Restoring a vintage Sub

[Victor]

Hi all,

Newbie question here. I am thinking of buying a vintage submariner, preferably a 5513. My dilema is, is everything restoreable? I now the watchcase you can polish, new plexi and a good service and the watch is as new. But what about the bracelet, the ones I have seen for sale all have a lot of stretch and some are unwearable. Is this restorable?

Happy to hear your thoughts.

Victor

[Essentials]

Let me ask for my understanding: Why do you want to buy a vintage watch, when you want it like new ?

[jholbrook]

Originally posted by Essentials
Let me ask for my understanding: Why do you want to buy a vintage watch, when you want it like new ?

Most vintage buyers I know like their vintage pieces to look as NOS as possible. I confess that I don't see the attraction to a watch that looks beat up, with a faded bezel, etc.

In answer to Victor's question, the bracelet will likely be the biggest single expense in the restoration process as in most cases you'll need to replace it with a an Oyster that's correct for the watch, or hunt high and low for one that's correct for the vintage....usually the former is easier than the latter, and more practical if you actually wish to wear the watch.

[Victor]

Well I like the vintage style dials and plexi glass, but I don't like it beat up. I would like a tight bracelet, not an overstreched and overworn bracelet.

I think most people here prefer the 5513 and 1680 above the 16610 and 14060 subs. It's just like classic cars, I like em but I like em newish. On Johns homepage I read the story of restoring his vintage Red sub and I loved it.

Greetz,
Victor

[ehemaliges mitglied]

The interpretation of the topic "vintage" varies in a wide range.
Luckily everyone can find its own flavour.

In my personal opinion i am close to John.

Some pictures for illustration:





No. 1 is an example for a vintage watch "never touched" - love it or leave it

No. 2 is from an article of James Dowling (The 6542 bezel mystery) which i found very interesting to read.
It gives some explanation that former first bezel-inlays could have been contaminated with Strontium 90 - beside the Tritium - and therefor harmfull.
Another very different argument for restauration of vintgae watches, i find.

N0. 3 is mine. It was originally restored within the normal Rolex services over time.
So all "new" parts are original in a sense, that they are from the manufacturer.
Some people doubt the bezel is original, because its lack of patina.
I believe it was changed by Rolex may be in the seventies.
The dial and hands are pretty new Tritium.
I admit that a red date indication (and a small 24h-hand) would be nicer, because closer to the original edition.
I wear it with a new 78360 bracelet, and keep the rivetted one in the box.
Costs for a restauration like this are more than with a regular service.
I had to let some parts to be rhodinated because of corrosion.
Calculate 1-2k Euro.

Now she is ready for fearless wearing
E.g. when the pilot finds himself in the dessert

[alicia]

the tone of the red of your bezel is beautiful, Pit
dessert pic

[ehemaliges mitglied]

Thanks, Anna.

I agree, the darker bakelit colours are in some settings even nicer than bright pepsi.

[Remco]

Originally posted by jholbrook
I confess that I don't see the attraction to a watch that looks beat up, with a faded bezel, etc.

I agree 100%!

Victor, As for the bracelet.. don't know what kind of bracelet you have (a 9315 or a 93150) but you should be able to find a good used one if you are willing to 'wait and see' (don't rush ).

Restoring is probably more exepensive from buying a bracelet... but to have it match the productiondate of your watch could be more difficult. You could post a 'WTB' on Vintage Rolex Market (part of VRF). Who knows, there might be someone out there who has a spare bracelet... and your old one, put it up for sale if you have another one: Don't be suprised to get a good price!

BTW: If you bring your watch to Rolex for a service be careful and specific in your order... they will remove all 'old parts', throw them away and put new stuff on it... if that's OK with you, no problem... but you will be disappointed to get it back with a luminova dial!

Hadoque, ...wow; killer GMT! Looks great

BR,
Remco