Service case. Why not?

[Seibei]

I wonder if anyone can help me to understand something. In the case of common Rolex watches, is there any reason not to replace the case with a service case should there be major problems with the original case such as pitting, over polishing, deep dents, etc.? Would the watch not be better with a fresh case, rather than clinging to the original one? The points I can see for and against getting a new case are:

For.
1. You get a brand new case that not only looks like new, it is in fact new. The cosmetics and functionality are restored to as new condition.

Against.
1. Your watch is no longer the same as when it came out of the factory for the first time. (I can understand why this would be important if this was some ultra rare watch, but for a common Rolex I can't see why this would be an issue. The watch has been worn and scratched so it will never be the same as when it was produced anyway).

2. The watch is no longer original, apparently the service case will have different serial numbers than the original one did. (Why does this matter? Why are these numbers important, as long as the watch is kosher according to Rolex and this is not an ultra rare watch?)

3. The original case may have some sentimental value. (There may be stories associated with the damage, "my father scratched the watch like that when he was fighting rebels in Sudan", or some such). In that case I can kind of understand not wanting to replace the case...

Have I missed anything major here ^? If so, what?

[Neek]

Originally Posted by Seibei

I wonder if anyone can help me to understand something. In the case of common Rolex watches, is there any reason not to replace the case with a service case should there be major problems with the original case such as pitting, over polishing, deep dents, etc.? Would the watch not be better with a fresh case, rather than clinging to the original one? The points I can see for and against getting a new case are:

For.
1. You get a brand new case that not only looks like new, it is in fact new. The cosmetics and functionality are restored to as new condition.

Against.
1. Your watch is no longer the same as when it came out of the factory for the first time. (I can understand why this would be important if this was some ultra rare watch, but for a common Rolex I can't see why this would be an issue. The watch has been worn and scratched so it will never be the same as when it was produced anyway).

2. The watch is no longer original, apparently the service case will have different serial numbers than the original one did. (Why does this matter? Why are these numbers important, as long as the watch is kosher according to Rolex and this is not an ultra rare watch?)

3. The original case may have some sentimental value. (There may be stories associated with the damage, "my father scratched the watch like that when he was fighting rebels in Sudan", or some such). In that case I can kind of understand not wanting to replace the case...

Have I missed anything major here ^? If so, what?

For me, service cases fall under the exact same category as other service items replaced on a watch, like hands or dials. For a modern piece I don't think I would have any problem with any of the above so long as they were original to the reference. On a vintage piece however, if there is any aging/patina on the dial and hands, but the case is literally "just took stickers off" new, it can ruin the overall look of the watch, in the same way that a watch with superluminova replacement hands look out of place on a dial with creamy yellow tritium dial markers. If any bit of a vintage piece looks brand new and stands out against the aging rest of the piece, it takes something away from the entire watch for me at least.

[kitsgq]

I too see absolutely no issue with service parts on a modern piece.

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[Dompropat]

For a watch I knew I was keeping forever, especially a modern one, I see no issue in replacing the case. I'd welcome it.

[Dirt]

In the context of the hypothetical scenario where the watch is basically run of the mill.
It depends upon one's priorities.
If the watch is otherwise functional and there's an issue around water resistance that only a replacement Mid-case can rectify to restore functionality then so be it.
Get it replaced. It's of no consequence at all.

If the watch is historically special or rare in some way(for example a 5517) then the priorities will change.

[BT1985]

If I severely dented or harmed my case in any way that made me enjoy wearing it less I wouldn’t think twice about having RSC replace it.


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[dysondiver]

triggers brush , springs to mind ,,,

but why not indeed

[Bo-Dacious]

Modern pieces will eventually become vintage. Whether they appreciate in value with original parts vs. replaced arts is for the future buyer/seller to be worried about.

[mmazzini1]

Laser welding can bring back the case to its original condition- why compromising the consistency of the watch parts? Replacement cases cost a fortune also...


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[Bigblu10]

I have a YG Subc. I would NOT want to know how much $$ a new case would be! I would probably be shell shocked.

[Nikrnic]

Modern watch no problem. Vintage watch not advisable. They're only original once and collectors or vintage enthusiasts will pay more for all original pieces. I know I'm basically repeating what others have stated

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[Tools]

Originally Posted by Seibei

. . .
Have I missed anything major here ^? If so, what?

