Old Rolex cleaning and service/repair

[skiii]

Hi,

I recently acquired my grandfather’s Rolex, which was purchased in the 50s. It is a manual wind watch and I am not sure if it needs to be serviced or not (it has been collecting dust for more than 30 years). I want to see if it is ok to get this watch cleaned and serviced at a regular watch store, or do I have to go to a Rolex store? And how much should I expect to pay to get this done?

Your input is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Lol-x]

Rolex will most likely no longer service your watch, as they have a cut off point at watches around 35 years of age and older.

Accordingly, you would be best advised to go to one of the recommended watchmakers, like Bob or Dalton. They know how to handle watches like yours.

If you have a photo that would be great to see what she looks like

[skiii]

Thank you Lol-x. Can you give me more information on Bob or Dalton?

[DSJ]

bump for skiii's question.

[Spark]

Hi,
I have seen pictures of Bob Ridleys work and read many good reports and NO bad ones, but as I am in the UK I have never used him before personally.
This is his website http://watchmakers.com/

It may also be worth trying the 2 Independent Rolex service centers in Chicago and San Francisco.

[rilu]

Rolex also says to contact AWCI, the American Watch and Clockmakers Institute for the repair of the watches they turn down, i called rolex dallas once and they gave me the number, but that was a couple years ago. you can find their phone number online, i am willing to bet that these watchmakers lol-x has reccomended are probably members. good luck, and it will cost you rolex is now charging $555 and up, so for a vintage like yours expect to pay more.

i bet if you call rolex uk they might give you a phone number of a similar institute in the uk.

[Lol-x]

Dalton is the username on the forum. So you could just send him a PM and get in touch with him that way.

[skiii]

Thanks for the suggestions all. I am in Southern California, can you recommend a good place in my area?

[Tools]

Originally Posted by skiii

Thanks for the suggestions all. I am in Southern California, can you recommend a good place in my area?

Have you called or taken it to the Beverly Hills Service Center ?

If they won't do it they will give you a list of shops in the area that will work on your watch..

[skiii]

Originally Posted by Tools

Have you called or taken it to the Beverly Hills Service Center ?

If they won't do it they will give you a list of shops in the area that will work on your watch..

I called a local authorized Rolex dealer (found it on the Rolex website) and they said that they will have to send the watch to Rolex for inspection and then give me a quote. Do you recommend going this route or can I just go to a local watch store?

The watch is silver with black face Oysterdate.

Thanks!

[Tools]

Originally Posted by skiii

I called a local authorized Rolex dealer (found it on the Rolex website) and they said that they will have to send the watch to Rolex for inspection and then give me a quote. Do you recommend going this route or can I just go to a local watch store?

The watch is silver with black face Oysterdate.

Thanks!

When they say that they will have to send it to Rolex for inspection, then what they are saying is they will send it to the Beverly Hills Service Center.. You can take it in yourself....you don't need them.

Why don't you call the Service center yourself.....don't just call a Dealer.

Beverly Hills, CA:
310-271-6200

[skiii]

Originally Posted by Tools

When they say that they will have to send it to Rolex for inspection, then what they are saying is they will send it to the Beverly Hills Service Center.. You can take it in yourself....you don't need them.

Why don't you call the Service center yourself.....don't just call a Dealer.

Beverly Hills, CA:
310-271-6200

Thanks for the advice. They are closed on weekends but I will give them a call again next week. How much does a polish job and service cost for something like this? And how long does it usually take?

Thanks.

[fmohajer]

Originally Posted by skiii

Thanks for the suggestions all. I am in Southern California, can you recommend a good place in my area?

SKII: Try Beverly Hills Watch Co. Ask for Chris or Armen. They're brothers. They do service watches, and they do an amazing job! They've been at the same location for the last 29yrs!! I have sent them my friends and I bought my submariner from them last year, and a cartier. You can't go wrong with them!

Here is their contact info:

Beverly Hills Watch Company
227 S Beverly Drive
Beverly Hills, Ca 90212
(310) 275.7700

[Wildwing]

Forget the ADs and RSCs for that matter. For a watch that old, you want a watchmaker who is used to vintage pieces. I suspect Bob Ridley is good, and I would also recommend Denis Carignan as well.