Restore & Service Any Over Polished Rolex Watch: My Submariner 16613 Before & After With Rolliworks
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- Опубликовано: 5 дек 2022
- Calling all Rolex owners! If you own a Rolex watch, then this is a video for you. Whether you're the world's biggest Rolex collector, or a one-watch collection person, nobody can deny that maintaining and servicing a Rolex can be costly. What happens if your watch gets a dent, becomes scratched, or the bracelet is overstretched? What if your watch is not performing as it should be? Or maybe you bought a used Rolex and realize it has been over polished? Sending it off to Rolex may take a long time, and may be extremely expensive depending on your budget, and you may not have as much control as you'd like in terms of the work being done on your watch. I've experienced a lot of these issues with my Rolex watches, in particular, recent problems with my Rolex Submariner (ref. 16613) aka the Bluesy. So, I looked into a company called Rolliworks, who offer restoration of over polished cases using laser welding. After some research, I decided to hire them to service my Bluesy, and in this video I share before and after images and a recap of the experience and results. Whether you own a Rolex Explorer, all-steel Submariner, a combination of precious metals in a Day-date, Datejust, Daytona or Yachtmaster, any and every Rolex can be fixed. But is the service I received any good? Watch this video to find out, and please share your watch servicing and restoration experiences and recommendations in the comments below.
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Хобби
I'm glad that you mentioned the ethical dilemma of laser welding. I feel the existence of this technique makes vintage shopping that much more dangerous. However, as you say, if a new looking watch makes the wearer happier, and it is honestly disclosed it is great that it can be done.
A self-imposed "ethical" dilemma is not a legal dilemma. There is no requirement for a seller to disclose service and restoration work done to watches. Caveat emptor.
Hi TGV. I have to say, your intros are still the classiest and most polished I’ve seen, and I really enjoyed your review of your Bluesy’s resto work with Rolliworks. Keep up the great work my friend and, as always, onwards and upwards.
Wow, absolutely incredible work on your watch. I'm glad to discover something like this exists honestly.
Gorgeous work. As a former steel fabricator (TIG rather than laser, those people are wizards to me), I am amazed. The care and detail here is really amazing to see. Bravo to RW, and good on you for restoring a watch you intend to keep and enjoy for many years, too. Cheers to another lease on life for the Bluesy!
I truly enjoy these videos even if I just listen while busy. Bringing up True Romance is just the cherry on top for me. Most people I know haven't even heard of it!
I just sent my 16613 bracelet in a couple of weeks ago and should have it back in a few days! Our watches probably crossed paths! Your review reassures me that what I get back will be stunning. Thanks, as always, for the impartial and thoughtful review, TGV.
Thanks much, TGV! I am always torn when it comes to restoring watches. Part of me wants to see that the piece has a story and another part of me wants the piece to stay pristine. I usually let my pieces “earn their stripes”, but it Is very good to know where I can go if I ever need work on a piece like what you showcased here. They seem to have done a fantastic job. Thanks for showing us the hows and whys repairs like this might be preferred and performed. Be well, my friend. Onward and upward!
Your excellent video helped confirm that the Lorier Falcon3 I purchased last fall was the best decision. Loving that pure gem.
That's incredible. I didn't realise they could do this and it looks like top notch work!
Looks like excellent work. Good to know there is this alternative to Rolex service. Thank you TGV !
I sent my Seiko (1970) Chrono back to Seiko for an overhaul some years ago. It still works. Thank goodness. Glad yours worked out well. I can only imagine the concern.
wow, this sub looks fantastic, they really did a great job. What a stunner of a watch. I did not know this was even possible and I will keep it in mind if one of my watches ever need some case repair and also the next time I buy a used watch!
This was very good. Nice to know this service exists!
Beautiful work. I have never had a problem paying for high quality work.
Hello TGV from Tennessee! Another very informative video. What I have to say, while a Rolex is not in my budget now, I truly appreciate your non-pretentious approach to upper tier watches. I never feel like you are trying to boast, if anything, you speak of the value of saving up for such a time piece. I do realize with such an investment that you do have to have them serviced properly and this is great information. Your channel has truly opened my eyes to the world of watches and I am a rookie collector, but I have asperations for much nicer watches! Cheers!
Wonderful work done on that bluesy, and as the saying goes…enjoy in good health!
Thanks TGV, always wondered about this you’ve given us an inside look!
I’m a huge Rolliworks fan. They rebuilt the super stretched out jubilee bracelet on my late father’s 1970s DateJust, and they brought the whole watch back to life while preserving about 95% of the watch as it was when my dad wore it.
That's phenomenal. I'm glad they were able to restore such a precious heirloom for you and your family.
