Rolex help needed

[normaneldon]

I've got a Rolex Oyster Perpetual model 1003 serial 2153015
It has a blue dial
I bought it in 1992 it wasn't new but very good condition I've never worn it so still in good condition .
It's hasn't been serviced since I bought it so that's 30 years so I guess it's ready for one although it seems to be working well.
Two questions
What is the date of the watch ?
Any recommendations regarding servicing ?
I would appreciate any advise .
I tried to get pictures but no idea how to load them
Thanks

[gmtmister]

The serial should place it in the 1969/70 period.
I would assume it’s time for a service!

[KathleenL]

You bought a watch 30 years ago but you’ve never worn it?!?!

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by KathleenL

You bought a watch 30 years ago but you’ve never worn it?!?!

Same …

[normaneldon]

Yes bought it 07/07/92 £620 it looked great in the shop but I found it difficult to see the time with the blue dial silver hands and the light reflecting off it so it got put to one side .

[Stud Screw]

If you're not going to wear it for another 30 years, I would decline servicing it, for now.

[normaneldon]

One of my daughters has taken a shine to it so it will need sorting .
I'm in my 70's now so I would love to still have it in 30 years .
Thanks

[MrGoat]

Send it to Phillip Ridley for service. He won’t remove any of the significant original parts and deals with vintage watches all the time.

He is a fairly active user of this forum and just search his name under members and he comes up. I’ve never heard a bad thing about him or his operation in the 2+ yrs I’ve been here.

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[Old Expat Beast]

No need to send it to the USA. Just look for a decent local watchmaker (repairer) around the Nottingham area and get them to open it up and give you an idea of what's needed.

[MrGoat]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

No need to send it to the USA. Just look for a decent local watchmaker (repairer) around the Nottingham area and get them to open it up and give you an idea of what's needed.

Didn’t realize OP was outside the US.


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[burnthesehills]

Pics attached for the OP.




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[burnthesehills]

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[burnthesehills]

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[burnthesehills]

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[normaneldon]

Thank you Joe for helping with the pictures .

[77T]

Adam already gave the best advice if you want to be sure it’ll work reliably.

Another option is to submit it to the Rolex Service Center - London in person, or ship it to Kings Hill location.

It’d be a nice daytrip via the train into the city if that would give your daughter a fresh perspective of the Rolex experience. Couple it with a nice lunch in Mayfair and return home.

Making an appointment will give you a chance for her to hear the quick assessment and maybe consider a different, easier to read dial color.


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[normaneldon]

Thanks everyone for the advise .
I've asked a couple of watchmakers regarding service and there doesn't seem to be a problem quoted £300 /£400 for service and refurb .
I must admit I've got a bit obsessed with getting info on this watch.
Out of interest I contacted a couple of auction houses to get their opinion and both said if I decided to sell ( providing the watch is working ) leave as is .

[Tools]

If it is running, let your daughter wear it.

As long as it is keeping time it's fine, although the oil may have migrated away from some moving parts it may still have a few years.

For peace of mind and best operation, a cleaning and fresh oil and seals will bring it back to near new condition.