'66 GMT 1675 Need Help/Advice to conserve/restore

[Alwayslearning]

Hello all, I have enough experience in watch world to know that I need advice and guidance to properly conserve this '66. It has a fine condition 78360 bracelet with 580 end pieces. The acrylic xtl is crazed. Definitely in need of a tube but unsure of condition of threads inside of crown. I'd rather not replace the crown. Glossy dial, but I'm lost on the differences bt mk1,mk2, etc. The GMT hand is the "small" type and the red epoxy has rolled/peeled up. Can this be re-applied or should it be replaced with same style, period correct hand in better condition? Dial has a great patina, but I'm confused as I would not call this a tropic dial, though I've seen similar dials described as such by some sellers. And what the heck is a gilt chapter ring??? I would think that would denote "gold", but many described as such look white printed to me. I would greatly appreciate any feedback and help in identifying any of the esoteric details of this PX Purchase Timepiece. Also, I'm unsure of it's potential value once correctly restored. Any ideas? If it is not appropriate to publicly recommend qualified restoration watchmakers on this thread, your PM will be greatly appreciated.

IMG_2260.JPG IMG_2261.JPG IMG_2262.JPG IMG_2263.JPG IMG_2264.JPG IMG_2265.JPG IMG_2266.JPG IMG_2267.JPG IMG_2268.JPG IMG_2269.JPG IMG_2270.JPG IMG_2271.JPG IMG_2272.JPG IMG_2273.JPG IMG_2275.JPG

[springer]

I would place several additional photos here so others can proceed with your inquiry.

[waspy1]

Mk1, mk2 etc refer to the later matte dials. Yours should be a gloss gilt dial from your description. Also shouldn't have a chapter ring enclosing the minute markers. Your pics haven't uploaded so if you put these up we'll be able to help.


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[offrdmania]

Only 1 picture is working

[Alwayslearning]

Having a world of trouble trying to post pics, signed up for Imgur to host photos. Is there a better way?

[omitohud]

Originally Posted by Alwayslearning

Having a world of trouble trying to post pics, signed up for Imgur to host photos. Is there a better way?

Tinypic.com or tapatalk from ur phone.


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[Alwayslearning]

Getting the hang of how to post pics

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[omitohud]

Beautiful gilt dial latest variation. First thing first, get some polywatch to clear up that crystal n u will truly c this beauty. If I were u I would send it to a reputable watch maker for a complete service. DO NOT send to Rolex service center.


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[offrdmania]

I would love to wear that thing just the way it is. If only it could talk and reveal where each one of those scratches came from

[Alwayslearning]

Originally Posted by omitohud

Beautiful gilt dial latest variation. First thing first, get some polywatch to clear up that crystal n u will truly c this beauty. If I were u I would send it to a reputable watch maker for a complete service. DO NOT send to Rolex service center.


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Never, in one million years, would I send to Rolex. I was associated with an AD for the majority of my career and have seen what happens to vintage pieces, red letter sub dials replaced, etc. Thanks for the id on the dial!


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[Alwayslearning]

Originally Posted by omitohud

Tinypic.com or tapatalk from ur phone.


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Tapatalk seems to be the ticket. Much appreciated.


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[Perpetual74]

hi , from what you see from the photos the dial is gilt "Swiss t < 25 " , consistent with watches of the years 65/66 , so if you say that is the 66 is correct. Serial and reference numbers are correct and good

the chapter ring dials are tipical on previous gmt compared to yours, especially with pointed crown guard case .. They have a circle that connects all around minute index .. the name is derived from this not from the gilt finishing.. even your is gilt dial

In my view , given the conditions , you should replace both pipe crown to ensure sufficient impermeability ...

the dial unfortunately you can not see very well because of the scratched plexi ... to be honest I hope that the break is there recently ... the vintage dials less directly exposed to the elements and is better ..
Try to polish the plexi or to remove it.. So you can take a look to the gloss.. It seems good..but..

the small hand should be replaced even if it is expensive and not readily available .. you can try to do to recover from a professional , you may still get a good result.. Hands maybe relumed.. You could restore all hands ... Painting the small gmt and reluming with a matching color to the dial all of them..

The bracelet should be a rivet 7206... The case looks very good...

[springer]

Originally Posted by omitohud

Beautiful gilt dial latest variation. First thing first, get some polywatch to clear up that crystal n u will truly c this beauty. If I were u I would send it to a reputable watch maker for a complete service. DO NOT send to Rolex service center.


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That made my night. Anyway...Sorry, but that crystal is way past needing polywatch - the crystal is shot. It is heavily crazed. Considering the few GMTs that I have owned, I would have to say that I have never seen one in this condition before. Makes me wonder where it has been.

