GMT Master Help Needed :)

[caryyee]

Some Rolex service centers are more sympathetic to their treatment of vintage watches. The one in Melbourne certainly is, as they understand what it means to keep a vintage Rolex as original as possible, but there are others that will force you to accept replacement of anything that even looks remotely worn.

Once you've chosen an independent, please report back with the 'after' photos! :-)

[Tools]

Restoration vs. preservation are difficult decisions with vintage..

There is nothing wrong with RSC and the work they do.. You just need to be aware that in the vintage world, replacement dials and hands diminish the collector value (and dollar value) of the watch.. Rolex can restore the watch to like new condition, but with newer service parts.. Some folks prefer to have a fully functional, modernized, vintage.

Restoration can also be done with period correct parts - if they can be found.. Rolex does not use period correct but instead uses the last "correct" parts used on that particular model.

Certainly, preservation of original parts is not for everybody and costs can skyrocket if the parts need to be stabilized, rebuilt, or repaired. The watch will never look like new, but only preserved in the current state of wear..

As to the bracelet.. nothing wrong with a new, proper, service replacement from Rolex here... especially if it is to be worn for many more years..

[BaltimoreBrian]

Keep us all updated Jo, the watch will look amazing when you get it back.

[oakalley]

Jo,
No offense taken, and don't get me wrong, I have nothing against RSC's, In fact I have used them in the past, I would use the RSC closest to me for my 16610 if it needed a service, because as a contemporary model, the new parts (Dial/hands, crown/tube) would still be period correct. I would send my 16750 which is not that old ('86 model) to an independent, probably Bob Ridley in Texas, because I don't want a new insert, lumi dial and hands, which are not period correct, and my 1680 as well (Not even sure RSC Dallas would work on a mid 70's watch?). The nice thing about the independent with Rolex parts accounts, they will use the same Rolex parts, and even if they advise that you exchange the dial , hands,insert, crown/tube, all the old parts will be returned with your watch.this is really good should you or your son decide to sell it later on.
Best of luck with your project, Please post some "after" photos when you get your father's watch back from service.

[Steve748]

Bill Rice serviced my 1968 5512 and it looked like new when he finished it but on close inspection you could see it had the original bezel and hands. It had a metres first dial and that would have gone had it been sent to the RSC and the new dial would have knocked about a grand off it's value.
I sold it in the Rolex service case that Bill supplied along with a 2 year certificate and the new owner is very happy with it.
Also if you send it to Bill you can go and pick it up when it is ready..(by appt) and find out more about the watch and it will be well worth the trip across country.