WatchProSite|Market|Digest
WatchProSite|Market|Digest

Rolex

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 comments so far about devaluing, maybe I should leave the hands alone. Water resistance is not a big issue either as I don't plan to go swimming with it! I was mainly concerned that using the watch without the movement being cleaned and oiled inside could result in premature wear but no one has mentioned this - the opposite in fact, the consensus seems to be to wait until it develops a fault. $1000 is a bit much for me to splash out on a working watch so if I did get the internals serviced I should look for a good independent. Trouble is how do I find a good one? I have been looking at luxurywatchrepairs.com . I wonder if anyone here has any experience with them. Thanks again.

  login to reply
14 Comments view entire thread 

Looking to service my dad's Rolex purchased in 1957

 
By: dominic.salter : September 21st, 2016-06:22
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.

 
By: pastaboy1939 : September 21st, 2016-06:31
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"

 
By: Ed. W : September 21st, 2016-07:22
will yield plenty of forum answers. And also yes, don't replace or repair any external parts (dial, case, crown, hands, etc.)

I don't think you should worry about the value

 
By: Harry2 : September 21st, 2016-11:47
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.

 
By: Bill : September 21st, 2016-11:48
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.

 
By: Bill : September 21st, 2016-17:14
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

 
By: dominic.salter : September 22nd, 2016-02:28
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.

 
By: Bill : September 22nd, 2016-12:16
This style is easily found with varying quality and price. Bill ...  

It depends on how you want the watch serviced

 
By: jayeyedoubleemmwhy : September 21st, 2016-21:20
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

 
By: dominic.salter : September 22nd, 2016-02:47
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 ...