Rolex question

[P&R Fan]

In 1985 my Dad fulfilled a lifelong dream and bought a Rolex from a local jeweler. It is an Oyster Perpetual Datejust. He died in 1994 and Mom stuck it in the safe. About 10 years ago I had an undercover assignment where I was acting like a high roller. Mom gave me permission to wear it. I have much smaller wrists than my Dad so they had to remove several links from the band. After not running for a decade it worked fine. After that I put it back in the safe and have not touched it since.
The other day we were looking in Mom's safe and I took it out ofthe box, shook it and it started right up. Mom said I might as well take it home. I put it on and have worn it a few days.
There have been threads on here about maintenance for Rolex's. Some have said they need regular overhauls. How often are they needed, and where do you take or send them? The jeweler where Dad bought it does not sell them anymore. Guess there is one dealer in Iowa, in Des Moines.

The sales slip says he paid $1,750 for it. I will never sell it, but I'm wondering what it might be worth?
Jim

 

[Dennis The B]

Wouldn't hazard a guess as to value, especially without seeing the watch.

It wouldn't hurt to have it cleaned, adjusted, and lubricated, especially if it hasn't been worn regularly. The older lubricants tend to dry out, and they'll cause the watch to lose time.

Look for an authorized Rolex dealer. If it needs parts, they're the only ones that can buy them legitimately. You can search the web, and you'll be able to find them in your area. Cost will probably run north of $400 for a good servicing, more, if it needs any parts.

Most watches like Rolex, Breitling, Omega, etc., used to need servicing every three years, but the newer lubricants, which are better, and don't dry out, has pushed that to about five years.

 

[Snapping Twig]

5 ~ 7 years is the service interval period.

If it has not been serviced since 1985... it's due.

Lubricants dry out and that means wear.

You best be ready to pay because the standard for service these days is @ $600+.

ONLY authorized Rolex Service Centers can do the work. Beware of those that SAY they are authorized - they're not.

SF, NY, Dallas are the only authorized centers. Call one and arrange shipment/service.

 

[RonJ]

Don't let just any jeweler service it. Rolex uses special oils in their mechanical watches. Be financially prepared.

 

[Laketime]

Current prices for servicing a Rolex will be $1000.that will invole a complete break down of the movement and ultra sound cleaning. The watch head and bracelet will be polished to look new.This will also include new gaskets and a water resistance test.Rolec will also document this service for your records.value of a 1985 vintage Date just is around $4000.trade-in towards a new one .re sale would put it at anywhere above $6500.

 

[sasu]

I am, slowly, trying to learn to service mechanical watches myself. Out of curiosity.

I have lots of cheap Chinese movements and several vintage Japanese watches to practice on, and for the day when I can trust myself to do it correctly I have several modern Japanese watches, a couple collectible Swiss watches and some brand new Swiss movements.

Owning a Rolex is far in the future for me as there are many, many other purchases to be made before that.

It is really astounding how the high end watch industry survives because quartz watches have made mechanical watches obsolete in reliability, accuracy and price. There are surprisingly many people ready to pay serious money for outdated technology just for esthetic reasons. I am not complaining, though, I like the small marvels of engineering.

 

[kaaskop49]

Hi sasu! I remember an article in a gun magazine too many years ago on the 4 reasons for retail purchases (in that order):

1. Acquisition
2. Vanity (Pride of Ownership)
3. Dreams and Imagination




4. Need.

Hope this helps!

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[Beemerguy53]

I learned the hard way how important it is to maintain a fine watch.

In 1978 I bought a new Omega Speedmaster, and paid a little over $200 for it. (Mechanical watches were more common, and thus much cheaper, then.) It ran well, and I didn't wear it much, so I never bothered to have it serviced.

In 1992 I washed my hands while wearing it, and noticed afterward that the inside of the crystal was fogged. Turns out the seals had deteriorated over time, allowing water to enter the watch. It was ruined, and the cost of repair was estimated at more than $600.

I lucked out. I found a jeweler in Boston who bought my ruined watch for $600, and a jeweler in Baltimore sold me a new Speedmaster, which listed for $1500 then, for $1000...so my net cost for the new watch was $400.

It's due for servicing again, but the last time I had it done it cost about $300 to have it cleaned and the seals renewed. There is no way I could afford a new Speedmaster now (about $6000), so I take very good care indeed of this one!

Get your Rolex serviced, and enjoy it for many years to come.

 

[SJshooter]

Do you have any photos? It's worth a lot more than he paid.

As stated above, prepare to pay $750-1,000 to service the watch. But they will replace and repair anything wrong and it will come back looking brand new.

Don't take it to just any watch repair shop, even though they will tell you that they can work in it. Take it to a Rolex Authorized Dealer.

Here is a mesmerizing videos of a watchmaker taking apart a Rolex for cleaning. Amazing.

http://youtu.be/wfNOgWGME_c

 

[SJshooter]

PS there is nothing outdated about mechanical watch movements. That is kinda like saying revolvers are outdated because we now have Glocks.

