Should i service my 1971 Oysterdate

[omaribrahim0505]

Hello Everyone,

I am wondering if it is worth servicing this oyster date watch.

I sent it to SWS (Swiss Watch Services) out of curiosity and to just polish the watch. They directly work with Rolex.

They sent me a list of recommended services to do on my watch after an extensive inspection

1)Movement servicing with polishing ( I did not feel there is anything wrong with the movement)

2)Plexi Glass replacement (The glass to be honest, is really scratched alot)

3)New Hands & Crown ( They said there is rust, but it is sooo minimal)

4)New End piece ( Original end piece has missing tubes)

The remarks on my watch from their end is :

The movement shows error in timing and oil is dried ( what oil are they talking about)

Hands are rusty and not in good condition

The Bracelet attachment end piece has missing tubes

Deep Scratches and dents all over the watch. Polishing will be to the best possible

2 years warranty after service

parts on an exchange basis - old parts cannot be returned

The whole service will cost about $966

Is it worth it ? Should I do it ??

[ExplorerI]

There’s oil inside the movement that lubricates all the moving parts. If the oil dries you have extra wear and tear and potentially rust which will cause more parts to be replaced. Eventually the watch may stop completely without a major overhaul.

[omaribrahim0505]

So you suggest I definitely do a movement service on the watch. What else?? What are your thoughts on what I said??

[GST15]

Thats an average price for this service. It would be roughly the same at RSC, who will also give a two year warranty. I would do it

[winst]

I would do it, price seems fair and watch will come back looking great.

[zapokee]

I'd do it all except changing the hands. Original dial and hands are important for a vintage watch, and they don't look too bad. I would also find somebody who can tighten the bracelet - it looks quite stretched.

[L.K Johnson]

My friend had the exact same model but with SS markers. He did more or less the same work as quoted and then gifted the watch to his wife and she has been wearing it ever since. I also think you should tighten the bracelet or find a nice Hermes or Saffiano grain strap for it (would be looking it best with a brown one I think)

Think he paid about the same…standard prices…

[Dan S]

I would not replace the hands. Otherwise seems reasonable. A movement service is routinely needed every 5-10 years. The moving parts need to be cleaned and lubricated to avoid long-term damage to to wear and tear.