Bought a 14060.....Your Thoughts?

[Minimalist]

Hey Guys,

It's been a year since I bought anything and before I did an incoming thread for the 14060 I wanted to get some opinions on the condition of the watch from you guys who have more experience than myself.

Some details of the watch: It's an A serial which is exactly the one I have been after, since this one has the 'SWISS' dial and I really wanted this one as it's the more rarer one being only produced for one year. So I've figured the dial is original. The watch has it's original certificate with matching serial number, so that is good. The box obviously isn't original, but that's no big deal.

Now, I noticed a small scratch on the sapphire and that kind of has put me off. The bracelet has some stretch, but is it a lot? Bezel marker doesn't line up 100%, but not too bothered about that. You can just notice the scratch towards the center of the sapphire. second to last picture shows this best.

Can you guys tell me whether this has been excessively polished or if the case retains it's lines? Looks okay to me, but I'd like to hear what the more experienced guys out there have to say...

The watch is 17 years old (Dec 1999 as on certificate) so am I being overly anal about these things? Should I expect this sort of 'character' on a watch this old? I did pay towards the top end of the price scale for this one. But I bought it quickly when I noticed it was the SWISS dial. The lume still glows.

So what would you do? Right now I'm 50/50 about returning the watch, which I've already spoken to the seller and they have no problem. It's either a straight return or keep it. I'm just wondering if this is pretty much what most 'older' 14060 are going to be like, so should I feel lucky and keep it since I don't seem a lot of these. I've seen some abroad, but I don't want the hassle of dealing abroad. For example if I bought this from overseas it would have been a big headache if I wanted to return it.

Sorry for going on, but thanks if you read up to this point and appreciate your thoughts.

Regards
M.























THIS IMAGE SHOWS THE SCRATCH......below

[stil]

It looks ok. Doesn't seem crazy over polished and that bracelet has plenty of life left. The polish job looks a bit amateur though.

The scratch on the crystal would drive me bonkers.

Not sure what you paid but you could probably find another example in near mint condition for a good price on the for sale section.

[mjrchabot]

Other than the amateur polish, nothing wrong with that piece. That bracelet looks fine and should give you many years of wear.

You can always take the watch to RSC and get a new crystal. I can't remember the cost of a new crystal but I don't believe it's too bad on the wallet.

[perryj]

The scratch will get bigger in your mind and drive you nuts. Plan on replacing asap if you don't return and look for another.

[cop414]

The scratch on the crystal wouldn't bother me at all, easy fix. What would have me concerned would be the spring bar on the 1 o'clock lug appears to be almost flush with the case? This to me says over polishing in that area and that's a not so easy to fix. (Not that it can't be done by a pro) Good looking watch but I don't know if I'd have paid to dollar for it, although if it's due for a service someone who knows what they are doing could probably correct most of the prior polishing job.

[RolexPete]

Originally Posted by mjrchabot

Other than the amateur polish, nothing wrong with that piece. That bracelet looks fine and should give you many years of wear.

You can always take the watch to RSC and get a new crystal. I can't remember the cost of a new crystal but I don't believe it's too bad on the wallet.

They will insist on a full service. Get an independent like Rikki or Vanessa to do the crystal change.

[cop414]

Originally Posted by RolexPete

They will insist on a full service. Get an independent like Rikki or Vanessa to do the crystal change.

Might not be so easy Pete, OP is in the UK, the shipping/customs could be a logistical nightmare.

[stil]

Originally Posted by cop414

The scratch on the crystal wouldn't bother me at all, easy fix. What would have me concerned would be the spring bar on the 1 o'clock lug appears to be almost flush with the case? This to me says over polishing in that area and that's a not so easy to fix. (Not that it can't be done by a pro) Good looking watch but I don't know if I'd have paid to dollar for it, although if it's due for a service someone who knows what they are doing could probably correct most of the prior polishing job.

Wrong spring bar?

How would they fix the over polish?

[cop414]

Originally Posted by stil

Wrong spring bar?

How would they fix the over polish?

I don't think that it's the wrong springbar as the opposite side (11 o'clock) looks to be okay, if the wrong springbar was being used both sides would be sticking out. The fix would be to laser weld the area building it up and then to properly repolish.

[Minimalist]

Thanks for the comments so far guys.

Taking a look at the 1 o'clock lug, the spring bar does seem a little more out than the other 3. It's hard to tell, but maybe this lug has had just a little too much polishing done to it, although it doesn't look so bad.

[stil]

Originally Posted by cop414

I don't think that it's the wrong springbar as the opposite side (11 o'clock) looks to be okay, if the wrong springbar was being used both sides would be sticking out. The fix would be to laser weld the area building it up and then to properly repolish.

Interesting.

Aren't the crown side lugs thinner to begin with?

[Minimalist]

Originally Posted by cop414

I don't think that it's the wrong springbar as the opposite side (11 o'clock) looks to be okay, if the wrong springbar was being used both sides would be sticking out. The fix would be to laser weld the area building it up and then to properly repolish.

Do you really think it's this bad that it could benefit from laser weld? If that is true then this watch is no good!

[cop414]

Originally Posted by stil

Interesting.

Aren't the crown side lugs thinner to begin with?

Yes they are designed to be so but not to the point where the springbars are flush with the lugholes.

[mjrchabot]

Originally Posted by RolexPete

They will insist on a full service. Get an independent like Rikki or Vanessa to do the crystal change.

Probably not a bad idea though to get a full service given the watch is 17 years old. Is there any service history on this watch?

[cop414]

Originally Posted by Minimalist

Do you really think it's this bad that it could benefit from laser weld? If that is true then this watch is no good!

