Internet Horology Club 185
Rolex, GMT Master II, See the Restored Watch Now

This topic can be found at:
https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/9886009961/m/6063913387

September 06, 2014, 14:08
Mike Hodge
Rolex, GMT Master II, See the Restored Watch Now
I picked up a GMT II in its original box, original sales slip, original band etc. The problem is the movement is not running. I took the back off and the weight for the self wind mechanism is all "askew" for lack of a better term. Now, my question is, is there enough residual value to restore this watch, or is it better used for parts. My take is that this is valued around $4000-5000 in pristine condition. You can see it isn't in that shape.


September 06, 2014, 14:09
Mike Hodge
Missing crown


September 06, 2014, 14:11
Mike Hodge
The hands and dial appear to be excellent. It is a T<25 dial. Watch was originally purchased in Cadiz, Navel exchange in 1998.


September 06, 2014, 14:11
Mike Hodge
Last dial shot


September 06, 2014, 14:12
Mike Hodge
The boxes and paperwork are in great shape for their age.


September 06, 2014, 14:16
Peter Kaszubski
take it with ya to Az and we will see what my watchmaker got to say or what ya asking as is Big Grin
September 06, 2014, 15:13
Billy Kuhn
Mike would you like to sell this watch?
September 06, 2014, 16:09
Mike Hodge
Billy, I would entertain offers. My plan is to take it to a watchmaker next week who is a certified Rolex guy. But, If the right offer came around who knows? As you can see, the watch needs a bezel insert replaced, and I know the movement needs extensive work. The good thing is that I haven't touched it with a tool! Cool
The case would clean up fine I believe, and the band is correct and original and should polish up well.
September 06, 2014, 16:40
Mike Hodge
I got a wild hair and gently pushed the stem with a small tool. The watch started running and is still going. It was in the Hack position! Still needs work on self wind.
September 06, 2014, 16:56
Peter Kaszubski
got pictures of the guts(movement)
September 06, 2014, 18:14
Mike Hodge
Movement photos posted here

https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/f...6095371/m/5473913387


September 28, 2014, 20:18
Mike Hodge
I sent the watch to Chris Abell to see what he thought. We decided to restore it and here is the finished product. I don't actually have it in hand yet but it sure looks different.


September 28, 2014, 20:20
Mike Hodge
Angle 1


September 28, 2014, 20:20
Mike Hodge
Angle 2


September 28, 2014, 20:21
Mike Hodge
The back side. It was worth restoring. Think I'll keep it for a bit.


September 28, 2014, 20:28
Dan Carter
This looks great! What a great addition to your collection I am sure.
Dan
September 28, 2014, 20:37
Peter Kaszubski
nice one .
September 29, 2014, 10:53
Mike Hodge
This watch looked, to me, like a basket case. I got it from an antique place in town and they had sent it to a watchmaker (through a local jeweler) who told them it was "thrashed and needed to be sent to Rolex to get it running". They suggested putting a Quartz movement in it. I guess with a story like that, this is a "true save". If anyone has thoughts of sending a valuable watch off for repair Chris is your man. He stayed in touch both telephonically, and via e mail, worked quickly and did a tremendous job. I recommend visiting his web site and bookmarking it for the future.
September 29, 2014, 11:19
Mark Cross
He does the same magic to Omega's too. Wink

Regards! Mark
September 29, 2014, 11:39
Buster Beck
Looks like a great job and I am glad you decided to have the restorations done rather than take a quick profit. Now you have something worthwhile to use and/or resell whenever you choose !!

regards,
bb
September 29, 2014, 13:50
Mike Hodge
Yes Buster. The problem is I'm falling in love with it already. I will eventually either trade or sell. My Gold Datejust is on the big auction site in the cyber world now.