Rolex Datejust 1968 Service Policy Debate

Maltie · 2019-08-27T05:52:15Z

Rolex Datejust 1968 owner faces mandatory dial/hand replacement for service. Explore Rolex's vintage service policy and collector frustrations.

Maltie

WPS member · Rolex forum

40 replies8061 views1 photos

Maltie shares a frustrating experience with Rolex Service Centre (RSC) regarding a 1968 Datejust, where a mandatory dial and hand replacement was required for service, with no return of original parts. This post ignites a critical discussion among collectors about Rolex's vintage service policies and the importance of preserving original components.

I recently acquired this beautiful full set 1968 Rolex Datejust and asked my Rolex AD to sent it for a movement service. Big was my surprise today to be informed that Rolex is only willing to service my watch if the dial and the hands must be replaced as well. They call it mandatory replacement. And they clearly indicate that I can’t have the original dial and hands returned. This is quite some bullshit no ? I absolutely want to preserve this watch in its full glory and replacing the hands and tritium T Swiss T dial would ruin the vintage appeal of my watch. Has anybody here had the same lousy experience ? I think I’m done with Rolex after this. Let’s find a good independent watchmaker that can help me.

Key Points from the Discussion

Rolex's policy often mandates replacement of parts like dials and hands, especially if lume is damaged or the dial has minor imperfections, which can significantly reduce a vintage watch's collectible value.
For watches over 20-25 years old, collectors generally advise using independent watchmakers specializing in vintage pieces to avoid mandatory part replacements by RSC, which often refurbish watches to modern standards.
Rolex's policy of retaining replaced parts is intended to prevent 'frankenwatches' from re-entering the system, ensuring originality according to their records.
Many collectors feel Rolex shows little consideration for its vintage models, contrasting sharply with the vintage departments of brands like Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin.
The author compares the situation to car maintenance, arguing that a service should not necessitate replacing aesthetic parts against the owner's wishes.
Rolex's primary business goal is often perceived as selling new watches, leading to policies that discourage the preservation of vintage originality.

The Discussion

Maltie

Aug 27, 2019

How do people preserve their vintage rolex watches with this attitude ?

Subexplorer

Aug 27, 2019

... Rolex service worldwide, so watches of let´s say more than 20/25 years should be sent to an independent watchmaker for service or repairs, except that you are willing to accept the change or original pieces like dials or handset, which of course reduce the valiue of the watch as a collectible. These changes doesn´t matter for the owner who is just a user of the watch, for a non collector which most of the time will approve and be very happy to have his watch refurbished and even polished. Fo

Hulk

Aug 27, 2019

I'm sure you'll find a lot of similar replies. Only way is to find a local horologist who can get parts keeping the rest original. That's what I did. Think of it as a lucky escape. At least you found out before rather than finding out after. Im sure there are others who found out the hard way after it came back. You can't send any vintage back to Rolex imho at all. Cheers Steve

Maltie

Aug 27, 2019

Any suggestions are more then welcome, preferably either in Belgium, Holland, Francé, Germany or even Malaysia, Hong Kong or Singapore.

jim_94104

Aug 27, 2019

I am sure they must have their reasons and am curious to learn. Thanks.

chippyfly

Aug 27, 2019

Some years ago I wanted to service my Ebel chrono with its El Primero movement, which had had a replacement dial and hands after a moisture ingress incident many years ago. Both hands and dial were/are in supreme condition. The authorised UK service agent refused to service it without new dial and hands, adding significantly to the cost in spite of being the same guys who had replaced the dial and hands before. Needless to say I found another watch repairer who obliged with a good job done, not

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