Independent Watchmaker for Late 70s Datejust Overhaul

[Sevocaine]

Hello everyone. New poster here just looking for you all to weigh in regarding my decision to service my datejust. Serial indicates it has a late 70s manufacture date with a 3035 movement. The watch was a gift from my father and has never been serviced. It was running a bit slow ~-8 seconds a day and I wanted to get ahead of any further wear daily use might cause. I took it to an independent CW21 watchmaker here in the Boston metro area, who quoted me ~$700 USD for a full movement overhaul, regulation, cleaning, and replacement of parts, polish, with a 6-10 week turnaround time. This includes water resistance testing.

I admit I am somewhat paranoid, so I tried to shop around a bit and was assured by a representative of this shop that the watchmaker had a Rolex parts account, even though Rolex is not even mentioned on their site anywhere. However, on their site they assure that they use "only genuine parts for all brands they service."

I hate to assume the worst about people, but how can I be sure that this individual does in fact have a Rolex parts account aside from their verbal assurance? I've had non CW21 watchmakers tell me they have parts accounts, which I didn't think was possible when it came to Rolex. Does the estimate and timeframe sound fair? My question is how does one use genuine Rolex parts if they dont have a parts account? Did I make a mistake here?

Appreciate the thoughts.

-Sevo

[Sevocaine]

Furthermore, I was told by the shop that Rolex still stocks parts for the 3035 movement. Does anyone here know that to be true for a fact?

[swish77]

In a case like this, I would use a Rolex Service Center. Go to AD Lux Bond & Green in Boston. They can handle it. They'd send it to the NYC RSC. The cost and turnaround time would be about the same as you describe at the other place, but you'd get Rolex paperwork and the factory warranty. You also wouldn't need to worry about getting correct parts.

However, make sure you tell them you want a movement service ONLY. Do not allow them to change the dial and hands, and tell them no polishing! (This assumes you want to protect the vintage soul of the watch.) Make sure you get them to put it on the paperwork.

Good luck!

[omitohud]

For that kind of money, I would rather send to RSC. Independents even with Rolex account usually charge less than that.


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[wfc3]

Originally Posted by omitohud

For that kind of money, I would rather send to RSC. Independents even with Rolex account usually charge less than that.


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Yep, RSC quoted me ~$1100 US
AD $595


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[Gecko10]

Watchmaker International in Arlington, TX. Best in the business as many here will agree.

www.watchmakers.com

[Redtele58]

Originally Posted by Gecko10

Watchmakers International in Arlington, TX. Best in the business as many here will agree.

www.watchmakers.com

^^^^^ This

I just had Phillip Ridley bring my 1981 Rootbeer GMT 16753 back to life. Words can't express my satisfaction. I'm looking at this watch back on my wrist and all I can do is grin. :)

Communication was great throughout the process, price was fair and the quality of work was outstanding.

Phillip and Watchmakers International have my highest recommendation.

[madonofrio]

Go with reputation- I recommend LAWW

[Hot Carl]

Originally Posted by wfc3

Yep, RSC quoted me ~$1100 US
AD $595


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I find that hard to believe. The same service by RSC in the UK would cost equivalent of $650.

[wfc3]

Originally Posted by Hot Carl

I find that hard to believe. The same service by RSC in the UK would cost equivalent of $650.

I was calling them wanting an estimate on cost so maybe they were just estimating very high so actual cost would be less. No idea.


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