Vintage Explorer 5504:- Case back markings - Help

[Andy.L]

I have recently been handed down through two of my uncles in the family an Oyster Perpetual Explorer 5504, year 1959.
I have certain information that came with the watch, but I was interested with all the markings inside the case back. When I magnify the case back photo, I can see quite a few "added" on markings.
My question is, does anybody know what these are, or do they mean anything please?
Many Thanks
Andy

[Tools]

Watchmaker marks each time the watch was serviced.

Each watchmaker uses their own codes so they are difficult to decipher.

[Andy.L]

Many thanks for the info

[Haywood_Milton]

Among the codings, however, one can decipher that service work by Rolex UK was refused in April 2011. I can further confirm that the job number fits in sequence for that month.

Haywood

[Kolonel]

Originally Posted by Haywood_Milton

Among the codings, however, one can decipher that service work by Rolex UK was refused in April 2011. I can further confirm that the job number fits in sequence for that month.

Haywood

Although I am more a reader than a poster, this triggered me.

Did the owner of the watch refuse specific service by Rolex? Or did Rolex UK refuse to service this specific watch and is so, what could be a reason?

Thanks in advance!

[Andy.L]

When I was handed down the watch, I did send it off to Rolex via my local Jeweller to get it looked over and serviced, due to it being a "working" watch in my family.
I received the watch back with a letter from Rolex quoting

"We are indeed sorry to inform you that we are obliged to return this watch to you without repair.
As you are no doubt aware, the model was manufactured many years ago and is now out of production. Although we stock a large quantity of spare parts at the time, many of these have now run out.
Were we to find parts worn or broken once the watch was dismantled, we would almost certainly be unable to affect the necessary repairs to a satisfactory standard. It is therefore with great reluctance, that we cannot proceed with this particular watch"

That was the reply sadly. I am still looking for a reputable company/shop here in the UK who would look at it

[Andy.L]

Apologies, the date of the letter from Rolex was 12th April 2011
Rolex UK Ltd West Malling, Kent

[Andy.L]

Originally Posted by Kolonel

Although I am more a reader than a poster, this triggered me.

Did the owner of the watch refuse specific service by Rolex? Or did Rolex UK refuse to service this specific watch and is so, what could be a reason?

Thanks in advance!

When I was handed down the watch, I did send it off to Rolex via my local Jeweller to get it looked over and serviced, due to it being a "working" watch in my family.
I received the watch back with a letter from Rolex quoting

"We are indeed sorry to inform you that we are obliged to return this watch to you without repair.
As you are no doubt aware, the model was manufactured many years ago and is now out of production. Although we stock a large quantity of spare parts at the time, many of these have now run out.
Were we to find parts worn or broken once the watch was dismantled, we would almost certainly be unable to affect the necessary repairs to a satisfactory standard. It is therefore with great reluctance, that we cannot proceed with this particular watch"

That was the reply sadly. I am still looking for a reputable company/shop here in the UK who would look at it

The letter was dated 12th April 2011 from Rolex UK, West Malling Kent

[Andy.L]

This is a photo of the workings of the watch for reference

[lolo1972sg]

It is a 1530 movement and although it is out of production, it is actually not unserviceable. I think Rolex, being Rolex, just do not want to take the risk to service it nor used parts salvaged from other 1530 movements. But I think it is possible to find watchmaker to service it.

[Andy.L]

Originally Posted by lolo1972sg

It is a 1530 movement and although it is out of production, it is actually not unserviceable. I think Rolex, being Rolex, just do not want to take the risk to service it nor used parts salvaged from other 1530 movements. But I think it is possible to find watchmaker to service it.

Thanks for the info, much appreciated. I just need to find one and I prefer word of mouth if you understand my meaning.
Kind Regards
Andy

[lolo1972sg]

I have heard of Michael Young in Hong Kong who is well known for restoring and servicing vintages.
I vaguely remember that there is someone in UK who can do an equally good job. Just can’t remember who. Good luck.

[watchcrank]

Nice heirloom. There are many good CW21 watchmakers and others who can service this movement. Plentiful parts available as well from many sites if the watchmaker does not have in stock.

[Kolonel]

Originally Posted by Andy.L

When I was handed down the watch, I did send it off to Rolex via my local Jeweller to get it looked over and serviced, due to it being a "working" watch in my family.
I received the watch back with a letter from Rolex quoting

"We are indeed sorry to inform you that we are obliged to return this watch to you without repair.
As you are no doubt aware, the model was manufactured many years ago and is now out of production. Although we stock a large quantity of spare parts at the time, many of these have now run out.
Were we to find parts worn or broken once the watch was dismantled, we would almost certainly be unable to affect the necessary repairs to a satisfactory standard. It is therefore with great reluctance, that we cannot proceed with this particular watch"

That was the reply sadly. I am still looking for a reputable company/shop here in the UK who would look at it

The letter was dated 12th April 2011 from Rolex UK, West Malling Kent

Thanks for the reply! I've never heard of any post-war Rolex watches being refused service.

[05carbondrz]

Originally Posted by Kolonel

Thanks for the reply! I've never heard of any post-war Rolex watches being refused service.

Rolex has a new Hustle where older more valuable Watches “have” to be sent to Geneva for service....Big Bucks.

[Andy.L]

Originally Posted by 05carbondrz

rolex has a new hustle where older more valuable watches “have” to be sent to geneva for service....big bucks.

"ouch"

[Andy.L]

Originally Posted by Kolonel

Thanks for the reply! I've never heard of any post-war Rolex watches being refused service.

A bit of a stuffy upper class reply I thought .............very sad customer service.