Vintage Datejust

[Drgessler]

Hello all. New to the forum. Just inherited a vintage datejust from my late father. Question is when should I get the watch serviced. I have a patient who is an authorized dealer and she has indicated that with the older models, if it ain't broke don't fix it. What do you guys think? Thanks.

[Toronto Soup King]

Are you going to wear it? And you don't know when it was last serviced? My guy would charge CAD150 for a basic service of that watch, including telling me of any impending issues and having a good close look at the thing...to me, it'd be worth that for sure. But a full RSC service will be pricey and unnecessary (per your AD's advice) so don't take it to Rolex.

[Drgessler]

The watch has never been serviced. I have been wearing it and haven't noticed any problems with accuracy (gaining or losing time). Thanks for the reply.

[tamiya]

Your standards of accuracy might not be as tight as some of others around here are we talking a minute a day vs +/-2s a day?

It's worth getting oldies checked out & relubed periodically, to prolong life of current parts. Vintage parts are getting scarce. Rubber seals don't last forever either, replace them before suffering water ingress.

At the very least, your local watchmaker can pop it on his timegrapher and it'll give some indication of how its surviving without even popping the back.

[Drgessler]

Great thanks for the advice.

[tamiya]

How old is your DJ, do you know it's model#?

Also not all ADs have watchmaker on staff, for overhauls they may send to RSC. Headsup that RSCs have fetish for changing out perfectly patina'd vintage parts for sparkling newies (at your expense, of course) plus destroying heirloom memories.

[GGGMT]

Dr.: would love some pix and maybe the history? I echo the comments made above. Depends on quality, what you want to do with it, etc.

[Drgessler]

The watch was originally purchased by my grandfather in 89. It was his daily wear watch. Pretty much on his wrist all the time. In fact I was sent and older pic of his, back when pictures were taken and printed on paper and he had it on his wrist in the picture. He had it for about 10 years and when he passed it was given to my father. It sat in his dresser for about 5 years and then we finally convinced him to start wearing it. He wore it up until the beginning of august when he passed. Then it was given to me. I have been wearing it for about 2 months now. Still getting used to it cuz I'm an omega guy. I have the old sword hands sea master.

[Drgessler]

I would probably 29 years old.

[Fredrik]

You do want to service it to get new gaskets installed. They old ones might or might not still be able to keep your watch from getting water damaged.

[Drgessler]

I would post a pic but I don't know how.

[onthedial]

@Drgessler
While the old nugget "if it ain't broke don't fix it" is often the wisest choice, in this case I would advise against it. I assume the watch hasn't been worn for quite awhile. A basic service by a qualified, independent watch maker (with a Rolex parts account) will be good for the life of the watch.
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Instagram: @onthedial

[Drgessler]

Thanks for the advice guys. I am of the school of thought that gets my watch serviced every 4 years. I have had my omega seamaster serviced twice so far.

[tamiya]

Nah, DJs aren't as fragile as Omegas but they're still mechanical.

Late 80s is barely vintage haha... chances are you'll have a 3135 movement inside, or possibly 3035 if it wasn't too fresh on the shelf when bought. You'll have modern feature of QuickSet date!

3x35 sold in the millions in subsequent years, hardy enough but not as invincible as older models. They do have known weak/wear points so it's best to err on side of more frequent servicing.

Biggest risk right now is:-

1, if you go RSC official route chances are they'll want to changeout every part they deem below brandnew standard plus polish out all signs of previous life until it gleams like new

2, at the other end of spectrum, heads up that 3135 movt has been cloned aftermarket and if you choose an unscrupulous watchmaker on price alone they may adulterate your unit with aftermarket spare parts. Rolex don't sell parts to just anybody. Sometimes dodgy fixers even pop in a whole new clone movt, it's not impossible.

Best speak to your AD contact, ask if there's any local watchmaker with Rolex experience & a Rolex parts account.

[Drgessler]

I guess I've learned quite a bit from this last post. Without stirring up the hornets nest that is the Rolex vs Omega battle, that one late 80s isn't considered vintages I will just go with older then and two Omegas are fragile. Good to know. Haha

[Drgessler]

But thank you for the advice.

[R.W.T.]

RSC will gladly service your watch and not polish it if you ask nicely.

It's far less work for them. They will likely require a crystal and crown and tube and gaskets.

[Drgessler]

If i were to go that route, would they give me the original parts back?

[tamiya]

Originally Posted by Drgessler

If i were to go that route, would they give me the original parts back?

Doubt it. Probably even less likely today.

In the long past RSC has returned me springs and crystal but never gears, crown or tube. Oh, springs bars too. These days I don't recall even seeing old spring bars getting returned.

[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by Drgessler

If i were to go that route, would they give me the original parts back?

No

[Drgessler]

Good to know guys thanks.

[chessebj]

I would get it serviced. I have had excellent work done by ABC Watchwerks and Pieces of Time, with vintage watches. Neither is going to replace anything you don't want replaced.

[Drgessler]

Thanks for the advice. I'm afraid I've been bitten by the bug. Already considering another one.