Refurbished vintage watches

[Maxf]

What are everybody's thoughts on substantially refurbished vintage watches, essentially turning the watch into a 'new' old watch?

Rolex are able to use authentic parts to turn an old beater into something which looks like it was sold just yesterday. You lose the patina on the dial and case wear, which is part of the appeal of a vintage watch, but gain the ability to use the watch as you would a new model (not worrying about swimming in it and stuff like that).

Dominic and I spoke about this the other day as I'm looking at buying something which has been made 'new' by Rolex, but I really can't get my head around whether this is something I want or not. Are these refurbished watches even vintage anymore?

I like the worn look, but with it comes a sense of fragility - is a refurbed watch the best of both worlds or does it belong in neither?

[clonmult]

My old milgauss never showed any signs of falling apart, stopping working, etc. after 50 years of pretty regular usage. No reason to believe that other Rolex would be anything but the same.

I've seen some people over on the vintage rolex forums who've "pieced together" authentic originals - they've scoured the web and dealers for the various parts, faces, hands, etc. to place on the original movements and give them a totally original look.

[mel]

Do you want to wear it or treat it was an investment? IMO if it's a wearer then get as much refurbished as possible but original in every respect watches will always command a premium, I don't have a vintage Rolex but do have have a 1964 Seamaster which has got a new dial, new glass, new strap and has had some repairs to the original movement but I don't really care as I got bought it because I liked it and wear it.

[Maxf]

A bit of both to be honest Mel. I wear all of my watches and won't buy something overly fragile for that reason. However, I don't like to lose money if I move them on so also have that side of the coin in mind.

I suspect I'll pull the trigger on this one and wait until I get bored of it to see whether it was a bad idea or not!

You Seamaster sounds great - I'd love to pick up a '60s seamaster 300 at some point, but want a RN issued one so have cut my options somewhat.

[sneijder]

I'd love a beat up old Rolex Air King one day ...

[anonymous-user]

It really depends on the watch and what's wrong with it or needs replacing. I think it's highly possible to have an old watch with new hands markers face etc but as long as the actual movement is largely original it's fine, to me that's the 'heart' of the watch.

[Soft Top]

sneijder said:

I'd love a beat up old Rolex Air King one day ...

Give me another 30 years. I'm 10 years down the line with mine at present.