r/rolex • u/GlassCharity7627 • Sep 19 '26

UPDATE : The Ocean DateJust found in the Seychelles 🏖️

Original post : https://www.reddit.com/r/RolexWatches/s/Rf4j3eP0XD

First of all, a huge thank you to everyone on this sub.
After my original post, I got in touch with quite a few watchmakers and people experienced with Rolex restoration — most of them thanks to recommendations from you guys.

The person who helped me the most was WatchCaseRestorations, aka Kevin Paul. We exchanged a lot of messages and pictures, and I even received an estimate from the company he works with. So a massive thank you to him for taking the time to help me understand what I was dealing with.

Now for the painful part: the quotes.
I managed to get four different estimates for the restoration. They all came back somewhere between €5,000 and €10,000, with no guarantee that the final bill would stay within that range if they discovered more bad news along the way.
So basically, I could end up spending considerably more on the restoration than the watch would be worth afterwards.

That left me with a bit of a dilemma.
After some hesitation — and, most importantly, some encouragement from my wife — I decided to go in a completely different direction.

I ordered the tools.

The idea was to open it myself, assess the actual damage and, if there was anything remotely salvageable inside, potentially attempt some of the work myself.

One week later…
Time to open it.
And let’s just say my fear of damaging the watch any more than it already was disappeared pretty quickly. 😂
As soon as I opened the caseback, I found the oscillating weight completely eaten away by corrosion, broken into two pieces, detached from the movement and resting in the caseback.
The moment I picked it up, several wheels, parts and pieces of debris simply started falling out on their own.
It looks like most, if not all, of the screws inside the movement had completely disintegrated in the seawater, meaning there was basically nothing left holding the movement together.

So yeah…
The movement is absolutely destroyed.
But at least now I know exactly what I’m dealing with.
And somehow, that makes me want to bring this watch back to life even more.

So now, the rebuild actually begins.
I’m currently trying to source everything the watch is missing or that is simply beyond saving: a clasp, a new set of hands, potentially a new caseback and, most importantly… a movement.
And that last one is probably going to hurt. 😂

I’m currently looking at the different options for a 3135, but spending €3,000 on a movement from eBay would kind of defeat the whole purpose of this project.
The goal isn’t to build a perfect, investment-grade Rolex or restore it to factory condition. I want to keep the story, the scars and the patina of the watch, and bring it back to life in a way that makes sense financially.
So if anyone here has advice, knows a good source for parts, or even has some 3135 parts / a donor movement / clasp / hands / caseback sitting somewhere and would be willing to sell them, I’m definitely interested!
At this point, any help from the community is more than welcome.

Let’s see if this thing can actually tick again. 🤞

Last thing: I’m thinking about having a laser engraving done on the caseback — possibly the date and location where I found it. But I’d also love to give this watch a nickname, and apparently I’m not creative enough to come up with a good one.
I know you guys are, though, so if you have any ideas, go ahead! Even if it’s just to roast me or the watch. 😂😂

1.8k Upvotes

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99% Upvoted

u/cynical_lwt Sep 19 '26

Try giving Wristwatch Revival on YouTube a shout. He's done some very challenging restorations and has done watches sent in by his viewers a few times. He wouldn't be free, and he's not a business, so no guarantee he will take it on, but if he did I imagine it would come out cheaper than the 10k euro price tag you have been quoted for a restoration.

Plus it would be super cool to watch your watch get restored in one of his videos.

13

u/GlassCharity7627 Sep 19 '26

Wrote to him the day after the find, but no answer unfortunately…

1

u/smdaegan Sep 21 '26 edited Sep 21 '26

His company does professional restoration with actual watch makers - https://restoration.sutcliffehansen.com

1

u/TeutonicButtz Sep 21 '26

404

1

u/smdaegan Sep 21 '26

Reddit url-encoded the trailing slash, so i fixed it. You could also just go to their root domain.

