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Old 24 April 2017, 11:28 PM   #1
JohnBaker3
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This Is What Can Happen When Rolex Services Your Vintage Sub

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1959-Rolex-S...EAAOSw5UZY~SNR

New dial, new hands, new insert, and new crown....

So sad....

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Old 24 April 2017, 11:40 PM   #2
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It also looks like the engravings between the lugs has been lost
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Old 24 April 2017, 11:56 PM   #3
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Numbers between lugs are there, but faint.

How do we determine "ROLEX" did this, In think not Rolex?

I dont think Rolex would or can fit TRITIUM dials?
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Old 25 April 2017, 12:24 AM   #4
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Numbers between lugs are there, but faint.

How do we determine "ROLEX" did this, In think not Rolex?

I dont think Rolex would or can fit TRITIUM dials?
Rolex used tritium service dials for decades. It is not unusual to find a tritium service dial on a 1950s Submariner or GMT 1675.
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Old 25 April 2017, 12:26 AM   #5
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Rolex used tritium service dials for decades. It is not unusual to find a tritium service dial on a 1950s Submariner or GMT 1675.
I am sure they used for "decades". Do you know if they still fit them after 1998?? say in 2000?
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Old 25 April 2017, 01:19 AM   #6
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I am sure they used for "decades". Do you know if they still fit them after 1998?? say in 2000?
I think it is common knowledge that the Service Centers will use NOS parts as long as they are available...once they are gone they tell you they can't service the watch...

I started this thread to point out that although this watch "looks like new", it means that another vintage watch with patina has left the planet. RSC's do great work on "newer" models, but vintage is not their forte.

The sellers asking price more than reflects the loss in value.

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Old 25 April 2017, 01:21 AM   #7
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I think it is common knowledge that the Service Centers will use NOS parts as long as they are available...once they are gone they tell you they can't service the watch...

The point of the thread was to point out that although this watch "looks like new", it means that another vintage watch with patina has left the planet.

Understood the point of the thread, I was not trying to take it off topic.

I dont think ROLEX could or can fit TRITIUM dials after 1998 even if they have stock left.
Might be wrong, and happy to be corrected
But i 100% agree that its a crime an original dial with patina has been destroyed


Regards
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Old 25 April 2017, 01:52 AM   #8
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Someone recently posted (for sale) a really nice condition Tudor 79090 that they bought after the original owner kept it in a safe for 15 years. As soon as they got it, they sent it to RSC for service. The result? SL dial, hands, and insert. That's always a bummer to see.
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Old 25 April 2017, 01:53 AM   #9
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I think that watch is for sell on this forum.
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Old 25 April 2017, 01:53 AM   #10
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I'm guessing that attempting to purchase this as it is then turning it into a period correct piece will be nearly impossible. What would be the most difficult correct part to source, the gilt hands?
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Old 25 April 2017, 01:56 AM   #11
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Definitely sad, but the one thing I'll add is that we don't know what the original dial/hands looked like when the watch went in for service. Perhaps they were an absolute mess that had moisture damage, for example. Then this would be an improvement. The problem with RSCs is that they also swap out dials/hands that don't need to be changed. In this case, we'll never know.
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Old 25 April 2017, 02:01 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnBaker3 View Post
I think it is common knowledge that the Service Centers will use NOS parts as long as they are available...once they are gone they tell you they can't service the watch...

I started this thread to point out that although this watch "looks like new", it means that another vintage watch with patina has left the planet. RSC's do great work on "newer" models, but vintage is not their forte.

The sellers asking price more than reflects the loss in value.

From your/other vintage "nuts'" perspective; not that of Rolex. They don't consider patina important, nor is it functional. They have returned a watch which is serviced, functional etc. That's what they have to do, same as having any other machine serviced.
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Old 25 April 2017, 02:52 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnBaker3 View Post
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1959-Rolex-S...EAAOSw5UZY~SNR



New dial, new hands, new insert, and new crown....



So sad....





This watch is for sale now on TRF by autavian.


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Old 25 April 2017, 04:36 AM   #14
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This watch is for sale now on TRF by autavian.


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The price is reflected in the sale
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Old 25 April 2017, 04:56 AM   #15
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The price is reflected in the sale


Yep sure is.


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Old 25 April 2017, 05:23 AM   #16
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Forget the dial. lol at the crown-guards!
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Old 25 April 2017, 11:26 AM   #17
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I guess il chime in since I'm selling this watch :)

1. I agree 100%, it hurts terribly to see vintage pieces sent in for service and coming out looking new with service parts, it breaks my heart.

2. This piece came from a nice lady who's late husband owned it. The son sent it to service some time ago and he wore it for over 20 years and it came back with a tritium dial, insert, crown, and 1570cal movt.

