Neglected 16610 S Serial. Lots of pics inside. What's it worth?

[breukelenvr6]

Member over at Paneristi, WUS and TZ, but first time poster here :)

I volunteered to help a friend of mine figure out what to do with a Submariner that he owns. I've been trying to persuade him to service the watch, but he's leaning towards selling it as-is. He has no interest in keeping this watch whatsoever. This post is by no means a shill, I'm simply trying to get some facts straight and help him to decide the most sensible course of action.

The watch is exactly as-is... no boxes, no papers, no service history. Aside from the cracked crystal, there appear to be tiny chips or bubbles on the underside of the crystal. How did those get there??? There is a tiny bit of flaking on the pivot area of the seconds hand. Otherwise, the dial appears to be in excellent shape. Also, I've observed that over the past 36 hours it is right on the dot and keeping perfect time.

Without going the costly RSC route, would it be worthwhile to have an independent watch service like ABC or somebody local in NYC replace the crystal for $200 to spruce it up a bit for sale or simply sell as-is?

Any ballpark estimate what this watch is worth as-is? Please PM me if more appropriate. My friend will likely have no issue selling it for a steep discount since it's not perfect.

Please take a look at the photos below and let me know what you think!

Thanks in advance.

[ParisDakarBmw]

He should look at selling it as a project watch. It does have some issues, but could be fixed up nice.

Crystal $150
service $250
Polishing $100
new hand $125
no box or papers drags the total value down a bit.

Still has the possibility of making a good daily watch.

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by ParisDakarBmw

He should look at selling it as a project watch. It does have some issues, but could be fixed up nice.

Crystal $150
service $250
Polishing $100
new hand $125
no box or papers drags the total value down a bit.

Still has the possibility of making a good daily watch.

Just curious, but where are you getting a Rolex serviced for $250? Inquiring minds want to know.

[ParisDakarBmw]

Originally Posted by jclevoy

Just curious, but where are you getting a Rolex serviced for $250? Inquiring minds want to know.

Steve Mulholland has done several at that price with a 1 year warranty.

The watches run like butter

[gr8collector]

where can you purchase a crystal for $150?

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by ParisDakarBmw

Steve Mulholland has done several at that price with a 1 year warranty.

The watches run like butter

Good to know.........Thanks for the info.

[breukelenvr6]

It seems to me that either my friend sells as-is as a "project watch" or as a real daily beater for somebody... or get the crystal replaced and movement cleaned and service and then sell it. Is it me or do a lot of folks here prefer the unpolished, used condition? Or do you guys prefer a watch that is totally cleaned up looking nearly new?

[Ebruner]

Originally Posted by ParisDakarBmw

He should look at selling it as a project watch. It does have some issues, but could be fixed up nice.

Crystal $150
service $250
Polishing $100
new hand $125
no box or papers drags the total value down a bit.

Still has the possibility of making a good daily watch.

A ROLEX crystal for $150.00. Where???

-Eddie

[ObscureLight]

Hmmm, If you can go to an AD to get the rolex authenticated to confirm that not only its real but it isnt stolen. I might be interested in that watch depending on the price your friend is willing to let it go at. I also live in NYC so we can even do an in person transaction.

[breukelenvr6]

If any experts want to authenticate through the photos, please by all means chime in. Honestly, I don't think my friend is willing to spend any time or money to get RSC to authenticate it. Hopefully this doesn't become an issue with the buyer, but I understand completely.

[Rolex tom]

new glass and a service the bubble things in the glass are most likely water stains from the condensation, a person i knew had a seamaster with same thing

[ObscureLight]

Originally Posted by breukelenvr6

If any experts want to authenticate through the photos, please by all means chime in. Honestly, I don't think my friend is willing to spend any time or money to get RSC to authenticate it. Hopefully this doesn't become an issue with the buyer, but I understand completely.

Actually I don't believe you get charged to authenticate a watch.

[roger0770]

rsc authenticates the watch for free, but for them to issue a statement does cost some money.

[dysondiver]

seen a lot worse ... it would do up nice

[Blue Shadow]

An AD here told me Rolex charges $150 to authenticate.......

[Yazo]

Originally Posted by Blue Shadow

An AD here told me Rolex charges $150 to authenticate.......

Heard the same.

I think the value of the watch in the condition it is in should be around 2700-2800, maybe less.

[breukelenvr6]

Originally Posted by roger0770

rsc authenticates the watch for free, but for them to issue a statement does cost some money.

There's an RSC in NYC... perhaps I may try calling them up. It's around the corner from me. Although based on the number of folks posting and PM'ing I'm guessing that any red flags would have been raised by now regarding the authenticity - am I right?