Restoring/Servicing a 1978 GMT Master Ref 1675

[cam182uk]

Earlier this year, my father gave me his 1978 GMT. He no longer wore it but it's in pretty bad condition from 40+ years of wear and tear. When he gave it to me there even seemed to be some condensation under the glass which i haven't seen since. Because of this i didn't let it run in case it damaged the internal parts and therefore i don't know how well it keeps time.

When i got back to London I gave it to Rolex (via WOS) to get a service quote. They have now come back with the following list of "necessary work":

- Complete service £800
- New bracelet £850
- Bezel & Red/Blue insert £189
- Oscillating weight £82
- Case middle/centre £2,250

Often i see posts/advice saying not to send watches to Rolex for restoration however i wanted to get advice here as i feel like its the right thing to do in my case.

I'm restoring the watch to wear and don't plan on ever selling it. I assume the replacement of any parts will damage its sale value but is this enough to stop getting it fixed if i never plan to sell? Its an expensive service/restoration but in the worst case i assume the watch will still be worth more than the money paid? The sentimental value is priceless.

In terms of the replacement parts, i can see on an old service report from 2005 a list of parts: bezel insert, case kit, hands, movement parts and spring bars. I assume these are listed are they may have been replaced back then. Is there any way to confirm this or can anyone tell from the photo? If they were replaced it seems like i wouldn't be destroying as much value getting those parts replaced now?

The bracelet has confused me whether its original or not. It has a serial number that when i looked it up said it was from the 60s but that can't be right? There is also an S which i thought i read somewhere meant it was a service replacement. If it's original its the one part i feel like i should probably keep and try to get restored elsewhere in the UK but i'm really not sure.

Lastly is there anything i should ask/request during the service? I dont think they will send the old parts but should i ask them not to polish or is that pointless since most of it is getting replaced?

Thanks for any and all advice in advance.

[roh123]

Go to an independant watchmaker and have him service the movement. If anything ask him to source a pair of matching tritium hands. That and a new crystal (or just polishing the old crystal) and you will have a more valuable, more beautiful and more fun watch to wear and enjoy.

[timnik]

I have a 1969 GMT Master 1675 which was my fathers. I acquired it in 2004.

I have used Graham Simmonds at Superlative Time in West London..

He'll sort you out..

https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrJ...OwIbGZQKenDp8-

[kwcsports]

Agree with the above posters. Send it to an independent watchmaker, do not send that beauty to Rolex Service Center. I think it looks great as is. Get the movement serviced and wear it.

[btinl]

Definitely go independent.

[cam182uk]

Is there any reason why i would chose to go with Rolex? Or no one would recommend that?

If i were to go independent who is the best in London for an older Rolex? There seems to be many recommendations online.

[Jackie Daytona]

Definitely go independent. It’s too nice to let Rolex replace it all. An independent will shoot much more straight on what it really needs.


The S clasp code should put the bracelet around 1994.

[Pocosso]

You have a very good watch, when you talk about servicing a vintage one you should avoid using a Rolex Official Service, they guarantee the watch leaving them with the technical specs of a new one, but they change the parts and you loose the originality against the functions.
Said this I am sure you will understand the importance of NOT using Rolex for a vintage watch. What I would do, if find a very good independent watchmaker and service and polish the watch, I would then invest a bit of time and money trying slowly to recover the Hands and the bezel appropriate for the watch age. You have a very good project there enjoy it!

[zapokee]

All of the above. Don't let Rolex near it. They'll ruin its vintage value.

[JustinK]

Nice watch!

If it was mine I would have the movement serviced and source a pair of matching hands or have the existing color matched. If the crystal is cracked replace it otherwise just polish it. Nothing else is necessary.

Probably a service clasp but not a big deal, I would wear and enjoy.

[swaini3]

Hi OP,
I am surprised they didnt list a crystal in their quote. You will lose a lot of value doing it thru Rolex (replaced insert, bezel, case). Regarding the new case, I think you can decline that as well. They proceeded with my request which was no case replacement and no new bracelet.
Since you are in London though and as others mentioned, You are better off going with a rolex independent that specialises in vintage. There are quite a few good ones that will inspect and advise what is to be done with the watch. Just tell them you want to keep as much of the original parts on it and to advise you of the status of the parts you're concerned with (genuine or not etc.)
Take care.

[Thuilln]

What’s “Case middle/center” at more than 2000 pounds??

[Woody]

I am going to be in a very small minority, but if it was my watch I would stick with the RSC. I have had a number of vintage watches serviced by them and they always do a great job. The key is to be clear on your instructions. Looking at the list you have shared with us I would likely just opt for the service and the new bracelet (replacing this will have no impact on value but will reduce the risk of your losing the watch through a bracelet failure). Your mid-case looks good so unless there is an issue with corrosion then not sure why they would suggest replacing it. Might be an idea to ask them the reason, then you can decide. If you do opt to replace the case then it will impact the value......but if you don't plan to sell then is this really an issue? I am sure many members will give you good advice about the various alternative routes, but whatever you decide I hope it all works out ok for you.

[Sherbie]

Not that i advocate sending this to RSC, but IF you did, take the bracelet, bezel and insert off the watch before you do and sell them all on ebay

At least you can recover some of the cost

If you send the watch in to RSC, they dont return the replaced parts


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[G3Z]

I was just thinking the same thing. If the watch is going to RSC- take the bracelet/bezel etc off anyway, and just sent the watch head.

