Is a Rolex really for life?

[captJON]

love reading this stories

[Vinnee]

With proper care and service, it might be two lifetimes.

[inadeje]

The answer is yes, a Rolex can be for life. Providing the owner pays for it to be serviced when it stops ticking and can handle the aesthetics of a worn watch, it should last for several lifetimes actually. In my case I bought my first Rolex, a TT sub in 1995, I sold that and bought a Daytona Zenith in 1997 and still have the watch, it is perfect. It has been serviced 3 times in the interim. It’s had a new bezel, crown and pushers and complete bracelet at 12 o’clock which had worn away against tables/desks/surfaces and became unsightly. The cost in services and parts since new I would estimate at about $1300. The case, dial, movement, 6 o’clock bracelet and clasp are all OEM. I also have a birth year 5513 which is 50 years old and works perfectly and looks great.

[spoon-turbo]

Originally Posted by Mystro

There is two completely different timelines with how easy a Rolex model will be to service. The older models could have been serviced by any watchmaker and they would have parts in stock. Those days are long gone. Forget the “Legacy Rolex” idea for any modern Rolex unless Rolex makes some big changes in parts availability outside the Rolex network.

Rolex has made a few moves the last decade that has put them in a position where lasting a lifetime is not as easy as they once were. By limiting all parts to watchmakers make it very difficult to service out side the Rolex company. That is a major problem and game changer from the way it use to be.

Rolex also complicated it even more by not promising to produce parts even for the Rolex network after movements have been discontinued. Rolex was very upfront on this matter that they will NOT make replacement parts indefinitely for discontinued models. There is a lot of articles on this. I would even go out on a limb and say any quality watch with a ETA sourced movement would be significantly easier to maintain 50 years from now.

Fully agree. I even heard cases where RSC is even refusing to service vintage watches unless you agree that they touch the hands, dial etc... Options for service could run thin in the far future.

[Explorer2Guy]

Rolex is for life. Unless your life goes to sh#t. Then they’re a temporary lifeline at the pawn shop.

[Fred48]

Just bought a Vacheron Constantin from my birth year - 1948 -, newly serviced. It's running within chronometer specs. Not bad for something 72 years old; runs better than me!.

[Yess]

I think a lot of people purchase a Rolex for their personal use and with an eye to pass them on to loved ones in the future. In that way, I certainly think they are life-time pieces.

[NIHO]

I bought this watch 13 years ago. It was 2007 and it had just been exhibited at Basel World. I already had a "nice watch", an Omega Sea Master Professional James Bond that I bought back in October 2001. I didn't have much money then but wanted to help stimulate the economy after 9/11 and loved watches. Back to the Rolex, so in June 2007 I called some ADs who all told me that it is a hard to get watch and it will be a while. My colleague and friend at the time who was about 15 years my senior told me he can make a phone call and make it happen. I had no idea he even liked watches as he always wore a G-shock. After 1 phone call I gave Wynn in Las Vegas my CC and a few days later the watch arrived. For about 11 years it was my only Rolex, and I wore it daily as my other watches were for special occasions and not as practical with my physically active lifestyle. Unfortunately my colleague became ill soon after the Rolex purchase and died at an untimely age of 56. I named my first born son (middle name) after him, so every time I look at my watch, or my son, I remember him for the best. As his estate was being dismantled after his death I found out he had some watches...Patek, Ulysse Nardin, Zenith...who knew.

[EdRol]

A Rolex is way more than just a lifetime watch. A Rolex watch with decent care and servicing every so often should last your lifetime as well as a few lifetimes after that. Which is why it is such a great watch to have. I have friends that have had the same Rolex passed down from generation to generation.

Some things to note about the powerhouse of luxury watches:
1. Rolex movements are all hand-assembled and tested
2. They have their own incredible science labs to test every watch to guarantee perfection
3. They make all their parts in-house (including an in-house foundry for their gold
4. Dive watches are each individually tested in pressurized water tanks
5. It takes about a year to make just one Rolex

These are just a few of the many ways Rolex guarantees perfection for all watches! Hope this helps!

[ERH]

On my son's 21st I handed down to him my father's 1964 Air King. I had it serviced, and cleaned as the watch had a generation of gunk on it, but not refinished. My son bought a safe to keep his heirloom watch when he isn't wearing it.

[jon_jon]

I wonder going forward how many independent watchmakers with Rolex certification and parts account will exist. Many "old time" watchmakers will retire in the next 10-20 years and hopefully a new generation will continue in the profession to service these watches.

[Robf52]

Originally Posted by cj3209

Really enjoy the life stories of these watches. Keep them coming!

Agree; the stories make the timepieces come alive.

[brandrea]

Patek’s slogan was: You never actually own a Patek Philippe, you merely look after it for the next generation.

This may be more true for them as they produce far less watches than Rolex and tend to control the repairs.

As Mystro points out, Rolex has already cut off parts supply to many independents and they may not continue to supply parts for discounted models. This makes it difficult to know whether a Rolex will be serviceable in 50 years from now.

If the parts are available then obviously Rolex is about as robust as they come and could be handed down easily from one generation to the next

[ROLEXster]

My dad’s 73 - 1601 outlasted him and it’ll probably outlast me and my son.
Watch is at AD for service, can’t wait till I get it back.
.
.



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[pbubsy]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Patek’s slogan was: You never actually own a Patek Philippe, you merely look after it for the next generation.

