Red Sub 1680 / failed the waterproof test

[Jannal]

I took my Red Sub for the usual overhaul service at RSC, Hong Kong. They informed me that the watch failed the waterproof test, and that the crown and crystal needs to be replaced in order to make it waterproof.

However, the appearance (crown, crystal) will not be the same as the original. Question, should I go ahead and get the parts replaced. What affect will it have on the resale value?

[Darlinboy]

Personally, I'd get the work done. Maintaining the integrity of the seals is important over time, even if you're not going to take it in the water.

[ecsub44]

If you didn't make the changes...and if you did end up selling it down the road...would you tell the buyer that it's lost its seal integrity?

[cruvon]

Alternatively send it to an independent repairer who can source the correct parts. Eitherways these are not major.

[high5]

I dont think they will warranty vintage in HK RSC even after you have the parts replaced. But get it done since it is the cheapest way to protect you watch. And don't wear it to swim or dive. When you decide to sell it, some buyers will request to check the inside, so no humidity ok?

[high5]

oh, request to get the old parts back. and no polishing ok?

[springer]

The old twin lock crown and tube are hard to find and are rather expensive when found. Many of the Subs have been converted to the triplock crowns and I don't really see how this has affected the price much at all. The same holds true for the crystals - originals are rather expensive and not easily found.

Personally, I wouldn't worry too much and have it properly repaired. If you want the original parts for replacement, they are out there for a price.

[VintageWatchTrader]

I wouldn't jeopardize putting that watch in the water.

[inspires]

I would get the work done, and you'd probably get better resale with the complete work done, and peace of mind.

[Pete17]

Of course get the work done.
They replace the plexi at service anyway.
A Sub that's not waterproof ......is not a Sub :)

Besides....you need to protect that red sub dial.

See Bob Ridley's recent post re protecting the integrity of your vintage watch.

Sent from my Droid.

[Beaumont Miller II]

Send the watch to an independent watchmaker with a good supply of period correct parts and have the work done. You won't regret it. If however moisture gets under the crystal and on the dial, the lume may become brittle, and you will kick yourself.

[Kingair]

Originally Posted by Beaumont Miller II

Send the watch to an independent watchmaker with a good supply of period correct parts and have the work done. You won't regret it. If however moisture gets under the crystal and on the dial, the lume may become brittle, and you will kick yourself.

x 2 !

HAGOne

[Beelzy]

Look at the prices for a Red Sub dial and you will have your answer.

[Tudor66]

Tough call, i also want to wear my watches in the ocean/pool/lake, and my white 1680 watch was just serviced with a passed pressure test.

In the end I decided to wear my plastic 100 dollar Luminox in the water instead of my vintage subs..

[vintagewaferthin]

i would say get the work done, so you wont have to worry. if you dont have the work done, you wont even be able to wash your hands without worrying about getting water in your sub.

[zeuloa]

Of course get it done. A Sub was meant to spend plenty of time under water.

[Racer X]

Even if you don't plan on getting the watch wet, you need to get the work done. I had a discussion about this with Bob Ridley and Bob explained that once the seal has been compromised, moisture from the air can enter the watch and damage the internal parts, including the dial, over time. I recently had work done on my Mark I red sub. It had the original twin lock crown but I replaced it with a new triplock crown to ensure that the watch is air tight. I asked Bob to save all the original parts for me.

[russellnyc]

Watch out that you tell them not to replace the hands, face, or bezel.