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mootaineer · 1 July 2015, 09:14 AM

Hi everyone,

I'm new here.
I'm wondering if anyone can provide advice on the restoration/service of my father's old DateJust?

It's a 1966 model and it has sentimental value to him as it was a gift from his late brother.

It's in poor condition so I thought it would be nice to have it serviced. My local AD had to send it back to Switzerland due to its age but their quote is a not-insignificant £4600!

I've googled "1966 DateJust" and it seems to be worth around £2000.
If it was a car perhaps it would be considered a write-off.

Can anyone suggest other ways of having it restored or is the only recommended route via Rolex?

Many thanks in advance
Joe

Tools · 1 July 2015, 10:56 AM

Restoration is far different than a functional overhaul. Not sure why it would be sent to Switzerland as the local Rolex Service Center should be able to take care of a 1966 Datejust.

Usually they would provide a list of required and suggested actions and parts. You could look at that list and pick the things you want and those you don't and get the cost down somewhat.

There are also some very good independent watchmakers in the UK you could get an estimate from.

Old Expat Beast · 1 July 2015, 11:19 AM

Rolex has quoted me several times more for a vintage watch than they charge to service the modern equivalent. As Larry says, find a good independent who wil charge you much less. Have you got photos so we can see the exterior condition?

Wesley Crusher · 1 July 2015, 11:32 AM

For a vintage Rolex, RSC is not your best bet. They likely want to replace the dial, hands, crystal, bezel, etc... A good independent watchmaker will be able to service the movement, keeping everything else original (assuming there is not an actual need for something to be replaced).

Can you post some pictures?

crowncollection · 1 July 2015, 11:35 AM

go to a good independent watchmaker

sdwtchlvr · 1 July 2015, 05:42 PM

Agreed, you should be able to get that serviced for a fraction of the RSC estimate at a good independent watchmaker. If you share your location, I'm sure someone can help point you in the right direction.

tonyfabro · 1 July 2015, 05:53 PM

ABC watchwerks. Ask to talk to Edvi, they did a similar thing for my dad's DJ from 59'

Old Expat Beast · 1 July 2015, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tonyfabro

ABC watchwerks. Ask to talk to Edvi, they did a similar thing for my dad's DJ from 59'

OP is in the UK, he doesn't want to be sending his watch to California.

davidoxman · 1 July 2015, 06:58 PM

Try Watch Doctors in Hertfordshire they have a website and use Rolex trained techs! Worth a quote?

afterworkproject · 2 July 2015, 04:40 AM

If you're based around London try Russell Talerman. He's just off Regent's street. He serviced my 69/70 Date Just. Good reliable service.

southtexas · 2 July 2015, 04:59 AM

Wow for that price are they trying to sell you a new bracelet as well? If it is in poor condition, you can send it to Michael Young in HK for tightening at a fraction of the cost of a new one.

1 July 2015, 09:14 AM	#1
mootaineer "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 1	Getting an old DateJust serviced Hi everyone, I'm new here. I'm wondering if anyone can provide advice on the restoration/service of my father's old DateJust? It's a 1966 model and it has sentimental value to him as it was a gift from his late brother. It's in poor condition so I thought it would be nice to have it serviced. My local AD had to send it back to Switzerland due to its age but their quote is a not-insignificant £4600! I've googled "1966 DateJust" and it seems to be worth around £2000. If it was a car perhaps it would be considered a write-off. Can anyone suggest other ways of having it restored or is the only recommended route via Rolex? Many thanks in advance Joe

1 July 2015, 10:56 AM	#2
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,515	Restoration is far different than a functional overhaul. Not sure why it would be sent to Switzerland as the local Rolex Service Center should be able to take care of a 1966 Datejust. Usually they would provide a list of required and suggested actions and parts. You could look at that list and pick the things you want and those you don't and get the cost down somewhat. There are also some very good independent watchmakers in the UK you could get an estimate from. __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

1 July 2015, 11:35 AM	#5
crowncollection "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Real Name: David Location: australia Posts: 20,216	go to a good independent watchmaker __________________ watches many

2 July 2015, 04:40 AM	#10
afterworkproject "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: London Posts: 81	If you're based around London try Russell Talerman. He's just off Regent's street. He serviced my 69/70 Date Just. Good reliable service. __________________ Rolex DateJust 1601/DayDate 18038/SeaDweller 16600/GMT Master 1675 Panerai 312 IWC Portuguese Chrono Jaegar Le Coultre Master Control

2 July 2015, 04:59 AM	#11
southtexas 2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Great State of TX Posts: 5,764	Wow for that price are they trying to sell you a new bracelet as well? If it is in poor condition, you can send it to Michael Young in HK for tightening at a fraction of the cost of a new one. __________________ Forty six & 2 are just ahead of me. Follow me on Instagram @ccrolex

1 July 2015, 11:19 AM	#3
Old Expat Beast TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Jul 2013 Real Name: Adam Location: Far East Watch: Golden Tuna Posts: 28,826	Rolex has quoted me several times more for a vintage watch than they charge to service the modern equivalent. As Larry says, find a good independent who wil charge you much less. Have you got photos so we can see the exterior condition?

1 July 2015, 11:32 AM	#4
Wesley Crusher "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Real Name: Wes Location: Holosuite Posts: 6,345	For a vintage Rolex, RSC is not your best bet. They likely want to replace the dial, hands, crystal, bezel, etc... A good independent watchmaker will be able to service the movement, keeping everything else original (assuming there is not an actual need for something to be replaced). Can you post some pictures?

1 July 2015, 05:42 PM	#6
sdwtchlvr "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: SoCal Watch: Rolex Posts: 1,308	Agreed, you should be able to get that serviced for a fraction of the RSC estimate at a good independent watchmaker. If you share your location, I'm sure someone can help point you in the right direction.

1 July 2015, 05:53 PM	#7
tonyfabro Banned Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 342	ABC watchwerks. Ask to talk to Edvi, they did a similar thing for my dad's DJ from 59'

1 July 2015, 06:58 PM	#9
davidoxman "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Leicester Watch: Rolex OP Posts: 101	Try Watch Doctors in Hertfordshire they have a website and use Rolex trained techs! Worth a quote?

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