Rolex service Mid Case Question

[Zipper@24]

Hello All,

I’ve recently sent my 16013 datejust in for service at RSC Dallas. Upon estimate, they reccomended a new mid case, which I consented to. I was wondering, for an older watch like this, will it be replaced with a NOS case from that time period, or does Rolex machine a new modern case?

Thanks in advance for any replies!

[STEELINOX]

It will be a new "service case" with a "service case serial number" which also means you will have to give up your old mid casing and it's registered serial number. ROLEX will not place your old serial number on the new mid casing. Your old case will be destroyed...


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[SubMarine]

Say goodbye to half the value of your watch.

[Justinmg]

Originally Posted by SubMarine

Say goodbye to half the value of your watch.

Not on a five digit datejust, I had a 1995 14060 with a service case that I recently sold and I promise I didn’t sell it for $3500 having a new case will be nice, enjoy! Plus I forgot are we buying watches for our enjoyment or for resale value

[Zipper@24]

Well, the reason I got it done was sentimental value, and ensuring longevity. I’m never going to sell the watch, so that doesn’t matter to me. It was a watch my dad gave me for college graduation, and he didn’t take the best care of the case, so I figured I’d follow Rolex recommendations.

[Zipper@24]

Thank y’all for your replies

[Jessemack]

Did they recommend the new mid case just for looks because it was scratched or dented... or was it suggested because of a mechanical issue with the movement or dial??

[Dan S]

I wouldn't do it. If the old case is in bad shape, I'd just have it repaired.

[offrdmania]

On a datejust I dont see an issue with a replacement midcase. It isnt a highly historically significant piece.

[Zipper@24]

The case was pretty worn out, scratched and dented. It was my fathers, and he wore it 24/7 until passing it on to me, going running with it, etc.

In particular, the lugs were wearing out, according to the tech. I asked how long the case would last if I declined, and they said around 5-8 years. Being that this is the 1st service this watch has had since around 1996, (it’s 35 years old), I figured I may as well take care of it now as opposed to down the road.

Personally, I would have preferred to keep the original case, but I want it to last as long as possible, since I’m never going to sell it.

[Verdi]

Originally Posted by SubMarine

Say goodbye to half the value of your watch.

Not at all.
On the contrary, it would be a mint, new case, DJ with service done by Rolex.
It would be as good as new and many people like to have such a piece.

[Zipper@24]

The reason they recommended the case be replaced was the lugs were wearing out, and in general the case was pretty dented. I asked how long it would last if I didn’t replace it, and they stated about 5-8 years. I figured since I was already getting it serviced I may as well do it, rather than deal wit it next time. The watch hasn’t been serviced since about 1996, so it was probably time, and as I said previously I’m not concerned with market values as it will never be sold.

[Zipper@24]

Interestingly, they wanted to replace the hands, but not the dial. They still stated the dial was scratched/spotted, but didn’t require replacement. They also stated the crystal was scratched. I assume it’s acrylic and they’ll just replace or polish it, since I wasn’t charged for replacing that either.

[crowncollection]

It won’t effect value on that model. It will look nice


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[bob78h]

Interesting that they said the lugs will wear out. I wonder if that's the result of being polished (and the thinner lugs on the DJ vs say a Sub), or just natural wear and tear?

I'd be interested in seeing some photos of the replacement! I too wonder if they use a new case or period correct for service cases. I've seen some service case Subs and I know they have smaller chamfers than original.

[Zipper@24]

I think it was natural wear, as it was only polished once in its lifetime. My dad doesn’t really maintain his watches, he did everything with it before passing it to me, running with it, etc

I’ll post photos of it when it comes back.