16800 submariner - independent repairer recs
16800 submariner - independent repairer recs
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Discussion

Jonny TVR

Original Poster:

4,551 posts

311 months

Friday 18th September
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My submariner 16800 has some issues. See image. So the hands have been fowling each other and one of the round markers have fallen off. Finally the date magnifier is cracked.

I want to restore existing parts rather than replace anything. The calendar magnifier may be an issue I don't know. Where would you guys suggest sending it?


the-norseman

15,829 posts

201 months

Saturday 19th September
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You've got a couple of options here.

You could send it to Rolex, they will certainly insist on fitting a new service dial, hands, crystal. The service dial will have a new modern lume material which means the lume will work again! Will probably end up costing £1000+, They will probably also suggest a new bracelet, new bezel insert and polishing to match, watch will look brand new but with the additional work could be closer to £2000.

Get an independent to service the watch, fit a new crystal, probably £250-400. People like Watchguy, Bazza on here, Rigga on here etc.

The dial you could just leave it as it is after cleaning out the loose material and risk it doing it again, you could get somebody to just repair that one lume plot or you could get somebody to remove all of the lume and relume the whole lot including the hands. The Alchemist Relumer (www.alchemistrelumer.co.uk) could do this.

The crystal is cracked so that does need replacing unfortunately.

harveys

201 posts

154 months

Saturday 19th September
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Contact Alex at www.perpetual-time.com

Over 1000 5* reviews on trustpilot.

dom9

8,674 posts

239 months

Saturday 19th September
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Alchemist (James) as Norseman says - bazza. on here for the rest.

If you need an authentic flat-4 insert with the pearl to replace your cracked pearl insert, I have a good one you're welcome to, for a charity donation for dogs (I have no need for it).

I also have a non-genuine anti-reflective (Clark's) 295 cyclops crystal, unused, I was going to upgrade the 16610 with (traded to WatchFinder), which you're also welcome to (with new gaskets), per the above. Genuine will cost more and you may prefer that, as most would in fairness, but the offer is there.

Esquire

680 posts

30 months

Saturday 19th September
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Jonny TVR said:
My submariner 16800 has some issues. See image. So the hands have been fowling each other and one of the round markers have fallen off. Finally the date magnifier is cracked.

I want to restore existing parts rather than replace anything. The calendar magnifier may be an issue I don't know. Where would you guys suggest sending it?

I wanted a similar restoration for my watch without replacing parts so used James at Time piece detailing.

Spoke to him in advance of the work being done and have to say blown away by the result.

I'd not now use anyone else .

Give him a call to discuss would be my advice.

https://www.timepiecedetailing.co.uk/





Don1

16,814 posts

238 months

Saturday 19th September
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Please also be wary of over cosmetic restoration. The watch tells a story as it is, just working better. smile

the-norseman

15,829 posts

201 months

Sunday 20th September
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Don1 said:
Please also be wary of over cosmetic restoration. The watch tells a story as it is, just working better. smile
100% agree, just get it cleaned, serviced and sealed/tested and wear it again.