'66 GMT 1675 Need Help/Advice to conserve/restore

[Perpetual74]

personally despite the signs on the dial you have indicated (that are impossible to view because the plexi), I do not touch it...
With a 1.4 mio serial I would expect a backcase III or IV / 65

[Alwayslearning]

Lol, wholeheartedly. But I replace gaskets, crystals, crowns, etc on many watches everyday. I use a Witschi Proofmaster S to pressure test. However, I know my limits for sure. I'd love to hear recommendations of who is best qualified to properly restore this. I have several Rolex Authorized independent watchmakers that can service the watch, but their mainstay is cranking out service on later models and I really don't want to lose any control over what is done to it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[R.W.T.]

Noted and that's great! :-) I just know even with genuine Rolex hand wrenches...the backs don't come off because people tend to over tighten them. The Bergeon case back tool with the locking nut and the steering wheel almost a must.

That case tube is also likely not to have splines being that old. You may need a reverse broach removing tool. Depends on when it was serviced.

[Alwayslearning]

Originally Posted by R.W.T.

Noted and that's great! :-) I just know even with genuine Rolex hand wrenches...the backs don't come off because people tend to over tighten them. The Bergeon case back tool with the locking nut and the steering wheel almost a must.



That case tube is also likely not to have splines being that old. You may need a reverse broach removing tool. Depends on when it was serviced.

I'll have to think really hard before I attempt anything outside of basic tech work. Don't want to be penny wise, pound foolish.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Wahlberg]

What a beautiful watch. Keep us updated with the end result.

[onthedial]

Originally Posted by Alwayslearning

Lol, wholeheartedly. But I replace gaskets, crystals, crowns, etc on many watches everyday. I use a Witschi Proofmaster S to pressure test. However, I know my limits for sure. I'd love to hear recommendations of who is best qualified to properly restore this. I have several Rolex Authorized independent watchmakers that can service the watch, but their mainstay is cranking out service on later models and I really don't want to lose any control over what is done to it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Considering your location, you might want to contact Rik Dietel of Time Care Inc. in Seminol, FL.
The watch in question is amazing, on many different levels.
_____
Instagram: @onthedial

[Alwayslearning]

Originally Posted by onthedial

Considering your location, you might want to contact Rik Dietel of Time Care Inc. in Seminol, FL.

The watch in question is amazing, on many different levels.

_____

Instagram: @onthedial

Many thanks for the lead. Work felt like a Monday today, but I am hoping to start making some phone calls tomorrow. I will certainly reach out to Rik. Thanks again.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[omitohud]

I would recommend lawatchworks, but price is on the high side. Bob Riley is also very reputable with vintage, again price is on the high side. ABCwatchwerk used to be reliable n decently priced but haven't used them for a while. Due to the pedigree of ur watch, I would say any of them r worth it. Personally I wouldn't let a regular watch maker touch such a nice specimen.


I blame it on the autoconnect.

[49ers101hitters]

What an interesting find! Can't wait to see the end result :)

[jban5]

It would be interesting to know what that watch did during its life.

Has anything happened with it since being saved by you?