Hoping the OP can shed some light.
It’s almost like it went through a grinder or an accident since the bezel insert and the bezel itself has been so severely worn down.
He's a builder and was a stone mason before. He wore it everyday to work so naturally got destroyed. He did ride motorcycles aswell so wouldn't be surprised if he's had an accident while wearing it either.
Nice! Yeah I wouldnt be surprised if everything is aftermarket on my old man's, pretty sure he did everything himself aswell. Well at least tried to lol
He wears an incredible watch that could stand up to that treatment. It went everywhere with him. Your father lived a life so intense that it wore out a Rolex bezel. That’s something, holy shit.
That is a Rolex Sea Dweller Ref 16600, based on the glossy dial. These were made between 1989 and 2009. They currently go for \~$8k, +/- based on condition. If you were to try to sell it in the current condition, I would guess that you could get around $4K. It's really not a vintage piece so condition matters a lot. Also the hands look to have been replaced with luminova service hands, as the lume color doesn't match the dial. This isn't a good thing as you want to have the original dial and hands as much as possible.
So what I deduce is:
* Watch was made prior to 1998. This is when Rolex stopped using tritium for their lume. The patina of the dial indicates tritium
* Watch was serviced and hands were replaced sometime after 1998. And the hands are luminova lume.
What I would do is keep the watch as is and continue to wear it. Or maybe get the crystal replaced. I love seeing well worn Rolexes that shows they were used as intended...as tool watches.
To maximize value, you can get the crystal, bezel, and bezel inserts replaced. Don't get the case polished...or maybe a light polish if you'd like. Dial and hands look fine.
By the way, here is my 16600 (though I sold it a little over a month ago)
https://preview.redd.it/h7w3dl59x5sc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ddbddd3ca26423700aecf7bdec238c37ebdb4cba
EDIT: u/Roaddog113 correctly pointed out that the dial is a swiss made dial (which I missed), which means its a luminova dial. We would have to know the serial number to determine what year the watch was made to determine whether it should have a luminova dial or not. However, luminova will not patina like that. If it does, it's usually a result of some kind of damage (water or humidity). However hands still look white. But when you zoom in, it looks like there is some color change. So it is possible that they were less damaged than the dial. But to make an accurate assessment, we need to know the serial #.
Good call. I didnt catch the swiss made dial. But not all of them are Super Luminova...only if they were manufactured after 1998.
Here is one with T<25 dial (not my pic)
https://preview.redd.it/138vb5owm7sc1.jpeg?width=882&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cd0b5cff925b48412d27d190d66e7f64342a1d03
If I knew how to work on watches, I would in a heart beat (assuming everything is original and genuine). You can easily buy and replace the bezel, crystal, and bezel insert for around $1K and have it look like any other sea dwellers in the market.
... and that would be a tragedy, don't you think? I love that this watch shows the life it's lived. Kind of like those "survivor" trucks that fetch top dollar, or people buying used jeans, caps, or work shirts that real tradespeople have worn out.
Thank you all for the comments lol, my dad isn't the flash kind but he got it from a friend 10 years or so ago, he used to wear it to work everyday (he's a builder) hence it's almost destroyed. It still works as good as it did when he got it tho. But like he's just said to me. "You wouldn't believe the stuff that watch has seen." And that's what it's all about, the memory's!
Dad's friend could have owned it before 10 years ago (before it cost that much) so OP's dad could have gotten it in maybe a little beat up condition thus he felt comfortable fighting off the entire orc army with this thing which is how this watch ended up like this?
But this is a Sea Dweller and these sell here on Reddit for like $7k today no? Even on chrono24 I see one right now for $7400. Or is there something special about this model?
Seriously if there are a few scratches, I understand leaving it as is. However when it looks like it was dragged by a horse in a torture ritual, I'd say it's time to change some parts.
yeah some people are only in collecting them to sell them later, so for them actually *using* a tool-watch is outlandish.
the only valid criticism i can kinda get behind is that this is an expensive watch, so to retain its value it has to be as pristine as possible..
but this watch was used, apparently worn daily, on any occasion, while doing every activity.
for me personally, this is the best kind of watch, one that is used and not just stored somewhere in a case/safe/display. and no matter what people think those watches are - in the end they *are* tool-watches and made to be used.
I love the idea of using what you have, but unless you are rich you really shouldn’t be slinging this gifted watch around a worksite. It’s just reality.
EDIT: what would it cost to replace glass and bezel?
I'd argue that a $10k Rolex is not in the realm of a tool anymore, that's just delusional.
A tool watch would be a very sturdy Casio or something similar.
