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SSSS · 29 July 2010, 02:23 AM

Some people feel strongly that Rolexes should be serviced every five years. Some people prefer to wait until their watches lose or gain too much time or just plan stop.

For the latter group, what's the longest you've been able to go without requiring maintenance service?

I'll start off the responses by stating that I know someone who owns a DJ they we're every day that is on its eleventh year since service from the RSC. It runs twenty seconds fast per day but other than that is fine.

Denver Dick · 29 July 2010, 02:40 AM

I had my TT DJ serviced at an RSC last November. It had gone 11 1/2 years since its last servicing. I actually sent it to the RSC because the crown was being held onto the tube by only half a thread (at most) and the original (23 years old) hands were discolored. The movement itself was working well and keeping good time.

shirtguy · 29 July 2010, 02:49 AM

i met a guy who works in torneau in nyc who owns a rolex sub that is 45 yrs old. he said his dad bought it for him as a graduation gift. he told me it hasnt ben serviced in almost 20 yrs and he wears it every day and it works just fine.

Flyer737 · 29 July 2010, 02:49 AM

A bit of a disappointment in all honesty, as posted previously I have just picked up a SS white dial Daytona, brand new from an AD. After having the watch a couple of days noticed it was losing approx 5-6 secs a day, now based on the fact my GMT IIc was losing initially 2-3 secs a day when I got this, as I was in London thought I would drop off and get the guys at London HQ to adjust it, like they did with my GMT IIc. They have told me previosly that they like their watches to always gain 1-2. Personally as I agree with this I subsequently wanted my Daytona to be the same.

I know there has been a lot on here about obsession with accuracy, but when you've spent over £6k on a watch I would expect it to be within tolerance! They duly obliged took the watch away and after a short wait now advised me that they wanted to keep the watch as after adjusting it when they re-tested it on their machines it was all over the shop. Now whilst I appreciate they wouldn't want to let it leave without due diligence, I'm now being told it has to be sent to Bexley in Kent and that the wait will be 2-3 weeks under the sales guarantee scheme. This way a specific engineer is assigned the work and then can test the watch over a longer period, something I wish would have been done when manufactured! They checked the serial no. and believe it or not only was made on 7th July 2010!

In summary I think based on the fact that this is such a new watch, I think it is imperative they are serviced within the guidelines as this way, it should ensure hassle free motoring so to speak.... I just wish i didn't need to be without the watch so long, anyone else had any accuracy issues with their Daytonas!

RLXSTR · 29 July 2010, 03:34 AM

I've seen some come in that haven't been serviced for 30 years. Amazingly a few looked brand new, while others...you wondered how they were still running as dirty as they were.

fc3s2k · 29 July 2010, 03:40 AM

My dad's RG Cellini Danaos lasted 11years with out service, cuz I just service it a month ago. It's circa 1999.

sea-dweller · 29 July 2010, 04:01 AM

10-11 years and no issues. I wear several in rotation...

elvis1 · 29 July 2010, 06:42 AM

My datejust (which my wife wears now) was last serviced in 1997 and worn daily. It is bang on timewise and has never missed a beat.

Lagunatic · 29 July 2010, 06:43 AM

10 years

marfaboy · 29 July 2010, 06:45 AM

It's been since before April 1996 (when I purchased it pre-owned) that my 168000 was last serviced. No issues with its function, but it could use some touch-up on the case and band....

steubi1 · 29 July 2010, 06:48 AM

My first Datejust from 1982 is still running, the accuracy is excellent although I do not wear it often these days.

Never had a service.

And this is exactly what I like extremely about Rolex: Reliability.

Tom

tkc324 · 29 July 2010, 07:00 AM

I have a dj from my grandfather from 78. Its never been serviced... surprisingly it keeps better time then my V daytona...

Zed Homme · 29 July 2010, 07:36 AM

I've never serviced my DJ and I've had it for over seven years... I'm of the philosophy that I won't go for service until something doesn't feel or sound right, or the watch stops keeping good time. The DJ seems as accurate as the day I bought it although I have never formally tested it....

rad87gn · 29 July 2010, 07:57 AM

None of mine have been serviced yet.

Toxicant · 29 July 2010, 08:56 AM

I have a Date from 1960 that was my fathers. When I got it 15 years ago it ran very well, maybe a minute a week. I wore it quite a bit when I first got it but then put it away.

Now I can bring it out and wear it for 5 or 6 hours and it still keeps reasonable time in that period in the sense it keeps running and it isn't off by anything I would notice.

My father always said it was the best watch he had ever owned and no sense letting a watch maker screw it up.

I'm sure everything inside is worn out and devoid of any semblance of lubricant but it keeps ticking.

sakuraba · 29 July 2010, 09:54 AM

My mom's '53 Lady DJ was serviced in 2008! It wasn't very accurate, but my mom didn't have accuracy as one of her needs.

