My Vintage Rolex GMT Back From Spa

Marsimaxam · Aug 25, 2022

The 1675 is back from the spa aka LA Watchworks. I had debated a long time about restoring the case as I’m a big believer in leaving all original. However, for this particular watch a previous poor polishing job made the decision easier. Very pleased with the outcome and highly recommend LA Watchworks.

Before and After Photos of 1675 GMT circa 1961.

NGO1 · Aug 25, 2022

Nice work. Thank you for sharing.
Looking at the original (thinner) lugs, did they build out the lugs?

spacemission · Aug 25, 2022

Cornino power 😉

jaguar11 · Aug 25, 2022

So nice!

Dan S · Aug 25, 2022

I predict you will enjoy the watch much more with the restored case. At some point, it just not worth try to preserve a case that has been ruined.

Marsimaxam · Aug 25, 2022

ngo516
Nice work. Thank you for sharing.
Looking at the original (thinner) lugs, did they build out the lugs?

Yes, they did do some laser welding but it was minimal. I don’t know the extent the lugs were built out.

Marsimaxam · Aug 25, 2022

Dan S
I predict you will enjoy the watch much more with the restored case.

Thanks Dan. I bought the watch in the late 1980s and I have only serviced it once. The case was how I bought the watch…over-polished with a few dings and dents. I really liked the gloss dial which was in superb condition including an exclamation point. The hands are stained but they are the original flat hands. The insert and bezel are both original to the watch. The hands give it character, the case just frequently reminded me that some idiot had no clue how to polish/ restore the case.

Dan S · Aug 25, 2022

Beautiful watch, and deserved a better case. I would have done the same.

PaulC77 · Aug 25, 2022

What a good looking watch it is now, I’m sure it will push its way to the front of the box.
I must get mine sorted out!

effovex · Aug 29, 2022

Looks nice! Curious - can anyone tell (or is there a tell if a case has been refinished via laser welding) if not disclosed as such?

I worry that watches listed as “mint” or “nos” may have been refinished and the seller is just not disclosing it.

Is there a giveaway that someone has refinished a watch vs it being all original spec?

Dan S · Aug 29, 2022

effovex
Looks nice! Curious - can anyone tell (or is there a tell if a case has been refinished via laser welding) if not disclosed as such?

I worry that watches listed as “mint” or “nos” may have been refinished and the seller is just not disclosing it.

Is there a giveaway that someone has refinished a watch vs it being all original spec?

Common sense is the most practical tool. Laser welding can be detected using complicated analytical methods, but it's not really practical for collectors. And many refinished cases are not laser welded.

Marsimaxam · Aug 30, 2022

effovex
Looks nice! Curious - can anyone tell (or is there a tell if a case has been refinished via laser welding) if not disclosed as such?

I worry that watches listed as “mint” or “nos” may have been refinished and the seller is just not disclosing it.

Is there a giveaway that someone has refinished a watch vs it being all original spec?

Usually a watchmaker will put their initial and date inside the back of the caseback on most watches. If the current owner has had the watch for a number of years you could always ask to see the paperwork if available from the service. I don't intend to sell the watch, but, if I did, I would disclose that the watch's case was restored. Personally, it looks a lot better then before. When you think about it, how many cases would have survived in that condition after 60 plus years... not many, but, they are out there. I bought a 145.022-68 transitional in an auction awhile back and it was stored in a drawer and basically not worn (see images)

nkhandekar · Sep 1, 2022

I think the work on the 1675 is a very valid and sensitive restoration. Looks great. I wish I had picked up a GMY like yours in the late 80s, but even then it was a few months rent for a student.

Pepe Lucas · Sep 12, 2022

I’m thinking about doing something like this on mine. I am not an expert so I don’t know if I should do it or not. The watch belonged to my uncle and then my cousin. The bracelet looks really good with no stretch at all. My uncle got it used in the 80’s ( it is a 79). They both said that they never polished it.

watch3s · Sep 12, 2022

Fit for more enjoyment!

Marsimaxam · Oct 7, 2022

Pepe Lucas
I’m thinking about doing something like this on mine. I am not an expert so I don’t know if I should do it or not. The watch belonged to my uncle and then my cousin. The bracelet looks really good with no stretch at all. My uncle got it used in the 80’s ( it is a 79). They both said that they never polished it.

Understand the dilemma. Your case is in much better condition then mine. It’s a toss up.. hold off on making a decision, wear the watch for a bit, then revisit your question… if still thinking about it… then just do it.

Dan S · Oct 7, 2022

Pepe Lucas
I’m thinking about doing something like this on mine. I am not an expert so I don’t know if I should do it or not. The watch belonged to my uncle and then my cousin. The bracelet looks really good with no stretch at all. My uncle got it used in the 80’s ( it is a 79). They both said that they never polished it.

Maybe a little bit of polishing, but mostly just wear. Wait until you are an expert, then decide. No rush. But once you have it refinished, you can't go back to the original.

Tubber · Oct 8, 2022

Pepe Lucas
I’m thinking about doing something like this on mine. I am not an expert so I don’t know if I should do it or not. The watch belonged to my uncle and then my cousin. The bracelet looks really good with no stretch at all. My uncle got it used in the 80’s ( it is a 79). They both said that they never polished it.

I would leave the case alone and get the hands re-lumed.

mahomes · Oct 8, 2022

Love that dial and faded color on the bezel.

My Vintage Rolex GMT Back From Spa

Marsimaxam

NGO1

spacemission

jaguar11

Dan S

Marsimaxam

Marsimaxam

Dan S

PaulC77

effovex

Dan S

Marsimaxam

nkhandekar

Pepe Lucas

watch3s

Marsimaxam

Dan S

Tubber

mahomes

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