Interesting conversation with my A.D. today.

[Ketler]

I spoke with my A.D. today regarding servicing my father-in-law‘s 50 year old 1603. They said that any four digit reference must be sent to Switzerland.
They said the cost would start at about $1200. They said it would take many weeks to get an estimate and that even if I declined the service, it would probably cost me about $500 in shipping costs to get the watch back.
I never heard of such things…???

[Tools]

Rolex won't service a watch if they don't have parts, and many of the older models are getting there.

Geneva does have a vintage restoration shop for folks who want to go that far. They charge for an evaluation, so you don't just ship one there if you aren't prepared for the costs up-front, even if you decline.

There are plenty of fine independent watchmakers who can service an old DJ, and there are also parts-makers for some of the parts Rolex no longer supplies.

I wouldn't think that a 1603 would justify a Geneva Restoration.

[Easy Rhino]

That's kind of a tough one. I would at least first try to send it to an independent watchmaker with good bona fides to at least see if it can be serviced this way. Many independents bought up stock of old Rolex parts just for these sorts of needs. I would start with Rik Dietel (my Sub is there for service now for the second time - about once every ten years). http://timecareinc.com/index.html. I get nothing for this recommendation but Rik is trustworthy in my experience and will do no work before you approve it. I would at least give him a call. Good luck.

[Slimpee]

I just emailed Mike with Rolliworks about my 1803. He knew about the problem I’m having with it, said they have access to parts, and gave me a service (without parts) quote that was less than what your AD quoted.

Maybe reach out to them.

[WatchGuy1966]

You can find a CW21 in the USA (maybe locally) watchmaker that probably has the parts

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by Tools

There are plenty of fine independent watchmakers who can service an old DJ, and there are also parts-makers for some of the parts Rolex no longer supplies.

+1 on checking with an independent watchmen instead


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[rushca01]

Originally Posted by fskywalker

+1 on checking with an independent watchmen instead


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Check Roliworks and Zimmerman Watch Repair.

[Tri-Tip]

Originally Posted by Ketler

I spoke with my A.D. today regarding servicing my father-in-law‘s 50 year old 1603. They said that any four digit reference must be sent to Switzerland.
They said the cost would start at about $1200. They said it would take many weeks to get an estimate and that even if I declined the service, it would probably cost me about $500 in shipping costs to get the watch back.
I never heard of such things…???

I took my father's early 1970's OP to the Beverly Hills RSC and they said they do not work on watches that old there and would have to be sent to their main location on the east coast and there would be a $600 charge to have it looked at and a repair/cleaning estimate given.

[tarponfly]

https://watchmakers.com

Bob Ridley would be a great option for you. He completely restored my Grandfather's 65 year old Rolex 6466. His restoration exceeded my expectations and the communication was amazing. He is top notch!

[Car32]

This is interesting as part of the allure of high end mechanical watches is the thought of passing a piece down for generations. When I first became interested in Rolex I figured because they were a private foundation and had a long history they would likely service their own watches much longer than other brands, especially those owned by the publicly traded companies like the Richmonts of the world.

But they do not. I wonder if Rolex will change their stance in the next 50 years and service the watches they are producing today more readily?

[MoosicPa]

I would try Kelly Hunter at Art of the Watch… he does great restoration work.