How much do I spend on repairs on a 1970 Rolex?

[LOVE MY ROLEX(S)]

Hello,

One of my Rolex is Oyster Perpetual Date R1505 (circa 1970) 18k Yellow gold flute with blue dial #60. I have spent at least $1,000 on repairs over the past 10 years. It stopped running about 2 years after the last repair and it has been sitting. I know this is a personal decision but when is enough enough?

Thank you,

[Tools]

Enough is enough

Sorry, can't relate to that. A fine watch that isn't working isn't much good at all and will last a lifetime when kept in good condition. An overhaul every 10 years doesn't seem to be a burden to me.

[Verdi]

1000$ over 10 years translates in 100$ per year in maintenance to own that Rolex.
if this is too much for you, sell it as it is and get a cheaper watch.

[brandrea]

Welcome aboard. Sounds reasonable to me. You'll generally pay a bit more to service vintage vs. Modern anyway.

[swils8610]

$1000 over 10 years is more than fair to me. Sitting around not running is a shame. I'd get it serviced and wear it.


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[rouxeny]

Definitely worth it.

[mui.richard]

Originally Posted by LOVE MY ROLEX(S)

It stopped running about 2 years after the last repair

This is why I only send my watches back to RSC when a service is due. Not saying there aren't capable watchmakers out there but stopping 2 years after service? OP should seriously consider finding another watchmaker.

My Tudor Sub was serviced 8 years ago and still haven't skipped a beat.

That said, it's a shame such a nice piece would be left sitting.

a watch is meant to be worn

[SLS]

Think about it this way...the watch is 47 years old, and if worn everyday, that is a lot of wear. I had my 1967 Sub gone through any there was about a dozen or more parts replaced and with the service it was well over $1000. These watches are not cheap, nor are cheap to maintain. Your broken OP could have a very simple issue that needs to be fixed and it would be running fine again. Find a trusted watchmaker in the area and have him or her take a look at it. There are also several watchmakers on the forum here that do great work.
Scott

[BristolCavendish]

Originally Posted by LOVE MY ROLEX(S)

I have spent at least $1,000 on repairs over the past 10 years. It stopped running about 2 years after the last repair and it has been sitting. I know this is a personal decision but when is enough enough?

With the possible exception of sentimentality & family heirloom factors, when the overhaul cost of the watch exceeds its current value, I simply chuck it. In the years past (decades ago) I have discarded a number of watches that would have cost more to repair/service than they were actually worth. Why bother with the expense? In my particular case, these included a 1967 $100.00 Zodiac Sea Wolf, a 1968 $25.00 Seiko 5 + a number of $20 Timex models. In regards to the mechanical Zodiac/Seiko models, it would have run roughly $100-$125 (back in the day) to have them serviced. A waste of money IMHO as neither one was a noteworthy/long-term keeper (or collectible).

On the other hand, a Rolex is always worth servicing due to the ever-increasing retail costs of their model line.

[douglasf13]

To be fair, I can understand the frustration of buying a watch 40+ years ago for a few hundred bucks and now having to service the thing for multiples of that. Swiss watches (and repairs) have tracked well above inflation for the last few decades.

If I bought a Sub for $8K today, but I found out it would cost me $15K to service it a few decades down the road, I'm not sure I'd be thrilled. For those who bought a Sub new in 1970, it isn't much different today.

[BristolCavendish]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

For those who bought a Sub new in 1970, it isn't much different today.

An SS Submariner/GMT sold for about $400.00 in those days and periodic servicing was anywhere from about $100-150. Today we're talking around $8K for an equivalent watch model (with regular servicing/overhaul costs running roughly $750+).

If anything, Rolex servicing costs appear to be going down.

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by BristolCavendish

An SS Submariner/GMT sold for about $400.00 in those days and periodic servicing was anywhere from about $100-150. Today we're talking around $8K for an equivalent watch model (with regular servicing/overhaul costs running roughly $750+).

If anything, Rolex servicing costs appear to be going down.

I guess that's fair.

[Rebel]

My Casio Illuminator cost only 15 bucks. Runs like a champ. I like it. Does what I need.

My Tudor Submariner just took a $479 tune up. It just takes it every now and again. My son will wear that Submariner one day. The Casio will have long been in the garbage.

Just my thoughts.

[TheRolexKingofLV]

Get out the crowbar and wallet...get the watch serviced.

[Porter]

If you "LOVE YOUR ROLEX(S)" is all said.

"Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana". Groucho Marx.

[77T]

It's worth remembering that poor service work leads to poor results and then understandable disappointment. Who did the work the last time? (that it would stop just 2 years later)...

[LOVE MY ROLEX(S)]

Embarrassing but true...after reading several posts I called Rik, filled out the requisition form and headed to the post office to pack and ship the watch. Thought the post office was open till one but it closed at noon on Saturday. Came home and removed the watch from a packing sleeve to see that the watch running. The watch spindle motor on my watch winder burned out. Feel dumb but am happy and wearing the watch right now - thanks for the replies.

[mui.richard]

Really? You never thought to just unscrew the crown and wind it manually...?

Oh well, good thing you missed the post office.

a watch is meant to be worn

[strongarms]

Doesn't sound like LOVE MY ROLEX(S).

[Boaters]

Give it some LOVE

[aes7.5x55]

Perfect! Now you can use the money you would have spent for service toward a new watch!

[Juantxo]

Originally Posted by Verdi

1000$ over 10 years translates in 100$ per year in maintenance to own that Rolex.
if this is too much for you, sell it as it is and get a cheaper watch.

Well put. The OP can always sell it and buy a Citizen.

I'd send the watch to a RSC and however much I'd have to pay for service it'll be less than a new watch. Moreover, I'll end up with a cool vintage in perfect working order.

[Juantxo]

Originally Posted by LOVE MY ROLEX(S)

Embarrassing but true...after reading several posts I called Rik, filled out the requisition form and headed to the post office to pack and ship the watch. Thought the post office was open till one but it closed at noon on Saturday. Came home and removed the watch from a packing sleeve to see that the watch running. The watch spindle motor on my watch winder burned out. Feel dumb but am happy and wearing the watch right now - thanks for the replies.

Who is Rik...?? No offense to Rik, of course. But why don't you send the watch to an official RSC...?

[Mystro]

Rikki is THE indy watch maker. I would put his work and attention to detail above anything I have seen from a Rolex factory service center. His reputation is well established by the most ocd members of the forums. (including me)

http://www.timecareinc.com/

Rikki's background:

Rik E. Dietel.
I have been a watchmaker since 1980. I have trained with people like Henry B Fried and others of his renown. I am past President of the Suncoast Guild Watchmakers and past President of The Florida State Watchmakers Association. I am a member of the American Watch and Clock Institute and The Chronometer Club for the advancement of education of high end watch repair.

During this time period I received 9 certificates from The American Watch and Clock Institute and have had 10 apprentices of my own. I currently have 17 jewelery store accounts and over 18,000 loyal customers. My business is mostly referrals now. I have parts accounts For Rolex U.S.A., the Swatch Group including Omega, Rado, Hamilton, Certina as well as Patek Philippe, Tag Heuer and soon Cartier and Panerai, as well as many others too numerous to list. All watches are repaired with factory parts - no exceptions - to factory specifications. I look forward to serving your watch repair needs.

Sincerely,
Rik E Dietel CW 21

[kilyung]

If you're not willing to get rid of it then fix it.