Help with valuations?

[Picky Scientist]

This is my first post so please excuse the number of questions. What I’m really after is some advice on getting a valuation for insurance, but perhaps I’d better start at the beginning. I was lucky enough to receive a Red Submariner for my 21st Birthday in 1976 and I’ve worn it almost every day since. A photo will hopefully be below



The model number is 1680/0 (I haven’t seen the /0 notation on any Rolex related sites yet but that’s what Rolex put on the service guarantee) and the serial number is 3713XXX (why is there a convention not to disclose the last few digits?) The clasp is coded A, although the letter is on a level with the word Steelinox, rather than in the top right-hand corner. I also have the box it came in (green with a fine gold line round the top edge and a coronet at the front, a plastic Rolex seal on a short cord, and a cream and green outer box (with a number on a sticker underneath). Unfortunately, I don’t have the receipt or any other paperwork.

I’ve had it serviced by Rolex in Dartford three times and I have the guarantee for the one that’s just been carried out. The watch looks almost like new now but I was slightly disappointed that they could not polish the (extendable) bracelet and clasp. They recommended a new one but I couldn’t see what was wrong with the current one and I wanted to keep the original. Was this the right choice?

I need to make sure that it is covered by the single item limit on my household insurance but I’ve no idea where to go for a reliable valuation and I wondered if anyone could help? I live in London and although there are plenty of shops who can quote me the cost of a modern replacement, that just wouldn’t be the same. So can anyone recommend an alternative?

Thanks in advance for your help.