Restoring my anniversary Submariner

[zuber]

Originally Posted by Johny

Hi OP.

How did it go with the parts seller?

I am still negotiating. Hopefully should get the final answer today.
Unfortunately Pound exchange rate (GBP to USD) has become really bad recently.

[ian.thomas]

Originally Posted by SearChart

Hey mate, if the seller doesn't know how to appropriately handle a dial then I'd be very careful. Grease stains are pretty much impossible to get off these glossy dials, I personally would never buy a dial if it's been held like that.

Your choice, but be careful, would be a shame if you pay so much for a stained dial.

Listen to BAS.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by SearChart

Hey mate, if the seller doesn't know how to appropriately handle a dial then I'd be very careful. Grease stains are pretty much impossible to get off these glossy dials, I personally would never buy a dial if it's been held like that.

Your choice, but be careful, would be a shame if you pay so much for a stained dial.

I guess he didn’t listen to you

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by brandrea

I guess he didn’t listen to you

He doesn't have to, not my watch

[SearChart]

The numbers shown on your hands' packaging are correct for a 16610LV.

[Kostas]

I understand the original owner not liking the green bezel , but changing the hands and dial doesn’t make sense!

[Zed82]

Originally Posted by Kostas

I understand the original owner not liking the green bezel , but changing the hands and dial doesn’t make sense!

Back in 2006 LV:s were not that popular. Also there is a chance the watch was damaged by moisture and the owners only option to fix it cheap was to install the LN:s dial and hands.

[mmmmp]

Over $4000 for an LV dial? How much will it cost to replace and install all the LV parts to restore it to original. Maybe another grand for hands and factor in the cost of the bezel.

Wouldn't returning the watch and looking for a true Hulk be less costly
and less trouble? And, why did the lunatic switch all those parts? That's rhetorical but baffling.

I implore you to return the watch. The seller is guilty of misrepresenting the article. Best of luck sir.

Sent from my SM-A520W using Tapatalk

[afjag256]

I’m wondering if this watch was put together from many different subs, but the case is from an LV. Thus, when it was sent in, RSC identified it as an LV based on the case serial number.

[Bryan81]

I can certainly understand Rolex not wanting to put LV bezel, dial, hands, etc. on the watch without those corresponding parts being turned in. Otherwise, people would strip those high value parts off the watch, convert a normal Sub into an LV, and then send the LV "sans LV parts" back to Rolex to get new LV parts. The consequence is enabling people to convert their normal Subs into higher value LV subs.

[Ravager135]

I am no watch expert, but this just doesn't make sense. Someone had an LV, wanted to make it look more like a traditional LN, then went through the trouble of not only replacing the bezel, but the hands/dial as well? Now Rolex is stating that they won't return the watch to original spec without the proper maxi components? It doesn't add up. I was under the impression that Rolex was obligated to return the watch to original spec when a service takes place even if OEM parts non-original to the watch are in place.

This seems like a lot more trouble than it is worth with possible deception involved. I'd pass here.

[Rokoru]

Looks like somebody just is seeking for information to convert a 16610 into a LV.

[VonDutch]

Please excuse my ignorance here... but who in their right mind would convert a Kermit to a standard model... bezel AND dial... something not right here... hummmm!

[Amazing]

I think ideally you would show this evidence to watchfinder. They should offer you a refund.

[Zakalwe]

Originally Posted by Amazing

I think ideally you would show this evidence to watchfinder. They should offer you a refund.

If the OP is successful, he will have converted a £7k watch into a £14k watch. Bargain of the year if he can get the parts. I doubt he'd want a refund even if he could get it.

[Johny]

Hi op.

How goes the parts search?

[zuber]

I bought the parts. Here is the tracking info:

August 16, 2019, 9:52 am
Customs Clearance Processing Complete
UNITED KINGDOM
Your item cleared customs in UNITED KINGDOM at 9:52 am on August 16, 2019.

