There may be an issue about parts, too. My son said he turned in the old face and hands with the worn out radium as part of the (authorized) service. I think he said that if he'd wanted to keep the parts the service price would have been a LOT (in the thousands) higher. Or maybe he had to swap the parts at the authorized service place, but could have had it done somewhere else and kept the old parts, but paid a lot more.
I bought a mid-size gold/stainless Rolex "date just" at a pawn shop in Atlanta in 1990 for $2500. It had all the papers, and the foil sticker on the back. Never worn. At that time the same watch was about $4000 at a jewelry store/authorized dealer. I've had to have ti serviced twice at about $1000 each time. Once the crown was loose and water got in under the crystal. Another time the crown got very stiff and had to be replaced. This watch was appraised for insurance at $5000, so I'm about even, but a new one (with a heavier bracelet and body, ie more gold in it) is about $8000. I wear it every day, in the ocean, the shower, the operating room where I work, and it just keeps on running. A pleasure to wear. The former Airman is very lucky and I hope he gets full value for his treasure.
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