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10 April 2024, 11:57 PM | #1 |
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New to me 1603
Hey there,
I got my first Rolex back at the beginning of the new year, a 1978 Datejust ref 1603, no box or papers and no service records. I got it on a well known auction website and am super excited to wear it. After wearing it for a month and half or so, I decided that I wanted to have it serviced and to get the stretch in the bracelet fixed. I did some research and decided that I wanted to have it serviced by Rolliworks out of the Miami area. Mike's work is top notch and his prices are very competitive. It just so happened that I was already planning a family trip down to the Fort Lauderdale/Miami area in February, so I made an appointment to swing by the shop and drop off the watch. Other than the stretch in the bracelet, the watch was decent. The hands had some tarnish on them and there seemed to be a small chip in the crystal at the 5 o'clock position. The watch was loosing about 9/sec a day, but I was more or less okay with that. I ended up opting for a "full" service and 99% (this is my number that I came up with) restoration on the watch. In addition to repairing the bracelet stretch, we're doing a full case and bracelet polish, new crystal, all new hands, a complete disassembly and cleaning of the movement, and new gaskets all around, so in my mind, it will basically be a brand new watch, ready to be worn daily for another 40 years! I'd post some photos, but I don't have 10 posts yet When I have the required number of posts, I will update this thread |
11 April 2024, 12:22 AM | #2 |
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Anybody can attach photos as long as they meet the size requirements of the file type.
Sounds like a good plan for a great classic.
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11 April 2024, 12:26 AM | #3 |
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Welcome. Glad you kept the original dial. Hope it goes well for you.
Tbh fitting service parts on both 'basic dial spec' 1601/1603 are one of the only watches that it hardly makes any difference to values too as well..... so it's risk free too compared to say other 4 digit professional pieces.
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11 April 2024, 01:13 AM | #4 | |
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Quote:
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11 April 2024, 02:20 AM | #5 |
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I never like the idea of trying to make a vintage watch perform like something new. As in, replacing tritium parts that no longer glow with luminova replacements. Best to keep the watch as-found as long as parts are broken or corroded beyond use. But it's your watch so do as you please.
Looking forward to seeing some photos. |
11 April 2024, 02:25 AM | #6 |
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Change the crystal, fix the bracelet, service the movement and leave the rest as is.
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11 April 2024, 03:05 AM | #7 |
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As some of the comments have suggested for me I always think any watch looks better as original as possible
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11 April 2024, 03:13 AM | #8 |
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Did you already have the service done, or are you planning to do it in February? If not done yet, why don't you show pictures of the watch and bracelet. I'm curious to see how stretched the bracelet is and how damaged are the hands. I'm another vote to keep the hands original if you can.
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12 April 2024, 02:31 AM | #9 |
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not sure how well these will come out due the forum pixel and file size limitations. but I have attached the photos. to answer some of the questions, the replacement hands are new old stock, so they are still tritium.
there is a video of the watch from the seller, in the condition it was in, on YoutTube. I cannot post the link since I don't have 10 posts yet |
12 April 2024, 01:27 PM | #10 |
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I think it looks really nice. Bracelet also looks to be in nice condition from what I can see.
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12 April 2024, 04:53 PM | #11 |
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That looks like average condition of all mine. It has character and to my eyes everything is in keeping. Personally I'd leave it as original now seeing it, but it's your watch sir. Nice fat marker model btw. Rgds
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I know a lot of things that you don't You wanna hear some? She said, "Just give me something, anything Well, give me all you got but not love" DIFFERENT FOR GIRLS - Joe Jackson |
12 April 2024, 06:19 PM | #12 |
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Congrats.
Also congrats in choosing to service the watch and give it a new life. Condition is average but I am sure its going to look very good after Rolliworks does its magic. I think money wise it is going to be hard to justify the cost of service and refurbishing the bracelet. But its about passion and the joy of saving a watch imo. I am looking forward to see the pics after the service.
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12 April 2024, 09:23 PM | #13 |
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I don't think I'd bother to replace the hands. The condition is typical and they match the dial.
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12 April 2024, 09:34 PM | #14 |
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Congratulations.
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12 April 2024, 10:39 PM | #15 |
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Congratulations!
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✦ 28238 President DD 18K/YG ✦ 16610LN SS Sub ✦ 16613 18K/SS Serti ✦ 16550 Exp II Non-Rail Cream Dial ✦ Daytona C 116500 ✦ 126710 BLRO GMT-Master II ✦ NEXT-->? ⛳ Hole In One! 10/3/19 DMCC 5th hole, par 3, 168 yards w/ 4-Iron. |
12 April 2024, 11:25 PM | #16 |
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Congratulations, welcome to the forum
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