5513 Maxi MK1 Back From LAWW

[Franks07]

I just picked up my Sub Maxi MK1 from LAWW after a proper case polishing and installation of an OEM service Superdome acrylic crystal. Wow what a difference! The dial has always been perfect but I could never get past the rounded lugs from a past poor polishing. The installation of the superdome was kind of an afterthought when it was determined that the original crystal had failed a pressure test and was no longer protecting against moisture intrusion.
Beau at LAWW did a remarkable job bringing back the chamfers and proper crown guard profile and I’m really liking the overall new look with the superdome acrylic.




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[NOPDK]

Looks great. Wear and enjoy it.

[STEELINOX]

Glad to see it restored to its true proportions = TOP MARKS ~

[Franks07]

Here is a “before” pic showing the poorly polished (rounded) lugs and previous crystal. Quite a transformation.
IMG_0113.jpg


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[brandrea]

Yep, that's a beauty job for sure. Congrats man

[theflywrist]

Very nice job! Feel free to share more pictures of the side profiles.
Wear in best health! The clarity of an OEM cannot be compared to with aftermarket.

[Franks07]

I think my 3,300,000 (1972) 5512 needs a proper OEM dome crystal also. Time for another trip to the guys at LAWW. I’ll probably opt for the lower profile t-19 OEM for this one just to mix it up a bit. This one has a perfect Serif dial and unpolished case (original chamfers very visible) and deserves a proper crystal upgrade from the current “service crystal”



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[Franks07]

Originally Posted by theflywrist

Very nice job! Feel free to share more pictures of the side profiles.
Wear in best health! The clarity of an OEM cannot be compared to with aftermarket.

For some reason Tapatalk is limiting me to only one attachment per message today. Here is another shot of the superdome on my 5513.



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[037]

It looks great!

[sensui]

Dome looks great.

[STEELINOX]

Originally Posted by Franks07

For some reason Tapatalk is limiting me to only one attachment per message today. Here is another shot of the superdome on my 5513.



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That is a wonderful work or art ya have now. Gosh, its really a spectacle

[cop414]

Looks amazing, those guys can sure work some magic!

[Subspecies]

The case looks like it's brand new and it takes a remarkable talent to do that. Sorry to be the differing voice but to me vintage watches should look vintage. No disrespect intended op just another angle.

[Heff]

Originally Posted by Franks07

I just picked up my Sub Maxi MK1 from LAWW after a proper case polishing and installation of an OEM service Superdome acrylic crystal. Wow what a difference! The dial has always been perfect but I could never get past the rounded lugs from a past poor polishing. The installation of the superdome was kind of an afterthought when it was determined that the original crystal had failed a pressure test and was no longer protecting against moisture intrusion.
Beau at LAWW did a remarkable job bringing back the chamfers and proper crown guard profile and I’m really liking the overall new look with the superdome acrylic.




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That looks fantastic brother!



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[Rolexwatch12]

Well done, Congrats

[Bladeshot]

Well done! My experience with them was fantastic, too!


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[Franks07]

Thanks guys. I have gotten to know Beau and Edvi at LAWW pretty well and must say that in addition to being “as good as it gets” in terms of any and all work on vintage Rolex (and other brands of course)...they really are great guys only too happy to talk watches and offer opinions / advice.
I was told that a “wrist shot” is always obligatory so here goes...



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[koryong]

Do pardon a silly question, as I'm not from the US. What would be the main reasons for going to LAWW instead of to the RSC ? I'm just assuming the cost difference between the 2 is marginal.

I know LAWW is highly reputable and known for their impeccable service quality and vast knowledge & experience, but isn't getting the RSC service cert something important too ?

[mineral]

Originally Posted by koryong

Do pardon a silly question, as I'm not from the US. What would be the main reasons for going to LAWW instead of to the RSC ? I'm just assuming the cost difference between the 2 is marginal.

I know LAWW is highly reputable and known for their impeccable service quality and vast knowledge & experience, but isn't getting the RSC service cert something important too ?

For vintage the RSC will propose to change many parts and for collector perspective, we want to retain its original parts as much as we could.


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[Franks07]

Hello. Many threads on this topic. Rolex is not in the business of retaining “vintage looks” on their watches and always (unless very specifically told otherwise) try’s to replace “worn”or discolored parts like patenated dials, hands and bezels. Additionally their focus is to make an older watch look like new with a complete polishing which can negatively impact the value of vintage pieces.
If directed clearly (in writing) a RSC can be trusted to do mechanical work on movements and that is all I would ever even consider having them do. That said...LAWW and many other independents with Rolex parts accounts and CW21 watchmakers can do all the mechanical work you would ever require on par with any RSC. Hope this helps.


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[koryong]

Ok thanks, guys.

I had the assumption that you could instruct RSC not to change certain components like the vintage dial, hands etc., but I guess not every RSC would accept those terms.

[SAAS]

Masters of their craft! Fantastic

[Styles Bitchley]

Can someone clarify for me what LAWW does to the case to make it look like that? It really looks amazing. The lugs in the after shot look thicker than before...do they add steel and then reshape the case?


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[Franks07]

No added steel on mine....not sure how doable that really is with laser welding technology...my best information is not very. My watch started with very fat lugs having likely only been polished (poorly) once previously. Thus it was judged as a “great candidate” for either a case “recut” or simply a correct polishing which is what I went with. Best analogy I can offer is that of receiving a poor haircut but having plenty of hair left to have a skilled stylist correct the poor work of another lesser skilled stylist. Watches that have had multiple and/or very aggressive polishing would not have similarly good redo results.


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[mikkoi]

Beautiful looking, congrats!


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[Styles Bitchley]

Originally Posted by Franks07

No added steel on mine....not sure how doable that really is with laser welding technology...my best information is not very. My watch started with very fat lugs having likely only been polished (poorly) once previously. Thus it was judged as a “great candidate” for either a case “recut” or simply a correct polishing which is what I went with. Best analogy I can offer is that of receiving a poor haircut but having plenty of hair left to have a skilled stylist correct the poor work of another lesser skilled stylist. Watches that have had multiple and/or very aggressive polishing would not have similarly good redo results.


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Thanks. Must just be an illusion made by the squareness of the lugs now. Amazing results!


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[dukemarine]

Originally Posted by Franks07

Absolutely stunning!



Who makes that gorgeous leather strap?



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[Franks07]

Thanks. The strap is from Gunny Straps. This particular one is their “Black Bay Distressed”. I have bought several straps from Peter and the quality is awesome.


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[Johny]

Very nicely finished crown guards. A beautiful watch.

[1William]

Looks great.