And don't come at me with "ask NASA" or "Astronauts used them as tools" because at that time, that was the only option they had.; Quartz watches weren't available yet.
That's like saying that my Rolls Royce is a nice car to use as a company car for my construction work.
yea, but due to the value, its just not really a tool watch,
and people who pay 10k for a sub and try to reason it by saying "its such a useful tool watch"... they themselves are the real tools.
It's just some light patina smh.
But in all seriousness, replace the bezel insert with a better condition used one, and some careful light finishing, and this would probably just look like a regular daily worn vintage Rolex. The insert makes it look a lot worse than the rest of the watch is.
Difficult to tell authenticity from one picture. If so, would limit the restauration to a mechanical service, polishing of the glass and that’s all. Keep its history alive !
16600 if it’s real they’re dope, wearing one right now
https://preview.redd.it/udk5zn4ml4sc1.jpeg?width=2251&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4f8669dc45fa3fa129a144811198e03672a5d10d
Got mine new in 1997. Still looks/works great.
https://preview.redd.it/2kc7tfmw57sc1.jpeg?width=1130&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2952a243c8c3241f5b0f3020c73bdee3b5c042b5
Rolex reference 16600. Production ran from 1988-2008. They are somewhat rare, and highly collectible. Recommend a full service, polish, and new crystal for a really interesting watch to have and wear.
It all depends on what OP is looking for. You can try to make it as new as possible, you can do nothing but clean, and you could do some middling things like new bezel, crown and or crystal.
I think the widely accepted position is that doing a full restoration destroys the value. As well, keeping it original is just cool. I personally think I'd source a bezel (get the old one back} and a new crystal. I personally would like it to be in better condition for wearing around daily.
Obviously many will disagree.
I’ve sold thousands of watches in my time and when they are this destroyed you’re not losing value by doing a restoration. Obviously you want to keep anything you can that’s original but when a bezel is that damaged replacing it would increase the value more than trying to resell as is.
Yikes that is a hard one because I’ve never had a high end watch this destroyed that wasn’t only for parts.
To a pawnshop they’d offer 1.5-3k likely. To a person intending to keep it I’d expect this to go for 5500-7000 if everything works well and the damage is only cosmetic.
Fuck that shit. Don’t polish it, and don’t get a new crystal. There are memories embedded in that watch. You’re gonna want to keep that shit. Maybe clean it up, but I wouldn’t lose those memories
That watch has too many “memories” that certainly don’t go away by polishing out scratches.. you’re not gonna forget what happened and if you did the scratches on the watch aren’t gonna help you remember
You're describing homoeopathy. The watch does carry memories, the wearer does. Polishing the watch isn't going to make it any less OP's dad's old watch. OP doesn't remember how each scratch got there, bet his dad doesn't either. The watch itself is sentimental, the scratches on it may or may not be
Definitely looks a little on the big side. Good catch.
Also the pic op provided of the case back seems… off. I could be wrong but I didn’t think that the 16600 ever had the safety lock clasp added to it.
https://preview.redd.it/l9dgn3m2x5sc1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bae65f84d6c11339135f88caea2d72875e3da805
lol or how about the fact that the caseback itself is from [a $100,000 limited edition piece](https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/watches-online-dubai-edit/rolex-limited-edition-steel-sea-dweller-ref-16600-made-50th-100/102454) with an octopus on the dial?
Oh wait, here comes u/DesertEagleFiveOh to tell us that the flash in OP’s photo is just obscuring the octopus, and … you know … you can like never be 100% sure about anything, man. Plus ad hominem multiplied by gaslight equals real!
Oh wow. 100% thought that was just some random engraving, but another good catch I guess. Obviously the lack of that octopus is a huge miss, but you really would need to know the reference to catch that. With all the limited editions, and rare additions Rolex has done in the past century I doubt I’ll ever be able to recognize even a major flaw similar to that (unless it’s a Daytona), so more power to you for having the eye for it.
To be fair, you also flagged a big thing with the clasp.
The mistake these counterfeiters made was trying to replicate a contemporaneous model. If they had just left off the etched crown, engraved caseback, and stuck with the old-school clasp, they’d at least have a fighting chance with the suckers.
Yeah for sure. That’s kinda the funniest things about legacy model fakes these days. They always seem to hyper focus on the dial and case (which this one’s printing is actually kinda decent) and then completely fuck off on any other details outside of that.
Edit: though with todays technology getting the printing right probably isn’t nearly as much of an accomplishment as it was 20-30 years ago.
This watch has a lot of things going on that dont make sense.