3. The case is in pretty nice shape, esp the CG, but because of its age, being from 1959, the bracelet has worn a majority of the serial #s off, which is not out of the ordinary. CB stampings are good.

4. I do have it listed as a project watch, because it needs a gilt dial and hands.

5. It is listed very cheap and I'm sure someone would enjoy it as is. Runs great, looks nice, but it is just that a project watch and stated as such.

Here's what it looked like when I first acquired it and what it looks like now, after I was done with it.

[/URL]

Thanks

E

Last edited by Autavian; 25 April 2017 at 11:30 AM.. Reason: Misspelled word
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Old 25 April 2017, 02:02 PM   #18
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Anyone know if Rolex "services" their museum pieces? I would think not, which only raises the question of why they would default to replacement with their customers' vintage watches. They need to consider a "vintage" or "classic" department like Porsche has done.
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Old 25 April 2017, 04:51 PM   #19
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Anyone know if Rolex "services" their museum pieces? I would think not, which only raises the question of why they would default to replacement with their customers' vintage watches. They need to consider a "vintage" or "classic" department like Porsche has done.
I've started a thread here https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=531498
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Old 25 April 2017, 10:03 PM   #20
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Anyone know if Rolex "services" their museum pieces? I would think not, which only raises the question of why they would default to replacement with their customers' vintage watches. They need to consider a "vintage" or "classic" department like Porsche has done.
In conversation with other collectors, this is what I've heard.

Rolex knows the value in their vintage parts, Dials, Bakelite and ff bezels/inserts etc.

It came up In conversation that Rolex keeps their vintage parts after servicing and stores them away for safe keeping (to increase in value) or sells them through 3rd party vendors. I don't know how accurate this is, but you would have to imagine that some technicians or employees for RCS are vintage enthusiast and collectors like we are. Just imagine coming across a perfect chocolate 6542 OCC dial that's mint and swapping it for a gmt service dial. Dial alone is worth upwards $20k. Truth is, many people don't know the true value of what they have when it comes to vintage Rolex's and believe it or not, which is mind blowing to me, some people want it restored to look as new.

I don't think Rolex services their museum pieces since they just sit as mannikins in display and not worn, or if they do, they know the value and foolishnish in swapping parts.

I could be wrong here, but it makes sense.

The appreciation in collecting vintage Rolex is the love for the craftsmanship and detail in the piece. It's functionality during that period it was made, which in itself, was so far ahead of the norm. Vintage pieces carry with them a story, who wore it, what was going on in the world and in their life when it was worn, all the whispers it onsorbed, the beatings, romances, travels on different ends of the planet and the list goes on.

If your wearing a vintage Rolex today and reading this, just take a look at that beauty and ask, "if you could share your life experiences, what would you have to say??" Hopefully not "shoot, I've been sitting in a safe my entire life!" Ha!

Truth is, many of the watches were wearing are older than the wrist bearer. So just imagine ��

I'm done, have a great day folks!

E
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Old 25 April 2017, 10:18 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Autavian View Post
In conversation with other collectors, this is what I've heard.

Rolex knows the value in their vintage parts, Dials, Bakelite and ff bezels/inserts etc.

It came up In conversation that Rolex keeps their vintage parts after servicing and stores them away for safe keeping (to increase in value) or sells them through 3rd party vendors. I don't know how accurate this is, but you would have to imagine that some technicians or employees for RCS are vintage enthusiast and collectors like we are. Just imagine coming across a perfect chocolate 6542 OCC dial that's mint and swapping it for a gmt service dial. Dial alone is worth upwards $20k. Truth is, many people don't know the true value of what they have when it comes to vintage Rolex's and believe it or not, which is mind blowing to me, some people want it restored to look as new.

I don't think Rolex services their museum pieces since they just sit as mannikins in display and not worn, or if they do, they know the value and foolishnish in swapping parts.

I could be wrong here, but it makes sense.

The appreciate in collecting vintage Rolex is the love for the craftsmanship and detail in the piece. It's functionality during that period it was made, which in itself, was so far ahead of the norm. Vintage pieces carry with them a story, who wore it, what was going on in the world and in their life when it was worn, all the whispers it onsorbed, the beatings, romances, travels on different ends of the planet and the list goes on.

If your wearing a vintage Rolex today and reading this, just take a look at that beauty and ask, "if you could share your life experiences, what would you have to say??" Hopefully not "shoot, I've been sitting in a safe my entire life!" Ha!

Truth is, many of the watches were wearing are older than the wrist bearer. So just imagine 😊

I'm done, have a great day folks!

E
great post
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Old 25 April 2017, 11:01 PM   #22
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Old 25 April 2017, 11:16 PM   #23
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Autavian View Post
In conversation with other collectors, this is what I've heard.



