Defect Rolex Oyster Precision 6426

[ola.gravling]

Hi - I have an old Oyster Precision 6426 that broke down 12 years ago and last week I took it to a Rolex AD in Stockholm for service. It seems like the balance is broken and it is no longer possible to order a new balance. The AD told me they have to send the watch to the manufacture and it comes with a starting fee of 350€.

I'm afraid the cost for repairing the watch could add up to more than its total value. I am planning on selling it after getting it fixed.

350€ + ~500€(?) for a new balance + ~500€ for service + ~100-300€ other parts

Do you have any advice what to do in this case? Do you know of anyone that can replace the balance for a lower price?

[Toronto Soup King]

In a situation like this I would offer the watch for sale, noting the broken balance, rather than fixing it first and then selling it. Broken "balance" though - if they mean the balance staff, watchmakers who participate in this forum may have better suggestions.

That's a very handsome watch you have there, it would make a very nice daily for someone. Good luck with it.

[Dan S]

Yes, just sell it as is, providing all of the information. Someone will buy it who has the ability to fix it cheaply.

[offrdmania]

The watch most likely has a 1210 manual wind movement which is a very common movement. Parts for this movement are very abundant but are long discontinued through an ADs parts distribution line. An independent watchmaker should be able to find parts without issue.

Just looking on eBay, here is a sealed balance staff:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Genuine-Rol...MAAOSwDypeT-u7

Here is the whole bridge if needed:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/ROLEX-Watch...ox!93465!US!-1

[Nick9]

I'm honestly puzzled. I have been getting watches that old and even older regularly repaired by local watchmakers here (Ottawa, Canada) for at least the last ten years. With no fuss and not much expense. All sorts of brands including Rolex.

Going the AD/Rolex route on a watch like this would be the worst and certainly by far the most expensive option.

Are there not local watchmakers in Sweden who could tackle this?

[77T]

Originally Posted by ola.gravling

Do you have any advice what to do in this case? Do you know of anyone that can replace the balance for a lower price?

First, your AD is maybe lazy - since they can send items to RSC - often they won’t deal with vintage models.

My advice is have the service done by a trusted, certified watchmaker and work with him/her to source the parts that need replacing. Plenty are available.

You may need to start a new thread with the title “Need good watchmaker in Stockholm”. Or PM Jocke here on TRF to see if he would recommend someone.

If you give up on it, don’t sell the non-working watch as a complete package. The bracelet (if original and in good shape) prolly has more value than the non-working head.



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[77T]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

The watch most likely has a 1210 manual wind movement which is a very common movement. Parts for this movement are very abundant but are long discontinued through an ADs parts distribution line. An independent watchmaker should be able to find parts without issue.

Agree this is best bet.


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[motoikkyu]

In NYC, I've never had any problem getting the manual-wind movements serviced. There are parts for these, but I'd never take it to the RSC, they tend to treat old watches as a headache and bill you accordingly. I'm not a watchmaker, but I believe many of the parts are interchangeable with the parts in the calendar movement, like in the 6694, and there are MANY of those around.

[Vlad]

First of all, I absolutely agree with Matt, that parts are available. Second, any reasonable watchmaker should be able to replace a balance staff - you don't even need to get a balance complete - just a staff and have the watchmaker replace it. Not super cheap, but should not be horribly expensive. Yes, no matter what you do, any self respecting watchmaker will force you to get a COA (full service), as otherwise they cannot warranty their work.

[SennieG]

I have a 6426, which was a present from my mother to my father in 1975. She bought it for £150. I usually get it serviced at the Antique Watch Company on Clerkenwell Road, London with the last service 2 and a half years ago. They have never had a problem getting the parts, and charged me £250, which is quite reasonable. So, find a reputable watchmaker locally.