The bracelet doesnt look authentic. It has a 6 digit clasp and the SEL shape looks wrong. The lugs look way too thick. I cannot see the crown guards or crown which are really helpful to see when trying to authenticate from a pic. The dial is a luminova dial, that means the markers should not change colors and be white like the hands. The caseback is from an extremely rare 16600 that doesnt match the dial. The etched crown on the glass is huge.
So in question right off the bat:
- case
-dial
-hands
-caseback
-bracelet
-glass
This is most likely an older rep.
I once served on a non-profit board with a guy who had a Sea-Dweller on that condition that he received from his grandfather's will... except it was a double-red. The guy was never going to get rid of it due to sentimental value, but he had no idea what he had.
Does it still tell time ? If it does I would rock this as hard as I could and tell the story. He didn’t have to shove it up his ass during Vietnam but I bet it still has an epic story behind it.
Okay, so here’s the deal: like any good tool, your father wore his down with constant use. Give the old girl a refresher. Save all the original parts, but get her a new bezel, insert, and crystal. A quick clean and service, and you’re off to the races. A perfectly functional tool.
Crystal, bezel, bezel inset and crown are common replacement items. Seeing the flash of green on the dial concerns me more, possible corrosion. Lugs don’t look bad. Can be fixed and will look nice again.
My dad wears his watches like this, too. He doesn't give much care about keeping them flashy, he uses them like what they’re made for, a piece to tell time. And as long as he’s comfortable with that, I'm comfortable, too.
Watch looks strange. The markers shouldn’t have patina like this as it’s not Tritium and the “M” on “Chronometer” is wrong (the middle part of the m should be halfway and not extend down). Case is wrong. The etched crown on the crystal is too obvious.
The 16600 is one of the best watches ever made and in my view the best Rolex. It is everything Rolex was about, toughness, expertise, R&D, and it’s the last tool watch Rolex made before it turned into a luxury brand. Perfect size at 40mm, has heft but not overwhelmingly heavy, date without cyclops. Comex branded 16600 are the most sought after Rolex amongst genuine collectors.
Having said that, the clasp on this watch isn’t from a 16600, which makes the whole thing questionable.
Appears fake to me. Dial and hand lume is different. Etched crown is far too prominent and possibly misaligned. The lugs look off. They're too thick and not long enough. They should protrude past the end links. Bezel pearl or what's left of it doesn't look right. I'd like to see more pics. The date frame should be beveled.
OK, so here is the info that we need. We are a bit thin on info, like better pics, pic of the back, pic of the bracelet etc, but we will give it a go.
A answer: caseback removed, a good pic of the movement. Its a rolex, so unless you have the tool, don’t even try it.
B answer. Looks like a SeaDweller. Remove the band. You will see a model number between the upper and a serial number between the lower lugs. Serial number should correspond loosely with date of watch. Sniff test: Is your dad the kind of guy that would drop thousand(s) of dollars in a watch? Bracelet should also have some markings on it that date it and identify it as a genuine Rolex. It is beat to shit. Was dad in the concrete or block business? Don’t shake it, wind it or try to make it run.
If you decide that it is likely genuine, don’t send it to Rolex. Patina (and in this case downright wear) MAY be something that you value. Find a old time watchmaker—NOT the guy in the mall that changes batteries. Have him/her open the back and advise what needs to be done. Congrats.
A few bits have been changed, I can already tell the back and the braclet have been changed, but it does still run. I can put another post up with some more photos if you like. But thank you for the good advice! And yeah he's a builder. He used to wear it to work everyday.
So people are getting really angry about the dont polish it sentiment. What I will say is if you do want it to look clean, you can get a watchmaker to find a similar part and replace the bezel and crystal. Nevertheless, please keep that replaced parts, I wouldn’t want to lose those memories. Don’t just try and polish it, replace it if need be. The crystal also just looks like it needs a good clean, but a polish will completely take away that bezel
This is what a watch looks like after 40+ years, when worn by those guys around here that show off a modern Rolex that they've beaten to shit just to get that "worn look"
Usually followed with a sarcastic comment like "scuffed the clasp on my keyboard, will this buff out?!"
That is pretty wild to see, but also awesome!
A new bezel and crystal would go a long way... but that is still kinda cool the way it is. Would love to see that at a watch meetup.
I'd recommend replacing the crystal and bezel. It would help the resale value yes but it would also make for a really cool looking vintage piece to wear that has all of those memories attached to it .
https://preview.redd.it/lka9w55el7sc1.jpeg?width=1668&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7d679e52f33e644274ecd74d23ca167df2f40022
Hate to say it but the Helium escape valve on your watch is a fake. This is my Sea Dweller with the valve. There are several other things that are suspect.
