16520 service parts

[athom]

Hi guys, I'm buying a serial A black 16520 from 1999...that has been overhauled last year (June 2019). fyi I have 14 days return...

At first sight I was thinking that any part that might have been replaced would be exactly the same (since there is no more tritium in those serial)...but now I'm not so sure anymore
Could you please give me your opinion ? Could the hands - for exemple - be different ? Or the pushers, crown, etc..? A replaced glass would have the coronet that was not yet applied in 1999 ? (That would not be a real problem for me actually, for you neither ?). Same question regarding the zenith caliber, parts can only be replaced with same caliber parts, right?

Many thanks mates and stay you and your family safe

[Tools]

Parts are replaced with the latest available parts for that model, not parts that have been sitting in a box specifically for that year.

Some parts are considered expendable, such as crystals and seals.

Most of the time it would be unlikely that you could know if a service part has replaced an original part.

[athom]

Originally Posted by Tools

Parts are replaced with the latest available parts for that model, not parts that have been sitting in a box specifically for that year.

Some parts are considered expendable, such as crystals and seals.

Most of the time it would be unlikely that you could know if a service part has replaced an original part.

That is also my thought, an old bezel replaced with a newer one or lumionva hands on a "4 lines period" watch, etc...would be for exemple obvious but for a late luminova 16520 could I have the same issue ? parts made later that would only be service parts (I mean never sold with any 16520) ?

[Dan S]

If you post the invoice from the service it would help members give you more accurate information.

[Tools]

A last generation 16520 would likely be serviced with last generation parts, so it would be very unlikely to see parts that would not appear on those same era watches.

If the watch has been assembled with earlier generation parts, it would be more obvious.

[athom]

Originally Posted by Dan S

If you post the invoice from the service it would help members give you more accurate information.

There is no invoice available, only a service card...that would be much easier with an invoice

[athom]

Originally Posted by Tools

A last generation 16520 would likely be serviced with last generation parts, so it would be very unlikely to see parts that would not appear on those same era watches.

If the watch has been assembled with earlier generation parts, it would be more obvious.

That is exactly my question, are the service parts from the last generation or even newer ? There is - for exemple - two luminova dial variations and mine is the first version...

[swish77]

Good questions that I researched recently for my U-serial 16520, which is currently getting serviced at the RSC in NYC. I was mainly interested in the replacement 704 crown, which is identical in appearance to the original/factory 704. (Early Zenith Daytonas originally came with 703s).

There are indeed small differences in some of the replacement/service parts for A serials, possibly including the bezel and dial. (Note sure about internal wear/tear parts in the movement, but presumably they're the same or at least close).

Your watch could have potentially come from the factory with one of two bezel styles (MK5 or MK6), depending on whether it's an early or late A serial. I'd try to get the service paperwork, not just the card. It will provide all the details of the work.

The link below from another member who had his A-serial 16520 serviced includes some details of differences in the replacement parts, especially posts # 8 and 10. Good luck!

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=707709

[athom]

Originally Posted by swish77

Good questions that I researched recently for my U-serial 16520, which is currently getting serviced at the RSC in NYC. I was mainly interested in the replacement 704 crown, which is identical in appearance to the original/factory 704. (Early Zenith Daytonas originally came with 703s).

There are indeed small differences in some of the replacement/service parts for A serials, possibly including the bezel and dial. (Note sure about internal wear/tear parts in the movement, but presumably they're the same or at least close).

Your watch could have potentially come from the factory with one of two bezel styles (MK5 or MK6), depending on whether it's an early or late A serial. I'd try to get the service paperwork, not just the card. It will provide all the details of the work.

The link below from another member who had his A-serial 16520 serviced includes some details of differences in the replacement parts, especially posts # 8 and 10. Good luck!

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=707709

We can always count on you Aaron
I’ve the bezel that the last tritium ones have and I’ve the first luminova dial. Since all the other parts from my watch might be the same as the service parts I do not have to worry ! Many thanks mates !

[swish77]

Originally Posted by athom

We can always count on you Aaron
I’ve the bezel that the last tritium ones have and I’ve the first luminova dial. Since all the other parts from my watch might be the same as the service parts I do not have to worry ! Many thanks mates !

All good! Can you post photos of your 16520?

[athom]

Originally Posted by swish77

All good! Can you post photos of your 16520?

https://www.chrono24.fr/rolex/rolex-...id17022306.htm

I'll receive it in a couple of days and will have 14 days return, in case !

[1665fan]

Mark 5 bezel, so that’s original

[athom]

Originally Posted by 1665fan

Mark 5 bezel, so that’s original

And the rest is also original (not service parts) right?

[1665fan]

Yea from those pics looks like original parts

[athom]

Originally Posted by 1665fan

Yea from those pics looks like original parts

Thanks ! How do you like the case ?

[1665fan]

Looks like everything has had a light polish but the case is very nice and thick IMHO

[Timeguy123]

Are the hands a bit wider or is that picture effect ?