No, there is nothing wrong with a service case when necessary. For the majority of watches, a trashed case is not going to be more valuable than a replacement.

It might not be something that you would want to do with a very, very high-dollar piece that would likely not be worn or expected to be watertight.

[jason10mm]

So long as you keep documentation I dont see it hurting the resale of a post tritium watch. Barring some so far unknown ageing property of luminova, watches now are gonna look essentially the same forever. None of that patina, spiderwebbing, tropical fading, or ghosting that gets spun into a romantic vintage watch. So a service dial won't be any different than the original, provided there is documentation to pinpoint its origin.

Heck, buying a vintage watch with a service dial/case at a good discount is probably the smart play, as those all original watches are irreplaceable, only gonna get worse over time, and command a ridiculous premium. Folks get better and better at faking/imitating vintage looks as well.

[roosvelt]

The problem I see the cost, in respect to the value of the watch. Unless it has sentimental value !

[1William]

If I damaged a case to the extent that it needed to be replaced I would make an insurance claim and see how that played out. I would sell the watch before I paid for a new case, changed the looks and character of the watch. I have never priced a case from Rolex but based on what they charge for a bracelet or clasp you might be better off moving on.

[DLRIDES]

)I would consider case re-conditioning before replacement (welding).

) “Modern” will become vintage, desirability is questionable/debatable.

[Andad]

Originally Posted by dysondiver

triggers brush , springs to mind ,,,

but why not indeed

Ahah...broom.

[Hollie_Rollie]

+1 on the laser welding. I’d imagine that would
be a more cost effective route albeit still expensive. I would thing that a total case replacement would cost a fortune.




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[haven_seeker]

Originally Posted by Seibei

I wonder if anyone can help me to understand something. In the case of common Rolex watches, is there any reason not to replace the case with a service case should there be major problems with the original case such as pitting, over polishing, deep dents, etc.? Would the watch not be better with a fresh case, rather than clinging to the original one? The points I can see for and against getting a new case are:

For.
1. You get a brand new case that not only looks like new, it is in fact new. The cosmetics and functionality are restored to as new condition.

Against.
1. Your watch is no longer the same as when it came out of the factory for the first time. (I can understand why this would be important if this was some ultra rare watch, but for a common Rolex I can't see why this would be an issue. The watch has been worn and scratched so it will never be the same as when it was produced anyway).

2. The watch is no longer original, apparently the service case will have different serial numbers than the original one did. (Why does this matter? Why are these numbers important, as long as the watch is kosher according to Rolex and this is not an ultra rare watch?)

3. The original case may have some sentimental value. (There may be stories associated with the damage, "my father scratched the watch like that when he was fighting rebels in Sudan", or some such). In that case I can kind of understand not wanting to replace the case...

Have I missed anything major here ^? If so, what?

Just remember it can only be original once.

What about when some of these modern watches are 60 years old? 100 years??

[10XRolex]

I had a replacement case done to my 2 mil series Pepsi GMT.

Hold on, I know, I know, you guys are cringing that I did that to the watch. It was done about twelve years ago at the NY RSC before the whole Pepsi craze or for that matter the whole Rolex craze.

I bought the watch in Cuba. Though it was serviced by the Havana Rolex service center it still seemed tight when I wound it, so off to the NY RSC it went. They informed me about the pitting of the case and that they couldn't and wouldn't guarantee the waterproofness of it.

I knew about all you crazy Rolex fanatics who would be dead set against changing the case. But at the end of the day I wanted to wear and enjoy the watch. So I went ahead and had the case replaced, along with, hold onto your seats; the dial and the hands. Oh and I also had a new bracelet put on it.

If I recall correctly it cost me about $2,500 or so for all of the work. The service was free since it was under the warranty from Havana. But now I had a watch that I could wear without having any issues and it looked fantastic.

At the end of the day, do I regret doing it, sometimes. But in all reality, it's only a watch. Wear it and enjoy it.

[Scapegoat]

Whats wrong? Lets not get caught up in this crazy game of watches...

[123Blueface]

If needed, wouldn’t think twice about it.

