Acquiring and fine-tuning a birth year watch! (The product of five years of ideas.)

[ArcticMoose]

So, about four years ago, after a year of inspiration from TRF, I decided I wanted a BYW. I'm sure the forum had something to do with it, but the thought of having things the same age as myself has always appealed to me, and what could possibly be better than a watch? It is always with you and takes the same knocks and beatings that you do.

After looking through the models that would qualify for the specific year I was after the choice was easy, it had to be a 1675. The fact that the two-color bezel had been discontinued made it even more interesting. (Of course, at the time the 116710 BLNR had not yet been introduced, and there is still not a ceramic BLRO to be had.)

After deciding on a reference, and a lot of ideas from the forum, Jacek was extremely patient and helpful in finding a watch in decent condition at a price I could accept. My primary concern was a good case, here's the watch I ended up getting. (Jacek's photos.)








This was my first vintage Rolex. I wasn't too concerned about condition other than the case, since I had a pretty good idea about my stand as far as vintage is concerned. Hint: It rhymes pretty well with the stance Rolex has, so vintage purists may wish to turn back now.

Anyhow, I wore the watch every now and then, and concluded that I like the idea of vintage. However, I also concluded that it needs to look like it has been taken care of, and that I need to be confident that it can take the brutality of daily life. This means that I can't be worried about bits of cracked lume coming loose, and that corrosion on the hands and marks on the dial need to go.



So, off to Rolex AD Rob Engström in Stockholm it goes, where watchmaker Peter rips out all the defective parts, as dictated by the service routines issued by Rolex HQ.



The watch is returned to me in good-as-new condition, with service papers to match.



After a few seconds in front of the UV lamp ...



... it is evident that the watch, besides keeping perfect time, now has lume that is acceptable for daily use.



Of course, the watch still has a major defect, one that I wasn't willing to pay to remedy.

The bracelet is as everyone knows of sub-par quality, rattly and light.



Rolex has taken its good time getting an acceptable upgrade in place, decent bracelets were not available until the introduction of the six-number references.

However, putting a modern Oyster bracelet on a 1675, which is so much smaller and lighter than its descendants, does not feel right. Besides the weight imbalance, I don't think polished center links belong on a vintage GMT.

So, what to do?

After thirtyish e-mails with measurements, new measurements, discussions about color, thickness and everything in between, the only hurdle left was a bit of a tussle with TNT regarding commercial invoices and other documentation.

For whatever reason a small package from Indonesia flagged red, but after a few phone calls it was released to me.



What could possibly suit a newly renovated vintage watch better than a nice vintage style leather strap?



Peter Gunny delivered, pertfect fit, gorgeous handiwork and a discreetly engraved logo and serial number.



Does it work?

It works!



There a still a few bits missing though.

I turn to Bergströms, a Rolex AD in Gothenburg.

Doesn't look too flash.



Maybe I should give up this project and get a Yacht-Master instead?



I got what I came for. No bag, and no freebies though.



It is well-protected against theft. And break-ins.



Supposedly this is currently the best supplier of authentic Rolex buckles in the world, as far as price is concerned.



Perfect fit!



Just as I envisioned it.



There is still something missing though.

At first it seemed as though the sender had written the wrong address on my last package, the post office didn't want to accept my ID, which didn't match the name in their system.

Clearly displaying an aura of desperation, I ask the pimply teenager to find the package to ensure that they hadn't made a mistake, which he after a number of upset stares and admonitions from the people behind me in line finally does.

My name is clearly marked on the package and the attached documentation. The clerk finally hands MY package over with a look of defeat all over his face.



The package contains two bits of precision-machined 316L steel, marked 1675, signed Smartyjones18.



Mounted, ready for use!



The leather is still a bit stiff, but I don't think it will take very many days for it to feel like mine.



The obligatory wrist shot.



It has been a long time since I had a watch on my wrist that constantly distracted me, that I could twist and turn in the light for minutes, and that I have to look at two or three times before I register what time it is. No other watch is going to be getting any wrist time at all for the foreseeable future.

What's next? Now that the watch looks so good I am seeing the unevenness of the case, and how worn the bezel is. If it bothers me I might hand it over to ABC Watchwerks for some laser treatment.

Also, there may be one more big thing in store, stay tuned ...