Service advice - Red Mark II Sub

[Laura Lou]

Hello!

This is my first post, but I've been reading for quite some time now. About a year ago, I inherited a 1970 Red Mark II Sub from my dad. I had asked for the watch for several years, and was repeatedly met with "this watch is too big for a girl!" I happen to like large watches, but it wasn't about the watch itself, but more about the fact that this watch WAS my dad. He literally did everything in that watch (he was a diver and a commercial fisherman for 30+ years and wore it daily) and I had to have it as my constant connection to him.

I have worn it every day since he passed, but I am ready give it up for several weeks to have it serviced. I have a quote from LAWW, but I can't decide what I want to get done from the optional recommended services. I knew it needed a movement service since it's losing time pretty quickly, so that's getting done for sure. I'm also replacing the crystal since it's super beat up and I can't read the date at all. I'm not overly concerned with value, since I don't plan to ever get rid of it, but I'd like to make smart choices for the future. I did not take great pictures of the watch before I dropped it off, so I apologize for the quality of the pictures. I really appreciate any advice you have to give and thank you for such a great place to learn about vintage Rolexes!

Optional services:
Re-lume hands
Full refinish case - satin lug tops/bevels/lapping
Laser weld/repair case - 2 lug tips

[HarryLime]

Those hands need to be relumed?? They already look like service hands to me. I wouldn't polish it at all, I'd leave the case as-is.

[scooba]

Hi Lou, Welcome what a lovely watch with great memories, I would say you are in good hands with LAWW . me I would have it given the full treatment my mk4 DRSD has similar profiles to your case lugs 40 yrs of wear and tear why not have the lugs built up and recut , If I didn't live in Southern UK and was near to LAWW id be dropping mine off for some spa treatment

[Amazing]

I like the bashed up look. If it were me I'd get the movement service and call it a day. Maybe if you plan of swimming with it I'd get the necessary work done for waterproofing.

[Amazing]

Also, just to add I think your story is great. I hope you keep this watch and wear it as much as possible. I watch is a lovely keepsake to remind you of someone special

[derekhayden]

I would do movement and crystal and be done. It's a great looking watch.

[lhanddds]

Originally Posted by derekhayden

I would do movement and crystal and be done. It's a great looking watch.

This for me. Congrats on a great watch and memories.


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[AJDay]

Originally Posted by derekhayden

I would do movement and crystal and be done. It's a great looking watch.

Agreed 100%. Why make it look like new when it was your father that wore it down to its current state? Especially since you never plan to sell...

[dhknola]

I would just service and leave like it was left to you. Amazing watch and so happy it reminds you of your Dad!

[CPRWATCH]

Great story great watch , & I'm with the service & crystal only .Then enjoy it as your dad wore it

[btinl]

I would do the movement service and crystal. Make sure that it is safe from water infiltration. It appears that the bezel insert and likely hands have already been changed. I would avoid any polishing. IMO, it's not worth recutting the case as the dial already has washed off lume and has a worn look.

[gr4ndp4]

Hi, congratulations on a great watch, I'm with the service & crystal crowd, don't polish or rebuild the case we all get better with wear and age.
Cheers

[gr4ndp4]

PS I see in one of the pictures the watch is on a bracelet, you should definitely have it checked out and refurbished if required though not necessarily polished.
Cheers

[Laura Lou]

Thanks for your advice everyone! I was leaning toward just movement and crystal, knowing that I can always do the case in the future. I love the character of the watch, and I smile every time I look at it because of all the hard work that was done in this watch. I do plan to wear it on the oyster bracelet, which they said is in good shape.

I do have one question - how do I get an appraisal for insurance purposes? I'm considering Jeweler's Mutual since I have other pieces covered by them. I'm also wondering if anyone has a ballpark estimate of what it might be worth.

Thanks again for the kind words. I'm missing my dad (and his watch) like crazy these days and your kindness means a lot.

[cpefy3]

Since you are in LA, I'd say contact LAWW http://www.lawatchworks.com regarding service and they could definitely provide you with an estimate. Good luck!!

[Tomas Eriksson]

Is there cracks in the lume on the hands?
I would go for the refinishing now, god knows what it till cost in the future condicering how much service and refinishing pricing has gone up the last few years. If it is one company that does it right it’s laww.