Looking to service my dad's Rolex purchased in 1957
I would appreciate some assistance. My dad gave me his Rolex which was purchased in 1957. It hasn't been service for 40 years but it is working fine. The hands could do with a relume. Should I contact Rolex or find an independent servicer? Are you able to...
Hi-- a little beauty you have there.
First don't relume hands or anything on dial. Don't polish the case and don't let Rolex touch it. These things will decrease the value. Use a local independent watch servicer. Someone here might be able to recommend a local watch person. Good luck.
I'll PM you some recommended places, but a search on Google for "vintage rolex service"
will yield plenty of forum answers. And also yes, don't replace or repair any external parts (dial, case, crown, hands, etc.)
Aftermarket service. Replace as little as possible. Don't polish.
It should be no major challenge to a good independent. Mike
I don't think you should worry about the value
It is possible a movement part will need replacement and I know vintage Rolex pieces do come back from Rolex unmolested sometimes. However, I have heard horror stories. I think the number one priority should be that the watch is in great shape and running...
If the watch is running why touch. Enjoy it and wait till starts to lose time.
Service at a qualified vintage service house that know Rolex. Not Rolex service center. Replace nothing. Anything you replace will diminish the value significantly.
First enjoy it. Learn about it and what it needs.
Every time a watch is opened you take risk. No rush. What if you don't love it you would have spent hundreds to just pit in a drawer. A nice vintage brown strap would look great on it. Bill ...
Nice period strap
Your strap does suit the this watch very well. My dad had a springy metal strap but it isn't a Rolex strap. I didn't like it much so I replaced it with the leather one. I have an Omega with a metal strap and a Vacheron with brown strap so I chose black to...
Here are some example of what can work.
This style is easily found with varying quality and price. Bill ...
It depends on how you want the watch serviced
Do you want to honor the history/sentimentality of the watch, keeping it as original as possible? Or, do you want to be more aggressive with a service and have a watch that is "newer" (manufacturer's guarantee, water resistance, etc.)? Both have their pro...
Thanks for the detailed reply
I am glad I posted on this site as everyone has been very kind in giving me lots of good information and your long reply is very informative. Cosmetically the watch doesn't need anything doing except the hands could be tided up and re-lumed but given the ...