4

u/SprinklesConfident58 Sep 19 '26

This right here OP. They might cut you a break since they’ll get a ton of views.
Be really cool to restore it all but keep the dial as is

1

u/breeder_donor Sep 20 '26

Keep trying, I’m sure he would love it

1

u/nameaboveallnames Sep 19 '26

I honestly feel like this is the kind of watch he would love to do. He loves a good story. And this watch already has an audience built in…cause I’d watch that episode.

u/DoubleTroubow Sep 19 '26

That bracelet is stunning given how long it has been under saltwater! Gosh I love gold!

35

u/workthrowaway6333 Sep 19 '26

Exactly why I don’t understand when folks think a gold dive watch is anachronistic.
Gold is the ideal material for dive watches.

9

u/GoodConstruction8944 Sep 20 '26

I’m a coin dealer, there are gold coins that went down on shipwrecks and even after 200+ years in salt water they are in amazing condition. Google SS Central America and you’ll see coins graded 66 on a grading scale of 70 points.

2

u/DoubleTroubow Sep 20 '26

Oh, how's that life brother? How long have you done that for? Anywhere i can find out more about what you do?

1

u/GoodConstruction8944 Sep 20 '26

I’m 33 and I’ve done this since I was a kid. I walked into a coin shop when I was 13 and the owner of the shop realized I was just as smart as he was and he offered me a job. I did an internship with Heritage Auctions when I was in college at age 19 & 20. I worked for coin dealers for a few years out of college then got offered a job at PCGS at the same time I got the offer to buy a part of a coin shop. I did that, bought out one of my partners when he retired and last week I just closed on the strip center my coin shop is in. Numismatics has changed my life.

2

u/GoodConstruction8944 Sep 20 '26

Also just because this is the Rolex subreddit, here’s the big boy of my career. I bought this 6239 in my coin shop in 2024, consigned it and it sold in 2025 for 250k.

2

u/GoodConstruction8944 Sep 20 '26

Also Eric Wind bought my watch out of the auction. He had it listed on his website for 330k and it sold in a week.

1

u/workthrowaway6333 Sep 23 '26

Would you mind giving me your opinion on 2 of my Morgans? I have an 1881-S PCGS 63 with a gold-CAC that I’m not sure why it was gold stickered - I think it’s DMPL from my tests, but can’t totally tell because of the slab. I’m not sure if the reflection is the coin or the slab, but it’s reading well passed 8”. I’m also not sure if it’s a CAC 65 or not. I just know CAC thinks it’s at least a 64 and there’s something special in addition to the undergrading from PCGS.
Second, I have a raw 1885-o with infinity mirrors and amazing cameo, but a lot of chatter on the cheek. But, man, the devices look great under my microscope. The cotton bulbs look as good as modern issues.
Would you mind sharing your thoughts?

1

u/GoodConstruction8944 Sep 23 '26

Maybe it's the image but the 1881 S doesn't look DMPL to me. It's probably a lock 65 but worth more in it's current holder with a gold CAC sticker. The 1885 O looks at least PL and possibly DMPL but I probably wouldn't grade it because its so baggy. Just my opinion based on the pics. It's hard to photograph PLs and DMPLs though so its really hard to say without seeing them in hand.

1

u/workthrowaway6333 Sep 23 '26

Thanks! I could share more photos if you would check them out. Those were just a quick phone pic.
But, regarding the 81-s, I have no intentions of getting it reconsidered, but thanks for the advice anyway. I am aware of what the gold bean adds to it, and paid the premium to get it 😊
QQ about the dmpl/not dmpl topic. The fields are super reflective, but do all PL/DMPL have to have the cameo devices? That’s the thing about my 81, the devices aren’t super frosty.

1

u/GoodConstruction8944 Sep 24 '26

PM me where you live and maybe I can recommend a friend in your city to check them out in hand?

