Classic Sub, new hands and bracelet - impact on value
Discussion
I'm looking for a bit of advice on a possible Rolex Sub purchase. The watch in question is a Kermit Sub and is in excellent condition due to recently having a full Rolex service. However, at the service the original hands were replaced (I don't know if they were returned) and a new bracelet supplied and fitted, again I don't know if the original is with the watch now.
The watch is competitively priced against similar examples from the same year and is a "Full Set" so hence the attraction.
So, does the fitment of new hands and bracelet impact the value of the watch at all, or should I see this as a bonus? I am assuming Rolex provide a warranty with the watch after a full service for a period of time as well?
Thoughts and opinions gratefully received
The watch is competitively priced against similar examples from the same year and is a "Full Set" so hence the attraction.
So, does the fitment of new hands and bracelet impact the value of the watch at all, or should I see this as a bonus? I am assuming Rolex provide a warranty with the watch after a full service for a period of time as well?
Thoughts and opinions gratefully received
Hi
I’d say it’s competitively priced BECAUSE it has new hands and bracelet!
Assuming Rolex replaced the parts, the old parts will probably be with them!
I have a 67 Sub with original hands and that’s what attracted me to it
I have a 72 GMT with a brand new bracelet and bezel insert and I’m ok with it because the dial and hands are original and I could find a vintage insert if I really wanted one!
And a new bracelet on a 51 year old watch that didn’t have a particularly strong one to begin with? They were a bit of a consumable!
Kermits aren’t that old, I’d probably want a more original one!
Also, have you seen how many different “MK’s” of Kermit there are are how you can tell them apart by the shade of green and shape of the O in Rolex? (if you are bothered)
https://www.watchclub.com/curated-by-the-watch-clu...
I’d say it’s competitively priced BECAUSE it has new hands and bracelet!
Assuming Rolex replaced the parts, the old parts will probably be with them!
I have a 67 Sub with original hands and that’s what attracted me to it
I have a 72 GMT with a brand new bracelet and bezel insert and I’m ok with it because the dial and hands are original and I could find a vintage insert if I really wanted one!
And a new bracelet on a 51 year old watch that didn’t have a particularly strong one to begin with? They were a bit of a consumable!
Kermits aren’t that old, I’d probably want a more original one!
Also, have you seen how many different “MK’s” of Kermit there are are how you can tell them apart by the shade of green and shape of the O in Rolex? (if you are bothered)
https://www.watchclub.com/curated-by-the-watch-clu...
Edited by don logan on Tuesday 21st March 11:37
Edited by don logan on Tuesday 21st March 11:50
Cheers Don, very much appreciated 
That link allowed me to confirm the watch is an early example, claimed to be 2004, so the ability to match notes to high quality digital photographs of the watch in question has been beneficial.
I'm going to email the dealer and ask them to confirm the serial number Prefix and see how things go from there.
That link allowed me to confirm the watch is an early example, claimed to be 2004, so the ability to match notes to high quality digital photographs of the watch in question has been beneficial.
I'm going to email the dealer and ask them to confirm the serial number Prefix and see how things go from there.
Realistically does it matter?
It's a (relatively) modern Rolex, so you won't have lost anything in it having new hands?
I.e you won't have lost any beautifully aged tritium for example. As long as the lume between the hands and dial is well matched I wouldn't stress too much?
Also, a new Oyster bracelet? Result. They aren't cheap.
If you're going to wear it then I'd suggest none of the service changes would be an issue.
It's a (relatively) modern Rolex, so you won't have lost anything in it having new hands?
I.e you won't have lost any beautifully aged tritium for example. As long as the lume between the hands and dial is well matched I wouldn't stress too much?
Also, a new Oyster bracelet? Result. They aren't cheap.
If you're going to wear it then I'd suggest none of the service changes would be an issue.
Edited by Tom1312 on Tuesday 21st March 14:20
Tom1312 said:
Realistically does it matter?
Clearly to some it does, mainly those thinking about resale and what the next buyer will want 
I'm in a different camp and don't buy watches for anyone else, I buy them for me to wear, use and likely abuse gaining dings and scratches along the way.
OP clearly this issue is bothering you and I'd suggest moving on to another as it sounds like you'll never reconcile yourself, unless of course you're actually going to wear the watch and likely compromise its post service polished/refinished condition.
Bob_Defly said:
Why would it need new hands after just 20 years?
Rolex change the handset as part of a service. Unless you tell them not to. And even then, it’s a bit of a lottery if they take any notice of what you’ve told them to do.Should add IME…
Edited by Riff Raff on Tuesday 21st March 17:04
Thanks for all the input folks, it is appreciated
The watch is going to be purchased for me to enjoy and as a memento of my late mother, for reasons I will explain if I do buy it. It will be worn and enjoyed and I am not afraid of getting any scratches on it as these can easily be resolved at a service. My Breitling and Bremont have been been "lived in" and the polishing at service brings them back to new so I have no worries that Rolex won't be able to perform the same way.
The replacement of hands does appear to be something that is recommended more often these days with many friends saying the same thing when having their watches serviced. My only concern was that I have not owned a Rolex to date and if there was anything to be concerned with as a specific make, clearly there isn't.
I am hoping to see the watch on Thursday and will post on the appropriate thread should it be purchased.
The watch is going to be purchased for me to enjoy and as a memento of my late mother, for reasons I will explain if I do buy it. It will be worn and enjoyed and I am not afraid of getting any scratches on it as these can easily be resolved at a service. My Breitling and Bremont have been been "lived in" and the polishing at service brings them back to new so I have no worries that Rolex won't be able to perform the same way.
The replacement of hands does appear to be something that is recommended more often these days with many friends saying the same thing when having their watches serviced. My only concern was that I have not owned a Rolex to date and if there was anything to be concerned with as a specific make, clearly there isn't.
I am hoping to see the watch on Thursday and will post on the appropriate thread should it be purchased.
Yep, I 'had to' have my hands changed. They worry about the lume flaking and getting in and damaging the movement, so won't warranty the watch movement with old hands.
The bracelet is slightly more 'odd' as it would have been a recommendation to change (I got that) at most at that age, I'd think. Expensive thing to do!
You don't get the old parts returned, if done at RSC... I've just picked up two vintage Tudor Subs (9411) with mega patina... I need some bezels but can't bear the thought Rolex would want them serviced and every part replaced. I need to talk to Rolex St James next time I'm in town.
The bracelet is slightly more 'odd' as it would have been a recommendation to change (I got that) at most at that age, I'd think. Expensive thing to do!
You don't get the old parts returned, if done at RSC... I've just picked up two vintage Tudor Subs (9411) with mega patina... I need some bezels but can't bear the thought Rolex would want them serviced and every part replaced. I need to talk to Rolex St James next time I'm in town.
2004 could be a flat 4 version which would be more valuable.
I’d want the original hands preferably, especially if the lume on the new ones don’t match the dial plots.
Needing a new bracelet at that age seems strange. Is it the same type as would have been originally fitted? If so that’s probably a good result.
I’d want the original hands preferably, especially if the lume on the new ones don’t match the dial plots.
Needing a new bracelet at that age seems strange. Is it the same type as would have been originally fitted? If so that’s probably a good result.
Gassing Station | Watches | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff