How is a vintage watch maintained to keep original condition?

[cruvon]

Hi, was looking at how vintage watches are maintined to be classified as original. For example, if you bought a vintage 1975 Rolex in worn condition and had work done on it in by the RSC that included changing parts with original new ones that usually wear off say in 2011 (like the crystal, crowns, dial,hands,bracelet, etc) would that be a good example of a vintage watch?..If the watch was well maintained by replacing worn out/faded parts with new ones by the dealership would it affect it's future value?..
Conversely, if parts can't be changed in a true vintage watch with new ones then how is it possible to maintain it and still keep it running to be and look like new? Need your varied opinions on this.
What parts definetely need to be original period parts to classify a watch as vintage?

Also, what would you prefer when buying a vintage watch which you would want to wear once in a while or regularly, one that is faded and has original parts coming off/etc or would you consider a fully overhauled watch which you could wear daily?

Thanks

[mike]

Well, it's a question that gets collectors going back and forth.

I think in the strictest sense one can say a watch is "original" only once. However servicing the watch (mainspring, crown, tube, etc...) shouldn't have an impact on it's value provided the dial, hands, case remain in original condition.

I know some look for examples with original crystals etc.. but here the question of maintaining the watch comes into question. Acryllic crystals, over time, tend to develop stress cracks and allow moisture to enter the watch (same for crown, tube, and so forth) risking parts that are vital to the watches value.

Even the use of NOS parts can be iffy as these can also exibit fatigue. There's nothing as beautifull as an original superdome crystal and certainly there are those that have passed pressure testing, but I would still be catious about the conditions I expossed the piece to.

Those parts that we can see are, for me, the critical parts that speak to originallity (assuming the watch was serviced internaly with service replacement parts). The use of period correct parts or service replacement parts (dial, hands) can/will impact the value of the piece (though to what extent depends on the reference/year).

In many cases polishing the case/lugs can greatly impact the value (especially if over done) again depending on the reference/history etc...

[cruvon]

Thanks Mike, appreciate your feedback.

[HL65]

Originally Posted by mike

Well, it's a question that gets collectors going back and forth.

I think in the strictest sense one can say a watch is "original" only once. However servicing the watch (mainspring, crown, tube, etc...) shouldn't have an impact on it's value provided the dial, hands, case remain in original condition.

I know some look for examples with original crystals etc.. but here the question of maintaining the watch comes into question. Acryllic crystals, over time, tend to develop stress cracks and allow moisture to enter the watch (same for crown, tube, and so forth) risking parts that are vital to the watches value.

Even the use of NOS parts can be iffy as these can also exibit fatigue. There's nothing as beautifull as an original superdome crystal and certainly there are those that have passed pressure testing, but I would still be catious about the conditions I expossed the piece to.

Those parts that we can see are, for me, the critical parts that speak to originallity (assuming the watch was serviced internaly with service replacement parts). The use of period correct parts or service replacement parts (dial, hands) can/will impact the value of the piece (though to what extent depends on the reference/year).

In many cases polishing the case/lugs can greatly impact the value (especially if over done) again depending on the reference/history etc...

Well said Mike!

[T5AUS]

Yep, as Mike has said it, thats the way I would see it

[Jan Davis]

Originally Posted by cruvon

Hi, was looking at how vintage watches are maintained to be classified as original. For example, if you bought a vintage 1975 Rolex in worn condition and had work done on it in by the RSC that included changing parts with original new ones that usually wear off say in 2011 (like the crystal, crowns, dial,hands,bracelet, etc) would that be a good example of a vintage watch?..If the watch was well maintained by replacing worn out/faded parts with new ones by the dealership would it affect it's future value?..
Conversely, if parts can't be changed in a true vintage watch with new ones then how is it possible to maintain it and still keep it running to be and look like new? Need your varied opinions on this.
What parts definitely need to be original period parts to classify a watch as vintage?

Also, what would you prefer when buying a vintage watch which you would want to wear once in a while or regularly, one that is faded and has original parts coming off/etc or would you consider a fully overhauled watch which you could wear daily?