Very impressive, especially considering the precision and method of restoration. More info to keep in mind!
Wow they added thickness to the lugs. Impressive. Most places just butcher cases but these guys did a good job.
Looks incredible! Brings a whole new life to it
True Romance is such an underrated movie!! The soundtrack is amazing.
It's one of my faves, deffo top 10. You're a cantaloupe 😉🤣
Thank you Jared, you have great taste in movies obviously.
Best regards,
TGV
What a gem! This is what scares me about buying an older Rolex. Thank you for bringing this up, I now know to ask if this process has been completed on a watch or not. Come sempre, un piacere! Grazie caro! Spero tutto bene!
Hello cal how are you doing’s I hope everything is going well with you and you are enjoying the page❤
Fascinating. An absolute grail watch for me. Looks amazing. Wishing you all the best to wear it. Enjoy.
They did a fantastic job! My work sends out parts occasionally to be laser welded and it is amazing how intricate they can be.
🙏🙏🙏🙏
Thank you Ken,
Best regards,
TGV
Nicely done TGV, it appears quality work. Good macro and good description. Have a great holiday Sir and thank you for what you do. 🥃🥃🥃
It's pretty amazing what they can do nowadays. As you mention I can imagine it's certainly a cost, but like most things in life (Inc which watches to buy) it's your choice to decide if it's worth it. Very glad yo yo are satisfied with the work and get to enjoy the Sub again 👍
Very interesting - I'd heard of laser welding, but never seen the results. They did a great job on your Sub - I've got a 14060M that has had the lugs unevenly polished during servicing, so I might be getting in touch with them!
I've actually wondered if a service like this existed, but didn't look into it. Nice to know you _can_ get this done! It's great that you can "rescue" a case that's been over-polished, and as you said it's just a matter of disclosing it if/when you sell the watch. As for the cost of the service, it definitely has to be considered as a % of the cost of the watch itself. Anyhow, with the benefit of hindsight I think we can say you made a great decision with this. Congrats! 🍻
Excellent point my friend and thank you, I must say, it was a little worrying as I have never dealt with them before and worst case scenario, they muck up my watch and I have to still pay for it. Oh well, it paid off in the end!
Best regards,
TGV
Really impressive what they can do with laser welding. I purchased a birth year (1990) Rolex 16030 Datejust Gray Tapestry Dial a few years back that shows some over-polishing. I've already had the bracelet stretch addressed, but this is something to keep in mind for the lugs down the road. Hope you're doing well TGV. Cheers.
Always great video production!
Amazing use of technology to restore the watch, fascinating and cool.
Love this. Thank you for sharing this experience !
So happy I could help, thank you!
Best regards,
TGV
I was so disappointed that I couldn't find stretch repair in the USA. I found a 35 year watch maker in Pennsylvania. 1993 date just two tone black stick dial. I've never had any issue with it. Sent of full service polish or buff, new seals 200 USD stretch jubilee 150 USD. Done and returned in 2 weeks. What a deal. Neal Florida.
Very useful information for us watch nerds. Thank you!
Never knew one could do this to there watch. I have to say that is dope that you can wild back metal on the watch and look that good can't lie very impressive I have only seen that done for rings and bracelets that is exceptional skill a very informative video they did great work on your watch.
top notch work, really looks like new!
Laser welding? Fascinating! Its like a car technician for luxury or exotic cars! "My Rolex is in the shop!"
Nice to see the 0 tax on the invoice, not like the 20% I'd have to pay for similar work in the UK! Great video, TGV!
That's impressive, it really does look like new.
How about stiff bezel? Also, is this 904L steal? Does Rolex provide Laser Welding? How much does it cost?
Nice one! I think we should all be less worried about value and just enjoy things. I had a watch-polishing company here in the Netherlands satinize (brush) the case of my Sinn 104. Why? Because I wanted to! Now I like the watch more, as it is more 'tooly'. Keep up the good work!
A Laser Welding episode with Marc would be fascinating. Or even an episode on manufacturing a watch case, movement, bracelet, etc. But then again, maybe I'd be the only one nerding out over something like that!
This came out amazing 👏 BTW that’s a very cool jacket you’re rocking 👍🏼
Wow..beautiful work!!! 👍
Beautiful watch I have the same but with black bezel and face such a classy watch. Great video Tgv and best wishes for Christmas 🤙🏻
Had an Oris Titan serviced after getting water in it - Tic Toc Repair did it and they did a great job. Even sent me a picture of the watch completely disassembled. T3 recommended this service.
Thank you, I certainly will look into them.
Best regards,
TGV
That watch looked absolutely stunning when you got it back
Thank you!