Rolex knows the value in their vintage parts, Dials, Bakelite and ff bezels/inserts etc.



It came up In conversation that Rolex keeps their vintage parts after servicing and stores them away for safe keeping (to increase in value) or sells them through 3rd party vendors. I don't know how accurate this is, but you would have to imagine that some technicians or employees for RCS are vintage enthusiast and collectors like we are. Just imagine coming across a perfect chocolate 6542 OCC dial that's mint and swapping it for a gmt service dial. Dial alone is worth upwards $20k. Truth is, many people don't know the true value of what they have when it comes to vintage Rolex's and believe it or not, which is mind blowing to me, some people want it restored to look as new.



I don't think Rolex services their museum pieces since they just sit as mannikins in display and not worn, or if they do, they know the value and foolishnish in swapping parts.



I could be wrong here, but it makes sense.



The appreciate in collecting vintage Rolex is the love for the craftsmanship and detail in the piece. It's functionality during that period it was made, which in itself, was so far ahead of the norm. Vintage pieces carry with them a story, who wore it, what was going on in the world and in their life when it was worn, all the whispers it onsorbed, the beatings, romances, travels on different ends of the planet and the list goes on.



If your wearing a vintage Rolex today and reading this, just take a look at that beauty and ask, "if you could share your life experiences, what would you have to say??" Hopefully not "shoot, I've been sitting in a safe my entire life!" Ha!



Truth is, many of the watches were wearing are older than the wrist bearer. So just imagine



I'm done, have a great day folks!



E


Well said autavian!


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Old 25 April 2017, 11:31 PM   #24
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Forget the dial. lol at the crown-guards!
Specifically, what about them?
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Old 26 April 2017, 06:45 AM   #25
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Specifically, what about them?
Are they not completely polished away or is it the angle? They look so sharp they could cut!
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Old 26 April 2017, 06:52 AM   #26
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Are they not completely polished away or is it the angle? They look so sharp they could cut!
Ahh! See what you mean. Yeah, they look a bit "tailored"
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Old 26 April 2017, 08:24 AM   #27
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So is it normal to slam someone's watch that is for sell here?
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Old 26 April 2017, 04:41 PM   #28
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It's a discussion about a watch that a) is correctly and honestly listed, b) one that the seller has joined in with and c) great education.
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Old 26 April 2017, 05:33 PM   #29
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Are they not completely polished away or is it the angle? They look so sharp they could cut!
Pointed Crown Guards?
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Old 26 April 2017, 06:50 PM   #30
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Originally Posted by Autavian View Post
In conversation with other collectors, this is what I've heard.

Rolex knows the value in their vintage parts, Dials, Bakelite and ff bezels/inserts etc.

It came up In conversation that Rolex keeps their vintage parts after servicing and stores them away for safe keeping (to increase in value) or sells them through 3rd party vendors. I don't know how accurate this is, but you would have to imagine that some technicians or employees for RCS are vintage enthusiast and collectors like we are. Just imagine coming across a perfect chocolate 6542 OCC dial that's mint and swapping it for a gmt service dial. Dial alone is worth upwards $20k. Truth is, many people don't know the true value of what they have when it comes to vintage Rolex's and believe it or not, which is mind blowing to me, some people want it restored to look as new.

I don't think Rolex services their museum pieces since they just sit as mannikins in display and not worn, or if they do, they know the value and foolishnish in swapping parts.

I could be wrong here, but it makes sense.

The appreciation in collecting vintage Rolex is the love for the craftsmanship and detail in the piece. It's functionality during that period it was made, which in itself, was so far ahead of the norm. Vintage pieces carry with them a story, who wore it, what was going on in the world and in their life when it was worn, all the whispers it onsorbed, the beatings, romances, travels on different ends of the planet and the list goes on.

If your wearing a vintage Rolex today and reading this, just take a look at that beauty and ask, "if you could share your life experiences, what would you have to say??" Hopefully not "shoot, I've been sitting in a safe my entire life!" Ha!

Truth is, many of the watches were wearing are older than the wrist bearer. So just imagine ��

I'm done, have a great day folks!

E
Hi, I do not post that frequently but what I read here above, mainly the first part of the post drives my angry. So, I may be a bit blunt here, but if RSC guys know the value of a rare vintage part and just swap it, even if in perfect state, that just plain steal.
My 16753 is out to have the movement serviced. They do not send to RSC, they do it internally and know perfectly the value of vintage. I made it perfectly clear to the guys at the other side of the desk (explicitly written in details, pictures taken,……) that, if dial, hands, date Wheel, insert were changed, he will have some interesting times with me.

My 2 cents


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