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James78 · 8 October 2015, 05:41 AM

Hi All,

Just looking for a little advice please. I have recently been passed my dads Sea Dweller. The watch was actually used for its intended purpose of commercial saturation diving & as such has a bit of 'character'. I would like to do a little bit of careful restoration, including replacing the glass which has several scratches, perhaps replacing the bezel & a decent general clean.

I was just looking for some general advice and a few pointers.

Many thanks in advance..

James

azguy · 8 October 2015, 07:56 AM

In general people like the well-worn-insert look.

I'd have a movement service and new crystal and wear the heck out of it. Depending on the watchmaker, you may just be able to have crystal polished and cleaned up and just have the movement service.

You should tease us, post a pic...

SLS · 8 October 2015, 08:11 AM

Welcome, as mentioned above you may want to do some research on the watch before you do any service work. You may have a very valuable watch and there are many people here who can help restore it while maintaining its value. Please post some pictures!
Scott

jfmiii · 8 October 2015, 08:16 AM

Would love to see a picture of this!

RazorD · 8 October 2015, 09:02 AM

+1, I'd love to see pics too. As said above, spend some time researching before going anything. If it was me, if try to maintain as much of the "character" as possible, especially if it was your dad's dive watch. There's history there.

Nycturbovr6 · 8 October 2015, 10:35 AM

Yes let's see some pictures please

James78 · 12 October 2015, 01:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RazorD

+1, I'd love to see pics too. As said above, spend some time researching before going anything. If it was me, if try to maintain as much of the "character" as possible, especially if it was your dad's dive watch. There's history there.

Thanks for all the advice given, really appreciated. Think the above but of advice is some that I shall take. There's a lot of history in the watch that needs to be preserved. Thanks for this bit of advice.

As requested, I have attached some photos. I still think the watch would benefit from a new quartz to show off the face. Also I would like to give it a service & a clean. What are people's thoughts on a Rolex service. I have read a few things online saying that Rolex have a tendency to take vintage pieces and 'making them new'. Obviously I don't want to do anything that takes away from the value of the watch.

Again, thanks in advance...

James

JimSnyder · 12 October 2015, 09:06 AM

Oh! You have something very special there

Angrypuppy · 12 October 2015, 09:12 AM

Amazing watch. Proceed carefully.

Michael M. · 12 October 2015, 09:24 AM

Very nice Sea-Dweller. Looks to be a 1665 w/MKIV Double Red dial variation.

My suggestion as far as servicing goes would be the following, new crystal, movement only service, along with replacement of seals/gaskets and (or) tubes depending on if it passes the pressure proof test.

Rebel · 12 October 2015, 10:28 AM

Wow.

harry in montreal · 12 October 2015, 10:35 AM

I hope you know this is like the Porsche 356 of the rolex collecting world. Get it insured !

Tools · 12 October 2015, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James78

As requested, I have attached some photos. I still think the watch would benefit from a new quartz to show off the face. Also I would like to give it a service & a clean. What are people's thoughts on a Rolex service. I have read a few things online saying that Rolex have a tendency to take vintage pieces and 'making them new'. Obviously I don't want to do anything that takes away from the value of the watch.

. . .

The value here, and it is considerable, is in the dial.

You should seek the services of a well respected vintage Rolex specialist and not use the RSC here - there is much at stake..

The_Walrus · 12 October 2015, 02:48 PM

Tread carefully.
Very nice and expensive piece you have there.

scooba · 12 October 2015, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James78

Thanks for all the advice given, really appreciated. Think the above but of advice is some that I shall take. There's a lot of history in the watch that needs to be preserved. Thanks for this bit of advice.

As requested, I have attached some photos. I still think the watch would benefit from a new quartz to show off the face. Also I would like to give it a service & a clean. What are people's thoughts on a Rolex service. I have read a few things online saying that Rolex have a tendency to take vintage pieces and 'making them new'. Obviously I don't want to do anything that takes away from the value of the watch.

Again, thanks in advance...

James

Hi James,

Smashing watch !,

Before doing anything can I suggest you buy a tube of polywatch have a google available on ebay or amazon ,Just rub it on the plexi/Crystal do it a couple of times gently you will be amazed at the change for less than £5 .

Maybe have the bracelet refinished just regrained with scotchbrite , Then enjoy what you have and if in time you still want to have it serviced move forward taking lots of advice

eparisini · 12 October 2015, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scooba

Before doing anything can I suggest you buy a tube of polywatch have a google available on ebay or amazon ,Just rub it on the plexi/Crystal do it a couple of times gently you will be amazed at the change for less than £5 .

