Value of Faded Bezel "Pearl" on 16800?

[AJDay]

I had my 16800 circa 1983 serviced locally by a Rolex AD that has trained watchmakers on-site (I didn't want it sent out to Rolex; I specified they don't replace dial, hands, date wheel, don't polish, etc.)

When I went to pick up the watch I noticed first that they polished it a bit (it was already polished over its lifetime, so not a big deal I guess) and then I noticed that the "pearl" from the bezel insert was missing.

The pearl had aged to a nice yellow shade, and is something I enjoyed about the aesthetic of the watch. They offered a new service replacement, which I'm not thrilled about, so I'm trying to decide how much of a stink to put up.

What's the value of an original insert on that era of vintage Subs? I'd like to quantify the impact, and perhaps try to source a period-correct insert with some age to it.

Thanks,

Adam

[southtexas]

Did they say what happened to the pearl?

Inserts for 16800 are same size as 16610 and fairly easy to come by. You can find them for a couple hundred (more or less), depending of course on fade and condition.

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[gt0279a]

Are they also training in loosing customers property?

Used inserts probably start around $50-75 but finding a nice one with no scratches and a pearl that is not cracked and matches the color you want, etc. could cost $300 or so.

[AJDay]

They have said that it must have been lost at some point between quality control and when they went to give the watch back to me. I was a little annoyed when they called me a few days later to say the watch was ready for pickup, as I assumed it meant they found the pearl, but instead they had put a new service replacement bezel insert on.

To be fair, the manager has been very apologetic; they drained their ultrasonic machines to look for the pearl, and it seems that they will work with me to find a suitable replacement (either through their sources or, if I find one, by purchasing it on my behalf). I figured I'd wait for the final resolution before posting their name here to be lambasted.

It seems faded bezels are a bit of a minefield, so if anyone wants to point me in the direction of an authentic period specimen, I'd appreciate it...

[05carbondrz]

I’d be pissed at the polishing too! My guess is they damaged your watch and polished out their boo boo.

[bluemartinifan]

Loose Tritium pearls are for sale for approx $275

[AJDay]

Just an update, they had/found a 16610 bezel with cream-colored pearl that at least looked better than a brand new insert. They didn't charge me for the service, so I figured I can keep an eye out for a faded insert that I like and I'm still ahead of the game.

Then I get home and something catches my eye... It's not very noticeable with the naked eye, but at the right angle/light you see a fine scratch on the dial from the pinion to below the 9 o'clock marker.

I brought it back to them and they took the crystal off to confirm - it is a scratch. Luckily I had some good close-up photos from before the service to show them.

Now I'm waiting for their response. I hate the thought of having yet another non-original piece on the watch, but I don't think a period-correct matte dial and matching hand set would hurt the value too much?

[Kingface66]

Man, oh, man. Who IS this AD???

[AJDay]

Also, any thoughts on the current value of the watch without the scratch (serviced, original bracelet repaired/tightened by Michael Young, matte dial, replacement vintage bezel insert)? I'm half thinking about trying to make them buy it from me at a fair market value without their scratch.

Watch is with them right now, so I can't take better pictures right now...

[AJDay]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

Man, oh, man. Who IS this AD???

I am hesitant to call them out yet; first because they have been apologetic and accommodating thus far, so I want to give them a chance to make it right somehow, but also because I don't want to piss them off before it's fully resolved...

[AJDay]

Quick update: As a next step they've offered to find an entire replacement matte dial 16800, even taking into consideration a serial number range for my birth year. I'm not sure what their sources are, but he said to give him 7-10 days - I'll be curious what he comes back with. Then if they don't come up with something we'll talk about other options (presumably compensation / purchasing the watch from me)...

[southtexas]

What’s up with the hands?

[AJDay]

Originally Posted by southtexas

What’s up with the hands?

Not sure what you mean? They did not replace the hands, so those are what were on the watch when I bought it. They aren't exactly the same shade as the lume, but I believe they are original.