Inherited grandfather's Rolex and needing advice - Canada

[AdamWilliam]

Hello community,

Several weeks ago, I inherited my grandfather's GMT Master Rolex. My understanding is that he purchased the watch roughly 42 years ago, so I suspect it is the GMT-Master 1675 model.

I'm not entirely sure on this, but the watch appears to be broken in a few ways:

- It's impossible to set the crown to the first position, where one would change the date. When unscrewed, it goes from winding straight to time setting.
- When in second position, the time can only be set by turning the crown counter-clockwise, or back in time, and not forward in time.
- Finally, perhaps a small thing, but it's my understanding that the bezel is supposed to rotate for the setting of different time zones, but mine appears fixed in place.
- Edit: I should add that while moving the dials back in time (to achieve the correct time), I noticed the date changing around 7pm instead of 12am, which I don't think is kosher.

Some minor polishing repairs are also needed.

If possible, I would like to have the watch serviced at RSC, but I have a feeling that all the regular work in addition to these more complex reparations will be quite costly.

Also, I'm in Montreal, while the RSC center is in Toronto, so I can't just pop in. What would be the best (and safest) way of getting an estimate?

I loved my gramps, and I'd be proud to wear his watch, so I would definitely appreciate any guidance on how to proceed.

Thanks,

-AW

[Baco Noir]

You should look at a local respected watchmaker rather than RSC, who may replace other parts they consider worn out (bezel, dial, hands, ect) which may decrease the value. Have any pictures???

[SLS]

First of all, welcome and congrats on the GMT. The first position on a GMT Master is to wind, the second is to set the time. To set the date you must manually wind the watch forward by advancing the hour hand...the small crown makes this a pain if the date is the 3rd and the watch is on the 5th! The RSC can certainly help, however I would ask if you could please post some pictures of the watch as their may be a few things you do not want to have replaced. This would include the dial, hands and bezel insert if its all original. There are watchmakers out there that specialize in repairing these old beauties and bring them back to life. IMO, start with these guys and use the RSC's as a last resort.

[PHDX2]

Pics please.

[Shade]

That's very true what the others have said. You have an old vintage and you might not want to start replacing it with just a new part and thus decreasing Ita historic value. A local but experienced watchmaker would be a first step.

Last but not least, congrats!

[marshallr47]

Welcome to TRF and congrats on you acquisition. It sounds like you wonderful watch which needs a little TLC to get it back to wearing condition. There are two ways to look at this. If you plan on keeping the watch and never selling it then do what you want to it....ie replace what ever parts need replacing. If you plan to resell then, keeping the hands and dial in it's original form(if descent looking) would yield more of a return. RSC, of course would keep all parts removed from this watch whereas a watchmaker would give the parts back to you. I would love to see some pics of it..we all would. Best of luck in your decision. Please keep us posted.

[ParisDakarBmw]

Welcome to the forums, and congrats on getting a cool watch passed down.

First thing is to make sure the vintage appeal is protected. You should make sure nothing is replaced, unless it has to be. If anything like the dial, bezel, and hands are original, you want to proceed with caution. Those make up the majority of the watches collector value. Only send it to a trusted watchmaker that will leave the watch original.

It sounds like it needs a complete overhaul, and several parts replaced. This is common for a vintage that hasn't been worn, or serviced in a while. Pull the stem out, and stop the movement until a watchmaker can repair it.

Posting pictures can help us direct you a little better. A watch you may consider needing polishing, and new parts, may only need a movement overhaul to be a highly collectable watch.

When you take pictures, get close pics of the dial, case, and bracelet clasp numbers, as well as the numbers between the lugs. Those will help identify the year of procuction, and then indicate the correct look. You'll benefit from sharing good pics!

Good luck!

[jeremyam]

sitting on a gold mine, all these issues are sign of use- which, in this case, should be meaningful. the value of the watch is probably tremendous so take your time and don't rush into anything. i would second also recommend seeking out a watchmaker, perhaps, you could find one who does restoration and work with them, slowly.

lucky you!

[conrail]

Welcome! If the watch is that old and appears to be behaving funny, I wouldn't mess with it too much just so you don't royally screw up the innards - as others have said, take it to a good watchmaker for a once-over.

Congrats on the watch though, btw! What great history it must have!

That would be an epic road trip Montreal -> Toronto though haha.

[AdamWilliam]

Okay, so first of all - thank you all for the warm welcome.

If what SLS says is true, then there is no actual technical problem with changing the date (that's both good and bad, as it would have been nice to have the convenient option).

In that case, perhaps the only thing that needs to be fixed is being able to wind the time both backwards and forwards. I haven't heard anyone mention whether the bezel should be adjustable, and/or how this should be done.

I didn't realize there were any numbers anywhere on the outside of the watch, but now I see on the inside of bracelet clasp it says: I11, registered Swiss made, Steelinox, 78360. There is also a number on the back of the watch where the bracelet connects to the case that says 580 - otherwise, I see no discernible markings.

I know for a fact that this watch went into RSC for servicing between 2000 and 2007, so possibly a lot of the original pieces have already been switched out. I'm not sure what arrangements he made with RSC when he brought it in.

