Need Opinion on whether to put my 1803 through the Rolex Service

[Artificial]

I own a '67 model 1803. The watch is running fine. Today, I spoke with the RSC in NY about servicing the watch. $2,000. The reason why it's so expensive is because they would have to change the dial, the crown, the hands and the crystal. In other words, all of the pieces that make this a vintage item would be removed and replaced with new, albeit original, parts. They noted that the lume (Tritium) has totally disintegrated on the dial and the hands and could cause damage to the movement. The other changes would need to be made in order to render the watch waterproof. Though the servicing of the movement is "only" $800, they won't perform maintenance until I also agree to the other changes. Would you have it go through the service?

[RichM]

I'm far from an expert but I would say if you can't tell them you want to keep those things original, I would send that watch to Rick in Florida. I'm sure he can give that watch a complete movement overhaul without sacrificing the original parts.

[WatchinMD]

Agree with Rich. Makes much more sense to go with a trusted independent and preserve the vintage character of the watch.

[zama]

I would look for someone else and do movement only

[Presa canary]

Works fine? Don't do anything. Whatever you decide, don't send it to rsc

[WatchinMD]

Sounds like there is loose stuff on the dial that needs to be taken care of.

[cop414]

Originally Posted by Presa canary

Works fine? Don't do anything. Whatever you decide, don't send it to rsc

This, when and if you decide to get it done have an independent with a Rolex parts account do a movement service as long as they give you the thumbs up on the lume being able to be stabilized.

[Tools]

The parts that Rolex would replace go directly to it's original character. They are not "original" parts when replaced, they are "authentic", two different things..

It is certainly up to you what you do. I would have the lume stabilized so it was no longer an issue about disintegrating, keep the original parts, and have the movement serviced.

Rolex will not do this, you need an independent watchmaker knowledgeable about restoration of older watches. There are several on this Forum..

[rodwatch69]

Never, ever, ever, ever send a vintage Rolex to RSC. I cannot stress that enough or repeat it enough times.

They WILL change out the vintage parts, replace with NEW parts and KEEP the old parts.

If you want a new Rolex then buy a new Rolex. If you want to keep your vintage watch vintage then forget the letters RSC

[crowncollection]

send it to a good independent

[bdex75]

You know what to do by now. No rsc on vintage.


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[swish77]

I've had success at RSC NY with a couple of vintage Rolexes (two Subs and a GMT), but only after they agreed to leave everything alone and only service the movement. Either they've changed their policy and are more strict or your 1803 has some flaking tritium that could be harmful to the movement. In either case, find a good independent. Several to choose from, including Rik, ABC, Ridley.

[Floorguy]

Rikki Rikki Rikki!!!

[Artificial]

I'm sorry who is Rikki, ABC etc.? Thank you.

[swish77]

Originally Posted by Artificial

I'm sorry who is Rikki, ABC etc.? Thank you.

They service vintage watches, often Rolex. If you do a search on this forum and elsewhere, you can see some reviews. I've used ABC Watchwerks in LA with success, but the others mentioned above also come highly recommended. Good luck.

[droptopman]

Many, many years ago before I knew any better, I sent my Sub in for service and they "upgraded" all the parts that made it great. Totally ruined the look and feel of the watch. I traded it in within a week.
As others have stated find a solid watchmaker to do the work and keep the original parts intact.

[themaninblack]

Originally Posted by droptopman

Many, many years ago before I knew any better, I sent my Sub in for service and they "upgraded" all the parts that made it great. Totally ruined the look and feel of the watch. I traded it in within a week.
As others have stated find a solid watchmaker to do the work and keep the original parts intact.

In Australia RSC will not do any work to a watch without quoting it first, therefore informing the client of all the parts they are going to replace. They will though want to replace virtually any and every part that they view as deteriorated or below specification and won't do half jobs. There are good alternative watchmakers who will deal with vintage.

[franklin]

Choose wisely.

[DCgator]

Originally Posted by franklin

Choose wisely.

x2!

[Dr.Smellody]

Run!