[Wahlberg]

i can see on an old service report from 2005 a list of parts: bezel insert, case kit, hands, movement parts and spring bars.

What is ''case kit''?

Originally Posted by Thuilln

What’s “Case middle/center” at more than 2000 pounds??

Anyone? New middle case? Sounds weird to replace.

[TimeLord2]

I believe the middle case is the part of your case with model number and serial number. It would have a new serial number as a result, if I am not mistaken.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Woody

I am going to be in a very small minority, but if it was my watch I would stick with the RSC. I have had a number of vintage watches serviced by them and they always do a great job. The key is to be clear on your instructions.

Mileage varies. My RSC won't take instructions. It's their way or the highway.

There are plenty of independents who specialize in Rolex servicing to maintain vintage value. There's no need for instructions.

[stmoore]

Originally Posted by roh123

Go to an independant watchmaker and have him service the movement. If anything ask him to source a pair of matching tritium hands. That and a new crystal (or just polishing the old crystal) and you will have a more valuable, more beautiful and more fun watch to wear and enjoy.

Listen to Per. Don’t replace the case. Go to an independent. Get a good service and maybe a set of color matched hands.

[brigadoonb]

Great looking watch...to start. I would go to very reputable independent to do your work. Please post after repair pictures...we would love to see them.

[suligeo]

Why new case?


https://www.instagram.com/vintage_georgex/

[bondtoys]

Don‘t have anyone replace case/diaL/hands!

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by swaini3

Hi OP,
I am surprised they didnt list a crystal in their quote. You will lose a lot of value doing it thru Rolex (replaced insert, bezel, case). Regarding the new case, I think you can decline that as well. They proceeded with my request which was no case replacement and no new bracelet.
Since you are in London though and as others mentioned, You are better off going with a rolex independent that specialises in vintage. There are quite a few good ones that will inspect and advise what is to be done with the watch. Just tell them you want to keep as much of the original parts on it and to advise you of the status of the parts you're concerned with (genuine or not etc.)
Take care.

It is not in the quote because a plexi crystal is a standard replacement anyway and is included in the service cost.

Plexi should be replaced every single service IMO.

Originally Posted by Wahlberg

Anyone? New middle case? Sounds weird to replace.

If Rolex puts the middle case on necessary then it is always because of major pitting and they will no longer be able to ensure any water resistance.

This definitely affects the value of a vintage watch, but so does the rust that will continue to destroy the case in the coming years, and eventually the rest if one is not careful...

[suligeo]

Hands I have for you


https://www.instagram.com/vintage_georgex/

[usling15]

Is it feasible/possible to laser weld pitting in order to save original mid case ?

[stmoore]

Originally Posted by usling15

Is it feasible/possible to laser weld pitting in order to save original mid case ?

I have seen it done. Certainly possible.

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by usling15

Is it feasible/possible to laser weld pitting in order to save original mid case ?

Possible but a very tricky job.

You really need to clean out the pitting, then carefully fill it up and definitely laser with argon gas to prevent any oxidation.

Then the tricky part is finishing it up. You need a lathe and very sharp chisels and just re-cut the bit that was welded to match the original lines.

[XavierM]

Hi,

Beautiful watch !
I personally would not take it to ROLEX: to me it would ruin both the value and the history...
I would ask an independent watchmaker to service the movement, polish the crystal and look at the case regarding suspected rust issues. If a case replacement is still needed, I think I would be tempted to try laser welding first.
Kind regards,

[Dan S]

There's nothing wrong with having it serviced by Rolex, but they are not motivated to preserve anything, and will almost always just recommend replacement, even if not absolutely necessary.

The insert is already a replacement, the hands are replacements. The dial is original, but it's in good condition and Rolex is not recommending replacement. So the main issue is the recommendation of replacing the mid-case. Presumably Rolex wants to replace the case since it's the easiest way for them to get it to pass a pressure test. They aren't satisfied with anything less than the original specifications in terms of water-resistance. However, many of us are satisfied if our vintage watches are reasonably water-resistant. For example, on a 1970s 5513 Submariner, I'm more than satisfied if it passes a 100m pressure test, while Rolex would require it to pass a 200m pressure test. I don't plan to use it for SCUBA diving. For all you know, the watch might be reasonably water-tight even with the current case, but Rolex isn't motivated to work with you on that. Some people posting above are speculating that the case is so badly pitted that it can't be salvaged. This is just speculation and only an independent watchmaker would be willing to take a closer look and run some pressure tests on the case in its current condition. Perhaps it will be sufficiently water-resistant for your needs. The serial number is on the case, so replacing it would be a last resort for me.

[Vincent65]

In this case (ha, pun) I might be inclined to stick with RSC, too. I don't think the original case is that big a deal and you don't intend to sell, so get it as functional as possible. The best part is keeping the original dial, which your Dad looked at for decades. That's the soul and most personal element of the watch. Movement serviced - so you heart, and soul. Definitely needs a new bracelet, and the insert is already a later one, which has seen better days. The watch will come back like new, guaranteed, but with its old 'face' and 'ticker'. Win/win.