And now for some pictures!

Thanks again for all the feedback.

-AW

[Lgear080]

wow... don't touch it.

ultimately will you wear or sell?

if your goal is to wear in honor of grandfather, consider a local reputable
rolex learned watchmaker for light repairs to deal with the winding issue
only. glgl

[cdnwatchguy]

Al Jenskey at Acher Watches. In Ontario and he does world class work. Google Archer watches and his blog has pictures of a lot of his work. The price will be way cheaper than ESC too.

PM me for detailsif you want.

[cdnwatchguy]

Originally Posted by AdamWilliam

Okay, so first of all - thank you all for the warm welcome.

If what SLS says is true, then there is no actual technical problem with changing the date (that's both good and bad, as it would have been nice to have the convenient option).

In that case, perhaps the only thing that needs to be fixed is being able to wind the time both backwards and forwards. I haven't heard anyone mention whether the bezel should be adjustable, and/or how this should be done.

I didn't realize there were any numbers anywhere on the outside of the watch, but now I see on the inside of bracelet clasp it says: I11, registered Swiss made, Steelinox, 78360. There is also a number on the back of the watch where the bracelet connects to the case that says 580 - otherwise, I see no discernible markings.

I know for a fact that this watch went into RSC for servicing between 2000 and 2007, so possibly a lot of the original pieces have already been switched out. I'm not sure what arrangements he made with RSC when he brought it in.

And now for some pictures!

Thanks again for all the feedback.

-AW

Probably has been serviced as it has a sercice dial on it it seems. If it is running fine, just keep using it.

[ParisDakarBmw]

The bezel should spin freely, with no click device on the GMT. If it is completely frozen, it could be from a large amount of funk under the bezel. I would send it for a complete service, and cleaning. It should work after that. There isn't too many parts to fail under the bezel, so dirt would be my first guess.

Nice watch!

[MitchSteel]

+1 For Al (Archer).I havent had anything serviced by him, but a couple of my buddies did, excellent work they said.A real gentelman to deal with.I have bought one of his Archer Aero watches from him, and build quality is fantastic.

[zeuloa]

It sounds like you want to keep instead of sell...... I would send it to RSC...

[36475koz]

Wow! That is a beautiful watch...you, my friend, are a lucky man. I'm not nearly as well-versed as some of the experts on the Forums, so all I can do is wish you luck with it. Enjoy the heck out of it and wear it in good health.

[SLS]

Great looking GMT! However, it appears that the watch has been serviced by the RSC, the dial and hands have been replaced with a luminova service dial (denoted by the "Swiss" at the 6:00 position). This is not a problem, however it does affect the value quite a bit. But since it sounds like you are keeping it, the watch actually will glow at night, whereas with out the dial and hand change, they would not. Atthis point, I would bring the watch to the RSC and get the works done to it while they still have the parts available and will service the watch.
Scott

[sakuraba]

Originally Posted by AdamWilliam

I didn't realize there were any numbers anywhere on the outside of the watch, but now I see on the inside of bracelet clasp it says: I11, registered Swiss made, Steelinox, 78360. There is also a number on the back of the watch where the bracelet connects to the case that says 580 - otherwise, I see no discernible markings.


-AW

I believe your watch is a 16750, and not a 1675 if we are to go with the bracelet information. The clasp code indicates a November '84 manufacture, and the 78360 bracelet with 580 endlinks are standard on the 16750, I believe 1675s should have a 7206 bracelet with 58 endlinks.

A quick way to find out would be to adjust the date using the quickset function. The 1675 does not have a quickset, and must be turned manually.

It also looks like your dial might be a service replacement, but I am not sure. Your bezel insert looks pristine as well.

Very nice watch! And welcome to TRF!

[zeuloa]

Wherever you have it redone, please submit the "after" pictures!

[Tools]

The bezel is a friction lock mechanism and should not rotate freely...

[AdamWilliam]

Ah, well - thanks, Tools. Unfortunately, this baby is stuck in place and doesn't seem to be moving any time soon. :)

[Tools]

Originally Posted by AdamWilliam

Ah, well - thanks, Tools. Unfortunately, this baby is stuck in place and doesn't seem to be moving any time soon. :)

Somebody probably spilled their soda-pop on it... Wash it under some warm water and liquid hand soap...........

[Michael M.]

Originally Posted by Tools

Somebody probably spilled their soda-pop on it... Wash it under some warm water and liquid hand soap...........

Do NOT wash it until you have the seals&gaskets replaced. I believe your watch maybe a non quickset date.

[avantix]

AdamWilliam, congrats on your inheritance. Wear it proudly everyday. If you ever need to see a watchmaker in Montreal shoot me an email and I can put you in contact with a top watchmaker here in Montreal. He is Rolex certified and can probably wallpaper his office with all the certifications and pictures of him working and studying in Switzerland. I bring all my timepieces to him for servicing and/or quick fixes. Furthermore I also have a contact/friend at a Rolex AD for restoration services.

Welcome to TRF

Cheers

[Shade]

Wow that looks like a very good condition watch. Just some light refurbishment and it should look as good as new! :)