[swish77]

Very nice 16520! Congrats! If I had to nitpick, I’d say the crown guards are a little soft, but photos can also exaggerate. Overall, very nice pick-up, and serviced by Rolex, which adds quite a lot in value.

One thing that’s a little confusing is that the listing says it comes with “original papers” which I would assume means the Rolex guarantee paper. However, there’s no photo showing that, only of the service card, which of course is neither “original” to the watch nor “paper.” Does the watch also come with the original guarantee paper?

[athom]

Originally Posted by swish77

Very nice 16520! Congrats! If I had to nitpick, I’d say the crown guards are a little soft, but photos can also exaggerate. Overall, very nice pick-up, and serviced by Rolex, which adds quite a lot in value.

One thing that’s a little confusing is that the listing says it comes with “original papers” which I would assume means the Rolex guarantee paper. However, there’s no photo showing that, only of the service card, which of course is neither “original” to the watch nor “paper.” Does the watch also come with the original guarantee paper?

I'll send photos as soon as I receive it in the beginning of the week...There is no original paper, only the service card. I also find it a bit confusing. I assume seller do that in order to do not be kicked out when you tick the filter on c24...but for sure it is no original paper...

[athom]

Originally Posted by 1665fan

Looks like everything has had a light polish but the case is very nice and thick IMHO

Thanks mate

[athom]

Originally Posted by swish77

Very nice 16520! Congrats! If I had to nitpick, I’d say the crown guards are a little soft, but photos can also exaggerate. Overall, very nice pick-up, and serviced by Rolex, which adds quite a lot in value.

One thing that’s a little confusing is that the listing says it comes with “original papers” which I would assume means the Rolex guarantee paper. However, there’s no photo showing that, only of the service card, which of course is neither “original” to the watch nor “paper.” Does the watch also come with the original guarantee paper?

Originally Posted by Timeguy123

Are the hands a bit wider or is that picture effect ?

Originally Posted by 1665fan

Yea from those pics looks like original parts

I'm also asking myself now ! I think it is service hands from 116520 or ?



What do you think mates?

[athom]

there are imo but too big those hands...

[Frakis]

Originally Posted by athom

there are imo but too big those hands...

I agree, IMO it looks to be the larger hands that were installed on the 116520.

[swish77]

Originally Posted by athom

I'm also asking myself now ! I think it is service hands from 116520 or ?



What do you think mates?

Those hands look wider than original hands on the 16520, especially at the base, and they're not as pointed at the ends. It would appear they were changed during the service. Were you able to get the full paperwork on what was done by Rolex during the service? It's interesting that the wider hands fit the Zenith movement.

[athom]

Unfortunately I don’t have any invoice from service...like no one else here except Timegiy123 I didn’t realize the wider hands...I also didn’t imagine that hands from another’s caliber would fit although the firsts 116520 have the slim hands of the zenith...however I will have to find a solution for this shitty problem...

[1665fan]

Yes they are the large later service hands for a 116520.....they probably glow and the dial does not, would be my guess

[swish77]

Originally Posted by athom

Unfortunately I don’t have any invoice from service...like no one else here except Timegiy123 I didn’t realize the wider hands...I also didn’t imagine that hands from another’s caliber would fit although the firsts 116520 have the slim hands of the zenith...however I will have to find a solution for this shitty problem...

Yeah, difficult to spot unless you're doing a side-by-side comparison, especially just in photos.

I'd try to determine if these are correct service hands that Rolex installs when servicing 16520s, like other parts that are slightly different than the originals.

Either way, perhaps you could track down an original-style set of hands and have them installed. It's a really nice-looking 16520. Good examples of the black dials are not that easy to find any more.

[athom]

Originally Posted by swish77

Yeah, difficult to spot unless you're doing a side-by-side comparison, especially just in photos.

I'd try to determine if these are correct service hands that Rolex installs when servicing 16520s, like other parts that are slightly different than the originals.

Either way, perhaps you could track down an original-style set of hands and have them installed. It's a really nice-looking 16520. Good examples of the black dials are not that easy to find any more.

Because the seller is a obviously a nice person; because he confirmed me that nothing was from service and because he has a set of slim hands he'll swap them keep you informed but everything seems to go back on track. Thanks Aaron

[jaisonline]

Here's original 16520 hands. The tell for me I are both lume widths. Very thin on 16520. Barely noticeable to the naked eye from 12” away. Another way for to tell is measuring the hour and minute hands against the 2 two set of minute markers.

[athom]

Originally Posted by jaisonline

Here's original 16520 hands. The tell for me I are both lume widths. Very thin on 16520. Barely noticeable to the naked eye from 12” away. Another way for to tell is measuring the hour and minute hands against the 2 two set of minute markers.

Thanks for you thought and congrats' for this nice example! I'll post mine once everything's solved !

Last question, despite that the watch was service in 06/2019 and the fact that someone will have to open it to change the hands, would you :

*swim in the sea with it?

*put it under the tap in order to clean it deeply with mild soap ?


Thanks