R series 1988 Submariner 16610 - RSC replacement dial, hands and bezel.

[TopDog2315]

Hey guys,

My Submariner is dated 1988, and (as you're probably aware) is one of the first 16610 - Equipped with the 3135 movement.

Given that its my daily beater and that I dive 5 -10 times a year, I decided (with the recommendation of the RSC) to have the dial, hands, bezel
replaced so that its functioning as it should - Its a tool watch after all!

What I love about this watch is that it somewhat has that vintage feel, but with all the functionalities of the new.

Looking at that clean dial, hands, bezel and the lume is fantastic, mixed that in with the beautiful vintage original date calendar with the open 6s and 9s is mind blowing in my opinion.

What do you guys think, was the RSC replacements worth it in this case, or would you have kept them original?

Thanks,

[TimeToGo]

All that matters is that you are enjoying it. You get the benefit of a new watch at a fraction of the cost.

Nice watch!

Cheers!

[neilm92]

I tend to agree, as long as you're happy with the watch. You use it as it is meant to be used and now you have a brand new watch, so yes great value.

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[padi56]

Would doubt if any black dial 16610 will be hugely collectable, all that matters is that you are enjoying it, and now got a perfectly functional watch thats as good as new.

PS. Its a R serial Rolex have never made a series of watches.

[jsausley]

That's beautiful. Yes, you may have hurt the resell, but if your plan is to keep it for 20 years or more, who cares?

It looks amazing. Wish I could find a 1988 model in such great shape to buy! (that's my birth year)

[Tools]

Nothing wrong with keeping your watch functional and fresh.

Vintage and collectible watches that are kept "original" are not wearable without significant risk, and so aren't much good for anything but bragging rights.

[Wrist King]

I can't believe that's a 1988 watch. Looks better than my 16610. Very well done..

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[Daveclock]

As a watch to continue "beating" it does not matter to you.
Obviously it has seriously harmed the value of a nice, original watch - but to you it is irrelevant.
But if this was the same conversation regarding your Double Red etc., I would be crying for you now!

[Wrist King]

Mine being a 2004 model.

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[TopDog2315]

Yup, noted/corrected it ; )

Thanks,

[Motomatt52]

Looks fantastic!

[Chadridv]

it looks great! I don't think there's a right or wrong in regards to the preference of replacement in this watch, but as far as the functionality, I don't see why all those new parts would make this watch any more functional as a diver.

For example, With proper service and pressure testing, what possible advantage could the new vs original dial have?

[jbarolex]

Just save the old dial/hands/bezel, then you can go back

[TopDog2315]

Originally Posted by Chadridv

it looks great! I don't think there's a right or wrong in regards to the preference of replacement in this watch, but as far as the functionality, I don't see why all those new parts would make this watch any more functional as a diver.

For example, With proper service and pressure testing, what possible advantage could the new vs original dial have?

Well the original tritium dial, hands and bezel lost their Lume, so I couldn't see anything in the dark.

That's mainly the reason why the RSC suggested changing it.

[TopDog2315]

Originally Posted by Daveclock

As a watch to continue "beating" it does not matter to you.
Obviously it has seriously harmed the value of a nice, original watch - but to you it is irrelevant.
But if this was the same conversation regarding your Double Red etc., I would be crying for you now!

Thanks for the reply! Just for the record, we’re not talking about the red sub or the double red SD, or anything close to a vintage model - just a common 16610 sub. I would have never done that to any of those models.

Cheers,


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[SN13]

I tend to agree that it's better to have the new SuperLuminova dial/hands than old tritium unless you've got a vintage piece.

I really don't see a huge value in keeping Tritium Dials unless it's like a Cream-ExplorerII or a watch that never transitioned into Lum/SuperLum dials. Like 4 digit models etc.

[joli160]

You did right

[Old Expat Beast]

I did the same with a 1989 5513

[garbanzo]

You did the right thing !
Wish you many decades with this rejuvenated one.

[TopDog2315]

Thanks for the kind words guys!

[Rags]

Looks brand new. Love the open 9.

[101031-28]

Given that to you, it is a tool, daily wear, I say you did the right thing. From a vintage standpoint, well..

[toolr]

Looks great!

[SeaDweller50]

I would have made the same decision. Much prefer the updates coupled with vintage feel. Congrats.

[superstarmar]

Good call I say ... if your going to wear it ,
why not sport it like new ?

[jimcameron]

Since it was done by the RSC, I'm going to ask since my 16800 is worthless for night time use. What was the RSC $$ charge for the dial, and hands?

Your watch looks fantastic. Every time I try and see the time in the dark, my watch just pisses me off.

[TopDog2315]

Originally Posted by jimcameron

Since it was done by the RSC, I'm going to ask since my 16800 is worthless for night time use. What was the RSC $$ charge for the dial, and hands?

Your watch looks fantastic. Every time I try and see the time in the dark, my watch just pisses me off.

So RSC charged me 550$ (cad) for the dial & hands and 130$ (cad) for the bezel insert. This was all done during a complete service in 2016. Prices might differ today - also yours will be different given that it’s a 16800.

Cheers,


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[jimcameron]

Thanks Top Dog

[TopDog2315]

Originally Posted by garbanzo

You did the right thing !

Wish you many decades with this rejuvenated one.

gracias!


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[watchwatcher]

The best of both worlds...looks great.