[VicLeChic]

I would try to avoid, even in a modern watch. That's replacing an original significant part with a non original one. By significant I mean dial, case, movement and bracelet. It might not make a difference now but 30 years from now it might.

Here a testimony from a distraught COMEX diver who bought his 1665 Sea-Dweller COMEX in 1982 as a tool for his job. He had it serviced in Singapore and Rolex replaced both the case and the case back (which were probably deteriorated). Without those changes, his watch would have been worth 100K euros according to an auction house, as that's the value it fetched on that very same model with all its original parts . Now it's only worth around 10K euros. Cost him the equivalent of 500 euros mind you (1K if adjusted for 2% inflation) which was a special price for COMEX employees, so still a nice 900% profit but far from what it could have been.

Sorry, only in French (French subtitles available).

https://youtu.be/NhoyZm0Si70

[R!$]

I've seen it before and its usually on watches you wont want to but

[DocHorton]

If a modern piece I'd just buy a new watch before I spent the money replacing the case...only exception would be the watch I bought for my son.

[smym18]

Wouldn't it cost significantly more for a new case than a basic service?

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by VicLeChic

I would try to avoid, even in a modern watch. That's replacing an original significant part with a non original one. By significant I mean dial, case, movement and bracelet. It might not make a difference now but 30 years from now it might.

Here a testimony from a distraught COMEX diver who bought his 1665 Sea-Dweller COMEX in 1982 as a tool for his job. He had it serviced in Singapore and Rolex replaced both the case and the case back (which were probably deteriorated). Without those changes, his watch would have been worth 100K euros according to an auction house, as that's the value it fetched on that very same model with all its original parts . Now it's only worth around 10K euros. Cost him the equivalent of 500 euros mind you (1K if adjusted for 2% inflation) which was a special price for COMEX employees, so still a nice 900% profit but far from what it could have been.

Sorry, only in French (French subtitles available).

https://youtu.be/NhoyZm0Si70

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.

[jlovda]

Originally Posted by 10XRolex

I had a replacement case done to my 2 mil series Pepsi GMT.

Hold on, I know, I know, you guys are cringing that I did that to the watch. It was done about twelve years ago at the NY RSC before the whole Pepsi craze or for that matter the whole Rolex craze.

I bought the watch in Cuba. Though it was serviced by the Havana Rolex service center it still seemed tight when I wound it, so off to the NY RSC it went. They informed me about the pitting of the case and that they couldn't and wouldn't guarantee the waterproofness of it.

I knew about all you crazy Rolex fanatics who would be dead set against changing the case. But at the end of the day I wanted to wear and enjoy the watch. So I went ahead and had the case replaced, along with, hold onto your seats; the dial and the hands. Oh and I also had a new bracelet put on it.

If I recall correctly it cost me about $2,500 or so for all of the work. The service was free since it was under the warranty from Havana. But now I had a watch that I could wear without having any issues and it looked fantastic.

At the end of the day, do I regret doing it, sometimes. But in all reality, it's only a watch. Wear it and enjoy it.

That watch is SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL! I do not know much about serial numbers, versions or dates but I own one purchased in 1976 (my wife's wedding gift to me). It looks terrific but not as nice as yours.

[Seibei]

Originally Posted by VicLeChic

Here a testimony from a distraught COMEX diver who bought his 1665 Sea-Dweller COMEX in 1982 as a tool for his job. He had it serviced in Singapore and Rolex replaced both the case and the case back (which were probably deteriorated). Without those changes, his watch would have been worth 100K euros according to an auction house, as that's the value it fetched on that very same model with all its original parts . Now it's only worth around 10K euros. Cost him the equivalent of 500 euros mind you (1K if adjusted for 2% inflation) which was a special price for COMEX employees, so still a nice 900% profit but far from what it could have been.

Sorry, only in French (French subtitles available).

https://youtu.be/NhoyZm0Si70

Where can I buy that watch, or any Rolex Submariner with an authentic COMEX dial, proper documentation and real Rolex parts for 10K euros?

This is a rare and extremely collectible watch so in this case I understand why non original parts are a very big deal. On the other hand I think the guy in this thread who had the case replaced on his GMT did the right thing. It would be worth more to me with the service case than it would be with the pitted original case.

If watches are being offered at huge discounts, just because they have a service case, then I would suggest buying.

[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.