Watchmaker's service marks

[Freespeach]

In 1989 I bought first Rolex a date just from Wempe in Vienna. This was a brand new watch, or so I thought. Since it had the sapphire crystal which came out in 1988 and Wempe Is an AD pretty sure it was a new watch.

Fast forward.
My watch has never been serviced before.
The crystal broke so I had it serviced by a very reliable and highly recommended independent.

He informed me that there were 2 previous service marks on the inside and a couple of the interior screws had marks during previous servicing by an screw driver that was not sharp. He said watchmakers going back hundreds of years would mark the inside of watches/clocks anytime they opened or serviced an instrument of time.

So to my question...back in the late 80s and early 90s did Rolex service mark new Rolexes or even service them before selling?

Has anyone heard of this?

[spoilsofwar01]

cant say I have heard of this before, did the watch come with box and papers? it would be interesting to learn if Rolex have a record of it ever being service by them before, and as the owner from new they should disclose to you any information relating to your watch. hope this helps

[watchmaker]

Originally Posted by Freespeach

...My watch has never been serviced before

Just for clarification, are you saying your watch has never in the time since you bought it been to a watchmaker for any reason whatsoever?

[Freespeach]

Never ever...
No prior work whatsoever

[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by Freespeach

Never ever...
No prior work whatsoever

It has been opened by somebody for there to be writing on the case back inside. AFAIK, there is no markings from the factory on a brand new watch. In addition, the movement screws will be immaculate and not buggered up.
Bet you the watch was NOT brand new as you thought.

[Freespeach]

Originally Posted by Bigblu10

It has been opened by somebody for there to be writing on the case back inside. AFAIK, there is no markings from the factory on a brand new watch. In addition, the movement screws will be immaculate and not buggered up.
Bet you the watch was NOT brand new as you thought.

So this begs the question...was Wempe a reputable AD 30 years ago.

[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by Freespeach

So this begs the question...was Wempe a reputable AD 30 years ago. Or for that matter...any AD

I can only speculate. Perhaps the watch was sent for warranty service before it was sold? Don't know the answer here.

[Nikrnic]

It sounds like you bought a new used watch in 1989. I guess it doesn't really matter now.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[powerfunk]

Originally Posted by Freespeach

pretty sure it was a new watch.

Did they give you the box and warranty card?

[Freespeach]

Box yes...back then warranty cards did not exist
Instead you got a certificate with the serial number perforated in the certificate. Got red seal and white sticker as well

[Robtayham]

I can’t speak for when you bought it.

But, without a doubt, it’s used now.

Water under the bridge, let it go.

[2001jesper]

No one will know what happend. Your current watchmaker could also have mis-handled the screws and given you a story.

You have a great watch. Enjoy it