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Old 13 September 2017, 09:34 AM   #1
Mauvaise
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Pre-inheriting Rolex - needs service

Hi,

My wonderful husband was going to buy my a Rolex for Christmas. My father and step-mother both have Rolex watches so I was asking was them opinions on sizes, etc. when my father generously said he would gift me his Rolex as he just doesn't wear it anymore. I think I am going to take him up on it because even though it's not the exact one I would have picked, the fact that it's his makes it extremely special to me. More than a new one would.

Anyway, that was a long-winded intro to my actual question. My dad says it needs to be reconditioned and a needs a new crystal. He says maybe a new bracelet as well, but unless it's ridiculously thrashed I want the bracelet he had. His a mid-size Date-Just with a silver and gold bracelet and a champagne dial. If I had to guess I'd say it's 31mm given that it's slightly smaller than my step-mother's 34mm Air King.

I'm in Phoenix and he's in West Va. Where can either of us go to get this work performed and what's a rough estimate that I should expect in terms of cost?

Thanks in advance!
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Old 13 September 2017, 08:03 PM   #2
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I've moved this to the vintage section, where you'll get more answers.

Do you have a photo of the watch?
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Old 13 September 2017, 08:25 PM   #3
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Thanks for the assist! I don't currently, but think I could get some.
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Old 14 September 2017, 01:16 AM   #4
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I come bearing pictures.

I also found out that my Dad purchased the watch new in 1982. As far as I'm aware, he doesn't have any of the original paperwork/box if that matters (I'm not intending to ever sell it).

Thoughts? Recommendations?
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Old 14 September 2017, 01:21 AM   #5
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That's an awesome gift... Send the bracelet to Michael Young @ Classic Watch Repair in HK and the head to Rik @ Time Care Inc. in FL. Just my two cents. Congrats again!!
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Old 14 September 2017, 02:49 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cpefy3 View Post
That's an awesome gift... Send the bracelet to Michael Young @ Classic Watch Repair in HK and the head to Rik @ Time Care Inc. in FL. Just my two cents. Congrats again!!
Probably a bit overkill.

That bracelet isn't ridiculously thrashed and while a service is probably in order, which may lead to a new crystal, I wouldn't do much more than that. Doesn't even need a polish Imho.

Enjoy it, and thanks for sharing!
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Old 14 September 2017, 03:22 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom1675 View Post
Probably a bit overkill.

That bracelet isn't ridiculously thrashed and while a service is probably in order, which may lead to a new crystal, I wouldn't do much more than that. Doesn't even need a polish Imho.

Enjoy it, and thanks for sharing!
Thank you!

I do have a strong preference to keeping the original bracelet, but even if it needed some work, I don't think I'd feel comfortable sending it to HK.

A service is definitely needed according to my dad. That and he thinks a new crystal. I just wanted to make sure I sent it to a reputable place and what a ballpark figure would be for this work. I don't mind paying fair market value for the work, but I don't want to get over-charged either.
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Old 14 September 2017, 05:03 AM   #8
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A new crystal is pretty much always included with a service when it is the older plastic version. The bracelet looks to be in pretty good condition. I was just giving an option instead of replacing it, as I am firm believer in keeping watches as original as possible. Many members, including myself, have sent our bracelets to Michael Young and had great results in tightening/restoring them. Search on here and you will see what I'm referring to. Best of luck!!
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Old 14 September 2017, 05:39 AM   #9
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Great ref you have there........ service should be around $700-$800+/- and send it to the Rolex Service Center (RSC). They will give you a quote and keep everything original.
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Old 14 September 2017, 05:42 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cpefy3 View Post
A new crystal is pretty much always included with a service when it is the older plastic version. The bracelet looks to be in pretty good condition. I was just giving an option instead of replacing it, as I am firm believer in keeping watches as original as possible. Many members, including myself, have sent our bracelets to Michael Young and had great results in tightening/restoring them. Search on here and you will see what I'm referring to. Best of luck!!
I did research him after your initial post. He does appear to be a magician :)

I will definitely keep it in mind if I decide to get the bracelet worked on. Thank you!
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Old 14 September 2017, 05:43 AM   #11
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Quote:
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Great ref you have there........ service should be around $700-$800+/- and send it to the Rolex Service Center (RSC). They will give you a quote and keep everything original.
Thank you :)
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Old 14 September 2017, 11:33 AM   #12
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don’t think that your bracelet needs to be sent to MY, not bad at all. Servicing wise Independent would also be able to get the job done.. no need for RSC. just need trustable ones


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Old 14 September 2017, 12:57 PM   #13
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This watch was just like the one I inherited from my grandfather (until our house was robbed and it was stolen...but that's another story). I agree. No polish. Bracelet looks good. I recommend LA Watchworks - just have them service the movement and maybe look at the crystal and replace if necessary.
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Old 14 September 2017, 05:00 PM   #14
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band does not look that bad, get it serviced and cleaned up and it should be a great watch
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Old 14 September 2017, 10:36 PM   #15
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Quote:
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band does not look that bad, get it serviced and cleaned up and it should be a great watch
I thought it looked to be in decent shape, especially for an almost 40 year old watch that was worn almost daily up until about a year ago.


