Refinishing and/or modifying Datejust 16013

[csong825]

Hi everyone,
I'm new to the Rolex Forums and this is my first post. I've been interested in mechanical watches for a few years and now I'm looking for my first "nice" watch. After mulling over different options such as a Sinn 556, Omega Speedmaster Reduced, and Nomos Club, I ended up deciding on a Rolex. Given my budget of $1500 or so, a new Rolex was out of the question but a vintage one seemed within reach.

As it turns out, my dad had a Datejust 16013 from 1979 that he hasn't worn for 25+ years and it's been sitting in a closet. He agreed to give it to me to service and wear so that was a nice surprise.

There's obviously some wear on the case, bracelet, and crystal. The dial looks to be okay. I haven't received the watch yet so I'm not sure if the movement is any good. In any case, servicing this watch will still be cheaper than buying a used one and having to service it down the road.

The catch with this watch is, while I love the DJ, I hate the two-tone design. I think it makes the watch too dressy and ideally I want a watch that is versatile; one that I can wear with a suit and with jeans. So basically, I was wondering if it would be possible to change the bezel, dial, and crown to stainless steel to essentially eliminate the two-tone design. I would wear it on a leather strap as I know obtaining a Rolex bracelet on its own can be quite expensive.

Obviously I would want original Rolex parts for this transformation and would keep the original gold parts. So is this possible? If so, would the cost be reasonable? Based on my research, I think just servicing the watch alone would likely run $600-800. Or should I not even attempt this and just be thankful that I have a Rolex. Maybe putting a dark brown leather strap on the two-tone case wouldn't be a bad combination. Any thoughts and opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

[SLS]

The cost of replacing all the parts to make t a SS DJ would be abut the same price as a pre owned SS model from the same era. Rolex parts are really expensive. Not to mention that I do not think Rolex USA will accommodate your wishes. Keep you dads watch as is, it's a great every day wearer. JMHO.
Scott

[Rolexpilot]

Your tastes will change. As an honor to your father, you should keep it stock. It has plenty of "versatility" stock.

[johnswatch]

Yes it can be done relatively easily however as SLS said the cost of using genuine Rolex parts will jot make it economical. It would be cheaper and easier to sell the watch as-is and then purchase a steel DJ.

If you're willing to use non OEM parts then it is much cheaper but still going to be fairly expensive once you add in the cost of the watchmaker to do the swap.

I have a 16013 that I've been considering doing a similar modificatin as I'd like to replace the champagne dial with a black diamond dial and add a diamond bezel.

[themast]

Originally Posted by Rolexpilot

Your tastes will change. As an honor to your father, you should keep it stock. It has plenty of "versatility" stock.

+1

This is a watch that you will appreciate later on...
As of now, I would suggest to save a bit more and perhaps get an Air king or an Explorer I.

[George Ab]

I would get it cleaned up and serviced. Wear it for three months. If you still feel the same way, sell it and get a something else.

There are competent watchmakers with Rolex parts accounts that can service your watch for more of the range of $350 - $400 vice your estimate. Rikki timecareinc.com is a watchmaker who is highly regarded here on TRF. There are likely local watchmakers you can ask around about.

[themast]

Originally Posted by George Ab

If you still feel the same way, sell it and get a something else.

I know this is personal but I think you will regret if you sell it.

[bonbonson]

Originally Posted by George Ab

I would get it cleaned up and serviced. Wear it for three months. If you still feel the same way, sell it and get a something else.

There are competent watchmakers with Rolex parts accounts that can service your watch for more of the range of $350 - $400 vice your estimate. Rikki timecareinc.com is a watchmaker who is highly regarded here on TRF. There are likely local watchmakers you can ask around about.

I know all to ones taste but i agree what george said. The rolex datejust TT is one if not the best selling rolex model there is ever since it was released as it is not as flashy as solid gold watches but not as casual as all SS watches i myself have tried the TT and IMHO it is PERFECT for every occasion

[csong825]

Thanks everyone. I really appreciate the input. First off, selling the watch isn't really an option for me since it was my dad's watch. Even though he hasn't worn it in 25 years, I don't think I should sell it. Based on everyone's opinions, I've decided not to change the parts on it and rather just service it. I'll look into Rikki. I've also seen Bob Ridley come up a lot on WUS as someone who does good work. Does anyone know of a good watchmaker with a Rolex parts account in the Boston area? The ADs in Boston are all jewelry stores and I don't think they have in-house watchmakers.

[joe100]

Mail it to Rikki. Besides, it's a crime to butcher a Rolex. Either do it right or give it back to your dad.

Welcome aboard and happy rolexing

[cop414]

I would check with Rik or Bob Ridley. One you get it back and it looks like new the TT might grow on you. If not then you have a great looking watch that was owned by your father. Wear it with pride and start a new fund to purchase a second Rolex and then put the TT one away for special occasions. Just my .02
Good luck and welcome to TRF.

[powerfunk]

Originally Posted by csong825

Thanks everyone. I really appreciate the input. First off, selling the watch isn't really an option for me since it was my dad's watch. Even though he hasn't worn it in 25 years, I don't think I should sell it. Based on everyone's opinions, I've decided not to change the parts on it and rather just service it. I'll look into Rikki. I've also seen Bob Ridley come up a lot on WUS as someone who does good work. Does anyone know of a good watchmaker with a Rolex parts account in the Boston area? The ADs in Boston are all jewelry stores and I don't think they have in-house watchmakers.

European Watch Co. on Newbury will service a watch competently. They'll also put it on a tester right there in front of you so you'll know if it has timing/amplitude issues.

I've had two Rolexes serviced there; I had to take both back within a few months but they made it right under warranty. For faster service though, I too now find Rik to be a more convenient option. Enjoy that lovely TT! And don't convert it to steel!

[csong825]

Thanks for the advice. I've heard of European Watch Co. but I wasn't sure if it was be the best place for service. From what I can gather, Rik and Bob Ridley both seem like better options. I'll look into both.