Your opinions & advice on my 1803. New to rolex world.

[RustyShackleford]

Originally Posted by 77T

So why did your dealer want $400 in addition to the RSC costs?


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It's their charge for sending the watch off to Rolex, translating from English to Polish (they are Warsaw based) and for the handling of paperwork and communication. I admit, 400 dollars is a little steep. Going to have to forget about steak and whiskey for a week for two.

[77T]

Well time is money.
Glad I handled my recent RSC work directly myself.


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[cpefy3]

Blue dial without diamonds is my vote. Def post up pics when you get it back!!

[RustyShackleford]

Originally Posted by cpefy3

Blue dial without diamonds is my vote. Def post up pics when you get it back!!

Will do!

[RustyShackleford]

Thought some of you guys might want to take a look of what's on paper. Just got it. My experience with Rolex, thus far, has been a little pricey but excellent.

[RustyShackleford]

I really hope this thread becomes a useful one for future DD owners looking to restore their piece. Hopefully they'll have an idea of what to expect, community thoughts on paths to take and where they can save some money. I'll be posting tons of pictures and I'll write, in detail, of all the steps I took. Once the RSC process is done, I'll send the piece off to Michael Young for the bracelet restoration process. Pictures of that will also be added.

[southtexas]

Nice watch. You shouldn’t have any problem finding a “new” bezel for a reasonable price.

MY is the way to go for bracelet restoration. He’ll be able to fix it.

I thought it was interesting that the service bid makes it clear that RSC’s review of the watch does not authenticate same.


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[RHJ]

The review doesn't authenticate, the complete service yes, I presume

[Andad]

Originally Posted by RHJ

The review doesn't authenticate, the complete service yes, I presume

Yes it will.

[RustyShackleford]

Update 10/07/2018

My authorized dealer called with regards to the diamond dial. He quoted me 13500 Polish Zolty which amounts to roughly 3665 USD before taxes. To keep this short, I told them to place the blue stick dial on the rolex.

Also told them to remove the most damaged link - in the original pictures of this thread - and tighten the clasp somehow. The watch kept opening up while on wrist.

I wonder if they’ll return the removed link - stay tuned to find out!


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[RustyShackleford]

Decided to upload a much better picture of the dial going onto the 1803.

- R

[RustyShackleford]

16/07/2018

Rolex has refused to remove the most damaged link as they do not like to perform temporary repairs. They gave some kind of excuse regarding security and customer satisfaction. Probably more of a legal concern rather than what they expressed. The only solution offered by them is a new bracelet. Won’t do it. I’ve been in touch with young, i’ll send it off once my piggy bank refills.

R


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[RustyShackleford]

The final damage was 8400 Polish Żółtych ($2268 USD) I must admit, I am not fully impressed with what I got for my money. Had I taken the route of getting it polished at my jeweler and then sending it to a watch maker for service, I believe I would have attained the same results for less money. In addition, I wouldn't have had to wait for 4 months.

I am happy that I got away with replacing the dial as well as a few other components from Rolex on the cheap. Genuine components can be pricey on ebay.

Overall, I only recommend taking this route if you can afford to do so. If you have a functioning watch that does not require new parts but only servicing and polish, you are much better off going to a reputable watch maker.

Stay tuned for the M.Young bracelet restoration.

[Richard Carver]

Well done! It's important to understand the difference between a Rolex service and any watchmakers service. Rolex endeavors to return the movement to original specs. If that requires replacing every jewel that's what they do. If a screw is buggered it get's replaced. When Rolex accepts your watch they are prepared to replace every part on it if required.

Your movement required a balance and rotor, can you even imagine what else was replaced? No independent could provide the level of service Rolex provided, simply not cost effective. You should thank your lucky stars Rolex took it on.

[joli160]

Just for info there is an option closer to home in Germany to have your bracelet done. Very high quality job. Goldschmiede Beste in Winterberg.