Thanks

It is best not to replace any parts unless needed, when it comes to the dial, hands, they should never be replaced, or touched up, same goes with the main case, it should be maintained however not over polished.
When it comes to seals, crown, main tube, crystal, they need to be replaced to keep the movement from getting damaged.
Example would be the vintage Submariners, they are still used for diving today and the Submariners are still water proof because they are maintained properly.

[conrail]

Yea well said folks above. I think the really valuable parts of a vintage piece, and to use your 1975 year as an example, would be the dial, hands, and case. In a watch like that, the movement parts aren't rare/valuable and I'd hope they were changed/replaced as needed along the way to keep the movement running well. Replacing other things like the crown, tubes, seals, crystal (as Jan mentioned), shouldnt have much of an impact on value (some people like period-correct crowns - no way to know if THAT particular crown on the watch is original to the watch).

Bottom line: dial, hands, case should be original.

[bewithabob]

This has always amazed me that some of the most beautiful vintage watches continue to be worn, and are kept in serviceable condition. So many people here have expressed concern about sending their vintage watches for service, concerned that they will lose their authenticity, and vintage value.. this same concern applies to RSC or any service center.

What precise instructions do you recommend be give RSC about servicing a vintage watch in these cases?
"Do not polish. Do not replace any parts, except seals and gaskets?" What is something in the movement needs to be replaced?

Doesn't the crown need to be replaced to keep the triplock seals serviceable?

[Jan Davis]

Originally Posted by bewithabob

This has always amazed me that some of the most beautiful vintage watches continue to be worn, and are kept in serviceable condition. So many people here have expressed concern about sending their vintage watches for service, concerned that they will lose their authenticity, and vintage value.. this same concern applies to RSC or any service center.

What precise instructions do you recommend be give RSC about servicing a vintage watch in these cases?
"Do not polish. Do not replace any parts, except seals and gaskets?" What is something in the movement needs to be replaced?

Doesn't the crown need to be replaced to keep the trip-lock seals serviceable?

When having a vintage Rolex repaired you need to be specific to the AD who is working on it, as posted above you want them not to polish the case, no replacement of the dial, hands, bracelet. You yourself can keep up the case without over polishing it by hand. Their are several good articles on keeping the case and bracelet looking good here in the library. As for the bracelet you can source parts to keep it authentic period and not replace the complete bracelet.
The movement really is great, as long as it does not get water damaged it can be serviced without replacing it. If it does get water damaged you can source a vintage movement for replacement parts.
In regards to the crown, pre 1970 did not have a Triplock crown, and they still can be sourced to keep it authentic with the seals. Having a Triplock crown is easy, the parts are easily sourced, and the seals are important to change to keep the watch water proof.

[STEELINOX]

I think the loss of chamfers impacts value.

Mid cases with well defined chamfer will certainly be more pleasing both in appearance and monetarily...

Thanks,
Randy

[richard1948]

Are original crystals available through RSCs? If not what about Rolex Geneva?

[Puffy]

as mike says replacing hands, dial and polishing are sure killers for a vintage watch..

[britincali]

I was told by 3 different sources that parts were not available for my 1951 6098, it needed major work due to a broken axle.

I sent it to Bob Ridley last month due to multiple recommendations on here, he had all the answers and parts.

I just paid the last part of my bill and am now salivating on it getting done and sent :)

Basically no matter how old the watch there is someone truly obsessed with what he does to turn to for servicing and repairs.

Hes not touching the dial or hands.

[Jan Davis]

Originally Posted by britincali

I was told by 3 different sources that parts were not available for my 1951 6098, it needed major work due to a broken axle.

I sent it to Bob Ridley last month due to multiple recommendations on here, he had all the answers and parts.

I just paid the last part of my bill and am now salivating on it getting done and sent :)

Basically no matter how old the watch there is someone truly obsessed with what he does to turn to for servicing and repairs.

Hes not touching the dial or hands.

Great news!