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alexanderblv · 13 September 2015, 10:42 PM

Howdy!

Just received this vintage Rolex as per my late grandfather's will. Bitttersweet.

Unfortunately the mechanism (and watch in general) is in need of a service. Was told that only Rolex in Switzerland could do a proper job of it. This sounds rather pricey (especially as I'm based in South Africa).

From an expert's view, is it worth restoring? In terms of how much I could sell it for? Have been advised that it could be worth quite a lot.

Cheers!

andromeda160 · 14 September 2015, 02:23 AM

Really depends on the problem. i'd start by taking it to an AD and getting a new battery and see if it starts ticking. if that doesn't work I would look into getting it serviced, although without an RSC service I believe you would have a hard time allocating a dial. is it cheap? no. but an heirloom like this is worth the investment.

harry in montreal · 14 September 2015, 04:20 AM

I would sink us$400 or so to clean it up. If the movement is toast I don't know if I would spend the cash to replace the movement or the part that was damaged by the battery. If she runs well with a good battery I would just wear it as is. This is the best advice. $100 could make it waterproof if the crystal is not cracked.

alexanderblv · 14 September 2015, 04:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andromeda160

Really depends on the problem. i'd start by taking it to an AD and getting a new battery and see if it starts ticking. if that doesn't work I would look into getting it serviced, although without an RSC service I believe you would have a hard time allocating a dial. is it cheap? no. but an heirloom like this is worth the investment.

Hey, thanks for the advice. What's an "AD"? (Excuse my ignorance)

sleddog · 14 September 2015, 04:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexanderblv

Hey, thanks for the advice. What's an "AD"? (Excuse my ignorance)

Authorized Dealer.

omitohud · 14 September 2015, 04:36 AM

Sorry for ur lost.

That's one of the nicest OQ cases I have seen. Look at the sharp n crisp corner with probably original brush finish. If u don't wanna keep it, I would sell it as is. Hopefully the movement is not damaged but most likely it is due to the fact there was water intrusion based on the dial damage. U can find dials from time to time, but for the movement, rare is an understatement. I don't know if rolex keep stock. Even if they do, probably cost as much as ur watch.

Another route if u wanna keep it for sentimental value and not for resale, source a mechanical movement n just enjoy wearing it.

I blame it on the autoconnect.

tucsonrick · 14 September 2015, 07:32 AM

You can send it to Geneva and get an estimate. I've done that in the past and they've been very helpful. Given your family history with the watch, it may be worth some thought.

crowncollection · 14 September 2015, 07:46 AM

unlikely you will make much money if you restore it, likely needs a step motor, serivice and new dial, but that case is worth saving it is a stunner, it has sentimental value i would fix it

Old Expat Beast · 14 September 2015, 11:28 AM

There's a Rolex Service Centre in Jo'burg, I believe. That would be the best place to start. Ask them to give you a quote on how much it would cost to fix up. No need for you to send it to Geneva.

GTS Dean · 14 September 2015, 11:44 AM

If you decide to send it in for service at a Rolex Service Center, DO NOT let them touch the case or the bracelet!!!! For that matter, don't let ANYONE refinish it! Your grandfather's is amazing and they WILL mess it up.

____________________________
TT OysterQuartz
SS/Black "U" Daytona
TT GMT II-C
DD OysterQuartz
Breitling Aero
Omega Speedmaster Pro

zapokee · 14 September 2015, 01:58 PM

Sorry for your loss.

That case looks wholly unpolished, which adds to the value. I'd spend whatever it costs to restore such a fantastic family heirloom, but that's just me...

Good luck with whatever you choose.

alexanderblv · 15 September 2015, 05:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

There's a Rolex Service Centre in Jo'burg, I believe. That would be the best place to start. Ask them to give you a quote on how much it would cost to fix up. No need for you to send it to Geneva.

Indeed! I've decided to send it in for a quote (can choose whether or not to go forward from there).

Thanks for the advice, peeps

JDBCN · 15 September 2015, 07:40 AM

Hi omitohud.
How can you fit an automatic mechanism in an Oysterquartz? Thanks!

Enviado desde mi iPhone utilizando Tapatalk

JustinK · 15 September 2015, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JDBCN

Hi omitohud.
How can you fit an automatic mechanism in an Oysterquartz? Thanks!

Enviado desde mi iPhone utilizando Tapatalk

It can be done and Rolex did it. Not sure if the feet for the oysterquartz dial would line up but they could be modified to fit an automatic movement.