Thank you all for comments. I'll be sure to revisit once it's all cleaned up and on my wrist. Which probably won't be until next year as I won't get possession until Christmas when I see my dad again.
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Old 15 September 2017, 12:14 AM   #16
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I would agree with Gepetto...contact LA Watchworks and have Edvi give you an estimate. I've had them do one watch in the past...a very neglected Exp. II with a fairly stretched oyster bracelet.

They did a wonderful job at a reasonable cost. It will look like new when it's returned.
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Old 17 September 2017, 03:56 PM   #17
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"No Polish" is just the current mantra getting spouted on the interwebs. Mainly for fear of "devaluing your investment"... which I think it's bunkum unless you've got something that's pristine mint condition never worn except for a weekend every other leap year. Then yeah, that definitely "no polish" (because it doesn't need it!!).

But I think yours looks already been polished at least once, if not by a jeweller then by daily wear.

You'd be surprised what a proper Brush & Polish by an experienced refinisher makes to a tired piece, it'll get another chance to look like new.
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Old 17 September 2017, 10:05 PM   #18
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thank you for thread
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Old 17 September 2017, 10:12 PM   #19
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Old 17 September 2017, 11:12 PM   #20
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I'd take it to Ed Marshal's in Scottsdale.
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Old 18 October 2017, 06:23 AM   #21
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Take it to the RSC. That way you know it was done correctly and you have a baseline.
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Old 18 October 2017, 07:02 AM   #22
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Unquestioally, Watchmakers International, the best people I have ever done business with either, period. Most here will agree

http://www.watchmakers.com
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Old 18 October 2017, 09:01 AM   #23
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Gorgeous watch! Many years of service left in that bracelet. Enjoy.
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Old 18 October 2017, 09:25 AM   #24
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A wonderful watch and an even more wonderful gift... Enjoy
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Old 20 March 2018, 12:55 AM   #25
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*update*

I received the watch from my father in December and it's been in service until I picked it up on Saturday. I knew I would love it because it was my father's watch, but I'm a little surprised by how much I love it. I never want to take it off. I may have to sell my Explorer because I can't see it getting much love now.

Once I can see myself taking it off, I may send the bracelet to get rehabbed.


(I can't get the picture to post rotated the correct way - sorry!)
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Old 20 March 2018, 01:33 AM   #26
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spectacular. heirlooms are the best. the memories, priceless. as I stated before... great ref you have there.
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Old 20 March 2018, 01:37 AM   #27
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Looking great, enjoy it
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Old 20 March 2018, 01:44 AM   #28
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Agreed

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom1675 View Post
Probably a bit overkill.

That bracelet isn't ridiculously thrashed and while a service is probably in order, which may lead to a new crystal, I wouldn't do much more than that. Doesn't even need a polish Imho.

Enjoy it, and thanks for sharing!
In full agreement,
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Old 20 March 2018, 01:45 AM   #29
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looks stunning!

other than having the bracelet tightened, I wouldn't do much else to it. a polish would lose the little nicks and marks that your dad spent years accumulating. other than that, what a marvelous piece!
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Old 20 March 2018, 02:14 AM   #30
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JnmEaton View Post
spectacular. heirlooms are the best. the memories, priceless. as I stated before... great ref you have there.
Thank you! I'm in love with it.



Quote:
Originally Posted by Dangur View Post
Looking great, enjoy it
Thank you :)




Quote:
Originally Posted by spoilsofwar01 View Post
In full agreement,

Quote:
Originally Posted by herts9 View Post
looks stunning!

other than having the bracelet tightened, I wouldn't do much else to it. a polish would lose the little nicks and marks that your dad spent years accumulating. other than that, what a marvelous piece!

I very specifically said that I didn't want a polish during my service for that very reason. And really, I don't think it looks too banged up (or really at all) considering my dad wore it nearly daily for close to 40 years.

And that is all I want done to the bracelet: have it tightened up. It's pretty loose and if it was tightened, I may be able to put a link or two back in it. Right now all the removable links have been removed and I'm on the second to last clasp adjustment. I have no more wiggle room for any further loosening. lol
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