Would you let service parts deter you from getting a vintage?

[clarkhardball]

If you're looking for a particular watch, would service hands or dial or insert or even case/caseback make you run in the opposite direction? Let's presume that all are RSC service parts and were installed by RSC for argument's sake.

Being quite new to vintage, I still have yet to learn if a watch with certain service parts deserves a second look.. What are musts and what are say, forgivable..?

Thanks a bunch folks!

[Nalk7]

Purists will say no no, but as with everything else in life, personal preference rules. If it screams at you and you love it, go right ahead theres nothing wrong with that. Usually you try to get a watch as original as possible, but it comes down to personal preference.

[lhanddds]

The more you get into vintage the more you'll want it to be all original. Starting out, you will save money on service parted Rolexes and they are still legit. Nothing wrong with it. See how your taste develops as you go.

[Kiwinz]

Guess with some watches it's in the too Hard Basket to get it all as it was in the days, certainly prefer all original, but personal taste takes over at times.

[Pete17]

Original is best IMHO but if it's a dodgy crown or plexi that is not sealing correctly and leaving the case compromised to water etc etc then get them replaced. Movements get serviced all the time and have replacement parts fitted.
The watch at the end of the day has to be functional.

Major items like dials, hands (can be hard to find a matching patina), cases and casebacks should be left alone or avoided if they're in bad nick.

[Alexus]

As the others already mentioned: Real Vintage is for me: All original. But I prefere a full functional watch in working condition (It's nice to have Tritium Dials and Hands but at Night I always prefere Luminova :))

Don't forget: To get NOS or in general old parts can be difficult and expensive... so consider for yourself what are you looking for...old as old gets or a watch which looks good and works as designed?...

[Vincent65]

yeah, what they said!

[high5]

no matter what you do, DO get the old parts back and DON'T let them polish the case.

[goog53]

Crown and Plexi can be service parts, but I would leave it at that. A period correct bracelet is fine as well. Just me 2 cents.

[Clay]

I use to say no...Must be 100% original....I am softening with age though...(In more ways then one...)
It's all a compromise in the end...And it's up to each of us to decide where, when and how much we are willing to compromise...

[Fredrik]

If it has service parts I would like it to have everything service parts. So basically a service case with service hands, dial and insert would be nice, it would look like it did new! Otherwise only crystal and maybe crown ok.

[vintagewaferthin]

for me it must be all original exept for small parts like crowns, or crystals, but everything else needs to be original. thats just my preference though.