Jeweler Finds: Meister Constellation Deluxe and Rolex GMT Master Faded Pepsi

Posts
309
Likes
268
Thanks, I feel like I was given a big gift, and told him that. I even took a selfie with him...
 
Posts
13,508
Likes
53,074
What kind of jeweler sees a Rolex these days and thinks it worthless? congrats!
 
Posts
309
Likes
268
I would maybe try to contact Michael Young. The bracelet looks like it needs a lot of work and is missing an endpiece as well. It would look great on a strap too. 😀

http://www.classicwatchrepair.com/

Thanks, I used him for the bracelet on my birth year 16800.
 
Posts
309
Likes
268
What kind of cosignor sees a Rolex these days and thinks it worthless? congrats!

I got the impression that her husband was very wealthy and they probably have a lot of nice things. I guess when someone sees a "beat-up" watch, they don't necessarily think about how the originality helps the value. I'm proud to be the second owner of this watch.
 
Posts
436
Likes
698
Big congratulations to you it's an amazing piece. Enjoy it you deserved it
 
Posts
1,077
Likes
1,398
Thanks everyone for your input. I gave the jeweler all of the information I got from here and the Rolex forum. I made an offer that I felt was fair but limited somewhat by my budget, but then told him that he could definitely get more and I would help facilitate sharing his contact information with Rolex collectors online. He consulted with the consignor and gave me a call a little while later - she thought the watch was practically worthless because of the condition (she thought the Omega was worth much more) - she was elated that I had done the research and stopped them from replacing parts, and happily accepted my offer. I'm still in a bit of shock, and lucky to have an understanding wife who trusts me. I will take some time to figure out what to do with the watch; I would love to keep it and enjoy it for a while, but then need to find someone who will service it correctly/sympathetically and figure out what to do with the bracelet (is it worth repairing?). Any guidance would be appreciated. What a business trip it's been...

That watch needs to go to Bob Ridley in Dallas or LAWW in Los Angeles. You found a true grail watch and either of those names will treat it as such...they’re both incredibly talented, knowledgeable, and totally versed in dealing with old Rolex. In other words, they’ll service it while perfectly preserving its delicate vintage parts. DO NOT skimp on $ now. Congrats, what a find.
 
Posts
886
Likes
2,975
Congrats - incredible buy!!

As past posters have said, DO NOT skimp on anything you do on this watch. It’s worth paying for the very best to do work for you because this is investment grade. Even if it means taking a little longer to get it done, and spread out expenditures, it’s very much worth it.

Again, congrats and keep us updated as you get the bracelet repaired, watch serviced, etc!!!!
 
Posts
122
Likes
32
Agree with all here that the GMT is a valuable piece. What a great find.
 
Posts
16,856
Likes
47,862
I would not touch the Rolex and sell it as found. ( if you don't intend keeping it )

We have all seen a watch untouched ( barn find ) sell for more than a serviced specimen.

If you intend on keeping it , take the advice above.
 
Posts
1,303
Likes
4,389
I don’t know if I can afford to pay a reasonable price. If not, I’ll likely be posting the jewelers info here and on the Rolex forum. He was a very nice man and spoke fondly of the widow, so I want to do right by him.

I was rooting for you since this post that your honesty would play out and wow It did! Congratulations on a great watch and for being honest and upfront with the jeweler and the widow! Watch karma at it‘s best!

Enjoy your GMT and listen to the advice above to get it sorted out properly by someone who understands the value that lays within this watches history.

Cheers,
Max
 
Posts
12,989
Likes
22,527
Great find and it sounds like the perfect way to conduct a one owner purchase.

Let's cut to the chase and show us some more bloody pictures though!
 
Posts
309
Likes
268
Thanks again, all.

I'm still shocked that I was able to get this watch. I'm in the airport waiting for my flight to board - having that watch in my carry-on going through security was nerve-wracking... I'll take more pictures when I get home.

The watch actually seems to be keeping really good time, but I just noticed that it sounds like the rotor is rubbing on the inside of the case back when I shake it, so I'm not sure if I would wear it for long before getting it serviced.

The conversation with my wife when I get home will determine next steps...
Edited:
 
Posts
432
Likes
334
Were there any additional marking on the constellation? I have a steel Meister constellation that also has mister on the back case
 
Posts
309
Likes
268
Were there any additional marking on the constellation? I have a steel Meister constellation that also has mister on the back case

Not that I noticed or can see in the pictures. The “waterproof” and “constellation” markings were a little worn, not sure if a shallow engraving may have disappeared.

If anyone is interested in the Connie, I would be happy to share the contact information. I think that watch was actually the more sentimental of the pair and the owner was pretty firm on the $6k asking price (including bracelet).
 
Posts
13,142
Likes
18,048
If anyone is interested in the Connie, I would be happy to share the contact information. I think that watch was actually the more sentimental of the pair and the owner was pretty firm on the $6k asking price (including bracelet).
$6K would be a bargain if the watch and bracelet were in wearable condition.

My guess is that there is at least $2K required to fix the bracelet, crown and normal service work, and you are taking a chance that nothing major is wrong with the movement. Now it’s not such a bargain anymore.

With the Rolex you purchased, the rarity and value is in the originality of the dial, hands, case and bezel. If the watch wasn’t currently running, it wouldn’t hurt the value that much, because it could always be serviced (by the “right” watchmaker, of course) for an immaterial amount relative to its collector value.

gatorcpa
 
Posts
309
Likes
268
I tried to convey that to him, I’m guessing once it sits around a while she’ll either decide to keep it or reduce the price.