Vintage Datejust 1601 Repair

[mg1212]

Hi all,

I have a vintage Datejust 1601 that is in need of repair. I have had it for a year or so and last month the movement stopped on it. I have already taken it to the local Rolex dealer, who sent it off to the service center on my behalf, but it was returned last week with a note of - parts are no longer available due to the watch being “vintage”. I wish I had more information as to exactly what needs to be done or replaced, but the letter I received back was very vague so i'm stuck searching around hoping someone will be able to help me out.

Any suggestions/recommendations on a repair shop that might be able to source parts?

[Tools]

Rolex no longer carries parts for some 15xx and other movements, so perhaps this is why they have returned yours.

There are independents who would likely be able to service your movement and there are many aftermarket providers of essential parts, as well as some watchmakers who have older stock or serviceable used parts.

Give some of these watchmakers a call and see if they can help you.

We usually see good results from the Ridleys in Texas, Rik Dietel in Fla, LA Watchworks in LA, and a few others that slip my mind.

[Fredrik]

Originally Posted by Tools

Rolex no longer carries parts for some 15xx and other movements, so perhaps this is why they have returned yours.

I wonder if it is only Rolex USA, a separate entity than Rolex, that doesn't carry 15xx movement parts anymore? I have not heard this from anywhere else in the world?

[AJMarcus]

Definitely the policy of Rolex USA for sure. I would suspect it’s for all of Rolex. Just find a qualified independent with a certified Rolex account and you’ll be fine. That’s how I serviced my vintage 1603. And a lot cheaper than if Rolex serviced it

[rich84]

I had a 1603 and a 16013 serviced at rsc toronto last march.
both watches were handed to me when my godfather passed away.
the 1603 wasnt moving at all.


service price on 1603 was 950+69 for crown canadian dollars
price on 16013 was 800 + 210 for the gold crown

[Dan S]

If you're a serious vintage collector, PM me and I can give you the contact info of a CO front range independent watchmaker with a Rolex parts account.

[daveo5]

Did he send it to rolex nyc or Dallas, if so you are encountering a problem that will become more of an occurrence. Some years ago I had a 5512 that needed service. I sent it to Dallas rsc. They advised that they could only due a partial service as part(s) were no longer available.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

[Claven2]

Originally Posted by rich84

I had a 1603 and a 16013 serviced at rsc toronto last march.
both watches were handed to me when my godfather passed away.
the 1603 wasnt moving at all.


service price on 1603 was 950+69 for crown canadian dollars
price on 16013 was 800 + 210 for the gold crown

Same here - the Toronto RSC DEFINITELY services 1570 and 1575 160X series DJs and other watches with 157X movements - I just had one done in November 2019 (was a 1601) - no sweat. Basic service cost is $950 canadian dollars.

Is it possible you have a 1560 movement? I know they won't do those any longer.

[carwashchris]

Check this recent thread, this member had a good experience with the RSC in Toronto . https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=721741