GMT “fatlady” service question

[Kmbja711]

I have a GMT II fatlady. Purchased in the early 80’s. It has been serviced twice in that time and hasn’t missed a tick. Had the bezel pop off so took it to a local Rolex dealer to fix that and to service it. They came back with a repair estimate of $2000, that included replacing the crown, the dial, the hands and the crystal. They are saying this has to be done. I was told buy a number of collectors to not replace the patina vintage parts. I also had corporate Rolex in newyork, which my daughter worked, tell me the same thing when I thought of Reuther faded bezel. Do these repairs really need to be done. I just wanted the bezel put back on and have the service done not replacing cosmetic parts.

Would appreciate any feedback.

Thanks

[Tools]

Rolex and its Dealer shops want to replace parts to give you a like-new watch. Frequently this will devalue your vintage watch considerably and destroy its collectability for the future.

I would recommend that you seek out one of the good independent watchmakers who know about your watches value, and can advise you what should and should not be done. It may not be much cheaper, but it will be beste value overall and going forward.

Phillip Ridley in Arizona, and Bob Ridley in Texas get good marks, as does Rik Dietel in Florida. Zimmerman watch repair in PA may be closer and also gets good marks on other media sources.

[Dan S]

As Larry advised, to preserve the watch's originality, you will need to have it serviced by an independent watchmaker.

[TuRo]

This ∆ x2 ∆

[0nly5iv3Digits]

Larry is on the money. Don’t let them have their way with your watch!

[TuRo]

Originally Posted by Kmbja711

I have a GMT II fatlady. Purchased in the early 80’s. It has been serviced twice in that time and hasn’t missed a tick. Had the bezel pop off so took it to a local Rolex dealer to fix that and to service it. They came back with a repair estimate of $2000, that included replacing the crown, the dial, the hands and the crystal. They are saying this has to be done. I was told buy a number of collectors to not replace the patina vintage parts. I also had corporate Rolex in newyork, which my daughter worked, tell me the same thing when I thought of Reuther faded bezel. Do these repairs really need to be done. I just wanted the bezel put back on and have the service done not replacing cosmetic parts.

Would appreciate any feedback.

Thanks

BTW YOUR DIAL is probably , if early 80s, a so-called no date (oyster perpetual dial v later oyster perpetual date dial) and the most sought after, so should be kept even if a bit scruffy/patinated....

[cjohns]

Call Wixon Jewelry in Bloomington Mn . Ask to talk to Len Carter their watchmaker I bet he would fix you up he’s the best period ! 952-881-8862