This may be more true for them as they produce far less watches than Rolex and tend to control the repairs.

As Mystro points out, Rolex has already cut off parts supply to many independents and they may not continue to supply parts for discounted models. This makes it difficult to know whether a Rolex will be serviceable in 50 years from now.

If the parts are available then obviously Rolex is about as robust as they come and could be handed down easily from one generation to the next

I know that Patek will service anything they've made but I would think that older watches will need parts to be fabricated by one of their watch makers. I can only guess that is really expensive with long lead times. Cool that they'll service indefinitely. If I could afford one, I'd jump!

[Buckaroo Banzai]

My Dad's DJ. He got this as an anniversary gift from IBM. He wore it all the time and gave it to me when his eyesight got bad. Its outlived him, and I will pass it on to my daughters for either their use or their kids.

The back is inscribed with the IBM Quarter Century Club with his name and date of entrance

My Mom bought this 69173 back in the 1980s in Hong Kong. It originally came with a white dial and she haggled with the AD to install a black dial, as it made it easier to read. She got caught in Customs in Japan with this new purchase and had to pay duty along with sign a "I'm sorry letter" .


Finally, my mom gave me my grandmother's Rolex OP 5005. When my grandmother passed away, and this was probably one of the items that wasn't stolen by her housekeeper.

[Andrew NYC]

Originally Posted by pbubsy

I know that Patek will service anything they've made but I would think that older watches will need parts to be fabricated by one of their watchmakers. I can only guess that is really expensive with long lead times. Cool that they'll service indefinitely. If I could afford one, I'd jump!

I can speak to Patek's willingness to service their watches regardless of age but that does come at a cost. I have my grandfather's Ref. 130 chrono. He bought it new in 1951 and wore it for 40 years. It then went to my dad and now is mine. While it was running fine my local watchmaker took a look at it and said that it needed to be serviced and lubricated. I took it to the PP NYC Service Center and they promptly sent it off to Geneva (for a $90 fee). After about 3 weeks the estimate came back. 54 weeks and $8K was the estimated cost of service. While I can appreciate that there are a very limited number of watchmakers at PP that work on these vintage pieces the cost and time seemed excessive especially since the watch was running perfectly. So while I greatly appreciate Patek's commitment to their customers and their watches, regardless of the age, the cost can be hard to swallow.

[TimeLord2]

The (1973 or 4…) 1675 GMT I got from my Dad is in need of a service and the cost for the rapidly diminishing parts supply is increasing dramatically. For me cost has increased $200 over the last year since I decided to put a little away to have it serviced. I think a good watch maker will always be able to make it run by making new parts, and as another poster said 3D printing. I do wonder if Rolex would touch it or find it still a "Rolex" after a few of these alternative but potentially necessary services. IMHO, it isn't going to last forever and Rolex would probably refuse service if there are too many fabricated parts. Rolex wants you to buy a new one. BTW the Quartz Seiko is my only other watch it's about 40 years old and has never been serviced I wear it every day and it keeps excellent time. Several battery changes but no service. The Rolex, I have personally had serviced twice, it's losing 30 seconds a day.

[Ron P]

Buy some parts that wear out regularey on the grey market and store these for when service is needed and no parts are available anymore. As a first line of thoght: A barrel, a few main springs, a model correct crown and tube, a few wheels and maybe a bezel inlay. It will cost some money but will gretly enhance the options to have the watched serviced in by the next generation in your family.

[healer]

Most automatic watch with certain jewel will last you a lifetime.... I have 2 Rolex a sub and a dj and there not that special... it becomes special because we want it to be special.

[TimeLord2]

Originally Posted by Dr. Robert

Here you go

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That is a great pair!

[Token74]

Originally Posted by AK797

Not on this forum, the enabling makes holding on to one very difficult. Outside this forum they pretty much all are.

Ha ha, about sums it up!


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[Paul7]

Originally Posted by schoolboy

Also, Rolex was founded in 1914 I think?

When was the last time you saw a Rolex watch here on the forum or elsewhere from 1914?

What about 1920? 1930? 1940?

I myself haven’t.

Which again to me kinda hints that maybe they don’t last as long as people say they do.

But I sure hope I’m wrong!

I don't think it is so much they don't work as it is tiny watches like this aren't too fashionable in this era of monster watches.

https://www.vintagegoldwatches.com/p...with-bracelet/

[din64]

Some rolex watches are passed on. They stand the test of time and lest for servicing, don't develop any issues.
Hence the "lifetime" tag...
IMO

[Muxi]

I think, unlike other brands, a Rolex will outlast a lifetime.

[Geckobros]

A Rolex can outlast you or me as long as parts and service are available. I would argue that a common ETA movement in a well built watch would "last" longer.

Regardless, I don't think either you or I will be around to see.

[RyanJ]

Many watch brands will last a lifetime if you take care of them.

[garyk]

Originally Posted by kieselguhr

Here’s my dad’s Rolex. He wore it for his life time. Now I’ll wear it for my lifetime. God willing my kid will too. So I guess you could say, it would last several lifetimes.

Fantastic watch, your Dad had good taste. That’s a great story too! Thanks...

[garyk]

This is a Rolex Air King from the early 50s. My wife bought it for me from a reputable jeweler many years ago. Still going strong, my kids will no doubt appreciate it someday.




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[JebM]

All the old timers I know who wear a Rolex have had them forever and are quite fond of them..


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