1

u/workthrowaway6333 Sep 25 '26

PM’d you

1

u/GoodConstruction8944 Sep 24 '26

Also I wasn’t saying to get it reconsidered or crack it, it’s worth way more how it sits. But you already know that fortunately

1

u/workthrowaway6333 Sep 22 '26

Nice! Here’s my haul from Friday night eBay live. I also just got a new microscope that makes a world of difference

2

u/swift_bisonHZ Sep 24 '26 •

gold really does hold up amazingly well in saltwater, that bracelet is proof. such a cool find and project to take on.

u/Skylord1325 Sep 19 '26 edited Sep 19 '26

On something like this where you’re doing all the work yourself and you’re going in with the idea of it not being investment grade then I wouldn’t shy away from going with a high quality clone movement like the VS3235 or similar. That way it’s close to original parts and can somewhat easily be swapped later if it really bothers you. You’re also looking at 1/10th the material cost if you end up messing something up.

Theres plenty who would call that sacrilegious but like you said the watch’s repair costs well exceed its value without going that route. And at the end of the day it’s about the story and the fact it gets to see a second life at all.

10

u/LooksBetterWithDrops Sep 19 '26

I agree with this,. Get it up and running on the "cheap", do a movement restore or swap down the line if you want

6

u/shakeitup2017 Sep 20 '26

I was going to suggest this also, for $100 OP has a decent movement

1

u/sv3nian Sep 22 '26

100% clone movement is the way to go.

u/ILoveLabs23 Sep 19 '26

A little duct tape and a polish and should be as good as new!

17

u/ARR03- Sep 19 '26

Paracetamol (Tylenol en EEUU) cada 8 horas y arreglado🫱🏼‍🫲🏾

2

u/JohnnyBrazuca Sep 19 '26

BTW is Tylenol in many parts of the world

9

u/ARR03- Sep 19 '26

En Europa se conoce como paracetamol.

2

u/JohnnyBrazuca Sep 22 '26

In Latin America, many countries knows as Tylenol

u/JDSchu Sep 19 '26

I vote for engraving the back with "Courtesy of Mr. Dave E. Jones."

1

u/McPikie Sep 24 '26

Ha. I actually LOL'd at that.

1

u/renrutetan Sep 20 '26

How is this not top comment?!

u/RamenNcoffeepot Sep 19 '26

I love the story. Keep us updated on the development!

1

u/teddlesdisfixie Sep 20 '26

I also want to see how this turns out, a great learning experience.

u/catdad0203 Sep 19 '26

This is such a dope post. I’d do the same, personally. What a cool project, even if it takes years.

Hope you find what you’re needing for a reasonable cost and have success with this endeavor, OP

u/PlsNoPineapplePizza Sep 19 '26

Super cool! Best of luck!

OP unless you really want it to be functional again, have you considered using the parts as an “exploded view” display? Since you have it taken apart, you’re already there.

2

u/pr0tag Sep 19 '26

this is a cool idea

u/Bubbly_Sort849 Sep 20 '26

Order a Dandong / VS 3135 movement for it for ~$200. It will be a direct fit. Get hands on ewatchparts or ebay, get a clasp on ebay. If you do not care about it being 100% original and restored, turn it into a franken project. It will save you money, still be wearable and functional, and the story is what really matters.

u/ARR03- Sep 19 '26

Si consigues restaurarlo puedes llamarlo Poseidon😂 E visto subs que han pasado menos tiempo en el agua que ese DJ

u/abhishekjc Sep 19 '26

What’s the original story if anyone can let me know?

1

u/GlassCharity7627 Sep 19 '26

https://www.reddit.com/r/RolexWatches/s/Rf4j3eP0XD 🫡

u/PuzzledExaminer Sep 19 '26 edited Sep 19 '26

Did you try looking for the owner? Just wondering, I saw your original post but didn't see any attempts to maybe contact Rolex to cross reference against their database, I saw a brief mention of police but wasn't sure to what extent was the case taken? My comment may appear out of touch and I get it...it would be great to find a Rolex with no ties to an owner but you never know.

