First Rolex, 1957 ref 6565. How to make it last 70 more years?

[hitchhike79]

As a long time watch nerd i never thought id get a Rolex, but this came to me at the right time.
Needing a dress watch and the Tudor Pelagos being very utility and every day wear it was a simple decision to pick this up.

That being said it comes with a few issues, needs a service as the last service is unknown and the crystal has a decent ding and big scratches.

For longevity, is it recommended picking up prone to failure parts now? Since this is almost a 70 year old watch and parts im sure are scarce,
i dont want to be stuck 10 years from now loving the watch but unable to get parts without paying an arm and a leg.
What other tips do you vintage gurus have that im maybe not thinking of?

(Apologies for the bad photo)

Thanks

[Fahoo Forays]

Congratulations on the watch! I have no info on what it will take to get it into its best shape again, but someone will eventually come along who does. I have read that Rolex has stopped restoring/repairing watches beyond a certain age, but somebody somewhere still does this work. It's probably not going to be inexpensive, tho- "an arm and a leg" is relative, depends on the owner's financial situation.

One piece of advice you're definitely going to get is to factor repair costs into your vintage purchases going forward, unless you can afford to throw good money after the bad.

Did you really take that photo manually in that driving situation?

[hitchhike79]

It was stop and go traffic from an accident ahead so I say a moment to snap a photo.

I have maintenance budgeted in, all quality engineered items need maintenance.

[Dan S]

It would be helpful if you could post a clear straight-on photo of the dial.

[TuRo]

Sir welcome.

Does the footer on your dial say SWISS or T SWISS T please?

Good photo would be great...

[hitchhike79]

[hitchhike79]

[hitchhike79]

Originally Posted by TuRo

Sir welcome.

Does the footer on your dial say SWISS or T SWISS T please?

Good photo would be great...

I added some close ups

[Dan S]

Based on that first photo, I had a feeling. I wouldn't suggest making any major additional investments. And if it's running ok, perhaps you can just live with it.

[hitchhike79]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Based on that first photo, I had a feeling. I wouldn't suggest making any major additional investments. And if it's running ok, perhaps you can just live with it.

What did you see that leads you to say that?
All I’m thinking is service and leave it at that.

[TimeLord2]

The alignment of the T Swiss T is quit off and probably not Rolex standard. I am assuming you confirmed Dan's suspicions of a repaint on the dial and re-lume for that matter. Although, I could be wrong and hope to not misinterpreted Dan's comments.

[TuRo]

Yes dial isn't right.

Swiss footer pieces are OCC (OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED CHRONOMETER), and your T SWISS T (post 1963) are SCOC (SUPERLATIVE etc etc), T alignment and 7 of clock to adjacent minute markers out etc.

It happens, and if you can live with it then why not.

Dials do come up quite cheaply from circa £300-400 if bothered.