I wouldn't run out and get it done but if I was having it serviced I'd inquire about it. You would definitely want someone who knows what they are doing though. A new mid case would cost thousands if someone would screw it up, not to mention that you'd have a different serial number. Unfortunately RSC won't do laser welding. Search ABC watchwerks to see some pics of their laser welding. I'm not sure who would be trustworthy on your side of the pond to do that type of work?

[Minimalist]

Just spoke to Rolex and they said that if changing the crystal they have to do a full service, which would end up costing just shy of £600!

Called Russell Talerman, who seems to be held in high regard around here, they quoted £215 for a crystal replacement, with no need to service the movement.

I guess I'm just trying to find reasons to keep the watch since I've wanted it so badly....but I guess this just isn't the one, yet.

[cop414]

Originally Posted by Minimalist

Just spoke to Rolex and they said that if changing the crystal they have to do a full service, which would end up costing just shy of £600!

Called Russell Talerman, who seems to be held in high regard around here, they quoted £215 for a crystal replacement, with no need to service the movement.

I guess I'm just trying to find reasons to keep the watch since I've wanted it so badly....but I guess this just isn't the one, yet.

As posted above if there's no service history this one is possibly overdue? Does Talerman do case polishing?

[Minimalist]

Originally Posted by cop414

As posted above if there's no service history this one is possibly overdue? Does Talerman do case polishing?

Yes they are a Rolex accredited service and restoration center.

Regarding service, I think the watch is 'looked over' by the seller but I doubt it has had a full service.

I mean, I don't scratches on my watches, in fact my Hulk has a whole load. But the crystal is just one thing that I'm always careful about. Even though strictly speaking the crystal is easier to deal with than the case. So is it really that bad? My concern should be more on the case? Is the case too over polished then?

[Gerry62]

beautiful watch ...... only swiss dial
it's rare

[Minimalist]

Okay, so after another chat with the seller, they have informed me that the watch has not had a service. It's just been pressure tested and to make sure it is within Rolex timekeeping specs although this isn't a COSC watch so I dunno and they gave it a light polish.

The guy I spoke to said to take it into store, where they can have a look at it and can make a decision about what can be done if anything. I suggested that they replace the crystal (free of charge obviously lol) and he said the manager etc will look at it tomorrow in store and go from there. So if there is a chance of a new crystal that would be that problem solved. So then it's just about the case......?

[cop414]

I guess that's a decision only you can make as far as the case goes, pictures blown up on the internet often make things appear worse than what they are. On a watch as old as this one a polish or two as well as some scratches are to be expected unless it was advertised as never being polished. The rarer dial does add some value but I'd count on a service sooner rather than later. Ultimately I guess the question is will you be happy with it? Are you planning on keeping it long term or will you flip it if another watch piques your interest? Since the sellers are a RSC maybe work a deal on a service price? I didn't mean to burst your bubble with the case comments but I call it as I see it, others here might have a very different opinion as far as the case goes, it's not as if the case is ruined but it was polished at least once in its lifetime. 99.999 % of anyone looking at it in real life won't ever notice a polish job, but post blown up pictures on TRF and well,,,,
Please keep us posted.

[stil]

Originally Posted by Minimalist

Okay, so after another chat with the seller, they have informed me that the watch has not had a service. It's just been pressure tested and to make sure it is within Rolex timekeeping specs although this isn't a COSC watch so I dunno and they gave it a light polish.

The guy I spoke to said to take it into store, where they can have a look at it and can make a decision about what can be done if anything. I suggested that they replace the crystal (free of charge obviously lol) and he said the manager etc will look at it tomorrow in store and go from there. So if there is a chance of a new crystal that would be that problem solved. So then it's just about the case......?

A free crystal would certainly sweeten the deal.

Can you send some more pictures of the lugs? The inside of the 11 and 1 lugs look a bit off...like curved inward near the base. The end link on the 1 o'clock side also looks to be raised above the lug?

[Rebel]

[cop414]

Originally Posted by stil

A free crystal would certainly sweeten the deal.

Can you send some more pictures of the lugs? The inside of the 11 and 1 lugs look a bit off...like curved inward near the base. The end link on the 1 o'clock side also looks to be raised above the lug?

Agree that the endlink in this location appears to be raised above the caseline, this could be from over polishing or just an endlink that's been spread open a little bit causing this.
As far as the case inside the lugs curving inward I can definitely see what your seeing in one of the pics but in others it looks like a straight edge, possibly lighting playing tricks?

[Tvall13]

Looks great! I didn't even notice the scratch on the crystal I was just loving the pictures!

[iliketime]

ATM, im in the market myself for a 14060m or 14060 if the price is right so im doing a little research into the price. do you mind sharing what you paid?

[mtgjr]

Originally Posted by cop414

.....Since the sellers are a RSC maybe work a deal on a service price?.......

Huh? Where'd you get that from?

[mtgjr]

Originally Posted by iliketime

ATM, im in the market myself for a 14060m or 14060 if the price is right so im doing a little research into the price. do you mind sharing what you paid?

Also, who are you voting for in the election and how much money did you make last year?

[cop414]

Originally Posted by Minimalist

Yes they are a Rolex accredited service and restoration center.

Regarding service, I think the watch is 'looked over' by the seller but I doubt it has had a full service.

I mean, I don't scratches on my watches, in fact my Hulk has a whole load. But the crystal is just one thing that I'm always careful about. Even though strictly speaking the crystal is easier to deal with than the case. So is it really that bad? My concern should be more on the case? Is the case too over polished then?

My mistake, based that assumption on the above but it appears that I've misread things,,,

[kilyung]

I'm reminded how sweet looking the 14060 is. Must get another someday.