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

[cody p]

Let someone with 'good hands' service it.

[xjeeunitx]

If it's working fine... DEFINITELY leave it alone.

[MoBe]

Just because a watch isn`t broke doesn`t mean it doesn`t need service.If you believe that after 11 years the lubrication in your watch is still ok then leave it.

[matt4hand]

I say leave it be.

I have a 14060 that was serviced in 2003 @ Rolex. It's +1 sec a day. I kind of just want to see how long it goes....lol

[shgems]

I asked my watchmaker this question about 6 months ago when I got my 2004 TT blue sub.
He worked in an AD for years. The frequent service called out every 4 years is a money maker. He told me in most cases when the oil gets thick it will start running faster. Most cases does not mean all. If your watch starts gaining or loosing time get it serviced. Every 4 years is most likely over kill and you can save money waiting. On the other hand 11 / 12 years may be a good time to get it serviced.

[gwozhog]

No way I would get it serviced if it is running that accurate. I would bet after you got it back from RSC it would not even run that perfect. I would just test it in another year.

[GradyPhilpott]

Why not have a certified watchmaker pop the back off and have him tell you what he sees.

Personally, I'd send it in for service, but at the very least a knowledgeable individual should take a look at it.

[Gretsch]

Originally Posted by Robert Henley

This is an excellent question. I've had my Datejust since I bought it new in 1990, worn it continously, and it's never been serviced or had anything done to it. I might add it runs great.

I had an AD who had been in business over 50 years tell me, "If ain't broke, don't fix it." I decided to follow his advice, and haven't had any problems yet.

On the other hand, there is another AD in town and the reaction was like the one you got. Service it every five years or so to keep it lubricated. That makes sense.

I could have bought a new one for all the money I've saved not having it serviced.

I don't really know the answer to this question. I also believe "if anything can go wrong it will go wrong," so I'm sort of afraid to send it to Rolex for fear it will get lost, it will not run as good when I get it back, it will get scratched, etc.

I was interested in this post to see what others said, and I see there are mixed opinions on it. I had an Osterdate before my Datejust that my Dad bought in Vietnam in 1963 (and years later he gave it to me). It was never serviced until eventually the winding stem broke (it was a manual wind), and I sent it to Rolex and they repaired it. But it ran for like 25+ years without a problem. BTW, it cost $93 as I recall in the PX in Saigon. I'm sort of inclined not to service it until there's a problem, but that's just been my experience. Robert

This comes to mind

[Rikki]

The standard service is 5 to 7 years you're about 4 to 6 out from there and I guarantee your gaskets especially crystal gasket is shot. I just did a service on a 2000 16613 and the crystal gasket came out in pieces. The axle was shot as well as 2 gears so that's most likely what's going on inside your watch. I'd say it's time oh and by the way watch was running fine. Rikki

[oneillba]

I'd get it service -- your living on borrowed time.

[skyedog]

Originally Posted by EchoBlueUK

I wouldn't bother unless you notice a drop in performance.

+1 totally

[MortgageGuy]

Originally Posted by matt4hand

I say leave it be.

I have a 14060 that was serviced in 2003 @ Rolex. It's +1 sec a day. I kind of just want to see how long it goes....lol

You wont have it next week Matt to service it Dont worry I am in the same boat

As to the OP, without a doubt I would service the watch at RSC, it will certainly be in need...

[toolr]

I would continue enjoying it. Rolex no longer states a recommended service interval rather the instructions advise one to send the watch in for service when it indicates a problem.
A friend has a SS Datejust he bought new in 1989 that is still running within COSC standards and has not yet had a service.
The one down side to waiting a long time however is that a service may cost more as more parts will probably need replacing.

[zeuloa]

Originally Posted by toolr

I would continue enjoying it. Rolex no longer states a recommended service interval rather the instructions advise one to send the watch in for service when it indicates a problem.
A friend has a SS Datejust he bought new in 1989 that is still running within COSC standards and has not yet had a service.
The one down side to waiting a long time however is that a service may cost more as more parts will probably need replacing.

