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Old 12 September 2024, 12:49 PM   #1
Captkerosene
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Best option for a beaten up 1675?

I'm the second owner of this 1972 watch. Bought it from a Vietnam pilot in 1986 and flew with it for thirty years. I don't like the idea of completely restoring it but I want to wear it and I want it to look nice. The hands were replaced (and lost) ten years ago but everything else including oyster bracelet are original. Is it too far gone? Polish it, buy a good service dial, insert and hands or some other less invasive restoration?
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Old 12 September 2024, 01:02 PM   #2
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I would start with replacing the insert and then consider if anything else really needs to be done.
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Old 12 September 2024, 02:50 PM   #3
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I would start with replacing the insert and then consider if anything else really needs to be done.
This. The insert will make a huge difference, and you may not want to do anything else after that.

Cool watch!
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Old 12 September 2024, 04:19 PM   #4
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Insert as others mentioned. Then some polywatch to buff out the deeper scratches on the crystal. Done. Wouldn’t call this “beaten up” tbh.
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Old 12 September 2024, 04:29 PM   #5
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Why would you want to replace the dial? I would do as little as possible to keep it as genuine as possible and as mentioned see if any scuffs or scratches can be buffed out of the crystal
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Old 12 September 2024, 07:23 PM   #6
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A new redback insert will give this watch a new lease on life, and maybe a modern (1990s plus) bracelet. Dial looks great given its life.
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Old 12 September 2024, 07:48 PM   #7
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I would not change a thing other than a service on the movement if need be
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Old 12 September 2024, 07:57 PM   #8
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A good vintage service, maybe replace the insert, and pick up a new bracelet from your local AD (after the service)

Let's see a better photo of that dial, I bet it looks great in the sun.
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Old 12 September 2024, 09:44 PM   #9
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I would send it to a vintage restorer. Get an evaluation on what they think and what needs to be done. Go from there.
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Old 13 September 2024, 02:44 AM   #10
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As you are located in Scottsdale I would contact Phillip Ridley who is located in Mesa. https://ridleywatchmakers.com/
He can definitely help you sort it out for a sympathetic restoration and source some period correct parts if need be. Definitely keep the dial but an insert would do wonders for it. Keep the original too.
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Old 13 September 2024, 03:26 AM   #11
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I have one from 1967 that had a re-painted dial as a result of of water damage, most likely. I replaced with a service dial, hands and a new bezel and it looks amazing. Will try to post some pics shortly.
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Old 13 September 2024, 03:36 AM   #12
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Insert is fake anyway. Kick down for a correct folded steel bracelet and redback insert, polywatch. Wear it!
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Old 13 September 2024, 03:38 AM   #13
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If you're not to fussed about the keeping a legit insert unmolested ... a little hack I've used with a heavily scratched insert is to apply cape cod to it gently in a circular action for a hour or so.

The result is nearly all the scratches disappear, but of course the shading becomes lighter. I then apply some oil/mixed with lacquer to it to get the colour slightly back, art refurb-stylee.

The results are quite pleasing. But it's not something I'd do with/to a valuable insert but it's great hack for an (otherwise scrap) unsightly heavily scratched, non-valuable, black, blue/red or gold/brown insert.
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Old 13 September 2024, 03:42 AM   #14
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Very interesting restoration TuRo, I may try that one day on a spare I have in the drawer that is in need of attention.

Also, do you think the OP's insert is genuine? Looks like hooked 2s to me.
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Old 13 September 2024, 06:15 AM   #15
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Insert is fake anyway. Kick down for a correct folded steel bracelet and redback insert, polywatch. Wear it!
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Old 13 September 2024, 09:57 AM   #16
Captkerosene
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Thanks for all the advice. I appreciate every comment.

I'm in touch with a watchmaker for a restoration. I don't want to give his name and potentially expose him to criticism.

I need the watch to be serviceable. It's a problem if paint is chipping off of the dial and you can't read UTC time. Also, it'd be nice to have some lume again. I was hoping to repair/restore the components I already had but that doesn't seem to be an option.

Interesting that someone thinks my insert isn't original. Certainly possible, and if it's not original then I already have a frankenwatch. I now think I don't have the original end links either since there are channels for the spring bar. (36 years I was married to this watch only to find out she's a fraud!)

Restoring the watch opens up another possibility. I have several students I'm mentoring. One of them could get it with a fresh restoration and they can use and enjoy it in their flying career. Better that than it ends up in some drawer somewhere not being used.
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Old 13 September 2024, 10:46 AM   #17
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The insert is not only not original, it's aftermarket. Not authentic Rolex.
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Old 13 September 2024, 11:04 AM   #18
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The insert is not only not original, it's aftermarket. Not authentic Rolex.
Had to rotate the image 90 deg to get the hook - good point
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Old 13 September 2024, 01:17 PM   #19
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Had to rotate the image 90 deg to get the hook - good point
Had no idea the insert wasn’t Rolex. I’ll be asking for a refund on my $625 1986 purchase price.
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Old 13 September 2024, 10:39 PM   #20
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Had no idea the insert wasn’t Rolex. I’ll be asking for a refund on my $625 1986 purchase price.
No need to get defensive. If you didn't want information about your watch, you didn't have to start this thread. In your place I would be happy to know that the insert is fake, because it would make the decision to replace it easier.
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Old 14 September 2024, 12:19 AM   #21
Captkerosene
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No need to get defensive. If you didn't want information about your watch, you didn't have to start this thread. In your place I would be happy to know that the insert is fake, because it would make the decision to replace it easier.
Couldn't find the appropriate smiley face to indicate I was joking ... which of course I was.

I very much appreciate those who brought it to my attention.
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Old 14 September 2024, 04:25 AM   #22
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Great watch and back story! I'm likely to be Cape Codding inserts all weekend now! Paul - I'd be interested to hear more about the oil/lacquer mix!
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Old 14 September 2024, 09:14 AM   #23
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I beg to differ about the insert. It looks exactly like the one put on my watch by the RSC in Abu Dhabi.
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Old 14 September 2024, 09:56 AM   #24
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The "2" and the "20" look like hooked 2s but not the "22" for whatever reason. Still screams aftermarket with those first two numbers. Great thread on aftermarket inserts by @Springer here: https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=462474
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Old 14 September 2024, 10:23 AM   #25
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Do what you can to get it OEM, service it and enjoy. Love these 1675’s.
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Old 14 September 2024, 10:35 AM   #26
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The "2" and the "20" look like hooked 2s but not the "22" for whatever reason. Still screams aftermarket with those first two numbers. Great thread on aftermarket inserts by @Springer here: https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=462474
To me, the 22 also looks fully hooked.

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I beg to differ about the insert. It looks exactly like the one put on my watch by the RSC in Abu Dhabi.
Let's see a photo of your authentic insert with hooked 2s.
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Old 14 September 2024, 03:40 PM   #27
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I beg to differ about the insert. It looks exactly like the one put on my watch by the RSC in Abu Dhabi.
Doesn’t sound like that is legit either
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Old 14 September 2024, 04:31 PM   #28
Captkerosene
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do what you can to get it oem, service it and enjoy. Love these 1675’s.
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How does this look? I think it's a '74 vintage.
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Old 14 September 2024, 10:01 PM   #29
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Couldn't find the appropriate smiley face to indicate I was joking ... which of course I was.

I very much appreciate those who brought it to my attention.

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Old 14 September 2024, 10:03 PM   #30
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Attachment 1457916

How does this look? I think it's a '74 vintage.
No - this is later. 70s and earlier have a Fat Font - where the 8 would look wider with the top portion a bit squished. The GMT inserts link above is very explanatory
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