closing tag is in template navbar
timefactors watches



TZ-UK Fundraiser
Results 1 to 47 of 47

Thread: 1970 Rolex GMT-MASTER just back from service

  1. #1
    Grand Master sundial's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2003
    Location
    Cambridgeshire
    Posts
    16,039

    1970 Rolex GMT-MASTER just back from service

    1970 Rolex GMT-MASTER 1675 just back from Steven Hale after full service ... included new crystal, replacement winding tube, replacement auto drive wheel, replacement rotor axle, one replacement bracelet link.
    Fitted with its original folding links bracelet ... it's a full set apart from outer Rolex box.

    Q&D pix using kitchen window light ... reflections on cyclops hides the date










    Watch was left for service with Steven Hale South Molton St Mayfair on 11/11/21 when I was quoted 6 months ... they apologised for delay ... staff coping with Covid

    This was my first Rolex sports watch bought s/h in 1999 from Austin Kaye.

    Bracelet with new folded link looks a lot better than pre-service

    Watch worn for special occasions only ... too risky wearing as an everyday watch ...especially in Central London ... original dial / lume has aged nicely.

    dunk
    Last edited by sundial; 21st June 2022 at 13:58.
    "Well they would say that ... wouldn't they!"

  2. #2
    Craftsman
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Location
    N.Yorkshire
    Posts
    608
    Stunning :)

  3. #3
    Master
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Location
    London
    Posts
    2,534
    Very cool

  4. #4
    Craftsman dustybottoms's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2010
    Location
    North West
    Posts
    959
    What a beauty!

  5. #5
    Craftsman Doug86's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    North Oxfordshire
    Posts
    659
    Absolutely stunning, a watch I want to own one day!

  6. #6
    Master
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Central Scotland
    Posts
    1,796
    Gorgeous watch!

  7. #7
    Grand Master Neil.C's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2003
    Location
    SE England
    Posts
    27,442
    That's handsome Dunk.

    Been a great investment too!
    Cheers,
    Neil.

  8. #8
    Grand Master sundial's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2003
    Location
    Cambridgeshire
    Posts
    16,039
    Quote Originally Posted by Neil.C View Post
    That's handsome Dunk.

    Been a great investment too!
    Yes Neil a good investment ... I love the aged dial. I sold my other Rolex watches ... too risky.

    dunk
    "Well they would say that ... wouldn't they!"

  9. #9
    Grand Master sundial's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2003
    Location
    Cambridgeshire
    Posts
    16,039
    Thank you for all the +ve comments ... it's a keeper :) I should have included its 'bits' in the pix .. i.e. box / papers etc

    dunk
    "Well they would say that ... wouldn't they!"

  10. #10
    Journeyman
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    London
    Posts
    247
    Congrats, its a classic and in top condition. One day....

  11. #11
    Master
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Location
    location, location
    Posts
    3,922
    Blog Entries
    1
    Wibble

  12. #12
    Grand Master Onelasttime's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2014
    Location
    Everywhere, yet nowhere...
    Posts
    14,620
    I soooo prefer the old 'rattly' vintage models over anything Rolex produces today. The watches used to have soul, now they're just cold, calculated marketing bling.

    Superb example. Lucky man

  13. #13
    Craftsman
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Location
    Nottingham, UK.
    Posts
    728
    Flipping heck thats absolutely lovely.
    I am lucky enough to have a really nice 16750 and its almost the ugly sister in comparison.

  14. #14
    Craftsman
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    London
    Posts
    912
    Blog Entries
    1
    have a very similar 1675 bought on this very forum over 10 years ago. They are lovely things to own and wear. Horrible to set after a long time in the safe though! :-)

  15. #15
    Master
    Join Date
    Jun 2019
    Location
    UK
    Posts
    1,182
    That has aged so well. What a beautiful watch.


    Sent from my iPhone using TZ-UK mobile app

  16. #16
    Craftsman TF23's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2017
    Location
    England
    Posts
    354
    That is truly spectacular!

  17. #17
    Master
    Join Date
    Mar 2015
    Location
    southampton
    Posts
    1,222
    Wow! Dial is incredible! Thanks for sharing

  18. #18
    Looks lovely and curious what it cost in 1999 from Austin Kaye!

  19. #19
    Master
    Join Date
    Apr 2015
    Location
    Devon
    Posts
    5,225
    Wow that looks great :-)

  20. #20
    Craftsman
    Join Date
    Aug 2020
    Location
    Devon
    Posts
    304
    Aye she's a beauty.

    Thanks for the photo's, really liked the first one.

  21. #21
    Craftsman kinyik's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2018
    Location
    Dublin
    Posts
    422
    That patina is sweeeeet!


