Here's a "before" photo of my DRSD project watch>>>>>

[jholbrook]

I took a few before photos over the weekend as I'm taking it to my local guys who do all me vintage Rolex restoration work today at lunch.

This photo shows the major problems. The bracelet is incorrect for this reference, and has the incorrect end links. The crown is mauled and needs replacing, as does the crystal....it's hard to get a decent dial shot with all the pits in the crystal. They'll do a light polish on the case - there's a few few battle scars, but nothing unusual for a watch of this vintage. I've also sourced some tritium bezel pearls, and will be putting one in the current insert. In past 1680 Submariners I've restored, I've changed the bezel insert out for a new one. On the advice of several folks, I'm not replacing this faded bezel - just repairing it with a new pearl. That seems to be the way vintage purists like these watches...we'll see if the look grows on me.

This is a fun project on one of the greatest vintage Rolex references of them all! I'm hoping to have it back inside of ten days. As rough as this watch is, the dial is amazingly good with a light cream patina on the markers and perfectly matching hands. I think it's going to be GREAT after the work I'm having done.

[NicoH]

Nice - looking forward to the "after"-pics

And ten days - that´s about how long it takes for Rolex to call back and tell you that they´ll need three months to finish work on your watch Plus: the local watch guy won´t change the dial and hands. Smart move.