RLXSTR · 30 July 2010, 01:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sakuraba

My mom's '53 Lady DJ was serviced in 2008! It wasn't very accurate, but my mom didn't have accuracy as one of her needs.

That is a GREAT quote!!!! Love it!

sakuraba · 30 July 2010, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HoustonGoldExchange

That is a GREAT quote!!!! Love it!

Thought it was funny too, Don.

I was shocked to find out she had never had it serviced since new. She would just adjust the time "oh, every week or so" (!)

But it never stopped on her!

How's that for durability?!

andrew79 · 29 July 2010, 01:07 PM

wow.... simply amazing story guys...

AJM54 · 29 July 2010, 01:54 PM

My TT Datejust, circa 1988, was last serviced in 1995, worn almost everyday and it is still keeping great time. They are truely an elegant workhorse.

Flyjet601 · 29 July 2010, 02:28 PM

10+ years for me and no issues.

Speaking to a Rolex tech in Singapore, he told me that unless you see issues with the watch, no service required.

Art161 · 29 July 2010, 03:20 PM

I wear the TT DJ that I purchased in 1984 daily, and usually have it serviced every 5-7 years.

While it is at RSC for 3-4 weeks, I wear the OP no date that I purchased in 1971. It hasn't been serviced since I purchased the TT DJ, and wasn't serviced for several years before that. It gains approximately 2 seconds per day.

BlackpoolRolexCoaste · 29 July 2010, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flyjet601

10+ years for me and no issues.

Speaking to a Rolex tech in Singapore, he told me that unless you see issues with the watch, no service required.

I think a lot of this "servicing bull" deliberately plays on Rolex owners insecurities.
I don't expect to pay thousands of pounds for a timepiece that requires servicing every five years or so (and please don't give me that Ferrari analogy).

If it ain't broke don't fix it!

pradeep · 29 July 2010, 04:03 PM

My dad day date has not been serviced for 26 years.. it starts to tick in a minute or so after wearing and keeps superb time!

MagedMS · 29 July 2010, 07:46 PM

14 Yrs. for my old [W] serial 16610 Sub Date..

InVision · 29 July 2010, 09:33 PM

My wife went 19 years without any problems on a Ladies DJ. Just had it service, but for no reason it still was keeping good time. Just wanted a new crystal and a polish.

Mike

eagle_lex · 29 July 2010, 09:50 PM

10 years for my no date sub. no issues. worn daily for a few weeks, then put in rotation with two other watches.

SSSS · 30 July 2010, 01:16 AM

Amazing stories! Keep 'em coming.

Bdel · 30 July 2010, 01:29 AM

20 years on a datejust and it is within +2sec/day
10 years on a day-date and it is within +3 sec/day
7 years on an EXPII and is is within +2 sec/week!!!

All three are almost exactly the same as when they were new. I subscribe to the theory that if it is not broken, dont fix it. When they start to lose/gain more time, I will take them in.

SSSS · 30 July 2010, 01:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bdel

20 years on a datejust and it is within +2sec/day
10 years on a day-date and it is within +3 sec/day
7 years on an EXPII and is is within +2 sec/week!!!

All three are almost exactly the same as when they were new. I subscribe to the theory that if it is not broken, dont fix it. When they start to lose/gain more time, I will take them in.

That's amazing! How often and how long do you wear each of these? Do they stop in between use?

29 July 2010, 02:23 AM	#1
SSSS "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: USA Posts: 198	What's the longest period you've been able to go without servicing your Rolex. Some people feel strongly that Rolexes should be serviced every five years. Some people prefer to wait until their watches lose or gain too much time or just plan stop. For the latter group, what's the longest you've been able to go without requiring maintenance service? I'll start off the responses by stating that I know someone who owns a DJ they we're every day that is on its eleventh year since service from the RSC. It runs twenty seconds fast per day but other than that is fine.

29 July 2010, 02:40 AM	#2
Denver Dick "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Real Name: Wayne Location: Ventura County CA Watch: TT DateJust 16013 Posts: 428	I had my TT DJ serviced at an RSC last November. It had gone 11 1/2 years since its last servicing. I actually sent it to the RSC because the crown was being held onto the tube by only half a thread (at most) and the original (23 years old) hands were discolored. The movement itself was working well and keeping good time. __________________ Rolex DateJust 16013 Omega Railmaster 2503.52