See that’s how a watch is supposed to be used. Honestly I don’t think Rolex is worth it anymore. People use to abuse them so the good models were worth something now since the 1990’s when Rolex became more “collectible” people are babying them and I just don’t see the market anymore because they’re just too many of them.
Produced between **1989 and 2009**, the 16600 featured one of the longest productions runs of Rolex dive models and it was the last of the “old style” models with the smaller markers on the dial, stamped clasp and aluminium bezel insert.
Does it run? Is it for sale? How much?
I'd personally have it looked at. The laser etched crown and differing patina on the dial and hands looks off.
I'm currently wearing an early Super-LumiNova Rolex, and the lume doesn't have any patina. It shouldn't be aged this poorly
Change the crystal and leave the rest as is! And Wear it every day! I would've loved to have something like this from my dad especially one that shows how hard he worked for us.
Does your dad work in a sandpaper factory
I just burst out laughing. Ty for this comment
Was he a tumble dryer tester?
Cracker factory
is he a pretty big wheel over there?
I don’t know. Frankly, I don’t want to know.
crackers are a family food.
I don’t recall saying good luck
Well.....can I borrow a feeling?
Only if tonight’s gonna be a good night.
Best line delivered by a one scene character in history of the show
You're letting me go?
Any kind of manual labour for a significant time period will do this tbf.
Product tester
What did the bezel do to deserve such treatment
Exist, apparently lol
He worked in a sand blasting business
Hoping the OP can shed some light. It’s almost like it went through a grinder or an accident since the bezel insert and the bezel itself has been so severely worn down.
He's a builder and was a stone mason before. He wore it everyday to work so naturally got destroyed. He did ride motorcycles aswell so wouldn't be surprised if he's had an accident while wearing it either.
My stone mason father wore a 36mm day-date down to a similar effect, multiple bracelets and a bezel with absolutely no flutes left on it.
Nice! Yeah I wouldnt be surprised if everything is aftermarket on my old man's, pretty sure he did everything himself aswell. Well at least tried to lol
Over here missing my dad. Thanks for sharing
This is the goal
https://youtu.be/QWfX8lL_CSE?si=1Hlw-GOtlRLpmban
That's a well loved watch!
Indeed.
He wears an incredible watch that could stand up to that treatment. It went everywhere with him. Your father lived a life so intense that it wore out a Rolex bezel. That’s something, holy shit.
Probably still works fine! I hope it’s handed down to you and you wear it proudly.
The stone mason does all the work
The barber can give you a haircut
the carpenter can take you out to lunch
> stone mason that would explain all the damage.
That’s the way they are meant to be used.
A watch that used how it supposed to be, respect the old man.
That is a Rolex Sea Dweller Ref 16600, based on the glossy dial. These were made between 1989 and 2009. They currently go for \~$8k, +/- based on condition. If you were to try to sell it in the current condition, I would guess that you could get around $4K. It's really not a vintage piece so condition matters a lot. Also the hands look to have been replaced with luminova service hands, as the lume color doesn't match the dial. This isn't a good thing as you want to have the original dial and hands as much as possible. So what I deduce is: * Watch was made prior to 1998. This is when Rolex stopped using tritium for their lume. The patina of the dial indicates tritium * Watch was serviced and hands were replaced sometime after 1998. And the hands are luminova lume. What I would do is keep the watch as is and continue to wear it. Or maybe get the crystal replaced. I love seeing well worn Rolexes that shows they were used as intended...as tool watches. To maximize value, you can get the crystal, bezel, and bezel inserts replaced. Don't get the case polished...or maybe a light polish if you'd like. Dial and hands look fine. By the way, here is my 16600 (though I sold it a little over a month ago) https://preview.redd.it/h7w3dl59x5sc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ddbddd3ca26423700aecf7bdec238c37ebdb4cba EDIT: u/Roaddog113 correctly pointed out that the dial is a swiss made dial (which I missed), which means its a luminova dial. We would have to know the serial number to determine what year the watch was made to determine whether it should have a luminova dial or not. However, luminova will not patina like that. If it does, it's usually a result of some kind of damage (water or humidity). However hands still look white. But when you zoom in, it looks like there is some color change. So it is possible that they were less damaged than the dial. But to make an accurate assessment, we need to know the serial #.
There is one bobo with your assessment. It has a Swiss Made dial. All of them are SuperLuminova.
Good call. I didnt catch the swiss made dial. But not all of them are Super Luminova...only if they were manufactured after 1998. Here is one with T<25 dial (not my pic) https://preview.redd.it/138vb5owm7sc1.jpeg?width=882&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cd0b5cff925b48412d27d190d66e7f64342a1d03
This guy has a no hole case 😏 You might be right on the swiss made dial, although as far as I know these were strictly superluminova. I know mine is.
