Will Rolex service a 50 year old watch- Canada ?

[kwcsports]

Hi guys, wondering about servicing a 1960's DJ in Canada. I've heard in some places Rolex doesn't service them. Just wondering what options I have in Canada. Thanks in advance for any help.

[BigBlue1]

I can’t see them refusing to work on any of their watches unless of course it includes parts that are not genuine. Depending on age and parts it could be costly. Be careful when sending to have work done as it could greatly hurt the value depending on the watch.

[blassy]

For my vintage stuff (16800 and my wife's 1601) - I always use Derek Dier.
He's a vintage dealer and well known in Canada and the vintage community.
Has a shop in London and a certified Rolex tech at his disposal.
He'll do whatever is instructed and I've never had an issue buying or servicing vintage through him. Google him and you'll find his contact info....

[kwcsports]

Originally Posted by blassy

For my vintage stuff (16800 and my wife's 1601) - I always use Derek Dier.
He's a vintage dealer and well known in Canada and the vintage community.
Has a shop in London and a certified Rolex tech at his disposal.
He'll do whatever is instructed and I've never had an issue buying or servicing vintage through him. Google him and you'll find his contact info....

Thanks, I'll look into it.

[kwcsports]

Originally Posted by BigBlue1

I can’t see them refusing to work on any of their watches unless of course it includes parts that are not genuine. Depending on age and parts it could be costly. Be careful when sending to have work done as it could greatly hurt the value depending on the watch.

Thanks very much

[Toronto Soup King]

I took an old 1018 in (fourth from the top, post service) and had them remake it https://imgur.com/a/SMizQ and they were pleased to do the work. Be warned they'll change the acrylic for sapphire though, which changes the look quite a bit, and so if you want it back in ORIGINAL condition you'd be better off calling Derek. Anyway good luck eh and Happy Canada Day!

[kwcsports]

Originally Posted by Toronto Soup King

I took an old 1018 in (fourth from the top, post service) and had them remake it https://imgur.com/a/SMizQ and they were pleased to do the work. Be warned they'll change the acrylic for sapphire though, which changes the look quite a bit, and so if you want it back in ORIGINAL condition you'd be better off calling Derek. Anyway good luck eh and Happy Canada Day!

Thanks you too !

[BigBlue1]

Some pics

[kwcsports]

I don't have it yet but I know it needs a service and I'm probably going to send the Jubilee to MY to get it fixed. I'll take some pics as soon as I can and post them.

[Styles Bitchley]

Depends on where you are of course. If you’re near Ottawa try Ashton Tracy. He used to be a watchmaker at Rolex in Toronto.


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[kwcsports]

Originally Posted by Styles Bitchley

Depends on where you are of course. If you’re near Ottawa try Ashton Tracy. He used to be a watchmaker at Rolex in Toronto.


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Thanks I'm in Halifax. I'm going to try locally first then I'll decide where I'm comfortable sending it. Appreciate all the comments and advice guys.

[Ashton_Horologist]

The Rolex service center changed a watch which originally had an acrylic crystal to a sapphire? That’s certainly something I have never heard of it seen. RSC toronto will service anything with a 15xx series movement. Anything older than that and it’s Switzerland only.

[kwcsports]

Originally Posted by Ashton_Horologist

The Rolex service center changed a watch which originally had an acrylic crystal to a sapphire? That’s certainly something I have never heard of it seen. RSC toronto will service anything with a 15xx series movement. Anything older than that and it’s Switzerland only.

Ok, good to know. Thanks a lot. I'm probably going the RSC route, I can't seem to find anyone qualified in the Halifax area.

[Ashton_Horologist]

I would always advise against using a watchmaker just because they are local. If you want to go the RSC route, that is totally fine. But be aware of the service you will get. New hands, new dial, etc are alll possible if they deem it necessary. Refinishing of the case and bracelet is standard practice so if you don’t won’t it done, you will need to instruct them. When choosing an independent, if you that route, make sure they truly understand vintage restoration. It’s a very different game to servicing a modern watch.

[kwcsports]

Originally Posted by Ashton_Horologist

I would always advise against using a watchmaker just because they are local. If you want to go the RSC route, that is totally fine. But be aware of the service you will get. New hands, new dial, etc are alll possible if they deem it necessary. Refinishing of the case and bracelet is standard practice so if you don’t won’t it done, you will need to instruct them. When choosing an independent, if you that route, make sure they truly understand vintage restoration. It’s a very different game to servicing a modern watch.