All my watches recommend to be sent in about every 5 years.... I didn't know they changed this in their literature.

[subtona]

Originally Posted by dooder202

Send it in for service they will re-lubricate all the moving parts and also clean the watch. Another GREAT thing they do at service time is polish and finish your watch to like new condition using Rolex's factory sepcs for abrasion.

or, another terrible thing they do is polish your watch....

really a personal preference here.


11 years is a good run, the price you quoted for service seems high, unless they are giving you a new crystal as well as a bezel?

i ran mine for about 14 years without a service, finally the crown started to feel a bit off, so i brought it in.

they fixed it without a word. ie no doom and gloom from RSC about excessive wear and tear, not even a mention.

so, i would say if it is not calling your attention to any unusual performance, let it be.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Tools

It's up to you..

A watch is slowly wearing itself out with all the gears, parts, and pinions meshing together.. It will fail, eventually..

800 bucks to have it overhauled, all gaskets and seals changed, worn parts replaced, and fresh oil.................... It's good insurance against catastrophic failure..

Have to agree with Larry better to be safe than sorry nothing works for ever without routine service not even a Rolex.

Originally Posted by Captain Kirkwood

Agreed. Especially a Sub Date with lug holes and SELs.

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.

[chevycorvette]

keep it going.

i would wait until the check engine light

[subtona]

Originally Posted by padi56

... a normal routine service and polish will do no harm whatsoever.

just feel like there is nothing quite like the original factory lines and if it is a daily wear, its just going to get roughed up again.

especially models with the polished bits, they will have to develop that nice patina all over again.

[Runnin' Rebel]

Wow. What a thread this is

[SWIMPRUF]

Get it serviced. Watches are just like car engines, you get it serviced regularly and it will last longer than you would expect.

[Puffy]

hmmm I'd probably have it looked at but definitely not polished!!

[padi56]

Originally Posted by subtona

just feel like there is nothing quite like the original factory lines and if it is a daily wear, its just going to get roughed up again.

especially models with the polished bits, they will have to develop that nice patina all over again.

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.

[Singslinger]

Originally Posted by Jocke

Just pull out the crown 2 sec everyday and it will be spot on.

I was told you could go blind doing this too often...

[le_baroudeur]

If you serviced it every 5years, you would have lost 1000 dollars... Even if parts need to be changed at 15 years, it will be less expensive than the cumulated potential service cost: wait 5 years and get it serviced!

The only point you should be advised: Gaskets! Get:them changed if you plan to get it wet. Do you put it in water? I am curious to know if gaskets are still perfect after 11years...

[Richardquattro]

My Datejust (1984) is at this moment at Rolex for it's second service and third Jubilee bracelet. In between times it has been serviced twice locally at half the price but certainly not the standard. I wear it every day so it works hard. They do need serviced as pointed out above oil is cheaper than metal. You will sleep better knowing it is not going to grind to a halt.

[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.

[bmackinlay]

What about a Rolex that is ,say, New old inventory "D" earlier would you have it serviced? Just wondering. Bill

[Psmith]

A good service will keep it running well - that's the idea, as opposed to fixing an eventual problem (such as a badly worn component)

After 11 years, I would suggest that a single service is pretty good value.

[gregmoeck]

If it's not broke dont fix it, if it breaks they will fix it.

[Robert Henley]

Originally Posted by Shogunmaster

My truck is running great, but I still take it in for an oil change every three months. Take your watch in for service.

I used to change my oil and filter every three months, but then started having the oil analyzed at Blackstone. I now go with extended oil changes (EOC), for a variety of reasons including not polluting the environment. Modern synthetic oils will go 10,000 miles or one year between changes with no loss of protection. You might be surprised how long it will protect if you get it analyzed at Blackstone.

Now the pull in quick change oil centers don't want you to know that because they like the revenue from the "every 3,000 miles or three months." If servicing a Rolex cost $500 to $800 at the RSC (a couple of the prices mentioned in this thread), just maybe there is an incentive for the servicer to recommend every five years. Just something to think about. Again, I don't know the answer but all the feedback is informative.