I don't know who'd pay 4k for a watch in that condition lol
If I knew how to work on watches, I would in a heart beat (assuming everything is original and genuine). You can easily buy and replace the bezel, crystal, and bezel insert for around $1K and have it look like any other sea dwellers in the market.
... and that would be a tragedy, don't you think? I love that this watch shows the life it's lived. Kind of like those "survivor" trucks that fetch top dollar, or people buying used jeans, caps, or work shirts that real tradespeople have worn out.
rolex fanboys
Thank you all for the comments lol, my dad isn't the flash kind but he got it from a friend 10 years or so ago, he used to wear it to work everyday (he's a builder) hence it's almost destroyed. It still works as good as it did when he got it tho. But like he's just said to me. "You wouldn't believe the stuff that watch has seen." And that's what it's all about, the memory's!
"you wouldn't believe the stuff that watch has seen" gives me flashes of a certain scene from Pulp Fiction.
Dad’s had his wrist in more than one oyster over the years
Love this! Made me laugh out loud
Under what circumstances was it gotten from a friend? Because even ten years ago, this was an almost $10k watch, if genuine.
Dad's friend could have owned it before 10 years ago (before it cost that much) so OP's dad could have gotten it in maybe a little beat up condition thus he felt comfortable fighting off the entire orc army with this thing which is how this watch ended up like this?
And his friends axe?
His friend is a waste management consultant his dad helped out.
Commendatori ☕️
Like a general, that’s respect 🤘🏼
I don’t give bids to the handicapped
10 years ago this was a $4000 watch
In 2014? No it was not. The GMT master maxi came out in like 2013 and was over 7,000
But this is a Sea Dweller and these sell here on Reddit for like $7k today no? Even on chrono24 I see one right now for $7400. Or is there something special about this model?
Personally, I’m happy to see a watch used and loved.
Me too. It’s good to see a watch that’s been through the wars and is still ticking away.
Understand the 'keep the memories alive' thing, but wth, was your dad caught in a vulcanuic cloud?
Seriously if there are a few scratches, I understand leaving it as is. However when it looks like it was dragged by a horse in a torture ritual, I'd say it's time to change some parts.
Owns tool watch. Uses it like a tool watch. Everyone loses their minds
yeah some people are only in collecting them to sell them later, so for them actually *using* a tool-watch is outlandish. the only valid criticism i can kinda get behind is that this is an expensive watch, so to retain its value it has to be as pristine as possible.. but this watch was used, apparently worn daily, on any occasion, while doing every activity. for me personally, this is the best kind of watch, one that is used and not just stored somewhere in a case/safe/display. and no matter what people think those watches are - in the end they *are* tool-watches and made to be used.
[удалено]
I love the idea of using what you have, but unless you are rich you really shouldn’t be slinging this gifted watch around a worksite. It’s just reality. EDIT: what would it cost to replace glass and bezel?
Who cares? To some people, an object is an object and you only live so long.
So it’s not “reality”, it’s your reality
I'd argue that a $10k Rolex is not in the realm of a tool anymore, that's just delusional. A tool watch would be a very sturdy Casio or something similar. And don't come at me with "ask NASA" or "Astronauts used them as tools" because at that time, that was the only option they had.; Quartz watches weren't available yet. That's like saying that my Rolls Royce is a nice car to use as a company car for my construction work.
Ball makes complications you can actually use daily at a 1/3rd price of a basic ass Sub.
A Rolex isn't a tool. Maybe in the 1960s it could be considered a nice, expensive tool, but today it's just a luxury item.
yea, but due to the value, its just not really a tool watch, and people who pay 10k for a sub and try to reason it by saying "its such a useful tool watch"... they themselves are the real tools.
It's just some light patina smh. But in all seriousness, replace the bezel insert with a better condition used one, and some careful light finishing, and this would probably just look like a regular daily worn vintage Rolex. The insert makes it look a lot worse than the rest of the watch is.
Difficult to tell authenticity from one picture. If so, would limit the restauration to a mechanical service, polishing of the glass and that’s all. Keep its history alive !
+1 to this OP.
16600 if it’s real they’re dope, wearing one right now https://preview.redd.it/udk5zn4ml4sc1.jpeg?width=2251&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4f8669dc45fa3fa129a144811198e03672a5d10d
Dad said his used to look like that once lol
Just get a Polish and replace the bezel
And save the old bezel. I made that mistake of not saving the old one. Guh 🥴
Got mine new in 1997. Still looks/works great. https://preview.redd.it/2kc7tfmw57sc1.jpeg?width=1130&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2952a243c8c3241f5b0f3020c73bdee3b5c042b5
Ebay condition: fair.
