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dbar · 21 February 2011, 07:53 AM

Hello all, i'm new here. My father has, what I believe, a 1960 Datejust which he has had since the 70s. The watch has quite a history. Purchased by a sailor overseas, lost in a poker match, then purchased by my father from a friend of his. It is something I would love to have some day. The issue is that the mainspring of the watch has broken. We have tried contacting several rolex dealers to see what the options are. So far we have gotten pretty unfortunate news. Apparently no one makes replacements for the part since it is so old. Does anyone have suggestions for restoring this timepiece?

Thank you

mailman · 21 February 2011, 08:16 AM

Welcome to TRF

The man to contact to service your father's watch is Bob Ridley.

http://www.watchmakers.com/

You can ask around, but I believe his name will come more often than not

Any pictures of the watch?

Tools · 21 February 2011, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbar

Hello all, i'm new here. My father has, what I believe, a 1960 Datejust which he has had since the 70s. The watch has quite a history. Purchased by a sailor overseas, lost in a poker match, then purchased by my father from a friend of his. It is something I would love to have some day. The issue is that the mainspring of the watch has broken. We have tried contacting several rolex dealers to see what the options are. So far we have gotten pretty unfortunate news. Apparently no one makes replacements for the part since it is so old. Does anyone have suggestions for restoring this timepiece?

Thank you

I'm not sure who you have been talking to but a mainspring for a 60's DJ should be readily available........

There is the main repair facility for Ben Bridge Rolex Service in Bellingham, so any Ben Bridge in your area should take it in and send it off for a professional overhaul....

You could also try Nesbit's Fine Watch Service in the Washington area... They are an Omega and other high end watch Service Center; they also service Rolex....

HL65 · 21 February 2011, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mailman

Welcome to TRF

The man to contact to service your father's watch is Bob Ridley.

http://www.watchmakers.com/

You can ask around, but I believe his name will come more often than not

Any pictures of the watch?

Bob is a master with vintage Rolexes! I also highly recommend him and have used him myself! Good call Paul!!

dbar · 21 February 2011, 09:47 AM

Thank you very much! Actually we sent the watch into Ben Bridge, they recommended an individual based out of Arizona, who I believe is not retired, but specializes in Vintage Rolex restoration.

Also, as an aside. College graduation is approaching, my father suggested that if I wanted my own watch, he would pay the majority if I contributed 2-3k $ towards one of the new Submariners. Particularly, the one with yellow gold strap and the blue/gold bezel and face. I have always loved the elegance of my Father's watches, and really want to begin my own collection. Is this a solid piece to begin with? I have searched around, and it appears to be the only one within my price range (approx. 7-13K $).

Once again, it means a lot guys! Thank you for your help

greekbum · 21 February 2011, 11:49 AM

Any competent watchmaker should be able to service that watch for you. I would find a local watchmaker with a Rolex parts account and give him a call.

glocati · 21 February 2011, 12:50 PM

Hi dbar.. there are two great independent watchmakers down in Portland, OR just a 150 miles or so away from you in Tacoma. Tom at Crown Jewelers in Clackamas or Alex's Watchworks in Portland. Both Certified Rolex trained with Rolex parts availability. I just had my 1967 Datejust serviced by Tom which included a new Rolex mainspring for $395.00. Looks brand new and is running smooth and strong. Mainspring was $45 by the way. Hit me with a PM if you need phone numbers for either of them. Both are highly recomended.

Regards, Greg

dbar · 20 April 2011, 07:09 AM

Hey all,

Just an update! Today I became the proud owner of my first rolex! I purchased the blue dial submariner, and it is stunning :) I would post a picture, but I left my camera at home. It's gorgeous, not too Smurf blue like some had mentioned. I could not be happier!

Also, my Dad found the part he needed for his datejust and its currently being fixed, along with the Cellini my mom ran through the wash.

21 February 2011, 07:53 AM	#1
dbar "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Tacoma Washington Posts: 5	Vintage Datejust Mainspring. Hello all, i'm new here. My father has, what I believe, a 1960 Datejust which he has had since the 70s. The watch has quite a history. Purchased by a sailor overseas, lost in a poker match, then purchased by my father from a friend of his. It is something I would love to have some day. The issue is that the mainspring of the watch has broken. We have tried contacting several rolex dealers to see what the options are. So far we have gotten pretty unfortunate news. Apparently no one makes replacements for the part since it is so old. Does anyone have suggestions for restoring this timepiece? Thank you

21 February 2011, 08:16 AM	#2
mailman TRF Moderator & SubLV41 2024 Patron Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: . Watch: 126610LN Posts: 35,510	Welcome to TRF The man to contact to service your father's watch is Bob Ridley. http://www.watchmakers.com/ You can ask around, but I believe his name will come more often than not Any pictures of the watch? __________________ JJ

21 February 2011, 11:49 AM	#6
greekbum "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Real Name: Nikos Location: Florida Watch: Rolex GMT 16750 Posts: 8,418	Any competent watchmaker should be able to service that watch for you. I would find a local watchmaker with a Rolex parts account and give him a call. __________________ Follow Me On Instagram @nickgogas Original Owner ROLEX 16750 GMT Daily Wearer For Over 13,000 Days And Counting

21 February 2011, 09:47 AM	#5
dbar "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Tacoma Washington Posts: 5	Thank you very much! Actually we sent the watch into Ben Bridge, they recommended an individual based out of Arizona, who I believe is not retired, but specializes in Vintage Rolex restoration. Also, as an aside. College graduation is approaching, my father suggested that if I wanted my own watch, he would pay the majority if I contributed 2-3k $ towards one of the new Submariners. Particularly, the one with yellow gold strap and the blue/gold bezel and face. I have always loved the elegance of my Father's watches, and really want to begin my own collection. Is this a solid piece to begin with? I have searched around, and it appears to be the only one within my price range (approx. 7-13K $). Once again, it means a lot guys! Thank you for your help

21 February 2011, 12:50 PM	#7
glocati "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Greg Location: Portland, Oregon Watch: 1675/3+16013 Posts: 538	Hi dbar.. there are two great independent watchmakers down in Portland, OR just a 150 miles or so away from you in Tacoma. Tom at Crown Jewelers in Clackamas or Alex's Watchworks in Portland. Both Certified Rolex trained with Rolex parts availability. I just had my 1967 Datejust serviced by Tom which included a new Rolex mainspring for $395.00. Looks brand new and is running smooth and strong. Mainspring was $45 by the way. Hit me with a PM if you need phone numbers for either of them. Both are highly recomended. Regards, Greg

20 April 2011, 07:09 AM	#8
dbar "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Tacoma Washington Posts: 5	Hey all, Just an update! Today I became the proud owner of my first rolex! I purchased the blue dial submariner, and it is stunning :) I would post a picture, but I left my camera at home. It's gorgeous, not too Smurf blue like some had mentioned. I could not be happier! Also, my Dad found the part he needed for his datejust and its currently being fixed, along with the Cellini my mom ran through the wash.

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