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  22. #22
    Grand Master sundial's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2003
    Location
    Cambridgeshire
    Posts
    16,039
    Quote Originally Posted by boring_sandwich View Post
    Looks lovely and curious what it cost in 1999 from Austin Kaye!
    Just checked Austin Kaye invoice ... actually purchased June 2002 ... I'd bought an Omega in 1999 ... in 2002 Austin Kaye had a sale when all their stock was reduced by 15% ... From memory, supposedly to celebrate England winning one of their matches in FIFA 2002 World Cup ? ... But maybe was a cash raising exercise? ... I bought 3 watches including a Zenith Prime for my brother (which he still has) and a Sea Dweller

    At that time was possible to buy a s/h GMT Master for £reasonable ... The Rolex 2002 catalogue shows NEW s/s GMT Master II listed at £2350 ... Not sure if there was a waiting list for new sports models ... if there was then maybe 'new grey' sold for a premium?

    Vintage GMT-Master 1675 is now sought after but back in 2000-ish was considered 'fairly ordinary'. Fashions change.

    dunk
    Last edited by sundial; 22nd June 2022 at 00:33.
    "Well they would say that ... wouldn't they!"

  23. #23
    Master
    Join Date
    Mar 2015
    Location
    Glasgow
    Posts
    8,215
    That looks absolutely beautiful.
    I've had 2 1675's and sold both as I never felt they were substantial enough for everyday wear unlike a 1680,5513 or 1665 which I have used as daily wearers.
    I'd buy that one in a minute though to give it another go.

  24. #24
    Master Skier's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    Cheltenham, UK
    Posts
    3,013
    What a thing. I use the word 'thing' as it's a watch, it's jewellery, it's stunning, it's almost as old as I am, it's something to be treasured. I'm assuming in your hands, and beyond, it will become a family heirloom.

  25. #25
    Grand Master sundial's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2003
    Location
    Cambridgeshire
    Posts
    16,039
    Quote Originally Posted by Skier View Post
    What a thing. I use the word 'thing' as it's a watch, it's jewellery, it's stunning, it's almost as old as I am, it's something to be treasured. I'm assuming in your hands, and beyond, it will become a family heirloom.
    That would depend on the UK rate of inflation ...
    "Well they would say that ... wouldn't they!"

  26. #26
    Grand Master blackal's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Location
    Scottish Borders
    Posts
    10,911
    Have the hands been renewed? My 1980 16750 looks like it has new hands, but if yours hasn’t- then poss mine hasn’t either, and they don’t age at the same rate?

    Your bezel looks just right - I’m not a fan of the totally-washed out bezels of many older GMTs.

  27. #27
    That is a stunning piece.
    No wonder it's a keeper.

  28. #28
    Journeyman
    Join Date
    Sep 2019
    Location
    Bristol, UK
    Posts
    79
    That dial is amazing. Love the vintage lume. Congrats.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  29. #29
    Grand Master sundial's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2003
    Location
    Cambridgeshire
    Posts
    16,039
    Quote Originally Posted by blackal View Post
    Have the hands been renewed? My 1980 16750 looks like it has new hands, but if yours hasn’t- then poss mine hasn’t either, and they don’t age at the same rate?

    Your bezel looks just right - I’m not a fan of the totally-washed out bezels of many older GMTs.
    Hands not renewed.

    BW, dunk
    "Well they would say that ... wouldn't they!"

  30. #30
    Grand Master
    Join Date
    Apr 2011
    Location
    North
    Posts
    19,441
    Blog Entries
    2
    That is glorious.
    Reading the first bit i thought it was a sc post in the wrong place. Very glad it isn't!

  31. #31
    Looks amazing - enjoy!


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  32. #32
    Quote Originally Posted by blackal View Post
    Have the hands been renewed? My 1980 16750 looks like it has new hands, but if yours hasn’t- then poss mine hasn’t either, and they don’t age at the same rate?

    Your bezel looks just right - I’m not a fan of the totally-washed out bezels of many older GMTs.
    More than likely replaced at some point.

  33. #33
    Craftsman
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Posts
    864
    Blog Entries
    1
    That is just stunning!

  34. #34
    Quote Originally Posted by verv View Post
    That is glorious.
    Reading the first bit i thought it was a sc post in the wrong place. Very glad it isn't!
    I wish it was… birth year watch for me!

    That would be hard to resist, what a lovely watch.

  35. #35
    Apprentice
    Join Date
    Jun 2020
    Location
    Gravesend
    Posts
    4
    Beautiful watch:)

  36. #36
    Grand Master sundial's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2003
    Location
    Cambridgeshire
    Posts
    16,039
    Update ... Not happy with watch after service ... Await SH's complimentary postage pack so can return for adjustment ... bezel is far too stiff / tight to the extent I broke my nail trying to turn it ... I need to use the GMT function. And timekeeping could be better ... gaining over 10 seconds/day after fully winding.

    dunk
    "Well they would say that ... wouldn't they!"

  37. #37
    Craftsman
    Join Date
    Jul 2018
    Location
    Berkshire, UK
    Posts
    399
    Quote Originally Posted by sundial View Post
    Just checked Austin Kaye invoice ... actually purchased June 2002 ... I'd bought an Omega in 1999 ... in 2002 Austin Kaye had a sale when all their stock was reduced by 15% ... From memory, supposedly to celebrate England winning one of their matches in FIFA 2002 World Cup ? ... But maybe was a cash raising exercise? ... I bought 3 watches including a Zenith Prime for my brother (which he still has) and a Sea Dweller

    At that time was possible to buy a s/h GMT Master for £reasonable ... The Rolex 2002 catalogue shows NEW s/s GMT Master II listed at £2350 ... Not sure if there was a waiting list for new sports models ... if there was then maybe 'new grey' sold for a premium?

