Service case. Why not?

[Seibei]

Originally Posted by t65tampa

No problem with me if the watch needs a service case, especially if the old case couldn't guarantee water resistance or similar proper protection of the watch mechanicals.

You MUST SAVE THE SERVICE DOCUMENTATION, however. The serial number will be different and very likely will confuse any future purchaser of the watch. Keep your paperwork or risk hurting the resale value of your watch.

I had an Oysterquartz Datejust that needed a service replacement case. The new serial number was inconsistent with the model age, so the documentation explained why a potential buyer couldn't date the watch based on the serial number.

Amen, good post.

I am still eagerly awaiting an answer to this question though: "Where can I buy that watch, or any Rolex Submariner with an authentic COMEX dial, proper documentation and real Rolex parts for 10K euros?"

[VicLeChic]

Originally Posted by t65tampa

No problem with me if the watch needs a service case, especially if the old case couldn't guarantee water resistance or similar proper protection of the watch mechanicals.

You MUST SAVE THE SERVICE DOCUMENTATION, however. The serial number will be different and very likely will confuse any future purchaser of the watch. Keep your paperwork or risk hurting the resale value of your watch.

I had an Oysterquartz Datejust that needed a service replacement case. The new serial number was inconsistent with the model age, so the documentation explained why a potential buyer couldn't date the watch based on the serial number.

I'd add that ideally you should ask Rolex to return the parts which were replaced, just like Omega does. This way you still have the original parts.

[VicLeChic]

Originally Posted by Dirt

Some youtube testimony by an aledged Comex diver?
Sorry, but I'm not entirely convinced this is legitimate.

The watch was supposedly his personal equipment which was for use on the job as a genuine Comex diver?
Surely anything to do with the man and his watch should only add to the provenance and thereby increase the value.
Further to this, assuming the Mid-case and Caseback were replaced at Rolex in order to maintain its water resistance/servicability.
Surely this must be regarded as an entirely legitimate part of the maintenance of said equipment/tools.
A dial and hands change away from the original Comex, most definately affect the value yes.
A Mid-case and Caseback, no.
Besides Rolex possibly has any work done to the watch on file(assuming they kept the records).

Weren't the divers issued with the watches by Comex?
At what point did the watch become the personal property of the individual?
I suppose when they were finished with the watches, they sold them to who ever wanted to buy them for a nominal price based upon some residual value.
Or was it a piece of mandatory equipment which the divers had to purches from Comex at the commencement of employment.

The guy showed his COMEX card. He bought the watch from COMEX at a special price for employees only. He used it as a tool to perform his job as a COMEX diver. His watch must have been corroded or damaged from daily use indeed which would explain why Rolex would replace these parts to guarantee water resistance. Dial was not replaced and is still in top condition. He kept the records of the services done on his watch confirming the parts replacement. Divers had the option to buy the watch which he did in 1982, it was not mandatory apparently. He claims his watch didn't fetch the 30k euros reserve price at the Hotel des Ventes de Monte Carlo, but the same model with its original parts sold for 100k euros.