My father in law's Rolex GMT Master

[Nickn]

I find it amazing that a badly faded ,damaged if you will, bezel now has so much value
When I started collecting the first thing I did was get rolex to fit a new insert if faded
Oh the shame!

[MrBlobby]

Although it is aged rather than damaged. If it was cracked and chipped then there would be less excitement.

[some.idiot]

Originally Posted by MrBlobby

Here is an idea of where you might be headed:

https://tropicalwatch.com/watches/zqfv

I was looking at that website the other day for dials and bezel inserts.

You know, the faded bezel insert really grows on me when it's on a bracelet like that....

I prefer this, though https://www.tropicaldials.com/produc...h-bezel-insert

[MrBlobby]

Certainly a clean looking bezel looks great too. Your current one is more unique.

What you should do is buy a few different bezels and keep the watch for yourself. After all it is only going to sit in a draw.

Then whenever you see your father in law you can show him the time.

[some.idiot]

Originally Posted by MrBlobby

Certainly a clean looking bezel looks great too. Your current one is more unique.

What you should do is buy a few different bezels and keep the watch for yourself. After all it is only going to sit in a draw.

Then whenever you see your father in law you can show him the time.

I just might!

Either that or he will wear it every day and in 2 years it will be back getting restored again.

[rusty427]

Originally Posted by Andad

There is only one in Oz.

Wow that crazy, So only Melbourne then. I was surprised to see Sydney go, I wasn’t sure about WA.

[TimeLord2]

Originally Posted by some.idiot

I was looking at that website the other day for dials and bezel inserts.

You know, the faded bezel insert really grows on me when it's on a bracelet like that....

I prefer this, though https://www.tropicaldials.com/produc...h-bezel-insert

That one looks like it's more for a 16750. You could probably get it at Rolex during service (or something very similar) for about $60 as that is not a period correct insert for your 1675. Yours is way more expensive than that and period correct. Rolex does not have period correct inserts for a 1675 anymore.

Or look online, EBAY, and get it (like the 16750 example you posted) for about $350-500. Just to give you some idea about the value of your current insert, this one on EBAY is similar to yours but not in nearly as good condition. Nor is it a super fat font like yours, which are prized more than this example. https://www.ebay.com/itm/402620658541

[Wahlberg]

Wow! Cool project, looking forward to the results.

[strafer_kid]

Certainly would be amazing to get it back to former glory!

[some.idiot]

How frequently do you expect communication from a watchmaker? I don’t want to pester the guy. He thinks the whole process will take a couple of months.

[some.idiot]

Alright. Major/minor update. I have a feeling that this is going to generate some negative attention, but I do want to keep you all updated.

Not much has happened since the last post over a month ago. I've been checking in with the watchmaker regularly, and he essentially was waiting for the dial to return to him after being refinished before doing too much more. He received the dial back and sent me the picture of it today.

In the meantime, I have fallen in love with a particular Rolex watch. This is new for me. I've sworn off Rolex in the past. And as I looked around for this Rolex, I've come to appreciate the vintage aesthetic. I've also gotten to see a newer Pepsi GMT Master next to an older (2002) GMT Master. The more I see the patina of the older models, the more I love them.

To be quite honest, I'm fairly disappointed with this dial. It's going to serve its purposes, but I think the watch is going to lose a lot of vintage charm. It's really unfortunate that the dial was in an unsalvageable state when I took it.

I know that there will be a newer style bezel insert as well. I do not like them. I have really grown to love the faded appearance of the older style insert, though I still don't like the completely faded nature of the insert that I have. I will definitely looked for one like the 2002 GMT Master posted below.

Anyway, the watchmaker is now going to clean the movement, get it running, and reassemble the watch. I hope to have a working watch in the next few weeks. I will then give it back to my father in law, who I hope is happy with the watch in its returned state, even if I ultimately will be disappointed in what it has become.

[Woody]

I think that have done a great job with that dial……I am rather bemused as to why you are so unhappy with the watch.


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[some.idiot]

Originally Posted by Woody

I think that have done a great job with that dial……I am rather bemused as to why you are so unhappy with the watch.


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Well I just wish it had that vintage charm still. Unfortunately it just wasn’t maintained in a condition worthy of being preserved.

Some details, for example the “long E” are gone now.

[Dr Lecter]

It's looking good so far. An interesting project and it raises good questions about how you should treat something like this. Good luck.

[alwayshere]

Originally Posted by kegan

Whatever you do don’t let Rolex anywhere near that insert that thing is worth thousands and they will happily throw it in the garbage for you

I'm sure some astute watchmaker there knows its worth and backdoors it.

I agre with Woody - the dial has turned out pretty good. I mean, its not going to be perfectly like the original but I would rather the refinished dial than the badly damaged one if I had a choice.

[Booth9999]

He received it new so when he sees it all freshen up I bet he will remember the day he got it. Great job on saving it. Dial looks very nice!

[TuRo]

Only as you are asking, and you are clearly a bit disappointed...I'd personally not have put a single $ into a redial/repaint....and instead got a any cheap non-perfect matte substitute that if you are not fussy can be bought from £950 - I snaffled a non perfect mk 1 for that about a year ago, though usually they are £1.5-2k on eBay.

I am happy for a well scruffy dial to reside but I do agree the original was way way too far gone !!

Having said all that if your father in law is only 'normal' watch enthusiast - not like we penickety, pedants ;-} - he'll probably be cock-a-hoop with the fresh new dial residing on its orig dial plate - the old insert is great and must be kept safe, but I tend to agree perhaps if you keep the redial it would match a fresher style insert !

[TimeToGo]

.
Agree with Turo, I would not have put any $ on the dial and sourced at least a service replacement dial w/hands and insert and you are done - all original.

As long as you are happy, that's what matters..

[HERITAGE82]

The dial looks great and i'd put either a fresh new insert on it (while keeping the original of course) or just keep the original insert on the watch since it is where it belongs.

[some.idiot]

Well, I haven't posted any updates because there are no updates. My watchmaker still has the watch and for the past 2 months or so has told me he's just looking for 1 part to finish the build.

I don't know what the part is but he's saying it is responsible for the GMT function.

I'm not quite sure what to do here. Do I just continue waiting it out? Do I get a part number from him and try to source it? Do I send it to one of the watch repairers recommended here to see if they can find it?

[springer]

Find out what you need and send me a private message. Include your name and phone number.

jP

[SS Oyster]

I'm excited to see how it turns out. I would definitely take JP up on his offer. He's as solid as they come on TRF.

[some.idiot]

Originally Posted by SS Oyster

I'm excited to see how it turns out. I would definitely take JP up on his offer. He's as solid as they come on TRF.

I have sent him a message. The watchmaker tells me it's part number 8033 for a 1575 movement. I haven't been able to find one upon my initial search but hopefully JP has a lead!

[tekno]

Originally Posted by some.idiot

I have sent him a message. The watchmaker tells me it's part number 8033 for a 1575 movement. I haven't been able to find one upon my initial search but hopefully JP has a lead!

He is the lead. Lol


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[some.idiot]

Roast me

[SMD1973]

Im a newbie here.... but I think that it turned out great!! Your FIL will love it

[Andad]

[joli160]

Exactly what was needed to make your father in law happy with it.
Well done, looks good

[some.idiot]

Originally Posted by joli160

Exactly what was needed to make your father in law happy with it.
Well done, looks good

I’m still not sure how he’ll react. I’ll give it to him this weekend… after I wear it for a couple of days

[Slimpee]

I bet he’ll lose his mind! Very cool.