An Idea on Pricing for Service

[publius8810]

First, you'll have to forgive my ignorance when it comes to watch repairs, and watches in general. I've recently inherited a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust from my father, who passed away last week at 48.

I don't know very much about it, only that it was purchased in 1986 for something like $2500 by my mother. Unfortunately, it has fallen into disrepair.

For the past few years, he had any repairs done by the lowest bidder, and likely didn't keep up with the recommended service. I do not know what repairs were made, with what quality parts, and what the results were. However, I do notice that the crown (perhaps that's the wrong term--I mean the knob used to adjust the time) refuses to pull out or spin. Thus, while the watch is ticking properly, it is three days ahead, and at the wrong time of day.

It also needs to be cleaned, particularly in the clasp section of the band. There is some black colored buildup there.

I'm not terribly familiar with Rolex watches, but the crystal (again, that may be the wrong term--I mean the lens through which one looks to check the time) may not be original. It seems rather thick, and it may be a plastic of some kind.

I'm hoping to get some vague idea of how much I should expect to spend on repairs. I hope to get the watch back to using only Rolex parts, if any are from a third-party, and also get it cleaned and functioning properly.

Can anyone provide a ballpark idea? Also, I'm in the Los Angeles area. Do you have a recommended service center? I've heard mention of the Rolex facility on Wilshire in Beverly Hills; is that the place to go?

I've attached several photos. Thank you for your help.

[jamesw]

I think a basic service from Rolex runs to $550 and if you needed a crystal replaced or hands etc that would be extra.They can give you a quote for servicing and repairs. Or maybe try TRF member DALTON, his work looked top notch.

[jdc]

Double post

[jdc]

Sorry to hear about your Father.
Here is some information on the crown (winding mechanism and hand adjustment of a Rolex).
http://www.howardfrum.com/watch_care.htm Wind the crown anti clockwise a few times and it should pop out to the first position.
The thicker crystal sounds correct as it would be an acrylic rather than the modern sapphire crystal. Get it serviced at a Rolex Service Centre or an approved watchmaker, the USA based guys will advise you.
Good luck and welcome to TRF

[publius8810]

Thanks for your help. I've got it set properly now. We'll see how well it keeps time now, haha.

I'm hoping to determine where to have the service completed. As someone new to Rolexes, I don't want to be taken advantage of (told I need service or parts that I don't, that sort of thing). I'm the sort who always goes to the dealer for service on my car, for instance, because I trust them more, and know they're less likely to lie (though they will charge more).

For my purposes, is the Rolex Factory Service Center the place to go? Or is there someone in the Los Angeles area who can do whatever I need for less, and won't take advantage of me? I'm far from rich, haha, so I'd like to minimize the cost if it is feasible.

[jdc]

Originally Posted by publius8810

Thanks for your help. I've got it set properly now. We'll see how well it keeps time now, haha.

I'm hoping to determine where to have the service completed. As someone new to Rolexes, I don't want to be taken advantage of (told I need service or parts that I don't, that sort of thing). I'm the sort who always goes to the dealer for service on my car, for instance, because I trust them more, and know they're less likely to lie (though they will charge more).

For my purposes, is the Rolex Factory Service Center the place to go? Or is there someone in the Los Angeles area who can do whatever I need for less, and won't take advantage of me? I'm far from rich, haha, so I'd like to minimize the cost if it is feasible.

Telephone or go to a Rolex AD (authorised dealer) ,look on the Rolex website for the nearest to you, they should be able to advise you

[TempoKing]

My last US service at RUSA a few months ago was $800.-
The watch was a 16808 18k Submariner in good condition.

Extra $60 included for .....two (2) spring bars (pins)...
You know, the kind that you can buy 200 of them for $12.-

[lakeros]

Originally Posted by publius8810

Thanks for your help. I've got it set properly now. We'll see how well it keeps time now, haha.

I'm hoping to determine where to have the service completed. As someone new to Rolexes, I don't want to be taken advantage of (told I need service or parts that I don't, that sort of thing). I'm the sort who always goes to the dealer for service on my car, for instance, because I trust them more, and know they're less likely to lie (though they will charge more).

For my purposes, is the Rolex Factory Service Center the place to go? Or is there someone in the Los Angeles area who can do whatever I need for less, and won't take advantage of me? I'm far from rich, haha, so I'd like to minimize the cost if it is feasible.

User DALTON on this forum has come highly recommended in many post I have read. I would look him up and PM him and let him have first crack at it.

[wfmovies]

Just curious, what year did Rolex stop using the acrylic lenses and switch to synthetic sapphire?

[DSJ]

I'm am sorry to hear of the loss of your father. I hope you wear his watch with a kindred spirit/connection to him. I would definitely take it to the Rolex Service Center in Beverly Hills for a full servicing.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by wfmovies

Just curious, what year did Rolex stop using the acrylic lenses and switch to synthetic sapphire?

Rolex started adding Sapphire crystals to the line-up in 1977

[Tools]

Originally Posted by publius8810

For my purposes, is the Rolex Factory Service Center the place to go? Or is there someone in the Los Angeles area who can do whatever I need for less, and won't take advantage of me? I'm far from rich, haha, so I'd like to minimize the cost if it is feasible.

There is a Rolex Service in Beverly Hills... You can drop it off and they will give you an estimate for an overhaul... Probably about $550, which also includes a case refinish so the watch looks similar to new..

[publius8810]

Originally Posted by DSJ

I hope you wear his watch with a kindred spirit/connection to him.

Exactly. I have no intention of ever selling this watch--perhaps I'll give it to my son someday, when I have one. I'm fully aware that I, by no means, have a high-end Rolex, which is fine. I'm not the sort to purchase a Rolex, or any high end watch--I have other interests.

Still, this watch is one of my earliest memories from childhood. We have a photo somewhere of me, at age 2 or 3, wearing the watch (which was hilariously large around my wrist) and some completely absurd sunglasses.

I'll message DALTON on here and see what he has to say. I know he is likely well-trusted on these forums, but the thought of shipping the watch (rather than dropping it off at a physical location) scares me. It has a great deal of sentimental value that no courier's insurance could cover.

Regardless, thank you for your advice thus far.

Edit: In doing research, I believe my watch is basically the same to that shown here. The only difference I can see is that mine says "Swiss Made," while his says only "Swiss." Also, the background (the face?) of mine seems to be darker than how his appears in the first photo. They seem more similar in the fourth photo.

[publius8810]

So I exchanged a few messages with Dalton, and then went down and visited his studio. He ended up being quite local. He and his associates examined the watch, and said I needed an overhaul of the internals, as well as a new crystal, a new stem, perhaps a few other parts. He offered what I believe to be a very fair price.

Thanks for your help.

[hsung]

Welcome to the TRF.

It is good to read you have got good advices and help on restoring a fine watch that you can pass on to your family tree.