Rolex Submariner 16613 help/advice needed please

[1984swiss]

Hi guys, I am a total newbie here and this is my first post…so please forgive me if it’s a little long!

My girlfriend recently bought me a pre-owned bi-metal/two-tone Submariner (16613 – 1997 model – T serial number – blue dial/bezel). It’s not quite the model I was looking for so I am currently considering my options with regards to it. I would prefer a newer model with a gold through clasp, SELs and no lug holes.

However, this is my full story…

On first inspection, I noticed that the bezel insert was somewhat scratched and so I took it to St James (I work nearby) for a brand new bezel insert replacement. Whilst there, the service dept confirmed that watch has never been serviced by Rolex…but this doesn’t mean it hasn’t been serviced elsewhere. That got me thinking that for peace of mind, I would like to have it serviced. In addition, there a few other things I would like doing at the same time if I were to keep it. These being:

• New crystal – very slight scratch at 11 hour marker and bit rough around the edge near the 10 hour marker and between the 4-5 hour markers.
• New Dial – the lume has totally worn out.
• New Hands – again, the lume has totally worn out.

With regards to the dial, will it be a straight like for like replacement? i.e. Will it be replaced with a “sunburst” dial that has the SWISS – T < 25 text at the bottom and be lumed with tritium? Or will it be a newer “flat blue” dial with SWISS MADE text and a luminova lume? Or a combination of any of those options?

Also, will the hands be replaced with tritium lumed hands or luminova ones?

If I do decide to sell the watch, would I be better of having these things done myself and try to get a higher price for the watch? Or let the new owner take on these costs and suffer a lower selling price? I understand that having an official Rolex confirmation of a recent service will go some way to replacing the original papers…at least to further back up the authenticity.

I guess what I’m also concerned about is will any changes de-value the watch in any way?

The watch itself comes with the inner box, outer box, booklets, anchor and the hologram and serial number swing-tags (although the serial number sticker has been removed); but no guarantee/service papers. I think in total there are 11 ½ or 12 ½ links. I can’t quite remember exactly.

Could anyone provide a rough estimate for the work outlined above? I will take it to St James next week for an estimate but would like to be prepared!

If possible, based on the information above and the pictures below, could you give me an idea of what it is currently worth and also what it would/might be worth coming straight out of RSC having had all the above work done?

I know I’m asking a lot of questions here so I really appreciate any help anyone can provide!

Watch "as was" when purchased



Watch "as is" now following bexel insert replacement