Restoring my anniversary Submariner

[zuber]

Hi,

Here is my story in short:

1. I bought 16610 (black) on Watchfinder (2006, D-serial)
2. Sent it to RSC for service quote
3. Rolex confirmed that the watch is 16610LV version (green, Kermin) with changed parts to looks like 16610 (black)


See this thread for details:
https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=679306

I am trying to restore it to the initial state, to be proper 16610LV (green, Kermit) and looking for any advices.

I have got the green bezel so far and looking for hands and dial.

See the photos. The green bezel insert is not installed yet, I just put in on top of the black one.
Any advice appreciated

Thanks,

[mjclark32]

Did RSC say whether they themselves would bring it back to being an LV?
Will need maxi dial and hands. They used to be fairly inexpensive here in the parts section, but like everything else, the prices have gone up significantly.
I was under the impression that Rolex always wants to bring the watch back to the way it left the factory, so see if they'll do it.

[Johny]

It looks better already with the bezel on top.

There are for sale and want to buy sections on The Vintage Rolex Forum (VRF). It is always a good place to look for parts and place a WTB ad.

[coaxial]

Looks like you got yourself a great find and story to go along with it; Looking forward to seeing it back as a LV!

[sillo]

Originally Posted by mjclark32

Did RSC say whether they themselves would bring it back to being an LV?
Will need maxi dial and hands. They used to be fairly inexpensive here in the parts section, but like everything else, the prices have gone up significantly.
I was under the impression that Rolex always wants to bring the watch back to the way it left the factory, so see if they'll do it.

This is what I was thinking.

[Luap1976]

Ask viper he sells 16610lv hands very often in this forum .as for the dial I also see them pretty often but you will need a period correct of dial.so I would not just buy the first dial you see unless is the correct layout for a d serial lv

[Luap1976]

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=597294

https://www.chrono24.co.uk/rolex/dia...47782.htm#gref

There you go took 2 sec to find but saying that this lv dial for sale is for a 2010 random serial 16610lv the very last batch before the watch was discontinued so would not be correct period for your watch

[zuber]

Originally Posted by mjclark32

Did RSC say whether they themselves would bring it back to being an LV?
Will need maxi dial and hands. They used to be fairly inexpensive here in the parts section, but like everything else, the prices have gone up significantly.
I was under the impression that Rolex always wants to bring the watch back to the way it left the factory, so see if they'll do it.

I have asked them for that and they say: "Regrettably, the black maxi dial and green bezel insert for a 16610LV are supplied on a strict Geneva exchange basis only, therefore we are unable to obtain these components unless we have the originals to return."

So, in that case they will not bring the watch back to the way it left the factory.
And I think the above is the reason for very high prices of these parts right now.

[Chaching]

Who in their right mind would convert a LV to a regular Submariner! Plus go through all the trouble dial and hands!!! Something is off here.......

[singe89]

Originally Posted by zuber

I have asked them for that and they say: "Regrettably, the black maxi dial and green bezel insert for a 16610LV are supplied on a strict Geneva exchange basis only, therefore we are unable to obtain these components unless we have the originals to return."

So, in that case they will not bring the watch back to the way it left the factory.
And I think the above is the reason for very high prices of these parts right now.

Can you send the watch back to rolex Geneva to verify and replace the original parts?

You're trying to follow Rolex rules by keeping a watch original I would think they would help.

[Luap1976]

Originally Posted by Chaching

Who in their right mind would convert a LV to a regular Submariner! Plus go through all the trouble dial and hands!!! Something is off here.......

Was probably done years ago well before the lv was super hot

[Johny]

Originally Posted by zuber

I have asked them for that and they say: "Regrettably, the black maxi dial and green bezel insert for a 16610LV are supplied on a strict Geneva exchange basis only, therefore we are unable to obtain these components unless we have the originals to return."

So, in that case they will not bring the watch back to the way it left the factory.
And I think the above is the reason for very high prices of these parts right now.

If you could even get a damaged dial it would be replaced during the RSC service.

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by zuber

I have asked them for that and they say: "Regrettably, the black maxi dial and green bezel insert for a 16610LV are supplied on a strict Geneva exchange basis only, therefore we are unable to obtain these components unless we have the originals to return."



So, in that case they will not bring the watch back to the way it left the factory.

And I think the above is the reason for very high prices of these parts right now.

I think what that means is that they would keep your current dial and hands, which should be ok with you?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Luap1976]

Originally Posted by Johny

If you could even get a damaged dial it would be replaced during the RSC service.

