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gastonp · 21 February 2017, 12:44 PM

In addition to reading through the sale forums here every day, I have been watching eBay and my local Craigslist for pre-owned Rolexes. Last night, I came across this Air King and am considering taking this on as a project.

Clearly the band and crystal are shot, and the crown is flat out missing. I've been wanting either an OP or Air King on a NATO band, so that's not an issue to me. I have already contacted a local watch repair shop which is willing to verify the authenticity of the watch and movement for $50, will replace the crystal for $150, and will replace the crown for $250. All in, I think I can get this watch to where I want it for under $1200.

Am I being too ambitious in trying to rehab this watch? I own a few Tag Heuer watches, but this would be my first Rolex so I'm a little nervous. I also don't need it to be perfect, so I'm not going into this thinking I'll end up with a mint Air King.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

natosub · 21 February 2017, 02:32 PM

Does your $1,200 include a likely overdue service at $600+?

Old Expat Beast · 21 February 2017, 02:56 PM

Local watch repair place is overcharging you. Just look for a nicer example. Too much headache potential with this one for a first-time Rolex owner.

Al1969 · 21 February 2017, 03:35 PM

Listen to Adam OP.

Kevin of Larchmont · 21 February 2017, 03:49 PM

It all depends on your level of liquidity, I guess. Kind of sounds like fun to me. Kind of sounds like it kind of sounds like fun to you too. If you were all in with a service for $1200 I'd say go for it. But I ain't as smart as these other fellers.

Canook · 21 February 2017, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin of Larchmont

It all depends on your level of liquidity, I guess. Kind of sounds like fun to me. Kind of sounds like it kind of sounds like fun to you too. If you were all in with a service for $1200 I'd say go for it. But I ain't as smart as these other fellers.

why is it when i read that it sounded like "Mater" from the animated movie Cars in my head lol!!!

gossbeau · 21 February 2017, 05:34 PM

Sorry I cant help as I am not into vintage. Good luck though!

D111s · 22 February 2017, 12:56 AM

Dial and case look good in the pics, bracelet is an old riveted one which looks like has knackered or missing springs, could be salvageable or saleable.

The movement is hand wound so less to go wrong compared to the auto movements, may get away without a huge parts bill.

If it appeals to you then go ahead, it is a gamble though... but if all goes well it would have a nice story to add extra sentimental value to you!

Old Expat Beast · 22 February 2017, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D111s

Dial and case look good in the pics, bracelet is an old riveted one which looks like has knackered or missing springs, could be salvageable or saleable.

The movement is hand wound so less to go wrong compared to the auto movements, may get away without a huge parts bill.

If it appeals to you then go ahead, it is a gamble though... but if all goes well it would have a nice story to add extra sentimental value to you!

The movement is not hand wound. That's why it says Perpetual on the dial.

gastonp · 22 February 2017, 08:39 AM

Appreciate all of the feedback. Lots more to think about now.

I'm not familiar with the RSC or it's pricing - would a crystal and crown replacement be less expensive as part of a service through RSC?

Alcan · 22 February 2017, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gastonp

I'm not familiar with the RSC or it's pricing - would a crystal and crown replacement be less expensive as part of a service through RSC?

No, RSC is usually more expensive but we have several top quality watchmaker members right here on TRF. Vanessa, Rikki, the Ridleys

motoikkyu · 22 February 2017, 10:54 AM

Sometimes, a beat-up example is a great refurb project. Othertimes, it is a money-pit. Some of the most straightforward restoration projects that I have purchased went all the way up to full retail value in terms of effort and money applied. Now, don't get me wrong, that's not a negative in and of itself: I took a watch that was of no use to anyone and made it into a wearable classic (that I planned to wear). When I dispose of it, the next owner will likely enjoy the efforts that I made. But, in terms of a BARGAIN, that is not always the case. I have purchased a Rolex for under $300 on eBay in the past year that required less than $75 to make it as good as can be. I feel great about it it, but, in all honesty, the final retail value is between $550 and $600, and it's not an easy one to sell (too small) so, more about the fun than the profit.

watchwatcher · 22 February 2017, 11:32 AM

Hard pass. Listen to Adam.

jrs146 · 22 February 2017, 11:36 AM

I'd pass. Not worth it

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

gastonp · 22 February 2017, 12:28 PM

Appreciate all the great advice here. While I was thinking it over and weighing all of your input, the watch sold. Probably for the best at this point.

