Servicing/repairing a vintage Rolex

[mavila]

Apologize for some newbie questions. I also just introduced myself in the new members section. I just inherited what I believe is a vintage Rolex from my father, who got it from his father as a graduation present (this would have been in the 50s). My father has worn this every day as long as I can remember and I was surprised and flattered when he handed it to me a few months ago.

It is due for a servicing and I'm looking for some advice. I wore it for a few weeks until a very small part on the clasp broke, so in addition to the regular servicing, it also will need a minor repair. The official Rolex site only lists 2 Rolex Service Centers in the U.S. - New York and Dallas. However, in a FAQ on this forum I also saw a recommended Rolex Service Center "not owned by corporate" in San Francisco. I also read somewhere else that some service centers will not work on vintage models. The San Francisco location is fairly convenient since I'm in the Palo Alto area. Is there anything I need to be concerned about? Does this need to go to New York or Dallas?

I don't have much information on the watch since I don't know how to remove the band to view the serial number. The clasp does have "MODELE DEPOS BREVETE" on it, with a "51" written on the part that attaches to the case. This watch is also a mid-sized watch, which I haven't really seen before. I'm attaching a few pictures. As you can see, it has some wear and tear, but it's not bad for a watch that's been worn almost every day for over 50 years. Two of the pictures show the part of the clasp that broke and needs repair.

Looking forward to getting it services and fixed. Any advice would be appreciated. TIA.

[HL65]

Neither NY or Dallas will service it given it's age. You can take to Giovanni at SF Rolex. He will do a good job for you. Make sure you keep everything on watch original and do not polish it-just a good old fashioned cleaning. It looks nice from what I can tell. Best--Ken

[kyle L]

Man that's a nice looking watch! Whatever you do don't change anything especially the dial or the hands like Ken said.

[mavila]

Thanks for the replies. I will probably be visiting Giovanni at SF Rolex this week I guess. A couple of other questions. Is this a watch I can wear on a regular basis, or is this something I should be treating more carefully given its age? Should the watch be wound regularly even when not worn? Does it "hurt" the watch any to sit for extended periods of time unwound and completely stopped?

[sherwin]

I would wear it daily... But to be honest I'll be more worried about dinging it. If you want a rolex; best to find a model that you want and make that your daily wear.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by mavila

Thanks for the replies. I will probably be visiting Giovanni at SF Rolex this week I guess. A couple of other questions. Is this a watch I can wear on a regular basis, or is this something I should be treating more carefully given its age? Should the watch be wound regularly even when not worn? Does it "hurt" the watch any to sit for extended periods of time unwound and completely stopped?

If it was worn every day for 50 years by your Dad, it's unlikely that you wearing it every day will exact any more toll on it..

Once it is cleaned, oiled, and any movement parts that may be out of tolerance are replaced, it will likely be good for another decade or so before you need to have it serviced again...

It won't hurt it at all to let it run down when not in use...

[HL65]

Originally Posted by tools

if it was worn every day for 50 years by your dad, it's unlikely that you wearing it every day will exact any more toll on it..

Once it is cleaned, oiled, and any movement parts that may be out of tolerance are replaced, it will likely be good for another decade or so before you need to have it serviced again...

It won't hurt it at all to let it run down when not in use...

x2!

[timehonored]

Hi TIA, Thats a beatiful old Rolex! I might be reticent to wear this watch every day with the current band. A 1951 Rivet oyster bracelet (51 Brevet) is probably starting to get worn. As for winding it when your not wearing it, I'd say that is neither necessary nor desirable. I'm not positive, but if it's the "10 1/2 ligne Hunter", parts are getting scarce, and not available from Rolex USA. (Giovanni probably still has new old stock parts in inventory) Winding it once a week or a few times a month will keep the lubricants in good order. Just my opinion for what it's worth.

[mavila]

Just dropped the watch off at SF Rolex. As a newbie not used to having a nice watch, I have to say the cost has me hoping I don't have to service it that often. Just as timehonored said, they did say that winding it a couple of times a month is probably best to keep it will lubricated (made an analogy to running an engine regularly).

One other question I had. They told me they would replace the crystal and they had to replace it to certify it and guarantee it was waterproof. Given the earlier recommendations to "keep everything original" and the strong sentiment many people here have to having "patina" on a watch, does this give anyone pause? Should I request this NOT be done?

[KarlFr]

No probs replacing the crystal with a NewOldStock (NOS) one valuewise, better replacing that than the whole movement due to water leakage and rust later

[CaveDiver]

Fine, just ask for the old parts back

[rolexpawn]

That Rolex will out last you, it is a fine watch, keep it serviced, check annually for water resistance, put on a new crystal on it a wear it.

[mavila]

Thanks for all the replies everyone.

[dbphotos]

I see you are in the SF Bay Area.

If you are close to Menlo Park I would use Franz Lorist on Oak Grove Ave. He handles vintage pieces.

If you want to ship it then Bob Ridley in Arlington, TX.

[EverydayCats]

Thanks for posting the picture. I assume the band is original. I have a watch from about the same time and have looked for a picture of a similar watch with original band. Thanks for posting.

[Michael M.]

Originally Posted by kyle L

Man that's a nice looking watch! Whatever you do don't change anything especially the dial or the hands like Ken said.

I agree, beautiful patina