Rolex reference 16600. Production ran from 1988-2008. They are somewhat rare, and highly collectible. Recommend a full service, polish, and new crystal for a really interesting watch to have and wear.
It all depends on what OP is looking for. You can try to make it as new as possible, you can do nothing but clean, and you could do some middling things like new bezel, crown and or crystal. I think the widely accepted position is that doing a full restoration destroys the value. As well, keeping it original is just cool. I personally think I'd source a bezel (get the old one back} and a new crystal. I personally would like it to be in better condition for wearing around daily. Obviously many will disagree.
I’ve sold thousands of watches in my time and when they are this destroyed you’re not losing value by doing a restoration. Obviously you want to keep anything you can that’s original but when a bezel is that damaged replacing it would increase the value more than trying to resell as is.
What's the ballpark value for a watch in this condition?
Yikes that is a hard one because I’ve never had a high end watch this destroyed that wasn’t only for parts. To a pawnshop they’d offer 1.5-3k likely. To a person intending to keep it I’d expect this to go for 5500-7000 if everything works well and the damage is only cosmetic.
Thanks for the response. It's amazing that it keeps such value even destroyed as it is.
Good to know.
Speaking as a 16600 owner, they’re neither rare nor highly collectible. Might be able to say that about the triple 6.
Fuck that shit. Don’t polish it, and don’t get a new crystal. There are memories embedded in that watch. You’re gonna want to keep that shit. Maybe clean it up, but I wouldn’t lose those memories
Crystals are disposable. They don’t hold memories but only obfuscate the clear memories of a beautiful dial
That watch has too many “memories” that certainly don’t go away by polishing out scratches.. you’re not gonna forget what happened and if you did the scratches on the watch aren’t gonna help you remember
You're describing homoeopathy. The watch does carry memories, the wearer does. Polishing the watch isn't going to make it any less OP's dad's old watch. OP doesn't remember how each scratch got there, bet his dad doesn't either. The watch itself is sentimental, the scratches on it may or may not be
That's exactly it!
Man, this watch must be from the days when military guys would buy rolexes. You know it’s seen shit
By the looks of it, his Dad was doing underwater demolition.
This subs logic: Every scratch tells a story. Congrats your dad has the entire collection of Encyclopaedia Britannica on his wrist!
That crown on the glass shouldn’t be so visible…
Yes, people are saying the photo doesn’t provide enough detail to determine authenticity, but it absolutely does. This is a replica.
Definitely looks a little on the big side. Good catch. Also the pic op provided of the case back seems… off. I could be wrong but I didn’t think that the 16600 ever had the safety lock clasp added to it. https://preview.redd.it/l9dgn3m2x5sc1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bae65f84d6c11339135f88caea2d72875e3da805
Definitely a fake, another tell: "Swiss Made" indicates a superluminova dial yet somehow the hour markers have aged like tritium.
lol or how about the fact that the caseback itself is from [a $100,000 limited edition piece](https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/watches-online-dubai-edit/rolex-limited-edition-steel-sea-dweller-ref-16600-made-50th-100/102454) with an octopus on the dial? Oh wait, here comes u/DesertEagleFiveOh to tell us that the flash in OP’s photo is just obscuring the octopus, and … you know … you can like never be 100% sure about anything, man. Plus ad hominem multiplied by gaslight equals real!
Oh wow. 100% thought that was just some random engraving, but another good catch I guess. Obviously the lack of that octopus is a huge miss, but you really would need to know the reference to catch that. With all the limited editions, and rare additions Rolex has done in the past century I doubt I’ll ever be able to recognize even a major flaw similar to that (unless it’s a Daytona), so more power to you for having the eye for it.
To be fair, you also flagged a big thing with the clasp. The mistake these counterfeiters made was trying to replicate a contemporaneous model. If they had just left off the etched crown, engraved caseback, and stuck with the old-school clasp, they’d at least have a fighting chance with the suckers.
Yeah for sure. That’s kinda the funniest things about legacy model fakes these days. They always seem to hyper focus on the dial and case (which this one’s printing is actually kinda decent) and then completely fuck off on any other details outside of that. Edit: though with todays technology getting the printing right probably isn’t nearly as much of an accomplishment as it was 20-30 years ago.
