Consequence of not servicing a Vintage Rolex?

[onthemoney]

What do you think?
I am wearing my 5512 for the past 6 months, which I bought bak then.
Service history is not known by the way, but the previous owner had it for 2 years and did not service.
Keeps time good enough for me, and I am not so picky with losing or gaining seconds.

Is there any reason should service it other than keeping time?
I do not let the watch get into water, so I don't mind if the watch is not pressure tested also.
I will eventually service it at my own time of course.

I wonder if there are consequences that I can't reverse, and for that reason I should still service the watch anyway?

Thanks for help!

[yannis]

Maybe you could have a technician open the case back and inspect the general condition of the movement. If it needs servicing just do it as it would end up costing more down the road had it been left without a service.

[springer]

Originally Posted by yannis7777

Maybe you could have a technician open the case back and inspect the general condition of the movement. If it needs servicing just do it as it would end up costing more down the road had it been left without a service.

Good advice

[powerfunk]

For anything with an acrylic crystal and an unknown service history, I'd seriously consider a new crystal. It's crucial to the water resistance. I've lost one vintage Rolex to light rain; never again.

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[harry in montreal]

When my date stops jumping then I clean them. I agree that a new crystal is key. Fresh spring bars are essential.

[Ckci]

If it's in really good condition I'd worry they'd do more harm than good. I wouldn't send it in.

[mattedialdoc]

This is a timely question, as I find myself in a similar situation. I have a gorgeous '67 5513 with unknown service hx. It was pressure tested by the seller and "passed" and is keeping perfect time. I have no idea when I should service it. The dial is my concern. It is so perfect and I worry during service disassembly it could be damaged....just bc its 48yo!!


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[adam78]

A vintage Rolex can keep accurate time and still require service. My 1655 and 1806 were like that. Best to have the movement inspected at the very least.

[strafer_kid]

Originally Posted by yannis7777

Maybe you could have a technician open the case back and inspect the general condition of the movement. If it needs servicing just do it as it would end up costing more down the road had it been left without a service.

Sounds like very sound advice. Whilst never wishing to go over the top, it does pay to be a bit cautious with vintage and this can save money...and grief...in the long term. Good luck!

[nobbylon]

I wouldn't bother. If it stops send it to an independant watchmaker but never Rolex. I have a 60 year old JLC, a 45 year old Seiko and a 30 year old Submariner. Only the Sub' has been serviced and the others never and they all run perfectly. I think some can become a bit OCD with preventative service. The only thing I'm keen on is water resistance.

[Frogman4me]

If it is clean and keeping good time why bother with a service IMO. Just wear it and enjoy it.

[adam78]

Originally Posted by Frogman4me

If it is clean and keeping good time why bother with a service IMO. Just wear it and enjoy it.

I would posit that it's okay in such an instance to enjoy it and not wear it! Seriously, folks, as I said, Rolex can keep great time and seem fine, but when you inspect the movement it can be dirty and dry as a bone. Best to have it serviced at regular intervals to forestall real damage to the gears, pivots, etc.

[nobbylon]

Originally Posted by adam78

I would posit that it's okay in such an instance to enjoy it and not wear it! Seriously, folks, as I said, Rolex can keep great time and seem fine, but when you inspect the movement it can be dirty and dry as a bone. Best to have it serviced at regular intervals to forestall real damage to the gears, pivots, etc.

question please,
are you saying that Rolex are more wear prone than others then? As mentioned above my other mechanical watches have never seen service and are still fine.
I never understand this over maintain thing. It's the same with my other hobby, leica m cameras, everybody always wants to cla them instead of just keep using until it needs attention.
I can't help feeling that the watch repair industry would like us to think we need service when really we don't.

[adam78]

Any mechanical watch will need occasional attention. Ten years without service is usually my limit, even if all seems to be well (and I wear watches up to 70-100 years old in addition to newer or more recently vintage). I defer to my (independent) watchmaker's professional opinion when I bring him a watch for inspection. Some he thinks are still fine as is, but the movements of others may be somewhat dirty, or running dry, or have other issues (and many seem to run fine).

[droptopman]

Some good points here. I am in same situation. Recently acquired my grail birth year piece (1966 5513) and while it keeps great time, I still plan to have it looked at next time I am in the city. I live in a rural area and there is no one close that I would trust to look at it. A member on this forum recommended a guy within driving distance and it is close to where I service my car. Next time I go for car service I will make an appointment to have my watch evaluated. Not big on servicing unless there is a need, but a little concerned with water resistance on my 50 year old watch. Not that I plan to dive with it....but it would be nice to know it is in good running order and water proof.

[JP Chestnut]

Originally Posted by powerfunk

For anything with an acrylic crystal and an unknown service history, I'd seriously consider a new crystal. It's crucial to the water resistance. I've lost one vintage Rolex to light rain; never again.

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I live fear of getting caught in a sudden heavy downpour when wearing an old watch. I guess I'm not as paranoid as I thought.

[brandrea]

If you're planning on keeping it, I'd have it serviced. I service any watch where the service history is unknown, but that's just my two.

[Richard Carver]

Oils dry up after several years and then you have tiny dry expensive parts moving against each other. If you don't know the service history have it examined by a competent watchmaker. If it's a keeper plan a service sooner rather than later. Priced a balance lately? You wouldn't run your car without oil would you?

[mattedialdoc]

Anyone know what the chances of incidental damage to the dial and/or hands in the process of service??

[JP Chestnut]

Originally Posted by SD4KDoc

Anyone know what the chances of incidental damage to the dial and/or hands in the process of service??

I haven't heard too many complaints about dial issues, it's mostly the hands - especially when they have been off and on a bunch of times already. My guy is just super careful, but even then some hands can't go back on.

[NJpakman]

I am in this situation too. Bought a 40 years old 6694. Own it a month and thinking if I should bring it for service. History unknown but great condition, Losing 10 second every 24-36 hour


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