My Fathers Oyster Perpetual Explorer

[Duchesne]

Recently took my dads watch to a watch repair business. He added a strap to make it wearable. Said the crown and tube needed replacing and that this made it no longer water proof.

Quoted about $300 to put a sapphire crystal on it. Said he could possibly finf non rolex parts to replace the crown/tube.

Then offered me $1000 for it. I declined. I was happy it was in working order and I could wear it.

This watch has the number 97440 on the side by one of the straps. Its a little worn as my dad was a mechanic. I have no idea why he bought such an expensive watch. Purchased in the late 1960's or so.

The face is scratched....my mother had it worked on 10 years ago and said it now had a sapphire chrystel face. Looking at it now this seems unlikely.

What work should I have done on it? What might it cost? Should I use a Rolex certified repair person? Is it worth restoring with Rolex parts (what is its current and restored value.) I have no intention to sell but just don't want to throw money away.

I live in New Brunswick, Canada. Boston might be the place to have it worked on as I go there quite often (as well as NH)

I would appreciate imput.