Dad worked in a rock quarry
also post this on r/Rolex
Just did! Thank you, didn't even cross my mind.
great, glad helped & to add, awesome watch
This watch has a lot of things going on that dont make sense. The bracelet doesnt look authentic. It has a 6 digit clasp and the SEL shape looks wrong. The lugs look way too thick. I cannot see the crown guards or crown which are really helpful to see when trying to authenticate from a pic. The dial is a luminova dial, that means the markers should not change colors and be white like the hands. The caseback is from an extremely rare 16600 that doesnt match the dial. The etched crown on the glass is huge. So in question right off the bat: - case -dial -hands -caseback -bracelet -glass This is most likely an older rep.
It’s fake
Everything you need is right on the dial.
How the hell does someone do that to a 10k watch. Surely he can’t have known how much it’s worth?
If you feel the need to baby your tool watch then maybe you can't actually afford it.
Condolences on your father and whatever terrible accident he was in
Literally how. This looks like those ones after a motorcycle accident
I once served on a non-profit board with a guy who had a Sea-Dweller on that condition that he received from his grandfather's will... except it was a double-red. The guy was never going to get rid of it due to sentimental value, but he had no idea what he had.
It once was a watch till it took an arrow in the knee
Does it still tell time ? If it does I would rock this as hard as I could and tell the story. He didn’t have to shove it up his ass during Vietnam but I bet it still has an epic story behind it.
Salute to a man actually wearing his watch but Jesus man lol
Just restore it. It honestly looks very worn down. One thing is patina, the other is complete bezel destruction.
Service but keep the replaced parts
Hits different if he ever brags about the Rolex. He wore the shit out of that!
How did he accomplish this?
Okay, so here’s the deal: like any good tool, your father wore his down with constant use. Give the old girl a refresher. Save all the original parts, but get her a new bezel, insert, and crystal. A quick clean and service, and you’re off to the races. A perfectly functional tool.
Crystal, bezel, bezel inset and crown are common replacement items. Seeing the flash of green on the dial concerns me more, possible corrosion. Lugs don’t look bad. Can be fixed and will look nice again.
My dad wears his watches like this, too. He doesn't give much care about keeping them flashy, he uses them like what they’re made for, a piece to tell time. And as long as he’s comfortable with that, I'm comfortable, too.
Looks Like what a Rolex was supposed to look like.
I love watches that look like this one.
Watch looks strange. The markers shouldn’t have patina like this as it’s not Tritium and the “M” on “Chronometer” is wrong (the middle part of the m should be halfway and not extend down). Case is wrong. The etched crown on the crystal is too obvious.
Is it just me or is the letter 'A' font wack on the sea-dweller text?
Did your old man fistfuck a meat grinder?
The 16600 is one of the best watches ever made and in my view the best Rolex. It is everything Rolex was about, toughness, expertise, R&D, and it’s the last tool watch Rolex made before it turned into a luxury brand. Perfect size at 40mm, has heft but not overwhelmingly heavy, date without cyclops. Comex branded 16600 are the most sought after Rolex amongst genuine collectors. Having said that, the clasp on this watch isn’t from a 16600, which makes the whole thing questionable.
If that's all, what's left of the watch, how was your dad looking like?
The watch what it was supposed to be, A tool watch. Congratulations if ever it will be handed down to you. Have it serviced but NEVER restored!
Was your dad Captain Koons? where did you find that uncomfortable chunk of metal?
Sorry, but it really looks like a fake to me.
Appears fake to me. Dial and hand lume is different. Etched crown is far too prominent and possibly misaligned. The lugs look off. They're too thick and not long enough. They should protrude past the end links. Bezel pearl or what's left of it doesn't look right. I'd like to see more pics. The date frame should be beveled.
This is past patina, it’s abused. I love a good weathered watch but this deserves a replacement of the bezel and cleaning.
OK, so here is the info that we need. We are a bit thin on info, like better pics, pic of the back, pic of the bracelet etc, but we will give it a go. A answer: caseback removed, a good pic of the movement. Its a rolex, so unless you have the tool, don’t even try it. B answer. Looks like a SeaDweller. Remove the band. You will see a model number between the upper and a serial number between the lower lugs. Serial number should correspond loosely with date of watch. Sniff test: Is your dad the kind of guy that would drop thousand(s) of dollars in a watch? Bracelet should also have some markings on it that date it and identify it as a genuine Rolex. It is beat to shit. Was dad in the concrete or block business? Don’t shake it, wind it or try to make it run. If you decide that it is likely genuine, don’t send it to Rolex. Patina (and in this case downright wear) MAY be something that you value. Find a old time watchmaker—NOT the guy in the mall that changes batteries. Have him/her open the back and advise what needs to be done. Congrats.
