The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX


Go Back   Rolex Forums - Rolex Forum > Rolex & Tudor Watch Topics > Vintage Rolex Discussion

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 1 July 2015, 09:14 AM   #1
mootaineer
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 1
Icon9 Getting an old DateJust serviced

Hi everyone,

I'm new here.
I'm wondering if anyone can provide advice on the restoration/service of my father's old DateJust?

It's a 1966 model and it has sentimental value to him as it was a gift from his late brother.

It's in poor condition so I thought it would be nice to have it serviced. My local AD had to send it back to Switzerland due to its age but their quote is a not-insignificant £4600!

I've googled "1966 DateJust" and it seems to be worth around £2000.
If it was a car perhaps it would be considered a write-off.

Can anyone suggest other ways of having it restored or is the only recommended route via Rolex?

Many thanks in advance
Joe
mootaineer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 1 July 2015, 10:56 AM   #2
Tools
TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron
 
Tools's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Real Name: Larry
Location: Mojave Desert
Watch: GMT's
Posts: 43,516
Restoration is far different than a functional overhaul. Not sure why it would be sent to Switzerland as the local Rolex Service Center should be able to take care of a 1966 Datejust.

Usually they would provide a list of required and suggested actions and parts. You could look at that list and pick the things you want and those you don't and get the cost down somewhat.

There are also some very good independent watchmakers in the UK you could get an estimate from.
__________________
(Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....)
NAWCC Member
Tools is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 1 July 2015, 11:19 AM   #3
Old Expat Beast
TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron
 
Old Expat Beast's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Real Name: Adam
Location: Far East
Watch: Golden Tuna
Posts: 28,826
Rolex has quoted me several times more for a vintage watch than they charge to service the modern equivalent. As Larry says, find a good independent who wil charge you much less. Have you got photos so we can see the exterior condition?
Old Expat Beast is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 1 July 2015, 11:32 AM   #4
Wesley Crusher
"TRF" Member
 
Wesley Crusher's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Real Name: Wes
Location: Holosuite
Posts: 6,345
For a vintage Rolex, RSC is not your best bet. They likely want to replace the dial, hands, crystal, bezel, etc... A good independent watchmaker will be able to service the movement, keeping everything else original (assuming there is not an actual need for something to be replaced).

Can you post some pictures?
Wesley Crusher is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 1 July 2015, 11:35 AM   #5
crowncollection
"TRF" Member
 
crowncollection's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Real Name: David
Location: australia
Posts: 20,216
go to a good independent watchmaker
__________________
watches many
crowncollection is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 1 July 2015, 05:42 PM   #6
sdwtchlvr
"TRF" Member
 
sdwtchlvr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: SoCal
Watch: Rolex
Posts: 1,308
Agreed, you should be able to get that serviced for a fraction of the RSC estimate at a good independent watchmaker. If you share your location, I'm sure someone can help point you in the right direction.
sdwtchlvr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 1 July 2015, 05:53 PM   #7
tonyfabro
Banned
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 342
ABC watchwerks. Ask to talk to Edvi, they did a similar thing for my dad's DJ from 59'
tonyfabro is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 1 July 2015, 06:28 PM   #8
Old Expat Beast
TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron
 
Old Expat Beast's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Real Name: Adam
Location: Far East
Watch: Golden Tuna
Posts: 28,826
Quote:
Originally Posted by tonyfabro View Post
ABC watchwerks. Ask to talk to Edvi, they did a similar thing for my dad's DJ from 59'
OP is in the UK, he doesn't want to be sending his watch to California.
Old Expat Beast is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 1 July 2015, 06:58 PM   #9
davidoxman
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Leicester
Watch: Rolex OP
Posts: 101
Try Watch Doctors in Hertfordshire they have a website and use Rolex trained techs! Worth a quote?
davidoxman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 July 2015, 04:40 AM   #10
afterworkproject
"TRF" Member
 
afterworkproject's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: London
Posts: 81
If you're based around London try Russell Talerman. He's just off Regent's street. He serviced my 69/70 Date Just. Good reliable service.
__________________
Rolex DateJust 1601/DayDate 18038/SeaDweller 16600/GMT Master 1675
Panerai 312
IWC Portuguese Chrono
Jaegar Le Coultre Master Control
afterworkproject is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 July 2015, 04:59 AM   #11
southtexas
2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member
 
southtexas's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Great State of TX
Posts: 5,764
Wow for that price are they trying to sell you a new bracelet as well? If it is in poor condition, you can send it to Michael Young in HK for tightening at a fraction of the cost of a new one.
__________________
Forty six & 2 are just ahead of me.

Follow me on Instagram @ccrolex
southtexas is online now   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

OCWatches

Wrist Aficionado

My Watch LLC

WatchesOff5th

DavidSW Watches

Takuya Watches


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.