In August I had my Sub overhauled (after seven years) by Rolex, for $700. The peace of mind in knowing that the insides would not be cannabalized by a nefarious watchman was worth it. There is a guy like you describe in a town near me, but I just couldn't bring myself to let him work on it, even if he is Rolex trained, to save a couple hundred bucks on my watch (which I plan to wear forever and pass on to my son or grandson).
I'm certain that a man who has built his reputation over many years in a city like Phoenix isn't going to risk his reputation and cannibalize a Rolex. He was known as the go-to person for repairs.
I dropped it with Rolex of Toronto and let them take care of it. Lube was dried out, there were some adjustments needed and I believe one internal part. I also had them replace the bezel insert, which was scratched. It was almost $700 Canadian, but everything is ridiculously priced up here.....of course they appraised it at $8000 so, I KNOW their prices are out of whack...
Another Gawdy watch. It's now worth twice what I gave for it.Wish I'd kept it in the box. Not available in the US market. Uploaded with ImageShack.us
My first nice watch. I was amazed at the Seiko commercial that showed this watch ticking off the seconds in one second increments. My Mom bought this for me for Christmas of 1975. Single Mom raising three kids. She passed away in March of this year. Gonna get this watch brought back to new condition if it costs me a year of pay. Uploaded with ImageShack.us
this is Adventure rider? Right? The gold watch scene...Pulp Fiction. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFtHjV4c4uw bill
Be careful - keep the patina. A nicely aged watch can be worth more than one that has been restored. Panerai's with unique patina's are "in" right now.
A very nice sentimental piece. On special occasions I wear a watch which I inherited from my father when he passed away. Always feels good to have it on my wrist...
I have a few I have a Elgin 1902 classic pocket watch from my grandfather and his twin brother won as a prize from the Edinburgh Farm Society. My brother has the other. They both have the original bezels and Jewels in them. We got them appraised at Birks and we were told you leave them here and you guys can have the pics of whatever watches we have no problems. My latest find is a St Moritz VS- 1 for 10 $ new just sat around a MEC for too long and they wrote it off. I picked it up at a gear swap .
Would replacing the faceted crystal and leaving the rest of the watch alone detract from it's value? BTW....the bracelet is not the original but I'm keeping an eye out for an original.
The value only matters if you plan to sell it. If you are going to keep it (which I would do if I were you) then do whatever you want and enjoy it.
Thanks redsport. The value is entirely sentimental. Not looking to sell it. I wore that watch for years as a "work watch" and had it snatched off of my wrist on more than one occasion by moving equipment/machinery. Hence the replacement bracelet. As a matter of fact I'd like to be buried with that watch. Now that I've had some feedback I think I'll just wear it as it is and save myself some money