Restore vs. market value

[nydad]

Hi -first time poster:

My father has an old submariner, dating from c1970 or so. It's a bit banged up, he's basically worn it the whole time - scratched crystal, bracelet, etc.

I was thinking for his birthday to have it taken to a specialist, have it cleaned, serviced, install a new crystal, bracelet buffed, etc to bring it back to its former glory.

However, then I thought, i wonder if that will destroy some of the "vintage" patina and aspect that people cherish.

So, if we were to try to clean this watch up, but also retain its eventual collectors value, which things are ok, and which types of things should be avoided?

[lsettle]

I would only get the movement serviced and the crystal polished~


Lawrence

[waspy1]

Don't let them change the dial or hands. Don't even think about a relume. Keep the bezel insert. Brushing the bracelet and case may be ok but I'd avoid trying to sharpen up the edges of the case. Nothing wrong with a few dings.

Have the bracelet checked over, excessive stretch may mean that some of the pins/rivets are badly worn and may cause the bracelet to fail - not good.

[TimeToGo]

Welcome to the Forum

Your father may not want anything done with the case, thus remaining all original and possibly never polished.

An overhaul, new crystal, maybe a light polish to the bracelet, and seals...should do the trick!

Do you have any pictures?

A 1970 should be a Red Submariner..

[HRPinDC]

All good advice. Also ask for any replaced parts to be returned to you, so you can go back to the originals if you ever desire. I agree with the suggestions to leave the case alone, each scratch and ding has history. The monetary value is in keeping the watch as original as possible while maintaining its movement and seal integrity. The real value is in the family history the watch holds. Consider talking to Bob Ridley at Watchmakers International in Arlington, TX. I have a watch there now, and you can take a look at the thread entitled "Hard to say goodbye". There are many good watchmakers on this forum, but my experiences are with Bob.

[pdoukas]

Welcome to the crazy train! You're about to go for a ride that never stops!

All the advice is spot on! I'd like to emphasize not to touch the dial, hands, bezel, possibly even the crown if it has 2 dots on it.

There are a number of folks that assist you with the project you're about to undertake. Take a look at the sticky notes at the top of this forum and you'll find a list of trusted sellers and service specialists. Also, use the forum search function as well.

Off the top of my head the following three are the most widely mentioned:

Bob Ridley in Texas - Watchmakers International
Beau and Dalton in California - ABC Watchwerks
Riki in Florida - Time Care Inc.

I currently have a 5513 on its way to ABC for a service and crystal swap.

I also have a 1970 submariner. It's a red sub, is yours? Please post images of it, we'd all love to see it.

Pete

[adam78]

Originally Posted by TimeToGo

A 1970 should be a Red Submariner..

Why do you say that? He never mentioned the model (5513 vs 5512 vs 1680) or whether there was a date.

[tedscott3]

Good advice. I my opinion the dial, lume and hands are what define a nice vintage piece. Taking the scratches out of the bracelet and case is fine with me. I think there is a difference in a vintage look and a worn hard look.

[harry in montreal]

to maximize and preserve the value and interest of the Sub you have, you do not polish anything metal. the crystal is fine. most collectors would say that polishing the case is irreversable and irreperable dammage to the watch. laser welding need not be considered , lol

[nydad]

Wow - thanks for everything. He's in a different state so I'm not sure which model it is - I think it has red writing though. Will find a way to get pics and post, and will look into the pros you recommended. thanks again.

[NYCrussino]

If it has red writing then thats quite a piece. I would only service the movement and THATS IT. Re-polishing or replacing certain parts would damage the value of the piece. Post pictures when you have a chance and good luck!

[TheDude]

I think you are safe if you send it to someone like Bob Ridley. I had my red overhauled by Bob and you'll be able to get it technically perfect without sacrificing the vintage bits. He won't do anything you'd regret.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

[DrLindaPhD]

You should explain to your Dad all of the options. Rolex owners are unique. He may have a definite opinion on what he would want done with it. You don't want to do anything that he would not want you to do especially if it is a vintage red sub. They are pretty valuable. Post a picture as soon as you can so we can all see it and then send it to Bob Ridley to get the work done and you will be amazed. Then you will be ready to buy one for yourself from one of the sellers here on TRF.

[Mickey®]

Post some pictures...

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by nydad

Wow - thanks for everything. He's in a different state so I'm not sure which model it is - I think it has red writing though. Will find a way to get pics and post, and will look into the pros you recommended. thanks again.

If it does in-fact have red lettering on the dial, it could easily be worth $10,000 or more. Don't have anything done to it until you post pictures here and find a reputable service entity to preserve its vintage charm and value.

[adam78]

Originally Posted by Jason71

If it does in-fact have red lettering on the dial, it could easily be worth $10,000 or more.

Maybe if meters-first, otherwise probably not...

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by adam78

Maybe if meters-first, otherwise probably not...

Who knows?? Might be a red Seadweller / Submariner.

[nydad]

Ok will try to get pics - sorry he's on the other side of the US right now...

I'm probably not going to get a vintage one though, I'm currently looking at a 14060M. I don't have any Rolex yet, but am thinking of buying my first one. Any recs for a vintage version instead of the 14060M at similar price point?

[pdoukas]

Originally Posted by nydad

Ok will try to get pics - sorry he's on the other side of the US right now...

I'm probably not going to get a vintage one though, I'm currently looking at a 14060M. I don't have any Rolex yet, but am thinking of buying my first one. Any recs for a vintage version instead of the 14060M at similar price point?

A 5513 for a no date sub. I have both a red 1680 from 1970 and a 5513 from 1983. Although both subs, they are very different. I've really started to become attached to that 5513 and if you're looking at a 14060 then a 5513 would be right up your alley.