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Börn · 4 August 2020, 12:36 AM

I am looking at purchasing a 1978 16014 DateJust.

When the case back is removed, there is a bit of pitting around the edge.

Is this a cause for concern?
Is this normal for the year / metal type?

The seller wants 2,600.00 for the head; no jubilee.

I am asking for guidance and / or suggestions.

Thank you so much!

Börn · 4 August 2020, 12:41 AM

94E2887B-B270-4C4F-803F-52F0CB7D3D9A.jpeg

Swearengen · 4 August 2020, 01:19 AM

The pitting looks a little on the aggressive side to me. It may mean the case back won't seal properly, so the watch may never pass a pressure test. A new mid case may be required. Proceed with caution.

springer · 4 August 2020, 01:53 AM

In response to your concerns, the pitting displayed in your photo is not normal. It is excessive. Personally, I'd look for a better example.

TheDude · 4 August 2020, 02:20 AM

With that said I’ve seen examples Bob Ridley repaired that looked worse than that...

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Tools · 4 August 2020, 02:54 AM

It is very unlikely that the sealing surface, which is what is corroded, would be able to hold securely.

It can be repaired, or made somewhat flat on a lathe, but the costs may not be worth it for this model.

Up to you if you want a bit of a restoration project.

shaunylw · 4 August 2020, 03:10 AM

Too common of a watch not to get a really good example, i wouldn’t touch that.

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Börn · 4 August 2020, 03:19 AM

Thank you everyone for your guidance.

I will pass on this watch.

Dan S · 4 August 2020, 05:12 AM

Minor pitting is common, and not necessarily a big deal, but that photo shows pretty extreme damage. Unless there is something else about the watch that is incredibly desirable, I'd pass on that one.

zapokee · 4 August 2020, 11:39 PM

Wouldn't pass a pressure test. But who swims with a vintage Datejust?

SDREW22 · 4 August 2020, 11:50 PM

Find one with the bracelet. If you don't you will immediately start hunting for one.

Verdi · 5 August 2020, 01:06 AM

Pass...thats too much.

PS: I hear a lot of stories like “there is no need to service my watch. It works perfectly fine and it has never been opened in 30 yrs”.
Only, that after those 30 yrs of not maintaining it regularly this is likely to happen to the case.

4 August 2020, 12:36 AM	#1
Börn "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: Illinois Posts: 17	Pitting I am looking at purchasing a 1978 16014 DateJust. When the case back is removed, there is a bit of pitting around the edge. Is this a cause for concern? Is this normal for the year / metal type? The seller wants 2,600.00 for the head; no jubilee. I am asking for guidance and / or suggestions. Thank you so much!

4 August 2020, 01:19 AM	#3
Swearengen "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Real Name: Gabriel Location: London, UK Posts: 1,816	The pitting looks a little on the aggressive side to me. It may mean the case back won't seal properly, so the watch may never pass a pressure test. A new mid case may be required. Proceed with caution. __________________ 1680 1675 16800 16570 16710 17000 16613 17013 Gone but not forgotten 16610LV 1016 16234

4 August 2020, 01:53 AM	#4
springer 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: jP Location: Texas Watch: GMT-MASTER Posts: 17,196	In response to your concerns, the pitting displayed in your photo is not normal. It is excessive. Personally, I'd look for a better example. __________________ Member of NAWCC since 1990. INSTAGRAM USER NAME: SPRINGERJFP Visit my Instagram page to view some of the finest vintage GMTs anywhere - as well as other vintage classics.

4 August 2020, 02:54 AM	#6
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 DATE-JUST41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,044	It is very unlikely that the sealing surface, which is what is corroded, would be able to hold securely. It can be repaired, or made somewhat flat on a lathe, but the costs may not be worth it for this model. Up to you if you want a bit of a restoration project. __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

4 August 2020, 05:12 AM	#9
Dan S 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 5,902	Minor pitting is common, and not necessarily a big deal, but that photo shows pretty extreme damage. Unless there is something else about the watch that is incredibly desirable, I'd pass on that one. __________________ @oldwatchdan on IG

4 August 2020, 12:41 AM	#2
Börn "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: Illinois Posts: 17	94E2887B-B270-4C4F-803F-52F0CB7D3D9A.jpeg

4 August 2020, 02:20 AM	#5
TheDude "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: DC Area, USA Watch: IIc,1680 Red,16660 Posts: 4,483	With that said I’ve seen examples Bob Ridley repaired that looked worse than that... Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

4 August 2020, 03:10 AM	#7
shaunylw "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Here Posts: 4,504	Too common of a watch not to get a really good example, i wouldn’t touch that. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

4 August 2020, 03:19 AM	#8
Börn "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: Illinois Posts: 17	Thank you everyone for your guidance. I will pass on this watch.

4 August 2020, 11:39 PM	#10
zapokee "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Japan Posts: 4,344	Wouldn't pass a pressure test. But who swims with a vintage Datejust?

4 August 2020, 11:50 PM	#11
SDREW22 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: CNY Watch: TOG Posts: 580	Find one with the bracelet. If you don't you will immediately start hunting for one.

5 August 2020, 01:06 AM	#12
Verdi "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2015 Real Name: Mitch Location: UAE Watch: Big Ben Posts: 2,451	Pass...thats too much. PS: I hear a lot of stories like “there is no need to service my watch. It works perfectly fine and it has never been opened in 30 yrs”. Only, that after those 30 yrs of not maintaining it regularly this is likely to happen to the case. __________________ IG: @watch_idiot_savant

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