Best regards,
TGV
Just received my dad's 16233 back from rollie works, perfect job and would recommend to anyone wishing to restore their watch ⌚
They done an incredible job. Thanks for the heads up. Good video Broski 👊🏾
Thank you my friend, always great to hear from you. I hope all is well back in the LDN, I miss it greatly. Hopefully if I ever have another meetup event there I would have the honor of meeting you!
Best regards,
TGV
@@theurbangentry Always a pleasure T.. Oh it's getting crisp out here, the good old Ldn weather. Adds to the Festive feeling Lol. It's a must. Actually Iam going to message over at Insta👊🏾
Another great video. This reminded me about the modded seiko 6538 you had made a year ago as you can get that itch scratched without having to worry about these techniques when shopping vintage. Do you still have it?
The over polishing lately is so bad. Like I don't know what goes on its like they polish it every time a scratch or two pops up. I don't know why some dread scratches so much just enjoy it. Great video pizan 🇮🇹that's amazing what they did by adding metal back
I completely agree, life is too short and watches should be enjoyed right?!?! Hopefully this will alleviate some peoples concerns,
Grazie LWM!
Best regards,
TGV
A very good job but a video showing how it's done could be very interesting
You're always talking about movies because you are passionate about them. Just take a look behind you and it's obvious. You truly have an impressive collection. I'm really surprised that you don't also have a Blu-ray/DVD movie review channel. You're obviously passionate about movies, have you ever thought about starting a channel?
Wow ! A true beauty imho! Kinda funny I have just recently in the last week or less been super attracted to that exact watch and you make this at the same time. Imo it has just enough of each colour/shade to work really well. It's just an all round beautiful watch! Keep er on mothballs lol .. Also glad to see they did very class job on your watch and as an enthusiast for some watches I think it's a great option to bring back old or scuffed etc to get a new lease on life. Always a pleasure.. keep up the good stuff brother!
Thank you so much Michael! So well said about the colors. O&U!
Best regards,
TGV
Ahh what a thing of beauty. Makes me kinda want that watch after seeing a full gold pre-ceramic bluesy at thanksgiving. That looks absolutely new. Bravo to them and congrats to you. I’m here to counter all the “never polish your watches!!!” snobs who will no doubt be appearing shortly. I think you were about to tell us how much they charge for this service when you then changed the subject to a random film
he showed the bill
@@SAXONWARLORD1000AD so how much then?
What's the harm in too much laser welding? I mean it'll add too much metal and that can be polished and removed again so it's not irreversible damage am i right?
You are the coolest guy on RUclips! Love your stuff!
🙏🙏🙏 Thank you so much. O&U!
Best regards
TGV
I love that blue dial!!!
Diamond of a watch TGV! Best wishes 🦖
My wife bought me a sub 14060 when they were only $3000.00 US back in 2005…. I’ve been the luckiest guy in the world because after kids, I’d NEVER be able to afford it now…. No wait list, even 2 to choose from. The 14060 was $50.00 less expensive than the 16610. I think I chose well!!!
Amazing work on your Rolex. Someday I'll have one and maybe even need their services. Say Hello to my boy Hugo for me. 😃🦖
Greetings from Sydney! Just wondering have you considered to do this year’s SOTC yet? Seems a bit of late than normal time. Much expected to see what’s happening with your collections.
Looks great bro!
They did a really nice job on your watch. I've never been a fan of YG or two-tone watches, except for that one, which I should have bought back when it was cheap :)
Thank you David,
Haha, don't we all! I Would have bought so many more too.
Best regards,
TGV
Perfect work. But I think I prefer that gold DD! Gorgeous.
Great content, signor. I suggest you start a monthly horological magazine, on a classical old-fashion paper!
Great video TGV very informative. Where can we find a reputable service for non Rolex pieces. ie;seiko, fortis citizen, omega etc
Thank you and excellent question. I will look into this ASAP!
Best regards,
TGV
I was literally just researching this company earlier today
I imagine wearing the heck out of my imaginary Rolex that I'll never be able to afford all the time !!!! 😁
🤣🤣👏👏👏
Good one Keith, thank you.
Best regards,
TGV
Thanks for all your videos TGV. You are my favorite watch content creator on YT despite the gently cheeky comment above. The historical content is wonderful as well and paints a narrative about the pieces in context, which most channels lack as well as the presentation being second to none. And since you are into military history and aviation, I'd definitely suggest you hit up the Air Force museum in Dayton Ohio close to Wright Patt AFB sometime. Ciao!
Prices are still dropping:D also, have u looked at older tudors with rolex cases, backs and crowns? They are much cheeper to service as well. 1400£ and ull get yourself a wonderful prince date.
