New Red Sub owner: Questions about insurance and bracelet repair

[dsgb1414]

As the title says, I'm the proud new owner of a Red Sub. It has a Mark 1 dial with a 2.15 mil serial.

Pics here: http://imgur.com/a/us4iO#g8Dexbw

I received this watch from my dad. He purchased it around 1971 and used it as his dive watch for many years.

I am a complete newcomer to the world of Rolex and other nice watches. I had no idea what a red sub was until I started poking around the internet trying to learn more about this watch. This is a family heirloom, so I have no intention of ever selling it.

I do have a few questions and would appreciate any help you all can offer:

1. I would like to get the watch appraised for insurance purposes. I'm concerned that a regular jewelry appraiser might not be the best person for the job. I don't really know how much it should be worth, but it looks like red subs are going for quite a bit more than the cost of a new sub. What should I look for in an appraiser? I am in Georgia if anyone has any recommendations.

2. The current bracelet is not from Rolex. The original bracelet, as you can probably see (in the pics linked above), is missing some end pieces. I'm not sure if it needs additional work beyond the end links. My dad said that he looked into getting it fixed or replaced but decided it was not worth the cost. What would you all recommend? Can I get this fixed for under $500?

[scooba]

I will throw out a number , It has to be more than $15k if the dial is perfect no marks or chips , The most common fix for the bracelet and imho the safest buy a new 93150 with 501bs the end link with new rolex spring bars to secure it to the watch head.So worth fixing and maybe more than your $500


Forget a local jeweller the best advice will be found on here


Do you still have the papers and boxes etc it was supplied with because that will add value

Lots of great places to have it serviced and cleaned in the US , search on the forum ABC Watchwerks are very good , Try and avoid Rolex will be the advice as they will want to replace everything , Look at some of STMoores posts of a recent 1665 SD he has had reworked the before and after pics to get a good idea of what can be possible.


Another great Rolex site is vintage rolex forum . com they only discuss vintage on there and you will see the same user names and again great advice

[wallasey runner]

Looking at the photos it has had service replacement bits added like the bezal insert and the glass, but somehow you still have the originals. You need to get the original bezal insert back in quickly, that will add value, the crystal (glass) is not so important.

[Storky]

Family history and a great meters first Red Sub.... All you could ask for!
I'm a relative newcomer here but IMHO don't do anything with the dial!!! I know the Lume dots have deteriorated, but Don't get it retouched as it will devalue your watch. As Scooba said, use a specialist. They may be able to 'seal' the dots to prevent further tritium loss and it would prevent any particles from entering the movement.
IF the watch was mine... I would replace the bracelet with a new or mint second-hand one (93150) and wear it daily with pride, it's a great watch. I'd store the old bracelet away with anything else you have that is relative to the watch. The old faded bezel insert is more desirable than the existing replacement so you may want to fit that. I personally don't like them too faded, but if you don't fit it keep it... Never sell it!
I have several vintage pieces but wear a Red Sub more than any others.
ENJOY cos I know you will!!

[QueueCumber]

Originally Posted by scooba

I will throw out a number , It has to be more than $15k if the dial is perfect no marks or chips...

It is worth more than that if the dial is mint condition, IMO.

However, his is not in mint condition. The dial looks stained, and some luminous is missing partially and completely from some of the plots.

[fusionstorm]

I'd insure it for $12K. Congrats on having an uncommon and desirable heirloom with great sentimental value!

[Jim M]

Heckuva first post. That is some score you have.

Completely agree with others; 1. get a trusted knowledgeable non-Rolex Service Center repair service with Rolex parts account to do an inspection, cleaning, oiling and adjustment. A search here will give you no less than three (3) choices; and, 2. pick up a new or gently used proper Rolex bracelet with end links for your model as mentioned above, a search here will provide adequate results.

What you put into that historic piece will be a fraction of its value when all is said and done.

And, wear it, make it not a safe queen. Treasure the heirloom with daily wear.