    Vintage GMT-Master 1675 is now sought after but back in 2000-ish was considered 'fairly ordinary'. Fashions change.

    dunk
    I bought my GMT-II at list in early 2003 if memory serves. I was being quoted a year or so wait time by ADs in London, but at that time I was up and down to Edinburgh a lot where I ended up getting one in 2-3 months.

    I'm wearing it today, and it's certainly picked up its fair share of um...patina over the years, but it's a great workhorse of a watch. Unfortunately somewhat tarnished by the stupid prices and attitude around the brand these days.

  38. #38
    Craftsman AmosMoses's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2020
    Location
    United Kingdom
    Posts
    424
    Wow, looking absolutely lush that.


    Sent from my iPhone using TZ-UK mobile app

  39. #39
    Grand Master sundial's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2003
    Location
    Cambridgeshire
    Posts
    16,039
    Quote Originally Posted by sundial View Post
    Update ... Not happy with watch after service ... Await SH's complimentary postage pack so can return for adjustment ... bezel is far too stiff / tight to the extent I broke my nail trying to turn it ... I need to use the GMT function. And timekeeping could be better ... gaining over 10 seconds/day after fully winding.

    dunk
    Vintage GMT-MASTER received back this morning after bezel adjustment and rate & amplitude now fine. And my broken thumbnail has recovered too.

    EDIT 10/7: watch rate now within 1 to 2 secs/day
    Last edited by sundial; 10th July 2022 at 14:12.
    "Well they would say that ... wouldn't they!"

  40. #40
    Grand Master Onelasttime's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2014
    Location
    Everywhere, yet nowhere...
    Posts
    14,620
    This is the second report I've read about a watch having to go back to Steve Hale after servicing.

    I've been looking for somewhere to service my 16570 Explorer II but not so sure Steve Hale is the man for the job.

  41. #41
    Grand Master
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Location
    Wakefield, West Yorkshire
    Posts
    22,722
    Quote Originally Posted by Onelasttime View Post
    This is the second report I've read about a watch having to go back to Steve Hale after servicing.

    I've been looking for somewhere to service my 16570 Explorer II but not so sure Steve Hale is the man for the job.
    If Steve Hale reads this perhaps he’ll make that decision for you!

  42. #42
    That is a super example of a vintage 1675 so thanks for sharing the pictures. I used to always enjoy looking in the Austin Kaye window whenever I was walking down the Strand.

  43. #43
    Master
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Edinburgh
    Posts
    4,746
    Quote Originally Posted by Onelasttime View Post
    This is the second report I've read about a watch having to go back to Steve Hale after servicing.

    I've been looking for somewhere to service my 16570 Explorer II but not so sure Steve Hale is the man for the job.
    That was LTF and his 5513.

  44. #44
    Master earlofsodbury's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2019
    Location
    Tether's End, Lincs
    Posts
    5,376
    Quote Originally Posted by walkerwek1958 View Post
    If Steve Hale reads this perhaps he’ll make that decision for you!
    Anyone technician who can't accept valid criticism of unsatisfactory work is undoubtedly best avoided.

  45. #45
    Grand Master sundial's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2003
    Location
    Cambridgeshire
    Posts
    16,039
    Quote Originally Posted by Woody74 View Post
    That is a super example of a vintage 1675 so thanks for sharing the pictures. I used to always enjoy looking in the Austin Kaye window whenever I was walking down the Strand.
    Austin Kaye appears to be in the process of being repurchased from the liquidators.https://find-and-update.company-info...filing-history
    Last edited by sundial; 10th July 2022 at 02:17.
    "Well they would say that ... wouldn't they!"

  46. #46
    Grand Master learningtofly's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    Everywhere & nowhere, baby
    Posts
    38,268
    Quote Originally Posted by seabiscuit View Post
    That was LTF and his 5513.
    It was indeed. It went back a couple of times, and to be fair to Steve he responded as well as I could have hoped on both occasions (and the first return resulted from a broken mainspring which, whilst unwelcome, was probably just one of those things).

  47. #47
    Grand Master sundial's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2003
    Location
    Cambridgeshire
    Posts
    16,039






    When purchased by me in 2002 I was unaware that AAFES = Army & Air Force Exchange Service.

    I'm curious as to the likely location of this particular AAFES-Europe store and whether the Guarantee / Chronometer certificate, might offer a clue?

    Also enquiring via MWR.

    And wondering if could have been purchased from, e.g., a UK USAF PX store, e.g., Lakenheath or Alconbury?

    Is anyone familiar with this particular AAFES 'stamp' style / font?

    Being a GMT watch, I'm wondering if it has any military provenance but realise it's likely not possible to trace the original purchaser.

    BW, dunk
    "Well they would say that ... wouldn't they!"

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

Do Not Sell My Personal Information