I will provide the photos once received :)

[Johny]

Originally Posted by zuber

I bought the parts. Here is the tracking info:

August 16, 2019, 9:52 am
Customs Clearance Processing Complete
UNITED KINGDOM
Your item cleared customs in UNITED KINGDOM at 9:52 am on August 16, 2019.

I will provide the photos once received :)

That is great news.

What's the next stage? Will you be getting the parts fitted and then taking it to the RSC for a service?

[zuber]

Originally Posted by Johny

That is great news.

What's the next stage? Will you be getting the parts fitted and then taking it to the RSC for a service?

Yes, that is the plan :)
I need to find proper watchmaker. I was going to ask Goldsmiths and small local ones.
What do you think about Goldsmiths to change dial and hands?

[Johny]

Originally Posted by zuber

Yes, that is the plan :)
I need to find proper watchmaker. I was going to ask Goldsmiths and small local ones.
What do you think about Goldsmiths to change dial and hands?

I don't know anything about goldsmiths.

Perhaps start a new thread requesting the details of someone who could change them over.

Might be an idea to contact the RSC again. They would be stripping your watch down for the service.

[FreshPrince14]

I'm very surprised that Rolex won't just change everything back

Sent from my CLT-L09 using Tapatalk

[SilverJackHammer]

Originally Posted by FreshPrince14

I'm very surprised that Rolex won't just change everything back

Sent from my CLT-L09 using Tapatalk

Exactly my thoughts. I’d expect Rolex to correct all this with a standard servicing.

[watchmaker]

Originally Posted by FreshPrince14

I'm very surprised that Rolex won't just change everything back

Originally Posted by SilverJackHammer

Exactly my thoughts. I’d expect Rolex to correct all this with a standard servicing.

It's not a surprise when considered objectively. The parts that differentiate the 16610LV from a 16610LN have been removed and replaced with parts that (while genuine) are incorrect for the watch. Something that cannot be done as an 'authorised' alteration. If Rolex would without question replace these parts this would be an easy method for people to abuse in order to turn one LV and one LN in to two LVs. Rinse and repeat for a money making scam.

If it was just the bezel insert that was missing or incorrect a new one would be issued (although since the insert is a Geneva HQ exchange part if you were to make multiple requests for 'lost inserts' you will quickly find yourself not being supplied the part anymore). But there is no way for the dial to be wrong without something fishy having taken place. Hence; they wont touch it.

[rolexryan329]

For everyone scratching their heads about who in their right mind would convert a Kermit to a 16610LN, please remember these weren't *that* sought after before a few years ago. The market has driven the hype and price up on these considerably but I remember these were to be had for around $6-7k used which wasn't much more than the LN variant

[GONZO2LR]

all this gives me a big headache...you must have a lot of time and money...in the long run...your spending more...

[zuber]

Hi all,

Here is the update:
I have received the parts. The watch is waiting for parts to be installed.
I need to find any good watchmaker.
Of course I will keep you up to date.

[andrewjb88]

Originally Posted by zuber

Hi all,

Here is the update:
I have received the parts. The watch is waiting for parts to be installed.
I need to find any good watchmaker.
Of course I will keep you up to date.

watchguy.co.uk is the man for this job! if you check his website, he documents everything with photos, I would imagine he would even do a blog on your watch as it has a story.

I used him to service my late fathers Rolex recently, got about 150 photos back of everything and cost circa £260.

[Casey VP-26]

I'm having a hard time with all of this.

[zuber]

Hi :)

So, after a quite a long time, here it is :). The watch with correct parts installed
Last photo with old parts that probably will go for sale.

I like it a lot and would like to enjoy it for a while. Ultimately it will go to Rolex for service quote and most likely for service as well.

I would like to thank everyone that helped me with this. You are really knowledgeable and helpful here

[Chaching]

I’m at a loss for words but congrats on making it whole.