freddy333

I hate to say it, but, from your description, it sounds like the locking components may have been bent/dislodged before you received the watch. Your only option at this point is to remove the hands/dial & scope out the condition of the keyless works (I would recommend telephoning some local watchmakers & asking if they work on an ETA in a rep before making the trip).

Unless someone is making up their own dictionary, (watch) repairing & servicing are synonymous. The seconds @ 6 7750 simply has an additional plate with a few wheels on top of the main plate (click here for pics). Any watchmaker fluent in 7750 repair (or servicing) should be able to figure it out without much trouble.

I would take the watch to a local watchmaker. It is an easy fix that can probably be done while you wait. While open, he can figure out why the stem fell out in the 1st place. Otherwise, you will need to remove the caseback & press the stem retaining button (near to the stem opening) while inserting the stem You have to be careful because pressing too hard will dislodge/deform the locking components, causing additional (& more serious) problems.

The answer seems kind of obvious, but any watch you plan to keep for a lifetime &/or pass on/sell that does not cost a king's ransom.

Having a good, clear full-frontal would be helpful, but, based on the pics provided, it looks gen. But this is definitely a case of buy the seller before you buy the part.

Sorry, but the 2nd is a textbook example of too much of a good thing. Its 'patina' looks manufactured, man-made. Without a doubt, I would stick with the 1st option.

I assume you are talking about the GMTII & not the early/original GMTs, which had the GMT placed at the bottom I have no experience with Angus' version, but my CHS GMTIIC, which is 5+ years old, was 1 of the 1st batch made with the CHS &, other than the GMT arm becoming loose on its tube (a common problem with rep hands), it has been running well & keep good time However, most CHS GMTs failed shortly after delivery or if the GMT function was used often (I have only used the GMT function twice - once when I received the watch to test it & once again a few years ago when I accidentally turned the crown the wrong way while changing the date). If you want a CHS GMT, I would recommend checking with Andrew or Josh for their opinion & buy with the understanding that you are taking a gamble.

Contact seller & explain what happened. Include a good, clear pic of the package, showing where it had been opened/resealed. Give the seller a week to respond. In most cases, the seller must initiate a complaint with the shipper. If the seller fails to respond or accept responsibility, register a complaint through ebay & follow their instructions.

The 1680, 5513 & 5512 all share the same bezel components & Rolex still has them. So the easiest option is to take the watch to your nearest Rolex service center or Authorized Dealer & have them replace them (they will probably recommend an overhaul if it has been several years since the last 1). Search the for sale section or post a WantToBuy on VRF or TZ. Alternatively, search ebay. Although you can probably find some to fit, unless your father is financially destitute, I would not install aftermarket bezel parts on a gen watch.

Beautiful, but we need before & after pics.

Ditto Rolexman.

TT88 - This 1's for you & a few more

Any of Ubi's. Of mine, these are the most recent, so also favs

I am not sure which details would change by having a larger sample? Since I got into watch collecting (mid-80s), the gene pool has predominantly been upscale white males, who tend to target vintage gentlemen's watches. Vintage, being defined as 25 or more years old, precludes most watches beyond the 36-40mm size range. Back when I began, the IT watch was the Rolex Prince, but any Patek from the 30s would do.

Try this 1st, but note that a slight change makes a big difference. Too much bend will make the clasp difficult to open If bending the leaf fails to tighten the clasp, try bending these tabs with a pair of smooth-jawed needlenose plyers (cover the metal with tape before bending so you do not scratch the finish)

Did you leave something turned on (that should not have been on) or do you know what caused the initial problem?

Check with the seller, but, generally, 1 month before Christmas should be sufficient.

I took part via a Robb Report survey & the results, while interesting, are pretty much what any long-time collector would have expected.

I have seen at least 3 different bezel assemblies on Sub reps, but if your rep bezel is made like the gen, there should be a slightly bent, flat metal spring that fits between the bottom of the bezel & top of the case. The slight bend of the spring puts upward tension on the bezel to keep it locked onto the crystal retaining ring. If the spring is too flat, there is insufficient tension & the bezel will be loose (the opposite can also be true, so be careful not too bend it too much).

panerai153 - You have defined a typical Rolex owner. The average Rolex owner will often sell his watch before paying the high prices for genuine parts/service, while the collector will often sell his 1st born child to pay for a vintage crown or insert. This joke was originally aimed at BMW owners, but I think it is more apropos to vintage Rolex owners - A lawyer opened the door of his BMW, when suddenly a car came along and hit the door, ripping it off completely. When the police arrived at the scene, the lawyer was complaining bitterly about the damage to his precious BMW. "Officer, look what they've done to my Beeeemer!!!", he whined. "You lawyers are so materialistic, you make me sick!!!" retorted the officer, "You're so worried about your stupid BMW that you didn't even notice your left arm was ripped off!!!" "Oh my gaaad....", replied the lawyer, finally noticing the bloody left shoulder where his arm once was, "Where's my Rolex???!!!!!"

I ended up having to source all of the GMT parts & converted a standard 1036 to 1036gmt. It took more than 2 years to locate all the parts, but I ended up with a mostly NOS movement. So there was a positive side to the whole episode. That definitely tops mine in outrageousness, but, unlike the movement, I am not sure anyone would pay that much for an old caseback, NOS or not. But - altogether now kids - when it comes to vintage Rolex, never say never.

You may remember that the 1036gmt I purchased from ofrei 5 years ago that Bob Fry sold to someone else ended up being sold on ebay for $2,600. 2 years later, another 1036gmt sold for $3,800. I have not seen a bare movement sell since then, so I will keep my eye on this 1. But it would not surprise me if it sold at or above its asking price.

click this (& it does not even have the correct date wheel)