Does this look like outdated technology to you?

 

[STCM(SW)]

Just happened to find the last time my gold date just was serviced.
Got 50% discount for cash, $413.06.
That was on 11/5/10.
I don't wear it much since I got a Citizen Eco-Drive Titanium.

 

[sasu]

Mechanical watches are marvels of engineering but serve no practical purpose. Quartz has made the technology obsolete. Mechanical watches are beauty accessories and many enjoy the engineering though it is pointless.

Revolvers are not obsolete, they offer e.g. power to weight ratios not possible with semiauto pistols, and revolvers can be made very accurate because of the fixed barrel. Plus revolvers have a different failure profile.

 

[RM Vivas]

I have a GMT-Master. Last time I had it serviced (MANY years ago) at Tourneau in Manhattan it cost me over a grand.

Today it sits in a dresser drawer. I love the watch but it doesn't keep good time anymore. I suppose I could send it for a major overhaul but at some point I'd more likely just get a new GMT-Master2.

To be fair, I wore it all the times, even when I probably shouldn't have. Bounced it around the world on my travels.

One thing I've noticed in the arms business is how many people who appreciate a -good- gun will also have a -good- watch. Must be someton for good mechanical deign and build.

 

[islamoradamark]

dear MR FAN there are many not so honest watch repair men out there that will swap after market parts for the real rolex parts . try to go some place where you can watch them work on it. my friend works on my wifes when needed a couple of times ive had a two different Rolex s and never had to do anything to them they are built well i always say if it works dont fix it ive had mine over 30 years combined for two different ones. and yes they are worth money and collectible i two had to take a links out for it to fit , dont lose it there a couple hundred bucks each or more dependening on the model you have. enjoy that nice time piece it does not get any better than that mark

 

[bill2000]

SJshooter, after watching that video I'll never complain about cleaning my Ruger MK11 again! Thanks for posting it.

 

[johngalt]

My dad has one he bought in the '50s, which doesn't work well now and is old enough that parts are no longer available.

He tried to do the recommended service and had bad luck finding competent people. His advice to me was that they are more likely to damage something than to fix a real problem, and to let it go until it won't keep time, then fix it.

 

[sheepdawg]

This is why I'm a Timex kind of guy.

 

[Laketime]

My dad has one he bought in the '50s, which doesn't work well now and is old enough that parts are no longer available.

He tried to do the recommended service and had bad luck finding competent people. His advice to me was that they are more likely to damage something than to fix a real problem, and to let it go until it won't keep time, then fix it.

A true swiss watch maker can make any part from scratch,it's done all the time.Rolex can certainly make any part needed regardless of age .Not the case with an AD,they can only do basic service at best.

 

[chief38]

Mine is 22 years old now and has only been serviced ONE time. The reason for the service was NOT because failed in any way, but when I originally purchased the watch it had a Champagne Dial, Gold Hands and Gold Stick Lines. Because everything was monotone and I was getting older I had trouble reading what time it was. I sent the watch back to Rolex to have the face changed to Black with Gold Stick Lines and Gold Hands. Now I can actually see what time it is! While it was there they cleaned, oiled and serviced it and they repaired one gold link that had been dented over the years. They also replaced the Sapphire and the Screw in Crown. The watch came back looking as new as it did when I purchased it and they did a spectacular job. Yea, they nicked me for $1700 bucks but I suppose if you divide that by the 22 years I've owned the watch it come to $77 per year.

I am not an a Fancy Dan kind of guy and dislike jewelry, but this is the one piece of opulence that I own and enjoy. I like wearing the watch and wear it almost every day, weather it's shooting, riding my M/C, or doing whatever. I have also worn it scuba diving (60 -80 feet in the Ocean), water skiing, and in the pool when I swim. I bought the watch to wear and not just when I meet the Queen (never have!).

So while Rolex does "recommend" that you send the watch in every year for service (hey, they are in business to make $$) other than the struggle to read the time I would not have sent it in for servicing. I would say it has stood the test of time!

 

[Ben_hutcherson]

An 80s Datejust-assuming it's a stainless or two-tone is a typically a $2000-3000 watch in good, running recently serviced condition.

A basic stainless model not running/in need of service might be as inexpensive as $1000-1500.

By the way, don't believe the hype that only Swiss-trained elves can ever dare touch the inside of a Rolex. When you get right down to it, most of them are just a basic 3-hand mechanical movement. Rolex has made revisions to their basic design, but haven't made any major changes since the 1950s. At the core, they're not a lot different from any lever escapement watch made since the 1850s. They are excellent movements for sure, but there's nothing "magical" about them.