You know everything’s right in the world when a gent sitting in front of hundreds of movies says “why am I always talking about movies?”
At first I totally thought this video was going a different direction but it certainly was interesting. I've been thinking of finding a place to service my Doxa 1000T's. They both are from 07 and could really use new crown tubes, they only have a small amount of threads left. Since it's such a special service I'd guess only Doxa could help. However I remain hopeful and enjoy them incredibly. You seem to really be enjoying that Dan Henry top gun watch. 😉
That deffo sounds like a specialty only Doxa could help with due to the unique cases they have. Cool watch btw! Deffo need to cover Doxa in more detail next year. As for the DH 1972, I've watched the new Top Gun movie several times now, so that explains it! 😎🙏
Thank you my friend,
Best regards,
TGV
@@theurbangentry Let me know if you need any help with research. I have a few Doxa books written by the definitive expert on the subject, Dr Peter McClean Millar.
Neat! I didn't know that was possible.
So they essentially use steel as Bondo with laser tech somehow? I’d love to see this process.
Great review and deserving. Took a beat to death Two Tone 80's DJ personally to Rolliworks and 8 hundy and some change later it was overhauled and looked Near Mint. Mike and the rest of the crew at Rolliworks are very cool and glad you had a great experience
TGV - I haven’t seen a video on my feed for ages … though remain subscribed since the early days. Wonder what’s up with the algorithm
Very strange. I suspect it favors watch dealers as google can get a cut and not Independent enthusiasts like us, but thank you for coming back! Hopefully you have lots to catch up on, enjoy!
Best regards,
TGV
@@theurbangentry Indeed ! Congrats on the massive growth on the channel
I have a 25yr old sub that has been my daily for years. It is so scratched up. I live in Nebraska. I don't want to give it to rolex for 6 months for a full service and Polish. Any suggestions?
I have a JLC vintage watch that needs serious servicing and crystal replacement ... been unsure where to take it. I talked with one jeweler who would send it to Switzerland (I also saw online on JLC's website where I can do the same myself) but am concerned about the cost ... I would love to find a more local to the U.S. watchmaker to work on it.
Nice job👍
is there any way to tell if a watch has been laser welded?
The only page that gets a like from me before I watch the video.
🙏🙏🙏 Thank you Christopher, deeply honored.
Best regards,
TGV
Looks great.👍
What percentage would you say the restoration is relative to being “factory new”?
if I read that receipt right, they cleaned it too... is that right? Kinda of... included?
That mirror finish seems like Zaratsu polishing. 👍
They did any amazing job! Looks NOS. I’d much rather see a restored vs well worn watch on my wrist.
Informative...
Nice video TGV. Independent. Still the best watch channel.
Thank you my friend 🙌🙌🙌
Best regards,
TGV
You and Russ are my guys! Why? Just being honest and true love for horology.
Did they weld using 904L steel? If not, wouldn’t using different steel devalue the watch?
They use both 316L or 904L stainless steel according to their website. As for effecting value, the only way to find out would be to sell my watch along with declaring exactly what I had done my watch and compare to the exact same mid 2000s Sub on the market at the same time. My gut instinct, due to the way Rolex is going right now, I doubt it would effect it much. We can only speculate at this point.
Thank you Glen, great question.
Best regards,
TGV
Hey T, your globe is spinning the wrong way matey! Have a goodun!
Unfortunately we don’t have a Rolliworks in the UK. Do you have any suggestions of an equivalent?
Great question Jonathan. Unfortunately other than Rolex I am not aware of anyone in the UK (yet) that I can recommend. However on the Rolliworks website, they do mention they use Fedex International shipping, so you may be in luck. I would drop them a message and make sure. I hope it works out for you. Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
*Hey TGV, when are you gonna show the Seiko Red Dials some love??*
It’s funny that some people have no problem polishing, but they freak out when you add material and fix it.
I was literally just thinking of having this done to my GMT, and boom: TGV to the rescue 🙌👍 Grazie mille 🙏
🙏🙏🙏🙏 Prego fratello and thank you. I hope this helps you.
A presto!
T.
Rolex not making the two tone sub with a jubilee is sad. The new Tudor BB41 on jubilee is perfect.
I always liked you TGV. Always have......Always will.
Beautiful
wow, your bluesy looks almost exactly like my Invicta! Just that it’s much cheaper to repair😂
A wiser man than me! Enjoy my friend, thank you for the support.
Best regards,
TGV
@@theurbangentry definitely not wiser, but more stingy😀!
In all honesty, the Invicta 1953 hits the mark.
Wouldnt polish mine tbh but it's a fine work
Yes.