage Rolex today and reading this, just take a look at that beauty and ask, "if you could share your life experiences, what would you have to say??" Hopefully not "shoot, I've been sitting in a safe my entire life!" Ha!

Truth is, many of the watches were wearing are older than the wrist bearer. So just imagine 😊

I'm done, have a great day folks!

E

great post

[strafer_kid]

Originally Posted by Micha

great post

Agree .....very well put! The vintage interest on the part of Rolex is probably very low if it exists at all! Their main aim is to sell new watches and turn over a profit. Yes, they will still service their older watches and provide a good service in that regard but whilst maintaining authenticity, they don't get caught up in sentiment etc. Sure, some of their people must know the value of some of the parts they replace and it would be naive to think that some parts do not end up back in circulation again.

[ancientmariner]

Things may be on the change with RSC as a UK forum member recently posted that RSC London now have a 'vintage servicing dept' where they carry out what the customer wants done on their vintage watch rather than what Rolex insists is done.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=531498

[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by Autavian

In conversation with other collectors, this is what I've heard.



Rolex knows the value in their vintage parts, Dials, Bakelite and ff bezels/inserts etc.



It came up In conversation that Rolex keeps their vintage parts after servicing and stores them away for safe keeping (to increase in value) or sells them through 3rd party vendors. I don't know how accurate this is, but you would have to imagine that some technicians or employees for RCS are vintage enthusiast and collectors like we are. Just imagine coming across a perfect chocolate 6542 OCC dial that's mint and swapping it for a gmt service dial. Dial alone is worth upwards $20k. Truth is, many people don't know the true value of what they have when it comes to vintage Rolex's and believe it or not, which is mind blowing to me, some people want it restored to look as new.



I don't think Rolex services their museum pieces since they just sit as mannikins in display and not worn, or if they do, they know the value and foolishnish in swapping parts.



I could be wrong here, but it makes sense.



The appreciate in collecting vintage Rolex is the love for the craftsmanship and detail in the piece. It's functionality during that period it was made, which in itself, was so far ahead of the norm. Vintage pieces carry with them a story, who wore it, what was going on in the world and in their life when it was worn, all the whispers it onsorbed, the beatings, romances, travels on different ends of the planet and the list goes on.



If your wearing a vintage Rolex today and reading this, just take a look at that beauty and ask, "if you could share your life experiences, what would you have to say??" Hopefully not "shoot, I've been sitting in a safe my entire life!" Ha!



Truth is, many of the watches were wearing are older than the wrist bearer. So just imagine



I'm done, have a great day folks!



E

Well said autavian!


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[oligeo]

Originally Posted by Autavian

In conversation with other collectors, this is what I've heard.

Rolex knows the value in their vintage parts, Dials, Bakelite and ff bezels/inserts etc.

It came up In conversation that Rolex keeps their vintage parts after servicing and stores them away for safe keeping (to increase in value) or sells them through 3rd party vendors. I don't know how accurate this is, but you would have to imagine that some technicians or employees for RCS are vintage enthusiast and collectors like we are. Just imagine coming across a perfect chocolate 6542 OCC dial that's mint and swapping it for a gmt service dial. Dial alone is worth upwards $20k. Truth is, many people don't know the true value of what they have when it comes to vintage Rolex's and believe it or not, which is mind blowing to me, some people want it restored to look as new.

I don't think Rolex services their museum pieces since they just sit as mannikins in display and not worn, or if they do, they know the value and foolishnish in swapping parts.

I could be wrong here, but it makes sense.

The appreciation in collecting vintage Rolex is the love for the craftsmanship and detail in the piece. It's functionality during that period it was made, which in itself, was so far ahead of the norm. Vintage pieces carry with them a story, who wore it, what was going on in the world and in their life when it was worn, all the whispers it onsorbed, the beatings, romances, travels on different ends of the planet and the list goes on.

If your wearing a vintage Rolex today and reading this, just take a look at that beauty and ask, "if you could share your life experiences, what would you have to say??" Hopefully not "shoot, I've been sitting in a safe my entire life!" Ha!

Truth is, many of the watches were wearing are older than the wrist bearer. So just imagine ��

I'm done, have a great day folks!

E

Hi, I do not post that frequently but what I read here above, mainly the first part of the post drives my angry. So, I may be a bit blunt here, but if RSC guys know the value of a rare vintage part and just swap it, even if in perfect state, that just plain steal.
My 16753 is out to have the movement serviced. They do not send to RSC, they do it internally and know perfectly the value of vintage. I made it perfectly clear to the guys at the other side of the desk (explicitly written in details, pictures taken,……) that, if dial, hands, date Wheel, insert were changed, he will have some interesting times with me.

My 2 cents


Oli

[Vincent65]

Originally Posted by oligeo

Hi, I do not post that frequently but what I read here above, mainly the first part of the post drives my angry. So, I may be a bit blunt here, but if RSC guys know the value of a rare vintage part and just swap it, even if in perfect state, that just plain steal.
My 16753 is out to have the movement serviced. They do not send to RSC, they do it internally and know perfectly the value of vintage. I made it perfectly clear to the guys at the other side of the desk (explicitly written in details, pictures taken,……) that, if dial, hands, date Wheel, insert were changed, he will have some interesting times with me.

My 2 cents


Oli

I bet they're glad to have you for a customer! I can imagine what they said when you left