Question about my datejust

[Sluggy123]

Hi I recently bought a 2003 Datejust (preowned) and I noticed its about 8 seconds fast every 24 hours. Is this acceptable for a rolex? Is there anything I can do to fix this? Will getting it serviced improve its accuracy? Thanks for the help.

[MonBK]

Just have it regulated, simple procedure.

[77T]

There are some steps you can take yourself. Check this thread.
http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=104285

[mjclark32]

10 years old, has it ever been serviced?

[Sluggy123]

I'm not sure if it has ever been serviced...
Can someone explain what it means to have it regulated? Can this be done at any watch store?

[Alpino]

Originally Posted by Sluggy123

I'm not sure if it has ever been serviced...
Can someone explain what it means to have it regulated? Can this be done at any watch store?

Preferably not.

Find an authorized dealer, he have a Rolex trained watchmaker that will do the job easily ... and correctly.

[TSW]

Originally Posted by mjclark32

10 years old, has it ever been serviced?

x2

[mmmk604]

My guess is that it needs a service...I would do it if I doubted it's service history.

[mrbill2mrbill2]

Time for a service.

[Annan]

Yes, probably time for a service which will include regulating your watch for accuracy. At +8 seconds/day you are just beyond the Rolex standard which is a range of -4 to +6 seconds. Regulating simply means they will test your watch to see if it's fast or slow and then adjust the mechanism as needed. As I understand it there are tiny screws that are adjusted and is not a job for amateurs.

[Rolexpilot]

10 seconds is fine for an automatic. Next month it will be different, regulated or not. It doesn't need servicing unless it quits.

[Sluggy123]

Update: I took the watch into my local jewelry store (a very well known and respected one) watchsmith who specializes in rolex and explained that it was off by about 8 seconds per day. Much like everyone in this forum told me, he said it would be best to have it serviced (which includes regulating the watch). I paid him $200 for a comprehensive service and finally received the watch back from him yesterday. Unfortunetly, though, after about 20 hours it is now off by about 9 seconds. Should i accept that this is normal for the watch or take it back to the guy for further servicing?

[JGX]

Originally Posted by Sluggy123

. . . specializes in rolex. . .

Do you mean he is an Authorised Dealer or some chap who sells the odd Rolex?

$200 seems terribly cheap?

[andromeda160]

Originally Posted by Sluggy123

Update: I took the watch into my local jewelry store (a very well known and respected one) watchsmith who specializes in rolex and explained that it was off by about 8 seconds per day. Much like everyone in this forum told me, he said it would be best to have it serviced (which includes regulating the watch). I paid him $200 for a comprehensive service and finally received the watch back from him yesterday. Unfortunetly, though, after about 20 hours it is now off by about 9 seconds. Should i accept that this is normal for the watch or take it back to the guy for further servicing?

Take it back. if you were pissed about 8 why would you accept 9? you paid for it to be put back within COSC specs... now get it there!

[rmfnla]

Originally Posted by rolexpilot

10 seconds is fine for an automatic. Next month it will be different, regulated or not. It doesn't need servicing unless it quits.

x2

[slcbbrown]

Originally Posted by Rolexpilot

10 seconds is fine for an automatic. Next month it will be different, regulated or not. It doesn't need servicing unless it quits.

I normally only service a Rolex when something is wrong, but a service every 5-7 years is a good idea. As to the 8 seconds issue, that's less than a minute/week-- not bad at all. Laying it in a different position or winding it a little more frequently may affect the time back to spec.

[mrbill2mrbill2]

$200 for a full service??

Sorry (and I don't mean to be mean), but you got what you paid for.