[RustyShackleford]

you are spot on. My watch needed the complete overhaul.

Originally Posted by Richard Carver

Well done! It's important to understand the difference between a Rolex service and any watchmakers service. Rolex endeavors to return the movement to original specs. If that requires replacing every jewel that's what they do. If a screw is buggered it get's replaced. When Rolex accepts your watch they are prepared to replace every part on it if required.

Your movement required a balance and rotor, can you even imagine what else was replaced? No independent could provide the level of service Rolex provided, simply not cost effective. You should thank your lucky stars Rolex took it on.

[RustyShackleford]

That is incredible. Thank you for letting me know!! I was looking for ways to avoid young. I will send pictures to the jeweler you recommended and see what they say.

Cheers!!

Originally Posted by joli160

Just for info there is an option closer to home in Germany to have your bracelet done. Very high quality job. Goldschmiede Beste in Winterberg.

[brigadoonb]

great thread.....thanks for sharing!

[chadstone30]

Looking forward to following the rest of the story. Can you post a close up pic of the new dial in place, please? Thanks, c

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[RustyShackleford]

Sure. The dial price is in the document I posted before. I get two different colors on the dial in different lighting. One of the colors is a light blue, the other is a royal dark blue. This was the only color of replacement dail Rolex had available for the 1803. Pictures will come when I get access to my better camera later this evening. Cheers

[RustyShackleford]

As promised

-rusty

[RustyShackleford]

inquiring now about bracelet repair.

[chadstone30]

Great dial. Thanks for the pics.

Are you thinking of getting a new bezel?

I ask because I'm on a Vintage Day-Date Odyssey right now myself, only I'm in the "hunting for a good one" phase. It's really hard to find a fluted bezel that's still crispy. I found a phenomenal, new-old-stock 1989 bark-finish example at Tourneau the other day, but I just don't see myself as a Bark Guy.

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[RustyShackleford]

Wish you much luck as you work on your piece. I agree completely on the bark dial. Georgeous but not for everyone.

No further restoration plans for this watch after the bracelet. I cannot justy another 2000 for what is really just a few grams of gold. I might go with sherbie’s advice and lob it smooth if my father prefers it that way. He will eventually get the watch from me as a gift.

My last purchase will be a basic stainless model, probably an explorer 1, or platinum day-date if i’m at a VERY slow auction. I’ll upload to this forum. May take a while, recently visted the gun store and I couldn’t help myself.

Rusty

Originally Posted by chadstone30

Great dial. Thanks for the pics.

Are you thinking of getting a new bezel?

I ask because I'm on a Vintage Day-Date Odyssey right now myself, only I'm in the "hunting for a good one" phase. It's really hard to find a fluted bezel that's still crispy. I found a phenomenal, new-old-stock 1989 bark-finish example at Tourneau the other day, but I just don't see myself as a Bark Guy.

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[chadstone30]

What auction site are you using? Might have to look on there for a 18238.

[RustyShackleford]

Originally Posted by chadstone30

What auction site are you using? Might have to look on there for a 18238.

A few. Federal auction service, kilshaws & able auction. The latter of the two only have fine watches 2-3 times per year.

[LuvKaya]

I like the blue dial.

[RustyShackleford]

Originally Posted by LuvKaya

I like the blue dial.

Turned out quite alright for 460$

[Willygallardo]

Need new bezel and get that bracelet fix asap or you could put it on a leather strap for now and save money:)

[RustyShackleford]

Originally Posted by Willygallardo

Need new bezel and get that bracelet fix asap or you could put it on a leather strap for now and save money:)

You called it. The watch is temporarily going on a leather strap. I’ve contacted Goldschmiede Beste in Winterberg by email and included photographs to see if they will take on the bracelet project. I will include their response and cost estimate shortly after they respond. This will be my final fix for the watch. I may lob the dial smooth in a few years if the opportunity presents itself.

Rusty