29 July 2010, 02:49 AM	#4
Flyer737 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: UK Posts: 183	One week! A bit of a disappointment in all honesty, as posted previously I have just picked up a SS white dial Daytona, brand new from an AD. After having the watch a couple of days noticed it was losing approx 5-6 secs a day, now based on the fact my GMT IIc was losing initially 2-3 secs a day when I got this, as I was in London thought I would drop off and get the guys at London HQ to adjust it, like they did with my GMT IIc. They have told me previosly that they like their watches to always gain 1-2. Personally as I agree with this I subsequently wanted my Daytona to be the same. I know there has been a lot on here about obsession with accuracy, but when you've spent over £6k on a watch I would expect it to be within tolerance! They duly obliged took the watch away and after a short wait now advised me that they wanted to keep the watch as after adjusting it when they re-tested it on their machines it was all over the shop. Now whilst I appreciate they wouldn't want to let it leave without due diligence, I'm now being told it has to be sent to Bexley in Kent and that the wait will be 2-3 weeks under the sales guarantee scheme. This way a specific engineer is assigned the work and then can test the watch over a longer period, something I wish would have been done when manufactured! They checked the serial no. and believe it or not only was made on 7th July 2010! In summary I think based on the fact that this is such a new watch, I think it is imperative they are serviced within the guidelines as this way, it should ensure hassle free motoring so to speak.... I just wish i didn't need to be without the watch so long, anyone else had any accuracy issues with their Daytonas! __________________

29 July 2010, 03:34 AM	#5
RLXSTR "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Real Name: Donald Location: Texas Watch: Sub5513 / Choc1675 Posts: 826	I've seen some come in that haven't been serviced for 30 years. Amazingly a few looked brand new, while others...you wondered how they were still running as dirty as they were. __________________ '66 5513 Meters First \| '77 1675 Chocolate \| '85 DateJust 2-Tone \| Omega Planet Ocean Chrono XL Orange \| 1978 Omega Speedmaster 1st Walk on the Moon

29 July 2010, 04:01 AM	#7
sea-dweller "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Dennis Location: Bay Area - 925 Posts: 40,018	10-11 years and no issues. I wear several in rotation... __________________ TRF Member #6699 (since September 2007)

29 July 2010, 02:49 AM	#3
shirtguy "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: ny Watch: sub-c Date Posts: 1,322	i met a guy who works in torneau in nyc who owns a rolex sub that is 45 yrs old. he said his dad bought it for him as a graduation gift. he told me it hasnt ben serviced in almost 20 yrs and he wears it every day and it works just fine.

29 July 2010, 03:40 AM	#6
fc3s2k "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Real Name: Barry Location: california Watch: OFFICINE PANERAI Posts: 1,289	My dad's RG Cellini Danaos lasted 11years with out service, cuz I just service it a month ago. It's circa 1999.

29 July 2010, 06:42 AM	#8
elvis1 "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Las Vegas Watch: GMT ll 1969 DJ Posts: 62	My datejust (which my wife wears now) was last serviced in 1997 and worn daily. It is bang on timewise and has never missed a beat.

29 July 2010, 06:43 AM	#9
Lagunatic Banned Join Date: Apr 2010 Real Name: Ron Location: Laguna Niguel, Ca Watch: Rolex 116613LN Posts: 1,724	10 years

29 July 2010, 06:45 AM	#10
marfaboy "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Real Name: Michael Location: Austin, Texas Watch: Submariner 16800 Posts: 105	It's been since before April 1996 (when I purchased it pre-owned) that my 168000 was last serviced. No issues with its function, but it could use some touch-up on the case and band....

29 July 2010, 06:48 AM	#11
steubi1 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Real Name: Tom Location: Switzerland Watch: too many Posts: 1,150	My first Datejust from 1982 is still running, the accuracy is excellent although I do not wear it often these days. Never had a service. And this is exactly what I like extremely about Rolex: Reliability. Tom

29 July 2010, 07:00 AM	#12
tkc324 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Real Name: Tom Location: Chi town Watch: Daytona AP DD Sub Posts: 3,717	I have a dj from my grandfather from 78. Its never been serviced... surprisingly it keeps better time then my V daytona...

29 July 2010, 07:36 AM	#13
Zed Homme "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Real Name: Chris Location: usa Watch: Rolex Posts: 6,962	I've never serviced my DJ and I've had it for over seven years... I'm of the philosophy that I won't go for service until something doesn't feel or sound right, or the watch stops keeping good time. The DJ seems as accurate as the day I bought it although I have never formally tested it....

29 July 2010, 07:57 AM	#14
rad87gn "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Chad Location: Des Moines, Iowa Watch: Rolex, PAM, Omega Posts: 1,607	None of mine have been serviced yet. __________________ Rolex P-Series SS GMT II Black, Rolex Y-Series Sea-Dweller, Rolex F-Series TT Blue Sub, Rolex F-Series Sub LV, Rolex D-Series Ladies SS/WG DJ for wife, Panerai K-Series PAM 112, Omega Speedmaster Pro 3570.50, Omega Seamaster 300M Chrono 2594.52

29 July 2010, 08:56 AM	#15
Toxicant "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Real Name: Ron Location: Maine, USA Posts: 374	I have a Date from 1960 that was my fathers. When I got it 15 years ago it ran very well, maybe a minute a week. I wore it quite a bit when I first got it but then put it away. Now I can bring it out and wear it for 5 or 6 hours and it still keeps reasonable time in that period in the sense it keeps running and it isn't off by anything I would notice. My father always said it was the best watch he had ever owned and no sense letting a watch maker screw it up. I'm sure everything inside is worn out and devoid of any semblance of lubricant but it keeps ticking. __________________ Time is precious, regulate it with class.