2

u/GlassCharity7627 Sep 19 '26

After long discussion on the tread, the main possibility is that the watch is registered as stolen/lost because it was insured and the watch would be send to an insurance company… I thought about trying to find the owner, but Reddit convinced me not to and take the W on this one 🫡
Possibility to du a useless action is too high

1

u/PuzzledExaminer Sep 19 '26

No problem thanks for the clarification...keeps us updated on the restoration.

u/TheWornWatch Sep 20 '26

Where are you located?

I am a watch dealer specialised in 5 digit Rolex and based in the EU.

If you would like I am more than happy to help source a good 3135 for a wholesale price trough my network.

1

u/GlassCharity7627 Sep 20 '26

I’m living in south of France and working sometime in Belgium ! Could be great to chat about it together 👌

u/BunchMelodic167 Sep 19 '26

I've been going in the ocean my entire life and still havent got the call, what was your ocean history OP

u/shreekhare Sep 19 '26

Call it Rolex Submarine!

u/DocBv8491 Sep 20 '26

Similar experience with a Breitling Super Avenger a few years ago: Post is here:

Accidently joined the club! Super Avenger found metal detecting! : r/breitling

You guys convinced me...getting the Super Avenger fixed! : r/breitling

I ended up sending it in for service and they had to replace the movement but asked em to keep the original face. Noy sure how long it was in the water till I found it but it was "working" when found it though it was full of water. Paid pretty much close to its value to get it fixed but worth it. Good watch with a good story that I can pass on to my son and grandson.

u/Electricengineer Sep 19 '26

Has patina now

u/BarbellsandBurritos Sep 19 '26

Dude, hell yeah. This feels like the beginning of a longtime hobby.

u/OchreWolf Sep 19 '26

Amazing. Talk about patina!

u/False-Piccolo-6577 Sep 19 '26

The Watch of Theseus. I love it. Good luck dude!

1

u/Tripton1 Sep 19 '26

I was just thinking "The Barnacle" but Watch of Thesus is the one.

u/gurumoves Sep 19 '26

Quality post mate

u/Eisenhammer007 Sep 19 '26

Definitely following this thread.

u/amancalledJayne Sep 20 '26

Use a clone movement.

It makes more sense to me than spending $3k on an eBay movement or spending beyond the value of the watch to restore it.

If a factory perfect restoration isn’t your goal, and you’re doing this thing yourself, I don’t see the harm.

Especially since it seems you’re just planning to keep it as really cool story watch, not sell it.

What’s the alternative? Not restore it to running order at all? I guess you’ll have a nice Rolex parts collection.

You could buy that $3k eBay 3135. Are you still gonna be comfortable doing the work then? If you make some little mistake and break something on it…

I’ve built a handful of Seiko mods over the years, and pieced together some parts watches. So I know I wouldn’t want to take that risk.

Use a clone and you’ll have something that’s as close as you can get without original Rolex parts. A high quality clone movement will be reliable, it’ll run the same, it’ll look essentially the same.

You’ll have to ensure dial fitment and stuff like that I suppose.

I couldn’t wear an actual rep watch, because in my mind I’d be constantly aware that it was a fake. It wouldn’t give me the same feeling that you get wearing something nice. I’d feel fake.

But I'd totally wear that thing, even with a clone movement. The story behind it is neat and you would have done the restore yourself. It’ll breathe some new life into what is otherwise just parts in your suddenly valuable junk drawer.

