c'mon guys need some opinions here

[Luv rolex]

hello guys,

the pictures attach is for my dad who passed away couple weeks. actually it was from 1979 (serial no.) 5 mil. so it mean its 31 yrs old. the problem is as you see in the pictures it needs some care. i wanna keep that watch as much as i can i mean i wanna pass it to grandsons if i can(another 30- 40 yrs). i can change the whole parts by buying new parts but then ill lose its character.so what do you think? i was planning to buy

1) new band and sell the old one.
2) new bezel cuz as you see there is a lot scratches on it OR ITS JUST Dirt and FLASH FROM CAMERA EFFECT???
3) new crystal
4) dial and hands
5) maybe a good used 16013 case

note that ill keep no.(2,3,4,5) the original parts so at least ill have his own parts. i know its matter of sentmental feelings, but do you think by this way ill get a new life for that watch and keep the character on the watch by having the original parts OR you think iam over reacting.any way if i did this surgery or not ill buy new sub and rest this one in safe and will wear it occasionally

thanks and appretiate your opinions

[StarSovereign]

If it were me, the watch has too much sentimental value to change it. This was the watch your dad wore, and I would keep it in the condition he wore it in. That's just my opinion though, for what it's worth...

[BigMac53]

In my opinion, just get it cleaned up and/or serviced, keep it as original as function will allow and enjoy it. It looks to be in really good shape for a 30 year old timepiece.

[TSW]

Keep it in the "original" condition just have it serviced!

[JRA21]

Sorry to hear about your dad, But everything looks ok for a 31 year old watch if I was you I would just send it to Rolex for a cleaning so that way you have all the parts and it should look like new!

[pz93c]

I'd have it serviced and the crystal polished.

Make sure they replace the seals and pressure test it.

Wear it.

I couldn't bring myself to replace all of the family history the piece has.

[darthmouse]

I'd only replace the crystal, if anything... That watch has family history!

[InVision]

Complete service including new crystal.

Mike

[Route 66]

I'm no expert like these guys, but I'd love to visit your city one day!!

[Sub'erman]

Keep it as it is.
If you want a new looking one, buy an other without All the history and patina your father's has...

[soliman15]

Agree that you should keep in its original shape, just get it serviced and change the crystal.

[DCgator]

Originally Posted by soliman15

Agree that you should keep in its original shape, just get it serviced and change the crystal.

Agree with soliman15. The RSC will do a good job of cleaning up the watch inside and out and it will be well worth the money spent. Lastly it is entirely possible the watch will live another 30+ years and be passed down to your a son and grandson. There are Rolex watches out there much older and people still love and wear them as daily drivers!

[Bigboss]

Originally Posted by Schroder

Keep it in the "original" condition just have it serviced!

x2

[Luv rolex]

Thanks alot gentlemen for your attention and replies i think i got the answer by keeping as it is. BUT i think i should hurry in buying a new one..right?lol

[Luv rolex]

Originally Posted by Stevarn

I'm no expert like these guys, but I'd love to visit your city one day!!

SIR, it would be my pleasure.

[Luv rolex]

But let say 15 yrs from now it required bezel or band do you think i will find by that time.

i also wanna know the best way to store a watch for a long time in a safe so no more damage accur(corrossion, ...etc..etc..)

[tomchicago]

Sorry to hear about your dad. I would have RSC restore it as much as possible. If the bracelet has too much stretch for your liking (I can't tell if it has any), you could certainly replace that but have RSC do it with the real thing, with no loss of integrity whatsoever.

[skye123]

I wear my dad's 1979 ss DJ everyday. It was serviced a couple of years ago. I've worn it all places, in the sea, down water park slides, out running, etc etc! One thing I will say is that the plexi glass does scratch very easily. It's completely original. The bracelet also has stretched quite a bit when it was serviced Rolex wanted to replace it but I never bothered.
So in my opinion get it serviced, that it!

[inspires]

Get it serviced and keep to a good 5-7 year service cycle and it will be good for many generations to come!

[slcbbrown]

IMO, this watch will clean up/polish up beautifully without the major changes you mentioned. I don't see anything wrong with the hands or bezel that I would change. I wear my father's 50's t-bird and all I ever did was finally change the bracelet.

If you're completely familiar with Rolex service, you don't need my advice, but if you haven't seen a good service, you might try it before doing anything major. A good service done by Rolex or other competent watch guy is pretty impressive.

[orangedial]

Agree with the rest to have the watch cleaned up, movement serviced and all o-rings replaced. Maybe the crystal needs a replacement too. Looking at the condition of the case, dial and hands, I would suggest retaining them in it's original state as the scratches and patina are the history made and left behind by your late father and they simply carry too much memories to be removed or replaced. As for the bracelet and clasp, maybe you can replace them with a new set and wear it to create your own mark before passing it down to your own child many years later. But it'll be great to keep the original bracelet set for its sentimental value. Good luck and enjoy your family heirloom in good health!