Appreciate the advice and point taken. I'm going to go to my local Rolex store and have a long talk about the service and my options. If I do leave it with Rolex for the service it'll be head only. I'm probably sending the jubilee to Michael Young as it's very stretched. I'm hoping Rolex will just service the movement and leave the dial, hands, etc... alone. If that is not possible, I'll have some thinking to do.

[tkc324]

Go rsc. You can request them not to change anything and no polishing. They will just service the movements. This way you know it’s not stolen or have aftermarket parts. Good luck and post photo after service.

[kwcsports]

Originally Posted by tkc324

Go rsc. You can request them not to change anything and no polishing. They will just service the movements. This way you know it’s not stolen or have aftermarket parts. Good luck and post photo after service.

Thanks, that's the way I'm leaning the more I ponder it. I remember sending in my 1982 Sub probably around 1986 for service and they polished the hell out of it. I don't remember them asking me anything, just took it and did what they wanted haha. I was only 20 and had no idea what I was doing. A little smarter now at 53. I'll ask questions and make sure they do what I want done. Once again, thanks to everyone for helping me out, great community of like minded people on this great forum.

[kwcsports]

Originally Posted by BigBlue1

Some pics

Here are a few pics I had from the seller. I won't get the watch till next week.

[Styles Bitchley]

Originally Posted by kwcsports

Here are a few pics I had from the seller. I won't get the watch till next week.

Blue dial works well on two tone. Nice!


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[BigBlue1]

That’s going to look real sharp on sunny days especially at the beach. Wow, very strong dial. I love it. Looks great.

Get some wrist shot and be sure to update us when you do.

[BigBlue1]

The band looks to have some life left too to boot.

[kwcsports]

Originally Posted by BigBlue1

The band looks to have some life left too to boot.

Thanks for the kind words, Yeah band looks stretched but I might wear it a bit then send it off to MY. Needs a service as I mentioned but overall it looks good. Can't wait to get it, hopefully early next week. I'll post wrist shots ASAP.

[haven_seeker]

All lot of people are in the no polish camp, but I personally would polish any watch that isn’t rare. Paul Newman Daytona? No. A DJ? Hell yes.

All polished up and pretty is the best way to wear these babies.

[kwcsports]

Originally Posted by haven_seeker

All lot of people are in the no polish camp, but I personally would polish any watch that isn’t rare. Paul Newman Daytona? No. A DJ? Hell yes.

All polished up and pretty is the best way to wear these babies.

Agreed, I haven't ruled out a polish. Going to wait and talk to Rolex and come up with a plan. This watch will not be sold, but given to my son after I'm gone. After I've had a chance to look it over closely I'll decide about polishing the band and watch as a whole. First I want to get the damn thing in my hands haha. Thanks again everyone for chiming in, appreciate it. Kevin

[shedlock2000]

I’ve just had my 50yo 1675 serviced by RSC in Canada.

My watchmaker and I couldn’t find an 8039 wheel we were looking for, so we ended up sending it to RSC instead. The watch arrived back on Friday looking spit spot. The service did cost me $1500CAD, though.





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[haven_seeker]

What was the breakdown for the service?

Originally Posted by shedlock2000

I’ve just had my 50yo 1675 serviced by RSC in Canada.

My watchmaker and I couldn’t find an 8039 wheel we were looking for, so we ended up sending it to RSC instead. The watch arrived back on Friday looking spit spot. The service did cost me $1500CAD, though.





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[AJMarcus]

Nice pick up. Congrats.

If you want to keep it original I would not send it to RSC. Find a watchmaker who works on vintage Rolex. That’s what I did when I recently picked up my 1968 DJ.

[shawndww]

Originally Posted by kwcsports

Thanks I'm in Halifax. I'm going to try locally first then I'll decide where I'm comfortable sending it. Appreciate all the comments and advice guys.

Please be carefully locally I have seen them destroy beautiful dials and hands by doing such things as relume. If the watch has value Halifax is not the right place for service.

[Neufcatcat]

The more l read about it , the more am finding out that RSC is not much different than a car/motorcycle dealer ..... (owner of over 6 Harley D in the past few years...)

[zapokee]

My RSC refused to work on my 1978 Tudor Snowflake, saying it was too old. A**holes.