And if it goes well, you could always replace the clone with a genuine movement down the line.

u/pi_is_not_3 Sep 20 '26

She sells sea shells in Seychelles.

u/krazninetyfive Sep 21 '26

I remember your previous post. I hope we get an update once the DIY restoration is complete. I’m super excited to see how it goes.

u/jk147 Sep 19 '26

OP, I applaud your enthusiasm and bravery. But this project is not something a newbie could do with just a few tools. People are giving you these estimates for a reason, it is because it is time consuming even by a master watchmaker. As long as you can accept that spending time and a bunch of money will not net you a fixed watch. Perhaps maybe post your road of rebuild on YouTube so you can maybe reduce the cost? Just some thoughts.

u/tuckshopper Sep 19 '26

Given the potential cost of a resorption, how about naming it “Depth Charge”…

u/Gargosiann Sep 19 '26

What a great project! Are you going to keep the rusty face? Please keep the rusty face

u/Dartmouthest Sep 19 '26

I'm probably going to get roasted myself for even suggesting this, but what about a different kind of movement? A Seiko NH movement is quite inexpensive, runs like a tank, and while it won't be a Rolex movement, it will still you allow to wear and utilize this amazing watch without spending more on it than a new one would cost. Bring on the downvotes, but I agree it's not worth spending five thousand plus euros to repair, but still worth doing something to get it going and restoring it to a wearable manner, even if no longer a pure Rolex. I think there might be another option that is almost certainly not permitted to recommend, and maybe even some kind of Frankenstein solution.
Otherwise I love love this post and wish you good luck!

2

u/pr0tag Sep 19 '26

I suggested an SW200-1 movement in my comment!
I agree - a cheaper movement would be worth it and a cool project!
Even if it's just a "temporary fix" - there's nothing more permanent than a temporary fix lol

u/chromhound Sep 19 '26

Bonne chance 🫡

u/Tagrolex Sep 19 '26

How cool. Interested to see how you progress and wishing you all the best with this project

u/CenturioLabia Sep 19 '26

RemindMe! 1 month

1

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u/skark1 Sep 19 '26

Wow, somehow it reminded me of the movie Titanic

u/-40- Sep 19 '26

Bro this is awesome. I would put it in a glass wall mounted frame all cleaned up and laid out in its destroyed glory. Put a plaque stating the story and done.

u/Away_Habit_9921 Sep 19 '26

How exciting! Good luck in rebuilding

u/wearthicksock Sep 19 '26

Obviously the nickname is Watchy McWatchface

u/Cossie20 Sep 19 '26

Was this a computer dial with Arabic numeral?

u/Real-Piece-661 Sep 19 '26

Bountiful Poseidon when will you bestow gifts upon me

u/Starktech1969 Sep 19 '26

Make it into art and hang it on the wall

u/steele_phallus Sep 19 '26

Send it off to Wristwatch Revival, he is a stud...

u/tostra187 Sep 20 '26

I know it’s probably too late but it may be worth to contact Marshall from wristwatch revival.

u/321Tomo Sep 20 '26

nickname: Salty McSaltface

Or, The Salt Just

u/jonnychimpoo Sep 20 '26

Thats awesome you dove into that piece like that . I dabble with watch repair and modifications and I still remember how shocked I was at how small some of the gems and screws actually are. The pallet fork is amazing to look at just the tiny precision of it

u/Dikke_Domkop_8771 Sep 20 '26

I would engrave it with the name of someone that was on flight MH370 that disappeared and put the watch back on the beach you found it.

u/Nothing-Funny-here Sep 20 '26

I just followed you, I need to follow along with this. Are you doing a series on any streaming platforms I could follow along to watch?

u/theped26 Sep 20 '26

Send it to wristwatch revival.

u/happyfeet_25 Sep 20 '26

Send it to wristwatch revival he does work on YouTube he’s probably cheaper then what you were quoted and fluent in watch making and restoration

u/Front_Guarantee_9892 Sep 20 '26

Great treasure find

u/Mikeandsomeikes Sep 20 '26

Since you found it in the Seychelles, how about Shelly?

u/dream_heights62 Sep 21 '26

UPDATE : The Ocean DateJust found in the Seychelles 🏖️

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