Tudor Repairer suggestions, UK.

[Percival007]

Hello all,

I'm new here so hello to everyone.

I have purchased a Tudor Prince Oysterdate from ebay recently. I believe it is from the early nineties. I have allways aspired to owning an example of this type of watch ever since drooling over them whilst on lunch-break from college, wandering the shops in my local town centre! So now, years later and having saved up i bit the bullet, so to speak!

It has not got the original papers with it and has not got the original strap. The hands and the minute markers no longer illuminate in the dark. Other than that the watch is beautifull and keeps time perfectly.

Because of the little niggles listed above and i thought a service would not go amiss i took it to my local Jewellers (a Rolex agent). I was told that because it did not have the papers they were unable to ascertain whether the watch was genuine or not and if sent to the Rolex service centre it may be returned to me "smashed" if discovered to be a fake watch. I was reasonably sure that the watch was a genuine Tudor so asked if they would send the watch off.

I was telephoned by the Jewellers on Friday (29th Feb), 6 weeks after Rolex had sent notification of receipt of the watch and was told that Rolex had returned the watch unrepaired. There was a covering letter.

I won't quote the whole letter, but basically i am informed that the watch was "manufactured many years ago" and if opened and they were "...to find worn or broken..." parts, a repair to a satisfactory standard would be impossible, so nothing would be done. The watch was not smashed though, so i assume the watch to be genuine, at least some good news!

This i find a little surprising on a watch that i presume would have cost perhaps £500? when new.

Would any of you care to comment on my experience and perhaps offer any suggestions. Perhaps you could offer suggestions on an independant watch repairer with Tudor experience in the U.K. where i can get the watch serviced and perhaps the faults sorted.

Sorry to "go a bit" on my first post.

All the best, James.

[Tools]

Welcome to The Forum James.

I'm a bit surprised tohear how Rolex handled your Tudor. Tudor used the well known and plentiful ETA movements, so I am unsure why there would not be parts available except that Rolex and Swatch (ETA manufacturer) do not see eye-to-eye.

The good news is that since these movements are plentiful in the world, many decent watchmakers will be able to ensure it's proper functioning.

There are many fine crafstmen in the UK, so I am moving your post to the main Rolex forum where you might find some experiences..

[Spark]

James,
I too am very surprised.
I have an early eighties Tudor, which I had serviced by Rolex Bexley 2 years ago.
Are you sure the watch is 90's?
What Symbol does your watch have on the dial?
Is it a Shield or a Rose?
A picture would be helpful as I would think it must be very early for Rolex not to want to service it, they usually only do this with watches over 30 years old that they no longer hold parts for if it is over that age, but they still hold parts they will usually service it anyway.
As Larry has said all is not lost the ETA movement will have plenty of parts availability if needed and there are many good watchmakers here.
I have used a chap called Brian at Tickers in Oldham Tel No 01616 242555 a few times and can say he is very reliable and reasonably priced.
Give him a ring and have a chat he is Swiss trained, so knows his onions.
Cheers,

Mark

[Percival007]

Thank-you chaps for the encouraging replies.

There is a shield on the face, not a rose. I am not 100% certain of the date of manufacture, but think 90's. I have posted some pics, if any-one can clarify i'd be gratefull.

Thanks for the information on the Oldham repairer, i'll give him a ring.

Regards, James.

[Spark]

James,
That is approx the same time frame as my one.
I am even more surprised now that Rolex will not entertain a service.
Where are you in the UK?
If you are close to Kent/London it would be worth your while taking the watch to Bexley yourself.
You actually get to speak with one of the top watchmakers/Technitians and they explain everything (if you ask/show an interest).
Luckily I live in Kent, so it only takes me 45 mins to pop up to the service center.
Here is a pic of mine so you can see it is approx the same age.
Cheers,

Mark.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Welcome to TRF!

"Second Time Round" in the Gray's Antique Market in London, near Oxford Street, off Bond St. Tube St., does repair jobs, two.

Enjoy your stay here!

[Percival007]

Thanks Spark for the information, though you don't actually say when your watch was made, it does seem similar to mine.

The letter received back with the watch was on Rolex headed paper and from the Bexley service centre so a trip there would not i think be beneficial. I am in Berkshire so it would not be too far though.

Thanks again for the replies and interest,

best wishes, James.