29 July 2010, 09:54 AM	#16
sakuraba "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Real Name: Jib Location: SJ, California Watch: sun dial Posts: 8,189	My mom's '53 Lady DJ was serviced in 2008! It wasn't very accurate, but my mom didn't have accuracy as one of her needs. __________________ F 14000 AirKing black F 16710 GMT Pepsi F 16570 Explorer II white T 16600 SD D 16610 LV "fine quality is remembered long after the pain of spending money" -Steve Mulholland

29 July 2010, 01:07 PM	#19
andrew79 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Real Name: Andrew Location: Indonesia Watch: Rolex Posts: 2,277	wow.... simply amazing story guys... __________________ Baume & Mercier Riviera Rolex GMT II c, DJ 116234, Sub 16610, EXP 2 16570 Panerai 111 , 232

29 July 2010, 01:54 PM	#20
AJM54 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: CT Watch: Rolex Datejust Posts: 85	My TT Datejust, circa 1988, was last serviced in 1995, worn almost everyday and it is still keeping great time. They are truely an elegant workhorse.

29 July 2010, 02:28 PM	#21
Flyjet601 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Hong Kong Watch: All of them Posts: 2,789	10+ years for me and no issues. Speaking to a Rolex tech in Singapore, he told me that unless you see issues with the watch, no service required. __________________ I used to be indecisive, now I'm not sure

29 July 2010, 03:20 PM	#22
Art161 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Real Name: Art Location: San Francisco Watch: Sundial Posts: 2,266	I wear the TT DJ that I purchased in 1984 daily, and usually have it serviced every 5-7 years. While it is at RSC for 3-4 weeks, I wear the OP no date that I purchased in 1971. It hasn't been serviced since I purchased the TT DJ, and wasn't serviced for several years before that. It gains approximately 2 seconds per day. __________________ Rolex SS Oyster Perpetual no date, TT Datejust Member #13992 HM Power to the Superlative Panda, officially certified! HMPanda eats, shoots and leaves. Rolexers do it with perpetual movements.

29 July 2010, 04:03 PM	#24
pradeep "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: Pradeep Location: In a crazy world! Watch: Rolex Day Dates Posts: 265	My dad day date has not been serviced for 26 years.. it starts to tick in a minute or so after wearing and keeps superb time!

29 July 2010, 07:46 PM	#25
MagedMS "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: Maged Location: Egypt Watch: SUBMARINER 114060 Posts: 514	Longest Service Time 14 Yrs. for my old [W] serial 16610 Sub Date.. __________________ ROLEX SUBMARINER-114060/116610 LN/116613 LB ROLEX DEEPSEA-116660/116660 DBL/SD43-126600 ROLEX GMT II C-116710 LN/EXPLORER II-216570 BK ROLEX DAYTONA-116503 BLABR ROLEX MILLGAUSS-116400 GV

29 July 2010, 09:33 PM	#26
InVision Banned Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: Mike Location: Destin, FL USA Watch: Outerspace DayDate Posts: 2,662	My wife went 19 years without any problems on a Ladies DJ. Just had it service, but for no reason it still was keeping good time. Just wanted a new crystal and a polish. Mike

29 July 2010, 09:50 PM	#27
eagle_lex "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Real Name: Ed Location: Lexington, Ky Watch: AP and Rolex Posts: 541	10 years for my no date sub. no issues. worn daily for a few weeks, then put in rotation with two other watches.

30 July 2010, 01:16 AM	#28
SSSS "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: USA Posts: 198	Amazing stories! Keep 'em coming.

30 July 2010, 01:29 AM	#29
Bdel "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Real Name: Bruce Location: New Hampshire Posts: 271	20 years on a datejust and it is within +2sec/day 10 years on a day-date and it is within +3 sec/day 7 years on an EXPII and is is within +2 sec/week!!! All three are almost exactly the same as when they were new. I subscribe to the theory that if it is not broken, dont fix it. When they start to lose/gain more time, I will take them in. __________________ Collection: Yachtmaster TT, Milgauss, Explorer II, SeaDweller, Air King, Lange #1, BR03-92, Panerai PAM 112, Omega Planet Ocean, Corum Admirals Cup, Ball Engineer, U-boat Flight Deck, Longines Silver Arrow, Hamilton Ventura,etc...

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