Look up Rolex model 1530 for more info.

dpa94114 · 17 September 2015, 06:16 AM

http://www.tswisst.de/en/produkt-kat...sterquartz-en/

This guy has a great reputation - and some great dials for an oysterquartz if you choose to replace

13 September 2015, 10:42 PM	#1
alexanderblv "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: South Africa Posts: 3	1981 rolex oyster quartz datejust Howdy! Just received this vintage Rolex as per my late grandfather's will. Bitttersweet. Unfortunately the mechanism (and watch in general) is in need of a service. Was told that only Rolex in Switzerland could do a proper job of it. This sounds rather pricey (especially as I'm based in South Africa). From an expert's view, is it worth restoring? In terms of how much I could sell it for? Have been advised that it could be worth quite a lot. Cheers!

14 September 2015, 04:36 AM	#6
omitohud "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Real Name: Sam Location: los Angeles Posts: 2,051	1981 rolex oyster quartz datejust Sorry for ur lost. That's one of the nicest OQ cases I have seen. Look at the sharp n crisp corner with probably original brush finish. If u don't wanna keep it, I would sell it as is. Hopefully the movement is not damaged but most likely it is due to the fact there was water intrusion based on the dial damage. U can find dials from time to time, but for the movement, rare is an understatement. I don't know if rolex keep stock. Even if they do, probably cost as much as ur watch. Another route if u wanna keep it for sentimental value and not for resale, source a mechanical movement n just enjoy wearing it. I blame it on the autoconnect.

14 September 2015, 07:46 AM	#8
crowncollection "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Real Name: David Location: australia Posts: 20,157	unlikely you will make much money if you restore it, likely needs a step motor, serivice and new dial, but that case is worth saving it is a stunner, it has sentimental value i would fix it __________________ watches many

14 September 2015, 02:23 AM	#2
andromeda160 Banned Join Date: Dec 2012 Real Name: Greg Location: michigan Watch: Rolex Oyster Posts: 4,046	Really depends on the problem. i'd start by taking it to an AD and getting a new battery and see if it starts ticking. if that doesn't work I would look into getting it serviced, although without an RSC service I believe you would have a hard time allocating a dial. is it cheap? no. but an heirloom like this is worth the investment.

14 September 2015, 04:20 AM	#3
harry in montreal "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Montreal Watch: The Habs pick 1st! Posts: 3,589	I would sink us$400 or so to clean it up. If the movement is toast I don't know if I would spend the cash to replace the movement or the part that was damaged by the battery. If she runs well with a good battery I would just wear it as is. This is the best advice. $100 could make it waterproof if the crystal is not cracked.

14 September 2015, 07:32 AM	#7
tucsonrick "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Arizona Posts: 106	You can send it to Geneva and get an estimate. I've done that in the past and they've been very helpful. Given your family history with the watch, it may be worth some thought.

14 September 2015, 11:28 AM	#9
Old Expat Beast TRF Moderator & 2024 DATE-JUST41 Patron Join Date: Jul 2013 Real Name: Adam Location: Hong Kong Watch: SEIKO Posts: 28,362	There's a Rolex Service Centre in Jo'burg, I believe. That would be the best place to start. Ask them to give you a quote on how much it would cost to fix up. No need for you to send it to Geneva.

14 September 2015, 11:44 AM	#10
GTS Dean "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: NB, TX Watch: 3570.50 Posts: 1,012	If you decide to send it in for service at a Rolex Service Center, DO NOT let them touch the case or the bracelet!!!! For that matter, don't let ANYONE refinish it! Your grandfather's is amazing and they WILL mess it up. ____________________________ TT OysterQuartz SS/Black "U" Daytona TT GMT II-C DD OysterQuartz Breitling Aero Omega Speedmaster Pro

14 September 2015, 01:58 PM	#11
zapokee "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Japan Posts: 4,344	Sorry for your loss. That case looks wholly unpolished, which adds to the value. I'd spend whatever it costs to restore such a fantastic family heirloom, but that's just me... Good luck with whatever you choose.

15 September 2015, 07:40 AM	#13
JDBCN "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Barcelona Posts: 79	Hi omitohud. How can you fit an automatic mechanism in an Oysterquartz? Thanks! Enviado desde mi iPhone utilizando Tapatalk

17 September 2015, 06:16 AM	#15
dpa94114 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: ex SF, back east Posts: 531	http://www.tswisst.de/en/produkt-kat...sterquartz-en/ This guy has a great reputation - and some great dials for an oysterquartz if you choose to replace

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