Guitarfan · 12 October 2015, 05:42 PM

Lovely Double Red Sea-Sweller!

Try Polywatch as suggested, that should clean up the crystal. Mask off the bezel/insert before you do it though as it's abrasive stuff.

If you want to get it serviced, here in the UK I'd get in touch with Genesis Watchmaking and William Rice. They're authorised Rolex service centres and would be my first choice for a vintage model.

Good luck!

Robbyvm · 12 October 2015, 05:51 PM

she will turn out great with some TLC !

James78 · 12 October 2015, 06:26 PM

All,

Many thanks for all the valuable advice. I shall proceed with a lot of caution with any servicing/restoration.

For insurance purposes, any idea of value?

Thanks again..

James

Rogdogg · 12 October 2015, 06:38 PM

Great watch. I would love to see more photos of it when you get some time.

Also, the advice you received above about sending it to a trusted and reputable vintage Rolex expert is crucial if you want to preserve the value and character of the watch.
Whatever you do, do NOT send it to the Rolex Service centre

lee fowler · 12 October 2015, 06:43 PM

Hi James congrats on the watch they are stunning pieces. I dropped you a PM as I have a guy that can help you to restore the watch. Drop me a PM with your number and I will call you.

Lee

harry in montreal · 12 October 2015, 10:38 PM

James, it's worth so much that you will need a professional appraisal.

James78 · 13 October 2015, 01:39 AM

As requested, a few more photo's of the DRSD.

Cheers..

James

playmore009 · 13 October 2015, 01:53 AM

The watch looks great!

slashd0t · 13 October 2015, 01:57 AM

I love threads like this!

watchcrank · 13 October 2015, 04:55 AM

fantastic keepsake and watch. great memories I bet. m

strafer_kid · 13 October 2015, 06:12 AM

That's quiet a watch - enjoy in good health!

SLS · 13 October 2015, 06:57 AM

Wow, very nice what a beauty!

dysondiver · 13 October 2015, 07:07 AM

wow , welcome to the forum , thats a fine watch ,,, take some time , and do some reading , then ask about what direction to take ,,, but dont take it to rolex ,, at least not for a while , and even then , be careful

DCgator · 13 October 2015, 07:16 AM

Huge congratz James. That is one helluva watch ya got there!

8 October 2015, 05:41 AM	#1
James78 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Scotland Posts: 9	Sea Dweller Restoration Hi All, Just looking for a little advice please. I have recently been passed my dads Sea Dweller. The watch was actually used for its intended purpose of commercial saturation diving & as such has a bit of 'character'. I would like to do a little bit of careful restoration, including replacing the glass which has several scratches, perhaps replacing the bezel & a decent general clean. I was just looking for some general advice and a few pointers. Many thanks in advance.. James

8 October 2015, 08:11 AM	#3
SLS "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Real Name: Scott Location: GMT -7 Watch: GMT's & Sub's Posts: 10,399	Welcome, as mentioned above you may want to do some research on the watch before you do any service work. You may have a very valuable watch and there are many people here who can help restore it while maintaining its value. Please post some pictures! Scott __________________ "The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of lower price is forgotten." -Benjamin Franklin Member No. 922

12 October 2015, 09:06 AM	#8
JimSnyder "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Real Name: Jim Snyder Location: Ohio Watch: Ask me later..... Posts: 7,711	Oh! You have something very special there __________________ "You ain't lived, 'til you've had your tires rotated by a red-headed women."

12 October 2015, 09:12 AM	#9
Angrypuppy "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Real Name: Jason Location: FL390 Posts: 2,376	Amazing watch. Proceed carefully. __________________ It's not about the watch a man wears, it's about what a man does while he's wearing the watch....Toomuchtalk

12 October 2015, 10:28 AM	#11
Rebel "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Real Name: Dr Mark R Nail Location: New Albany Watch: Tudor Sub 75090 Posts: 8,057	Wow. __________________ ------------------------------- Member of the Nylon Nation

8 October 2015, 07:56 AM	#2
azguy Banned Join Date: Sep 2011 Real Name: ------- Location: ------- Watch: --------- Posts: 12,609	In general people like the well-worn-insert look. I'd have a movement service and new crystal and wear the heck out of it. Depending on the watchmaker, you may just be able to have crystal polished and cleaned up and just have the movement service. You should tease us, post a pic...

8 October 2015, 08:16 AM	#4
jfmiii "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Chicago Watch: 16750/16800/126710 Posts: 1,400	Would love to see a picture of this!