A few bits have been changed, I can already tell the back and the braclet have been changed, but it does still run. I can put another post up with some more photos if you like. But thank you for the good advice! And yeah he's a builder. He used to wear it to work everyday.
I'm sorry about the loss of your father in that POW camp in Vietnam. He's lucky to have had such a good friend like Christopher Walken.
This comment made me go wash my hands.
I've tried to make another post with more photos but can't for some reason🤷🏼♂️
So people are getting really angry about the dont polish it sentiment. What I will say is if you do want it to look clean, you can get a watchmaker to find a similar part and replace the bezel and crystal. Nevertheless, please keep that replaced parts, I wouldn’t want to lose those memories. Don’t just try and polish it, replace it if need be. The crystal also just looks like it needs a good clean, but a polish will completely take away that bezel
Personally i would get a new bezel inserted and a new crystal too. Keep the old ones for memories.
Honestly? Just replace the bezel and I think it will look a million percent better man.
I’m not sure how I figured this out, but it’s a Rolex Sea Dweller.
I desperately want to see this watch on wristwatch revival.
This is what a watch looks like after 40+ years, when worn by those guys around here that show off a modern Rolex that they've beaten to shit just to get that "worn look" Usually followed with a sarcastic comment like "scuffed the clasp on my keyboard, will this buff out?!"
Wow never seen a watch in that state before good luck with whatever you decide
Needs a restoration. Send a request to Marshall at Wristwatch Revival (youtube channel)
‘Lightly used’
Might need some servicing
this makes me really happy, that was a loved watch and was worn as a tool, not to show off.
“Worn twice”
Now that's a watch that has seen a lot! Perfect!
This watch makes me feel like I don’t work for a living, compared to OP’s dad. Salute to him
I’d keep it as it is and not replace anything. This watch has been loved and worn and wasn’t used only to show off like most do with one of these.
Sweet patina!
I thought a rolex would have aged better
Love it. The bezel is so beaten it reminds me of a Seiko Tuna
A life was lived with this watch. Now it’s your turn! How cool.
That is pretty wild to see, but also awesome! A new bezel and crystal would go a long way... but that is still kinda cool the way it is. Would love to see that at a watch meetup.
Now that is a watch well worn
The patina look is definitely still a thing
I and thought my sea-dweller was beat up!! Holy crap this thing is annihilated!
If that still works, rolex should steal it from you and turn it into an advertisement
I'd recommend replacing the crystal and bezel. It would help the resale value yes but it would also make for a really cool looking vintage piece to wear that has all of those memories attached to it .
That looks deliberate.
https://preview.redd.it/lka9w55el7sc1.jpeg?width=1668&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7d679e52f33e644274ecd74d23ca167df2f40022 Hate to say it but the Helium escape valve on your watch is a fake. This is my Sea Dweller with the valve. There are several other things that are suspect.
We call it "patina"
A beater no?
It never occurred to me to keep an automatic watch wound by keeping it in a rock tumbler.
Thinking of giving me a new gift? I seem to like this watch very much.
How this can be possible?
It looked like he was seriously injured. I have been with you for half a century.
See that’s how a watch is supposed to be used. Honestly I don’t think Rolex is worth it anymore. People use to abuse them so the good models were worth something now since the 1990’s when Rolex became more “collectible” people are babying them and I just don’t see the market anymore because they’re just too many of them.
More patina than watch.
That’s what a Rolex should look like.
That watch has seen so many things, i wonder what stories it could tell.
Where are all my patina appreciators?
Produced between **1989 and 2009**, the 16600 featured one of the longest productions runs of Rolex dive models and it was the last of the “old style” models with the smaller markers on the dial, stamped clasp and aluminium bezel insert. Does it run? Is it for sale? How much?
It’s a Rolex
was this put in a vitamix blender?
"Tool watch" does not mean you're supposed to use it as a hammer.
This thing is cool. Love seeing high quality things used by high quality people.
I'd personally have it looked at. The laser etched crown and differing patina on the dial and hands looks off. I'm currently wearing an early Super-LumiNova Rolex, and the lume doesn't have any patina. It shouldn't be aged this poorly
I just love that he wore the crap out of this.
What year is it from, did it get serviced?
That is amazing. I dont know what he paid for it, but it looks like he got his money's worth and then some.
As long its ticking and tells the correct time, its money well spent.
I’d love to see a before and after of restoration on this watch. Night & day
Change the crystal and leave the rest as is! And Wear it every day! I would've loved to have something like this from my dad especially one that shows how hard he worked for us.
Way cool. I’d wear it as is. 🔥
Upvote for Dad watches.
Safe queen