Need some help - Rolex 1603/0 black face - refurb question

[perfectblue10]

Hello all,

My grandfather left me his Rolex 1603/0 Oyster Datejust (1967) with steel wristband and black face. It's been in a box for the last 20 years and recently I had it serviced by Rolex. They replaced the bracelet, case back, oscillating weight and serviced it. All together is cost £1,654 GBP.

I didn't know they'd do this but they kept the old bracelet, etc! I asked the shop for the old parts back but they said Rolex keep them. I'm a bit concerned about this. Should I contact Rolex to ask for them back? Is this normal practice for Rolex to keep old parts?

Also I had it serviced to sell it but I've no idea how much it's worth. Any ideas? I don't have the original box but do have the service receipt, a Rolex poach, and the plastic stickers Rolex put to protect the strap and sides are still on the watch. See attached pictures. And any recommendations for UK based places I could contact to sell it?

Any advice would be welcomed.

Thanks,

Sam

Rolex1.JPG

Rolex2.JPG

[Richard Carver]

Parts from Rolex are always on an exchange basis, they always keep the old part.

[crowncollection]

This is rolex policy. EST to send it In on a leather strap and keep the original band next time


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[SubMarine]

Please refer to my signature...

[Dan S]

I'm sorry, Sam, I wish you had asked a question before sending the watch to Rolex. Your 1,654 GBP expenditure has probably not increased the value of your watch at all. The fact that it was serviced is good, but the loss of the original case-back and bracelet will hurt the collectible value a bit.

It is rarely cost-effective to service a watch for a sale, and especially not if you pay the exorbitant price charged by Rolex.

[bieb1]

I just saw a reply from a London based forum member in another thread, who says that Rolex (or RSC) can make an exception to their rule of keeping parts. It may be worth a try to go back, explain it is your grandfathers watch and for emotional reasons would like his old bracelet back. If the old case-back had an engraving or dedication to your grandfather, you could also ask for that back. If not stick to the bracelet. A general “can I get my parts back” always gets a NO answer. Best not mention you want to sell it....

[perfectblue10]

Thank you. That's really useful.

Sam

Originally Posted by bieb1

I just saw a reply from a London based forum member in another thread, who says that Rolex (or RSC) can make an exception to their rule of keeping parts. It may be worth a try to go back, explain it is your grandfathers watch and for emotional reasons would like his old bracelet back. If the old case-back had an engraving or dedication to your grandfather, you could also ask for that back. If not stick to the bracelet. A general “can I get my parts back” always gets a NO answer. Best not mention you want to sell it....

[perfectblue10]

Thanks for letting me know Dan. We took the watch to a Rolex dealer and asked for their advice. The bracelet was really stretched/worn and they advised us to get it serviced. Hindsight is a wonderful thing. Wish I'd have known about this forum before we sent it off.

Originally Posted by Dan S

I'm sorry, Sam, I wish you had asked a question before sending the watch to Rolex. Your 1,654 GBP expenditure has probably not increased the value of your watch at all. The fact that it was serviced is good, but the loss of the original case-back and bracelet will hurt the collectible value a bit.

It is rarely cost-effective to service a watch for a sale, and especially not if you pay the exorbitant price charged by Rolex.

[perfectblue10]

Thank you!

Sam

Originally Posted by bieb1

I just saw a reply from a London based forum member in another thread, who says that Rolex (or RSC) can make an exception to their rule of keeping parts. It may be worth a try to go back, explain it is your grandfathers watch and for emotional reasons would like his old bracelet back. If the old case-back had an engraving or dedication to your grandfather, you could also ask for that back. If not stick to the bracelet. A general “can I get my parts back” always gets a NO answer. Best not mention you want to sell it....