Should I send it in for service..?

[domthedon]

Hi all,

I have a circa 1989 18238 YG diamond dial (rare brilliant cut markers) Day-date that has, to my knowledge, and that of Rolex, never been serviced. I called them to do a serial check and they have confirmed they have never seen the watch. It could have been serviced in the past (movement only) by a watchmaker but no real way of telling without opening it up.

It keeps good time, might gain a minute over two weeks or something which doesn't bother me in the slightest.

My main concerns, and reasons for asking are as follows;

1. If Rolex were to service the watch with their re-polish/finishing of the case and bracelet etc, will this have any impact on the value of the watch? I see a lot of dealers promoting the fact a watch has never been polished.

2. It's a model that used Tritium on the hands only. Obviously, the Tritium doesn't glow at all anymore and I guess Rolex are going to want to replace the hands or re-lume them. Is this going to bump the cost of the service up that much more? Also, effect value with regards to the fact it's no longer original?

There's something that really appeals to me about having it re-polished and looking shinny new, but I'm not so sure I'll keep it forever and may wish to sell so I'm a little reluctant to send it in if it's going to effect it's value. My father just recently received his back from Rolex, he has a 118238 champagne roman and the difference that polish makes is quite something.

Thoughts please!

[padi56]

First if no service history it would be wise to have a full service sooner than later.As long as the RSC is doing the polishing it will have no effect on future value.And the DD is not thought of as being really collectible as again if you want to see the lume have the hands changed that's up to you.But even if serviced you do not have to go along with all Rolex recommendations unless it would effect the running of the watch.

[roverman318]

I just got my 1803 back from Rolex service with a polish/finishing and I have to agree that the polish is something. The watch looks brand new and the gold is glistening bright. Almost didn't recognize it. My watch had tritium on the hands and the dots around the dial but they never touched it so not sure if you have to request it in order for it to be changed. I also would say if its one or two re-polish/finishing done correctly, I don't think that would have a great impact on lowering the value of your watch.

[roverman318]

Here's a pic


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[azguy]

Originally Posted by roverman318

Here's a pic


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[domthedon]

Loving that champagne stick dial roverman318! Looks beautiful.

Thanks for the response guys. I'm going to send it in this week. I will post some pics when I get it back!

[vette boy 52]

Get it serviced, believe me it needs it. it is worth it

[Racerdj]

Get it serviced. It will seem like a new Rolex.

[watchwatcher]

Agree...I would have it serviced.

[franklin]

It's beautiful.

[tkerrmd]

yup!! it deserves it

[Tools]

Originally Posted by domthedon

Hi all,

. . .
My main concerns, and reasons for asking are as follows;

1. If Rolex were to service the watch with their re-polish/finishing of the case and bracelet etc, will this have any impact on the value of the watch? I see a lot of dealers promoting the fact a watch has never been polished.

2. It's a model that used Tritium on the hands only. Obviously, the Tritium doesn't glow at all anymore and I guess Rolex are going to want to replace the hands or re-lume them. Is this going to bump the cost of the service up that much more? Also, effect value with regards to the fact it's no longer original?
. . .

Thoughts please!

1. Dealers/sellers don't always tell the truth. They think that they will appeal to purists if they claim it was never touched. If done properly, you can't tell.

2. Rolex does not re-lume. They will not change the hands if you don't want them changed, but, yes; if you want new hands and dials they charge for them.

Rolex gives you the scope of work and both required service items and recommended items . Usually tritium hands and dials are in the recommended category if they are not disintegrating. You do not have to have them changed.

[rmurphy]

Awesome watch, well worth a trip to the RSC "spa"


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[skprd13]

You will be pleasantly surprised once done by Rolex and will hardly know the difference! Good luck on whatever you decide. Of course you will pay for a Rolex service no surprises there I am sure.
Tom

[BNA/LION]

Get it serviced by a CW21 Watch Maker. I had mine done a few years ago and went for a light polish. Take it apart, clean it and set it to tell perfect time!

[77T]

My thoughts...
- If it runs well enough to your expectations
- If the case and bracelet are decent looking
- If it's still water proof to spec

Then leave it alone. But that's just me.
My main concern whenever I get in a preowned Rolex is to have it checked for accuracy, presence of lube, and water resistance.

Wouldn't it be a shame if you took a dip in the pool and saw moisture under the crystal?


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[domthedon]

Originally Posted by 77T

My thoughts...
- If it runs well enough to your expectations
- If the case and bracelet are decent looking
- If it's still water proof to spec

Then leave it alone. But that's just me.
My main concern whenever I get in a preowned Rolex is to have it checked for accuracy, presence of lube, and water resistance.

Wouldn't it be a shame if you took a dip in the pool and saw moisture under the crystal?


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Yeah, everything looks great, the movement is keeping great time. I haven't been swimming with it on or anything as I've been worried that the water seals may not hold up! I guess this is good enough reason alone to have it serviced.

I called my AD, they can service it in house or can send it to RSC for me. Price is the same, £490, just longer turn-around from RSC. Also, my AD doesn't supply you with a Rolex guarantree card which I kinda want since I don't have the original papers.

Thanks for all the comments, very helpful.

[crowncollection]

Service it, people get carried away with this no polishing. There is a good polish and bad polish, people on forums want unpolished, your average buyer wants it polished so don't worry you will not lose value.


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[Presa canary]

This. It isn't broke, why fix it?

Originally Posted by 77T

My thoughts...
- If it runs well enough to your expectations
- If the case and bracelet are decent looking
- If it's still water proof to spec

Then leave it alone. But that's just me.
My main concern whenever I get in a preowned Rolex is to have it checked for accuracy, presence of lube, and water resistance.

Wouldn't it be a shame if you took a dip in the pool and saw moisture under the crystal?


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[AK797]

Originally Posted by crowncollection

Service it, people get carried away with this no polishing. There is a good polish and bad polish, people on forums want unpolished, your average buyer wants it polished so don't worry you will not lose value.


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