Bought a pre-owned submariner (but it has a scratch)

[DJJ07]

Hey guys,

I bought my very first submariner the other day. I was super excited but at the same time thinking if it was too impulsive.

I’ve been searching everywhere for a submariner and finally came across it at a vintage watch store. There was a scratch on the glass face that I pointed out to the salesperson, and being a rookie I purchased it justifying myself that scratches happen.

Are there any tips on removing the scratch? Or how much does it cost to replace it in Sydney, Australia?

DJ

[travisb]

If it's acrylic it can be buffed out. Sapphire, replaced.

[BigBlue1]

Originally Posted by travisb

If it's acrylic it can be buffed out. Sapphire, replaced.

What he said.

[DJJ07]

It’s sapphire crystal. Can sapphire crystal still be treated without replacing it? If not how much would I look at to replace it.

[Wizardly]

Congrats, and wear it in health.
(Sorry, I can't answer your question with any certainty, but know that crystals are replaceable, so in time, it will be perfect.)

[travisb]

Originally Posted by DJJ07

It’s sapphire crystal. Can sapphire crystal still be treated without replacing it? If not how much would I look at to replace it.

New crystal is roughly $250-$300 (I think) IF service is not required.
If it needs servicing you're looking at quite a bit more depending on what's needed.

[DJJ07]

Originally Posted by travisb

New crystal is roughly $250-$300 (I think) IF service is not required.
If it needs servicing you're looking at quite a bit more depending on what's needed.

That’s a reasonable price. Would any AD replace the glass?

[DJJ07]

That’s a reasonable price. Would any AD replace the glass for me? Or would I need to go to a particular Rolex servicing store?

[tyler1980]

scratches on the case im fine with, the crystal i would have it replaced. That would bug me.

[travisb]

Originally Posted by DJJ07

That’s a reasonable price. Would any AD replace the glass for me? Or would I need to go to a particular Rolex servicing store?

I'd have it sent to a Rolex Service Center which can be done through any AD.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by DJJ07

That’s a reasonable price. Would any AD replace the glass for me? Or would I need to go to a particular Rolex servicing store?

rolex will require a full service. So you are looking at probably 1k USD.

This was from 2015:
A full service of the movement - £455.00
Optional suggested items New glass (existing is marked) £140.00

so thats about $800 USD

totally unrelated but if anyone wants to know how much a crown costs... here you go
Optional new crown (existing is marked/scratched) £55.00

[DJJ07]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

scratches on the case im fine with, the crystal i would have it replaced. That would bug me.

I can’t tell you how much it was bugging me because initially the only photo I took of the submariner showed the scratch so well due to the lighting.

[DJJ07]

Thank you so much guys. Just one more question, I read somewhere that if a Rolex was purchased in after July 2013 it had 3 years warranty added on to its 5 year warranty???

If so would the warranty be valid for pre owned watches?

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by DJJ07

Thank you so much guys. Just one more question, I read somewhere that if a Rolex was purchased in after July 2013 it had 3 years warranty added on to its 5 year warranty???

If so would the warranty be valid for pre owned watches?

its irrelevant for cosmetic damage anyway.

In 2013 is was three
In 2015 in went to 5

Thats total.. not 3+5

[Brenngun]

If the watch is working fine and you can live with the scratch for now I'd leave it alone until it's time for a full service.

[joli160]

Does not cover scratches, drop it at an RSC and you get a brand new looking watch

[mjclark32]

New crystal for my 114300 was $315usd from a Rolex Service center

[AndyK]

If you're feeling bold you can buy some diamond paste and polish light scratches out of sapphire crystals. I've done it on less expensive watches successfully.