At one time(up until just a few years ago), Rolex sponsored several of the watchmaking schools in the US, and the graduates of those schools spent a lot of time in school working on Rolex movements. WOSTEP was the old program, and any independent watchmaker with a WOSTEP certificate will be more than qualified to work on an '80s Rolex. SAWTA is the newer curriculum(also very Rolex heavy), and anyone with SAWTA certification is equally qualified to work on your watch. This will cost you a LOT less than sending it to Rolex.

 

[H Richard]

I had a jeweler/watchmaker tell me one time that the accuracy of a watch was a lot dependent on the beefiness of the case. That a Rolex works, Omega Works, etc. would all keep time the same, but if the case would flex, or in any way not allow total rigid protection of the works the accuracy would suffer. I currently wear a Tag Heuer and why the watch is so heavy, it is carved out of a solid block of stainless, like a Rolex.

 

[Snapping Twig]

Only a Rolex Service Center (RSC) has access to genuine Rolex parts.

All others do not.

 

[Ben_hutcherson]

Only a Rolex Service Center (RSC) has access to genuine Rolex parts.

All others do not.

Rolex has been doing their best to cut off access to genuine parts, but for the time being many independent shops with a WOSTEP or SAWTA trained watchmaker can get(genuine) parts.

I'll also add that many big Swiss brands have been moving toward this model of not making parts available, and trade groups like the AWCI(American Watchmaker-Clockmaker institute) have been fighting it tooth and nail as it effectively puts a lot independent watchmakers out of business.

 

[zzzippper]

I bought my Oyster in 2001 and had it serviced in 2008 for $400 at the RSC. You don't have to go to an authorized dealer because they will just send it to the RSC.

I went through a dealer. Mistake. Arrogant pricks. I bought mine for about $1500, they said the replacement value was $10,000. Looong story short, we had a disagreement about what Rolex did to the watch and I asked if they buy used Rolexes. They offered me $1,000.

Know that the RSC will return the watch to exactly the way it left the factory. Mine had some brushed surfaces polished and they re-brushed them. I didn't like the watch anymore and had the dealer re-polish it back tot he way I liked it.

While shopping for the watch we went to Bahrain after hearing that they had good deals there. We ran into some Swiss guys at the hotel pool. They said that Rolex is the shiny **** they sell to Americans. They said that Swiss buy Omega and Tissot.

 

[P&R Fan]

Wow, 22 replies. Guess a bunch of S&W guys like Rolexes.
So far it is running fine. I am not going to wear it every day. If it needs service though I will refer back to this thread, so thanks.

Oh, I do have an interesting story though. For the last dozen years or so my daily worn watch has been a Timex Indiglo. Keeps perfect time and the dial lights up. Cost about 50 bucks. One day several years ago I was at Mom's house. She grabbed my arm and said " when did you take your Dad's Rolex?" I said "Mom, it's a Timex". We compared them. The Timex was a dead ringer for the Rolex.
Jim

 

[RBald]

I was given a SS Thunderbird Rolex when my uncle passed. He purchased it in 1966 for $199 the day he retired from the Marines after 21 years of service. I have had it serviced two times since. The last time I wore it a couple times and put it in the safe. Had too many people look at it on my arm and I think some of them would not blink at cutting off my arm to get it.

 

[italiansport]

Just happened to find the last time my gold date just was serviced.
Got 50% discount for cash, $413.06.
That was on 11/5/10.
I don't wear it much since I got a Citizen Eco-Drive Titanium.

I've had a titanium Citizen for around 15 years which is solar powered. The only thing I've ever done to it is reset the time when we change zones.
It's never misssed a beat in all these years.
Jim

 

[crsides]

Ben H speaks to the truth. We are both members of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors as well as Chapter 149, Early American Watch Club. His advice is held in high regard there.

Charlie

 

[Ben_hutcherson]

Don't let just any jeweler service it. Rolex uses special oils in their mechanical watches. Be financially prepared.

Rolex specifies Moebius 9010 and 9020 for most of the train, 9415 for the escapement, and 8320 for braking grease on the inside walls of the mainspring barrel. They also specify the application of 8941 to the escapement to prevent the spread of lubricant.

These are industry standard lubricants that anyone who wants to spend the money can order from Otto Frei, Jules Borel, Cas-Ker, or many other suppliers. I have bottles of several of the above.

Of course, the proper surface prep and application of the lubricants is the most important, but there's nothing exactly exotic about the lubricants used.

Once again, Rolexes are fine watches, but at the end of the day they are just a 3-hand mechanical watch.

 

[Ben_hutcherson]

Ben H speaks to the truth. We are both members of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors as well as Chapter 149, Early American Watch Club. His advice is held in high regard there.

Charlie

I appreciate the vote of confidence, Charlie.

I don't know about "high regard" but I've at least put in my fair share of hours at the watch bench.

Any chance we could drag you up to Lexington next week? I talked to Fred Sr. on Saturday and he told me that supposedly Terry Hall and Mike Chamerlin were planning on coming.