Based on the condition, I would be careful getting water on it if you are planning to clean it. It would be best to remove the movement since there is a good likelihood that the seals are faulty. It appears there has already been some moisture damage to the dial/hands.

Good luck - let's see some photos when you get it finished.

[themaninblack]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

If only it could talk and reveal where each one of those scratches came from

General neglect would be my guess!

[Alwayslearning]

Originally Posted by springer

That made my night. Anyway...Sorry, but that crystal is way past needing polywatch - the crystal is shot. It is heavily crazed. Considering the few GMTs that I have owned, I would have to say that I have never seen one in this condition before. Makes me wonder where it has been.

Based on the condition, I would be careful getting water on it if you are planning to clean it. It would be best to remove the movement since there is a good likelihood that the seals are faulty. It appears there has already been some moisture damage to the dial/hands.

Good luck - let's see some photos when you get it finished.

I would have to totally agree with you. This watch reminds me of a classic car found in a barn half buried in manure and home to a family of rodents- 100% worth saving, but not for the faint of heart.



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[Alwayslearning]

I'm ordering a Rolex style case back wrench this week so I can inspect the movement. The dial looks good with the exception of some abrasion between 6 and 9 where it appears that one of the hands bottomed out and made contact with the dial. I am hopeful that perhaps this may diminish with a gently cleaning. The large chip in the xtl thankfully does not extend to the interior, however the crown will not screw down and no telling how long that has been open. I've never seen damage to a tube like this. There is actually a hole in the tube and the tube seems crimped. I went ahead and carefully detailed the exterior using 90% alcohol. The silver lining of seemingly not being serviced is that the case has not been over polished through the years. I'm looking forward to seeing what dates, if any, are in the inside of the case back. I'll update once I get inside.


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[droptopman]

Great find. Appears everything is there. Perhaps a little moisture got to the dial and hands at some point. Case looks nice and thick. I love doing projects like this.
With some time and effort this could turn out really nice.
Good luck!

[Alwayslearning]

Originally Posted by droptopman

Great find. Appears everything is there. Perhaps a little moisture got to the dial and hands at some point. Case looks nice and thick. I love doing projects like this.
With some time and effort this could turn out really nice.
Good luck!

Thank you sir! Indeed an absorbing project. And it takes up zero room in my garage.


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[R.W.T.]

Originally Posted by Alwayslearning

I'm ordering a Rolex style case back wrench this week so I can inspect the movement. The dial looks good with the exception of some abrasion between 6 and 9 where it appears that one of the hands bottomed out and made contact with the dial. I am hopeful that perhaps this may diminish with a gently cleaning. The large chip in the xtl thankfully does not extend to the interior, however the crown will not screw down and no telling how long that has been open. I've never seen damage to a tube like this. There is actually a hole in the tube and the tube seems crimped. I went ahead and carefully detailed the exterior using 90% alcohol. The silver lining of seemingly not being serviced is that the case has not been over polished through the years. I'm looking forward to seeing what dates, if any, are in the inside of the case back. I'll update once I get inside.


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That case back is VERY VERY likely not coming off with a hand wrench. If it doesn't move very easily, which I would bet 9999999999999999.99 % that it won't, give up. Take it to someone who has a real case opener. Really, I realize it's a neat find and fun to explore but it's too valuable and too delicate to go off rather half cocked. Most sports model watches I get have the backs on WAY too tight. The longer they are on that way with grunge and DNA the less likely they are to come off nicely with a hand wrench. Over tightening the case back does not improve water resistance, it merely stresses the threads and distorts the gasket imho. Tight...is good, wrenched is futile.

I totally agree with Springer...the crystal is toast.

The crown...is really no different than the current issue...with a tube like that...toss it.

Everything else...I would leave. You know the hand....it's pretty easy to repaint the red part. I probably would, someone else might leave it. I don't really like the lume with the moisture...but they aren't cracking. Actually they look like they may have already been relumed at some point. If that sliver of paint is really there and full width, a crafty guy could probably super glue it back down and save it.

This is not really a DIY project. As I said interesting as it may be to be the detective.

Send it to someone who can fix it right.

I think you will be very happy with what you have.

[Perpetual74]

personally despite the signs on the dial you have indicated (that are impossible to view because the plexi), I do not touch it...
With a 1.4 mio serial I would expect a backcase III or IV / 65

[Alwayslearning]

Lol, wholeheartedly. But I replace gaskets, crystals, crowns, etc on many watches everyday. I use a Witschi Proofmaster S to pressure test. However, I know my limits for sure. I'd love to hear recommendations of who is best qualified to properly restore this. I have several Rolex Authorized independent watchmakers that can service the watch, but their mainstay is cranking out service on later models and I really don't want to lose any control over what is done to it.


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