Red Sub dilemma: Laser weld lugs or leave as is?

[airansun]

I was originally going to post this question in WRUW but realized that was probably a bad idea. 🙄

I recently picked up this meter-first red Submariner, Mk II dial, 2,355,xxx with a III.69 caseback (no box or papers). I’m pondering whether to have the lugs ‘restored’ by laser welding material on them and recutting them.


But, I’m pretty torn about it. As is, the watch feels to me like an ‘honest’ watch, one that hasn’t been dressed up, and that’s part of its charm.

On the other hand, the lugs are pretty worn from polishing. Restoring them might really ‘make’ the watch.



Honestly, I’m leaning toward not doing laser welding and just leaving it as is. But, I wonder how serious Rolex collectors view the issue.

BTW, I don’t intend to flip the watch, but, given life’s uncertainties, who knows if, at some point in the future, I have to give it up.

So, what do you all think?

 

[RI Omega Fan]

I’d leave ‘em be.

 

[OMEGuy]

I'm not into Rolex, but would leave it like it is.

I made my worst watch mistakes when trying to improve something, that was already fine enough.

 

[airansun]

OMEGuy

I made my worst watch mistakes when trying to improve something, that was already fine enough.

Wow! Me too. Ain’t that the truth!

 

[OMEGuy]

@airansun: I miss your previous avatar...

 

[airansun]

OMEGuy

@airansun: I miss your previous avatar...

Interesting. Ancient Greek coin from Rhodes. I’ll always regret I didn’t buy it when I could have. Those eyes...



@OMEGuy : I’ve been tempted to go back, but I’ve also gotten positive feedback for Samuel L.

Those eyes are my eyes, taking in the World, its wonders and its horrors.

That mouth, consuming a burger in a big bite, is my mouth, consuming everything — information, experiences, food, and, yes, watches, with a healthy appetite.

How I try to pick my avatars.

Edited: Dec 14, 2019

 

[chronoboy64]

IMH2cO I would leave this beauty as is. Imgagine how this nice worn caseback would look an a restored case ...
HAGWE

 

[Larry S]

Leave em be. They is what they is. And they ain’t what they ain’t. ( apologizes to John Prine) What you propose will actually hurt value and credibility.

Edited: Dec 14, 2019

 

[bigsom]

For me the case might be a bit too far gone to enjoy as is. If I was keeping it and wearing it I think I'd have this one refinished. Red subs are a common enough watch that keeping it worn and original probably isn't really worth it (if you don't enjoy it as is)

 

[OMEGuy]

airansun

Those eyes are my eyes, taking in the World, its wonders and its horrors.

Well, to me you were simply airansun and your avatar was always present at first sight... Somebody stating wise things here and there and always open for some discussion, while this Greek goddess could be seen at first glance.

Now, you still are airansun and I'm convinced you haven't changed like your avatar, so everything is fine.

Best wishes from Germany!

 

[Bakertime]

I would also vote to leave it as is.

 

[Toishome]

I would leave it. It doesn't look that bad.

 

[airansun]

I’m always reluctant to start ‘modifying’ watches, particularly in ways that are permanent.

I’ll put better bezels on deserving Speedmasters, proper crowns and tritium hands. I’m less likely to replace dials and even less likely to recase a movement in a better mid band. That’s just me — everybody makes their own choices.

I’d never consider lasering a Speedmaster. But, I gather, Rolex world is different in some ways, so I wanted to ask.

I do know that, when I see a vintage Rolex with really good lugs, it only arouses my suspicion that other things have been played with as well.

So, yeah, I really appreciate all the feedback encouraging me to leave it as is. 👍

 

[Fabrice M]

I would leave it as is. You have a great watch

 

[Uscjake87]

Restoring the watch is something that needs to be done as a whole, IMO. Fresh perfect laser welded lugs and a dinged up bezel is quite noticeable. If you go to the effort to replace the parts to get a more perfect watch in appearance, then you end up with a safe queen. Enjoy it as it is and wear it!

 

[Dan S]

I think you need to go with your gut based on whether you are enjoying the watch in it's current state. I have had a few cases restored because I didn't like the way they had been polished in the past, and I was happy with those decisions. I enjoy them more now. However, if the case is rough because of honest wear and tear, I usually like wearing them as-is, and I'm not tempted to restore them.

 

[watchknut]

Just wear it...recutting will make it look like you just bought from HQ Milton...

 

[janice&fred]

when it comes to doing anything to vintage watches we always err on the side of caution. we have posted loads of "rescue" projects of Rolexes and omegas on VRF and MWR and always do the LEAST necessary to get the things safely running again and cleaned up so we can wear them.

don't touch that case. you will be sorry.

 

[airansun]

The choir likes the sermon. 😀

 

[krogerfoot]

I come at this kind of dilemma with the perspective I had as a musician vis-a-vis vintage instruments. Instruments are tools and they're put in harm's way every time you use them (usually onstage a few feet away from a drunken riot). A pristine-looking 50-year-old guitar is an instrument someone loved so much they never took it out of the case. They look good when they look used, like your watch does.