Tudor Lollipop Hand Submariner

[WatchCollectorandFan]

Why is Rolex hell bent on replacing a vintage Tudor “Lollipop” hands with Mercedes type hands? Specifically, why would Rolex decline working on a watch that has those rare Lollipop hands?

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by WatchCollectorandFan

Why is Rolex hell bent on replacing a vintage Tudor “Lollipop” hands with Mercedes type hands? Specifically, why would Rolex decline working on a watch that has those rare Lollipop hands?

Rolex likes to update everything and make watches as new as possible. They don't make those hands anymore.

They're not the people to go to with vintage stuff.

Luckily there are sympathetic independent restorers who will service vintage Tudor.

[Dr.Smellody]

The lollipop has no structure behind the hand. So it shrinks, cracks, and falls out. The "Mercedes," cathedral hands have backing for the hands to adhere to.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by WatchCollectorandFan

Why is Rolex hell bent on replacing a vintage Tudor “Lollipop” hands with Mercedes type hands? Specifically, why would Rolex decline working on a watch that has those rare Lollipop hands?

Which is it? Are they declining to work on the watch or requiring replacement of the hands? It's pretty standard for Rolex to require replacement of hands where the lume is compromised, since they claim that loose lume can damage the watch during the warranty period. However, I would be surprised if they totally declined to work on the watch.

[WatchCollectorandFan]

They are telling me they can’t work on this watch and referring this to a NYC repair person. I am totally disappointed in them. Would I kill the value with the new hands?

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by WatchCollectorandFan

They are telling me they can’t work on this watch and referring this to a NYC repair person. I am totally disappointed in them. Would I kill the value with the new hands?

Well, it's weird that they are unwilling to work on it, I would have expected they would just insist on replacing the hands. Maybe that's not the reason they are refusing to work on it. RSC will decline to service a watch if they don't have parts for it.

Anyway, it's for the best IMO. Use an independent and keep things original. Without a photo, we can't really give you advice, but if the lume isn't too bad, it can just be stabilized.

[WatchCollectorandFan]

What does it mean to “stabilize” the Lume?

[Tools]

Originally Posted by WatchCollectorandFan

They are telling me they can’t work on this watch and referring this to a NYC repair person. I am totally disappointed in them. Would I kill the value with the new hands?

The value in older watches is typically in the hands and dial, although the rest of it needs to be sound as well.

Rolex frequently turns away vintage watches where the customer may cause a stink about "lost value" when they replace cosmetic parts.

Older lume can be stabilized by attaching a micro-thin backing and applying a clear lacquer to keep it from falling apart. Not much different than stabilizing centuries old art work.

[Mark020]

Pic would help...

[WatchCollectorandFan]

When the watch is available and back. How does one post a picture on this sight?

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Dan S

However, I would be surprised if they totally declined to work on the watch.

My RSC (Tokyo) also declined to service my Tudor Snowflake, saying it was too old. It's a bog-standard movement that any competent watchmaker can service.

As Larry says above, Rolex know that replacing vintage parts will tank the value of the watch. I think they're actually doing you a favor by indirectly saying "We're not the guys you need for this vintage piece. The service we provide will compromise its value," but of course they can't say that directly.

Originally Posted by WatchCollectorandFan

Would I kill the value with the new hands?

Yes, that would reduce its value significantly. Just get an independent watchmaker to restore the current hands. There are plenty of trusted restorers in the US, like LA Watchworks.

Stabilizing the hands involves applying lacquer to the back of the lume so that it looks the same but won't fall out.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by zapokee

My RSC (Tokyo) also declined to service my Tudor Snowflake, saying it was too old.

Agreed, that doesn't surprise me. I thought the OP was implying that RSC refused because of the hands specifically.