Wanted a vintage Rolex, not sure what I got...

[roulex22]

pics

[roulex22]

so any advice on getting this case back off? I have the tool in the picture which has worked well for me before, but this sucker won't budge!

[dysondiver]

if you had bought from a trusted seller here , you wouldnt need to take the case back off ,
also , thats the wrong tool , so with that in mind your not really the correct person to be taking the back off.
not being harsh , just trying to save you grief , time and expense.

[dysondiver]

?

[dysondiver]

!

[roulex22]

Originally Posted by dysondiver

if you had bought from a trusted seller here , you wouldnt need to take the case back off ,
also , thats the wrong tool , so with that in mind your not really the correct person to be taking the back off.
not being harsh , just trying to save you grief , time and expense.

I understand it is not a Rolex tool but it has worked on rolexes before. just want to take a peak inside out of curiosity as I would do this with any purchase to verify the contents and to enjoy the view! any tips would help!

[dysondiver]

hi , yes i understand , but if you dont know that the tool your tying to use is wrong , you will do more damage than good ,,,, pop past a decent independent watch maker and get them to look ,,, or google the proper tools for the job , and you will need a gasket too.

[roulex22]

Originally Posted by dysondiver

hi , yes i understand , but if you dont know that the tool your tying to use is wrong , you will do more damage than good ,,,, pop past a decent independent watch maker and get them to look ,,, or google the proper tools for the job , and you will need a gasket too.

thanks! why a gasket?

[rozyd]

Not sure you are doing enough research on your sellers... Beckertime has an interesting reputation.

[motoikkyu]

I recommend the E-Z Opener style of oyster-case back openers: since it engages all the teeth in the ring it does the least damage. In most cases, once you open a case, you have compromised the ring-gasket and you'll want to replace it: they're not super-expensive. As for Beckertime, I'm always disappointed by their listings: the prices are not too far above market, but in most cases, the bracelets are aftermarket (which IS mentioned in the description, if you look for it), which makes the prices just a little too too high for my taste. I've never done business with them because the bracelet thing turns me off.

[Jiggo]

VR is a real tricky thats why we all must buy from a trusted and reliable source IMHO

[roulex22]

Originally Posted by motoikkyu

I recommend the E-Z Opener style of oyster-case back openers: since it engages all the teeth in the ring it does the least damage. In most cases, once you open a case, you have compromised the ring-gasket and you'll want to replace it: they're not super-expensive. As for Beckertime, I'm always disappointed by their listings: the prices are not too far above market, but in most cases, the bracelets are aftermarket (which IS mentioned in the description, if you look for it), which makes the prices just a little too too high for my taste. I've never done business with them because the bracelet thing turns me off.

beckertime does have a lot of aftermarket brackets but the one on mine was pretty nice I think, see pics I posted. I guess I'll by the Rolex tool and some gaskets so I can see what's doin in there, but besides that, I think this watch looks legit and the serial number does check out. what do you think?

[roulex22]

Originally Posted by rozyd

Not sure you are doing enough research on your sellers... Beckertime has an interesting reputation.

I checked all the positive eBay results and they have sold a ton of rolexes. I think this watch is legit but let me know if something looks wrong!

[dpa94114]

are you thinking the second watch is from 1980?

that would be a surprise (although possible) - those diamonds are so much larger than the earlier versions - that's what i would be checking.

[roulex22]

Originally Posted by dpa94114

are you thinking the second watch is from 1980?

that would be a surprise (although possible) - those diamonds are so much larger than the earlier versions - that's what i would be checking.

no, it dates to 1974 and wasn't for me.... here's the eBay ad, I think I got a good deal but let me know what you think guys!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ladies-Rolex...vip=true&rt=nc

[Old Expat Beast]

I wouldn't buy from Beckertime after reading about them in the Watchout section here. Also, if you damage the caseback with that bracelet tool, they can rightly refuse to take the watch back.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by roulex22

no, it dates to 1974 and wasn't for me.... here's the eBay ad, I think I got a good deal but let me know what you think guys!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ladies-Rolex...vip=true&rt=nc

Aftermarket dial, but it says that in the listing.

[roulex22]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Aftermarket dial, but it says that in the listing.

I haven't damaged the back but it was headed that way with the tool I was currently using so I stopped....
yes, the dial was mother of pearl aftermarket and so are the diamonds but I think it looks great for the wife and it's still a Rolex, right?
anyway, I ordered the proper tool and vice plus gaskets to open this watch and it'll be with me as fast as the postman can bring it. will post pics as soon as I shuck this oyster open!

[Floorguy]

You are a lot braver than me!! I would never open my watches! I leave that to Rikki at timecare. I know it's not rocket science, but if anything happens, it WILL cost you dearly! Even cross threading the caseback would be a BIG prob. Dont't play with it, enjoy it!! This is not a rant, just some friendly advice, so please don't take it the wrong way.

[roulex22]

Originally Posted by Floorguy

You are a lot braver than me!! I would never open my watches! I leave that to Rikki at timecare. I know it's not rocket science, but if anything happens, it WILL cost you dearly! Even cross threading the caseback would be a BIG prob. Dont't play with it, enjoy it!! This is not a rant, just some friendly advice, so please don't take it the wrong way.

no offense taken buddy! I'm just the type of guy that has to check under the hood for my own piece of mind, even if I walked into Rolex and bought one, I would still take a peek!
in my very limited experience you can feel cross threading immediately after the first quarter to half turn, and common sense suggests you back off and try again, lol!
I'm definently aint a watch repair man but when I take on a hobby I try and immerse myself in all aspects. shortly after I took up long range rifle shooting I learned how to smith my own rifle and how to reload my own ammo. it's all or nothing for me! moderation is for cowards!!!!

[Floorguy]

Yup I do that also

[roulex22]

Originally Posted by Floorguy

Yup I do that also

yeah, you probably have the best range in the state by you.... Calverton.

[Floorguy]

Originally Posted by roulex22

yeah, you probably have the best range in the state by you.... Calverton.

[roulex22]

update: so ludgate watches refused the returned watch I sent him and had it marked return to sender.... he made up some story about me sending it to the wrong address n he had no credentials to go pick it up.... mind you I sent it to the legal info under his sellers name on eBay.... so I asked eBay go step in, they wanted n email from the post office saying it was on its way back plus pics of my receipts from usps on my end shoeing where I mailed the watch in UK.... sent eBay everything they asked for and they said they had all they need n the high value claims department said they would settle this by Monday....

[Old Expat Beast]

Any problems with US Customs dept?

[roulex22]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Any problems with US Customs dept?

none so far.... they wanted to collect VAT plus some other fees I think from ludgate n he wasn't into paying that so I think it was all good going his way.... now it's on the way back still so I have no idea how the process goes.... if it's the same as receiving his original package, it should all go smoothly....
what an unscrupulous seller though to spitefully return such a watch he knew was not what he posted in the ad, just to delay me getting my money back.... lessoned learned on my end n I hope my experience can help others....

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by roulex22

none so far.... they wanted to collect VAT plus some other fees I think from ludgate n he wasn't into paying that so I think it was all good going his way.... now it's on the way back still so I have no idea how the process goes.... if it's the same as receiving his original package, it should all go smoothly....
what an unscrupulous seller though to spitefully return such a watch he knew was not what he posted in the ad, just to delay me getting my money back.... lessoned learned on my end n I hope my experience can help others....

You could end up having the watch confiscated. Read this. http://www.crownandcaliber.com/watch...united-states/

[roulex22]

that's great.... well glad he marked the watch "old watch, sentimental value" when he sent it, n I did the same when I returned it.... now if they opened it up, that's another story....