8 October 2015, 09:02 AM	#5
RazorD "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: David Location: New England Posts: 1,888	+1, I'd love to see pics too. As said above, spend some time researching before going anything. If it was me, if try to maintain as much of the "character" as possible, especially if it was your dad's dive watch. There's history there.

8 October 2015, 10:35 AM	#6
Nycturbovr6 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: New York Posts: 7,630	Yes let's see some pictures please

12 October 2015, 09:24 AM	#10
Michael M. Banned Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Newport Beach, CA Posts: 8,391	Very nice Sea-Dweller. Looks to be a 1665 w/MKIV Double Red dial variation. My suggestion as far as servicing goes would be the following, new crystal, movement only service, along with replacement of seals/gaskets and (or) tubes depending on if it passes the pressure proof test.

12 October 2015, 10:35 AM	#12
harry in montreal "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Montreal Watch: The Habs pick 1st! Posts: 3,589	I hope you know this is like the Porsche 356 of the rolex collecting world. Get it insured !

12 October 2015, 02:48 PM	#14
The_Walrus "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Real Name: George Location: Sydney Watch: 5513 Posts: 1,104	Tread carefully. Very nice and expensive piece you have there.

12 October 2015, 05:42 PM	#17
Guitarfan "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: UK Posts: 227	Lovely Double Red Sea-Sweller! Try Polywatch as suggested, that should clean up the crystal. Mask off the bezel/insert before you do it though as it's abrasive stuff. If you want to get it serviced, here in the UK I'd get in touch with Genesis Watchmaking and William Rice. They're authorised Rolex service centres and would be my first choice for a vintage model. Good luck!

12 October 2015, 05:51 PM	#18
Robbyvm "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Belgium Posts: 2,239	she will turn out great with some TLC ! __________________ Instagram : robbyvm Pinterest : robbyvanmele

12 October 2015, 06:26 PM	#19
James78 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Scotland Posts: 9	Many thanks.. All, Many thanks for all the valuable advice. I shall proceed with a lot of caution with any servicing/restoration. For insurance purposes, any idea of value? Thanks again.. James

12 October 2015, 06:38 PM	#20
Rogdogg "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Bangkok Posts: 6,117	Great watch. I would love to see more photos of it when you get some time. Also, the advice you received above about sending it to a trusted and reputable vintage Rolex expert is crucial if you want to preserve the value and character of the watch. Whatever you do, do NOT send it to the Rolex Service centre __________________ Nil Satis Nisi Optimum

12 October 2015, 06:43 PM	#21
lee fowler 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: UK Watch: GMT Posts: 2,508	Hi James congrats on the watch they are stunning pieces. I dropped you a PM as I have a guy that can help you to restore the watch. Drop me a PM with your number and I will call you. Lee

12 October 2015, 10:38 PM	#22
harry in montreal "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Montreal Watch: The Habs pick 1st! Posts: 3,589	James, it's worth so much that you will need a professional appraisal.

13 October 2015, 01:53 AM	#24
playmore009 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Real Name: Shawn Location: Boston, MA Watch: GMT IIc, LVc Posts: 737	The watch looks great!

13 October 2015, 01:57 AM	#25
slashd0t "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Real Name: Jamie Location: Edmonton, AB Watch: This & That Posts: 771	I love threads like this! __________________ /.

13 October 2015, 04:55 AM	#26
watchcrank "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: michael Location: Florida Watch: explorer II cream Posts: 1,661	fantastic keepsake and watch. great memories I bet. m

13 October 2015, 06:12 AM	#27
strafer_kid "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Real Name: Kenny Location: northern ireland Watch: SDs, Subs & GMTs Posts: 5,127	That's quiet a watch - enjoy in good health!

13 October 2015, 06:57 AM	#28
SLS "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Real Name: Scott Location: GMT -7 Watch: GMT's & Sub's Posts: 10,399	Wow, very nice what a beauty! __________________ "The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of lower price is forgotten." -Benjamin Franklin Member No. 922

13 October 2015, 07:07 AM	#29
dysondiver "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: tom Location: northern ireland Watch: my fins Posts: 10,063	wow , welcome to the forum , thats a fine watch ,,, take some time , and do some reading , then ask about what direction to take ,,, but dont take it to rolex ,, at least not for a while , and even then , be careful

13 October 2015, 07:16 AM	#30
DCgator "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: PNW Watch: DS,BLNR,SubLV,DJ2 Posts: 8,123	Huge congratz James. That is one helluva watch ya got there!

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