This is true

[Johny]

Originally Posted by Luap1976

This is true

A less than perfect LV minute hand would also get the OP a replacement at the RSC service.

[zuber]

Originally Posted by singe89

Can you send the watch back to rolex Geneva to verify and replace the original parts?

You're trying to follow Rolex rules by keeping a watch original I would think they would help.

I am not sure, since Rolex said already they will change it only when they have old parts for exchange.

I have found this
https://www.chrono24.com/rolex/dial-...-id9942766.htm

Dial and Hands, but the price.... very high :(

I would be happy to buy even damaged dial, but genuine one (and have it for exchange in RSC).

[rootbeer7]

Can you contact or ask Rolex RSC to contact Geneva. This is quite unique and you never know.

[Luap1976]

Originally Posted by zuber

I am not sure, since Rolex said already they will change it only when they have old parts for exchange.

I have found this
https://www.chrono24.com/rolex/dial-...-id9942766.htm

Dial and Hands, but the price.... very high :(

I would be happy to buy even damaged dial, but genuine one (and have it for exchange in RSC).

That dial is for a 2010 random serial 16610lv

[Johny]

Originally Posted by singe89

Can you send the watch back to rolex Geneva to verify and replace the original parts?

You're trying to follow Rolex rules by keeping a watch original I would think they would help.

This is a good idea. A direct appeal in writing to Geneva explaining the circumstances might produce a positive result. The OP already has one of the three lv parts that he needs to satisfy the RSCs requirements.

[zuber]

Do you know how to contact Rolex Geneva? Do you have any emails or do you mean standard letter send by post?
I could try.


and I have got PM from user wzqzs862 (new user, 0 posts) with something like that:


What do you think?

[Luap1976]

Originally Posted by zuber

Do you know how to contact Rolex Geneva? Do you have any emails or do you mean standard letter send by post?
I could try.


and I have got PM from user wzqzs862 (new user, 0 posts) with something like that:


What do you think?

Let's see the back 0 post seller I would avoid but a mk4 5 or 6 dial is what you would want

[1665fan]

Originally Posted by Chaching

Who in their right mind would convert a LV to a regular Submariner! Plus go through all the trouble dial and hands!!! Something is off here.......

Yea what I was thinking

[Johny]

Originally Posted by zuber

Do you know how to contact Rolex Geneva? Do you have any emails or do you mean standard letter send by post?
I could try.


and I have got PM from user wzqzs862 (new user, 0 posts) with something like that:


What do you think?

Standard letter. I don't have the address but i'm sure that one of the members will have it. The more correct parts you have the better your chances of a positive outcome.

Member wzqs862 has been banned as a scammer.

[Lgear080]

Am not having a hard time w the parts swap story, but on a limited watch who knows any more. You’d think they’d just take what’s there for the replacmenet.

They outright refused to even quote the correct service replacements?

[zuber]

Originally Posted by Lgear080

They outright refused to even quote the correct service replacements?

Well, the service quote I have includes full service price (nothing mentioned about replacing these parts) and optional bezel replacements.

I put the photo of the quote here:
https://www.rolexforums.com/showpost...7&postcount=84

[CharlesN]

I would contact Watchfinder.
They are reputable.
Return the watch ... It is basically a Frankenwatch.
They should NOT be doing that and they should have known it was.
Refund in Full.
If you have paperwork from the RSC then they will fully cooperate with you I am sure.

[brettpaul]

RSC should have all of the parts to make it original for you mate - may be pricey, but the parts will be legit and the work will be spot-on! *-)

[Chaching]

Based on some of my experiences throughout the years with Rolex, I highly doubt anything will happen in your favor. I would return the watch for a full refund and move on.

[strafer_kid]

Originally Posted by Chaching

Who in their right mind would convert a LV to a regular Submariner! Plus go through all the trouble dial and hands!!! Something is off here.......

Could it be that the maxi dial and green insert of this Sub have found themselves on another Sub elsewhere that was passed off as an LV?

[zuber]

Originally Posted by Chaching

Based on some of my experiences throughout the years with Rolex, I highly doubt anything will happen in your favor. I would return the watch for a full refund and move on.

Hmm, this in interesting since my last email conversation with RSC is:

My question: "if I get the original parts and have it replaced by an independent watchmaker, would you serivce the watch once it is back to the factory specification?"

and the answer was:

"Yes, we would certainly service the watch in the future if it were to be received again with the correct dial, insert and hands fitted."