New Vintage DateJust

[alexandermcking]

I was recently just given a 18k white gold / stainless datejust with jubilee bracelet which used to belong to my grandfather. I noticed it is vintage (at least 15 years old) and was wondering would rolex service center be able to service it? Meaning is it too old to be serviced? The face is also scratched and i was wondering if anyone would NOT recommend changing it?

Much thanks in advance for any advice and hope i didn't post in a wrong section.

[sleddog]

Rolex will service the watch, and replace the crystal...

Once serviced, it will look good as new!

[slcbbrown]

Rolex will certainly work on a 15 year old watch. At 30 years, I believe they'll do a service if parts are still available. You won't have problems getting a DJ serviced at Rolex or any of the numerous independents.

If the "face" is scratched, and it isn't the crystal, it's possible to change a dial. Most scratches are on the crystals, though. An acrylic crystal is changed at service time, but a sapphire one isn't-- unless you want it done.

[alexandermcking]

Thanks guys! I was afraid it is too old to be serviced, i don't even know how old it is exactly. I meant that the crystal is scratched and didn't know the proper term. How can i tell if the cyrstal is acrylic vs sapphire? I'm hoping to take before and after pix of the restoration.

[waspy1]

A sapphire crystal is perfectly flat except for the bubble at the date (cyclops). Acrylic has a slight dome effect and is plasticky to touch. Sapphire is pretty tough to scratch, acrylic very easy. Although acrylic also easy to polish out minor scratches.