11 years, never serviced, +:02/day - what would you do?

[Bobble]

Originally Posted by Alcan

This 1575 movement in my 1630 Datejust was the most accurate of all my mechanical watches. Because I believe in preventive maintenance and not the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" mind set, I sent it to Bob Ridley for an overhaul because I figured it was due. Here's one of the pix he sent back. The red dust used to be a jewel. Draw your own conclusions.

You can't argue with that sort of hard evidence, I'd get it serviced

[humvee]

I would turn it into a local watchmaker who services rolex watches - ofcourse they do not do a superextensive job on it but then the cost is minimal too and that's probably all you need.

Rolex recommends service every 4-5 yrs if your watch is being used like a tool watch -- which is not the case with modern buyers. Also, servicing is a big reveune stream for them so they encourage servicing.

My sub is 14yrs old and I have babied it and it runs like new. If you take good care of them, you should not need servicing in your lifetime. You wanna bash and beatup a watch, then that what seikos, citizens, casios and omegas are for!!

[slcbbrown]

First off, I'd find another service source. $800 is too high. Once you find a $500 service, I'd start saving for the service.

My big concern isn't with the watch movement, so much as the watertightness. Old seals can be a real problem, whether the watch runs well or not. A Rolex that can't be used for a swim, has lost a lot of its versatility.

[subtona]

Originally Posted by padi56

Well now all the Rolex polishing machines are being standardised at all RCS and watch should come back as original factory spec, as long as there were only normal light every day scratches etc.And just cannot understand how any patina can apply to the polished bits.If its showing like you say patina on the polished bits its not patina but simply dirt or some sort of sweat chemical stain etc, polished bits are meant to look polished and shiny.

peter,

patina in my reference is not meant to refer to dirt or film, but the blending of the light swirls so they become a pattern in and of themselves. "an acquired change in the appearance of a surface"

its painful to go through this when everything is polished to perfection (TT sub), each new scratch screams out, but once you have it covered... its the sweet spot for a daily wearer.

i like my watch looking worn, not dirty

[harry in montreal]

chill,
do you know what mcqueen is beign booked-for in that mugshot where he's smirking? DUI. not cool. even in alaska

[Mickey®]

Originally Posted by harry in montreal

chill,
do you know what mcqueen is beign booked-for in that mugshot where he's smirking? DUI. not cool. even in alaska

Drunk Driving in Alaska!!!

[Casey VP-26]

$800.00 is a lot of money to fix something that is not broke. I have at least 3 or 4 newer rolex's still in warranty and they don't run within 2 sec. a day.

[mtasquared]

I didn't service my sub for 21 years. For the last year it was +20 sec/day. After servicing its running like new! But if I had the foresight, I would have done it at ten years. You should get it serviced. It's only $600 at Rolex USA, New York.

[Captain Kirkwood]

Originally Posted by padi56

And why ever not there is nothing special with a sub with lug holes and a SEL there must be quite a few thousand around.And a normal routine service and polish will do no harm whatsoever.

Special to me. If I were to get a 16610, it would be one with lug holes and SELs.

As far as polishing, I would not want it done to my watch. Removes character, and metal. But to each their own.

[Rodmo]

I don't follow the 5 year service suggestion, but 10 years IMHO is time enough. I would get it serviced.........although I would admit to having a Breitling I bought in 1994 and it has never been serviced and runs just fine.