The hunt continues!

MCO1 · 22 February 2017, 12:29 PM

I will use a car analogy. Why buy a 6k Mercedes when 10k won't fix it and you could get a really nice one for 15k. I would be tempted to pass on this one!

21 February 2017, 03:35 PM	#4
Al1969 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: New Jersey Posts: 6,602	Listen to Adam OP. __________________ WG SUB-116719 GMT MASTER II 126719

22 February 2017, 10:54 AM	#12
motoikkyu 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: PRJ Posts: 1,731	Sometimes, a beat-up example is a great refurb project. Othertimes, it is a money-pit. Some of the most straightforward restoration projects that I have purchased went all the way up to full retail value in terms of effort and money applied. Now, don't get me wrong, that's not a negative in and of itself: I took a watch that was of no use to anyone and made it into a wearable classic (that I planned to wear). When I dispose of it, the next owner will likely enjoy the efforts that I made. But, in terms of a BARGAIN, that is not always the case. I have purchased a Rolex for under $300 on eBay in the past year that required less than $75 to make it as good as can be. I feel great about it it, but, in all honesty, the final retail value is between $550 and $600, and it's not an easy one to sell (too small) so, more about the fun than the profit. __________________ "Do you like Breitling?" "I don't know, really, I've never been Breitled"

22 February 2017, 11:36 AM	#14
jrs146 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Real Name: Josh Location: Lost in time Watch: Me Nae Nae Posts: 9,821	I'd pass. Not worth it Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ "Sometimes the songs that we hear are just songs of our own." -Jerome J. Garcia, Robert C. Hunter

21 February 2017, 02:32 PM	#2
natosub "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: USA Watch: the tide roll in.. Posts: 1,138	Does your $1,200 include a likely overdue service at $600+?

21 February 2017, 02:56 PM	#3
Old Expat Beast TRF Moderator & 2024 DATE-JUST41 Patron Join Date: Jul 2013 Real Name: Adam Location: Hong Kong Watch: SEIKO Posts: 28,359	Local watch repair place is overcharging you. Just look for a nicer example. Too much headache potential with this one for a first-time Rolex owner.

21 February 2017, 03:49 PM	#5
Kevin of Larchmont 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: The Doghouse Watch: Ingersoll Mickey Posts: 2,820	It all depends on your level of liquidity, I guess. Kind of sounds like fun to me. Kind of sounds like it kind of sounds like fun to you too. If you were all in with a service for $1200 I'd say go for it. But I ain't as smart as these other fellers.

21 February 2017, 05:34 PM	#7
gossbeau Banned Join Date: Jul 2016 Real Name: Vinh Location: Lausanne/HCMC Watch: 25940ok Posts: 915	Sorry I cant help as I am not into vintage. Good luck though!

22 February 2017, 12:56 AM	#8
D111s "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Hampshire UK Watch: A few Posts: 452	Dial and case look good in the pics, bracelet is an old riveted one which looks like has knackered or missing springs, could be salvageable or saleable. The movement is hand wound so less to go wrong compared to the auto movements, may get away without a huge parts bill. If it appeals to you then go ahead, it is a gamble though... but if all goes well it would have a nice story to add extra sentimental value to you!

22 February 2017, 08:39 AM	#10
gastonp "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: NOLA Posts: 5	Appreciate all of the feedback. Lots more to think about now. I'm not familiar with the RSC or it's pricing - would a crystal and crown replacement be less expensive as part of a service through RSC?

22 February 2017, 11:32 AM	#13
watchwatcher "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Larry Location: Kentucky Watch: Yes Posts: 34,479	Hard pass. Listen to Adam.

22 February 2017, 12:28 PM	#15
gastonp "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: NOLA Posts: 5	Appreciate all the great advice here. While I was thinking it over and weighing all of your input, the watch sold. Probably for the best at this point. The hunt continues!

22 February 2017, 12:29 PM	#16
MCO1 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Missouri USA Watch: Daytona C white Posts: 2,248	I will use a car analogy. Why buy a 6k Mercedes when 10k won't fix it and you could get a really nice one for 15k. I would be tempted to pass on this one!

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