Mike from Switzerland asked us if we could advise him on where he should have his vintage, 1981, Rolex Rootbeer GMT Master 16753 serviced. At Rolex or one of their official service centers, or would a local watchmaker be a better idea?Where should I have my Rolex GMT Master 16753 serviced?From: MikeSubject: You asked usHello,I would like to contribute a question to You asked us. I recently purchased a 1981 Rolex GMT Root Beer reference 16753.The watch tells time but needs service as the crown is not secure. My question?is regarding the hands and dial. I dont believe they need to be replaced and Im afraid if I send the watch to Rolex for service, that is exactly what theyll do. What are your thoughts on this watch, should I go for full factory service and update the hands and dial along with a good overhaul, or find a local watchmaker who can take a delicate approach?Im happy to send pictures if this question is selected. Thank you for your consideration. Love the website.Best regards, MikeWe understand the concern. Nowadays, while some vintage watches became extremely valuable, originality is often more praised than the technical condition of a watch.
Mikes Root Beer GMT-Master with dial and hands into decayWhats important for the decision?How would it be possible to decide what to do in this situation, what are the important?points to consider? A few questions are key to answer first.First of all, I would determine what the purpose of the watch is or would be. Is the watch meant to end up in a collection box, and wont it be worn often? Or is it a watch which will be used as a daily wearer?Then, whats the current condition of the watch? Is it still fully original at the moment?And probably, what is the value of the watch in original condition, compared to the value of the watch in a professionally overhauled condition.As well, is a local watchmaker able to carry out all the work needed to get the watch back in technically usable and original condition?There might be even additional questions to answer. For instance on the costs for a general overhaul, at both Rolex and at a local watchmaker, and the duration. But lets first try to get answers to the above.Safe queen or a daily beater?Important for the decision where and how to service the watch is the purpose of it. From the pictures, Mike sent us its clear that the watch cant be used like it is at the moment. As well, Mike told us that the watch is in need of service anyhow, it cant be used in its current condition.
A GMT-Master with original dial and hands in good conditionIs it in original condition?Well.. the parts might be original but seeing the condition that isnt of much importance anymore. ?Its clear that the overall condition of at least the dial and hands is terrible. Theres corrosion on all hands, and varnish is blistering off the dial. In my opinion, the hands and dial have passed their?point of no return.And seeing the condition of the hands and dial, Im really afraid for the condition of the movement. Especially because Mark told us that the crown doesnt screw in anymore, Im afraid that moisture has entered the watch and probably harmed the movement as well.
A GMT-Master with original Rolex service dial and handsA difference in value with current, and with service partsIts clear that a Rolex GMT-Master with original dial and hands has a higher value than one equipped with (even original) service parts. Im afraid however that that doesnt count for this watch anymore. The condition of the dial and hands is such that in my opinion, it will get a higher value with original service Rolex exchange parts.
Original Rolex Root Beer nipple dialAvailability of partsSo much is clear that this watch is in need of several parts to get it back in acceptable condition. Its known that Rolex doesnt supply original service parts easily, and certainly not to any local watchmaker. Im afraid that a local watchmaker would have problems to acquire all original exchange parts needed to repair the watch. And I dont mean only new hands and dial, however, I expect that movement parts will be needed to service the watch as well. Plus of course a new crown and tube, which reportedly does not wind in anymore.
ConclusionSo our conclusion, I discussed this with the other Fratello Watches members as well, is that it would be wise to have this watch serviced by Rolex. Even while Mark indicates I dont believe that the hands and dial have to be replaced we think they should. In our opinion, they look pretty much perished.This prevents questions about prices and duration as well. Im sure it wont be cheap and it will take months before Rolex will have the watch repaired.Take it to Rolex, while they still have original service parts for this model available. Its like taking good care of a car. Parts which are worn out have to be replaced. The condition of the dial and the hands are not on par with how a Rolex should look.
