is my first rolex purchase and service worth it?

[Bensrolex]

Hi, I posted recently about acquiring my first Rolex: a 1966 Datejust 1601. I received the watch and it is gorgeous. However, I took it into Giovanni Passalaqua, a highly reputable Rolex specialist, and he said it is a nice watch but running loudly and slowly, and needs a full service. He offered a conservative (could be a bit less) quote of $1100. He suggested that I offer the watch seller to split the cost with me, since the seller had described the watch as fully serviced and running properly.

I paid $4000 for the watch, with no band. It already seems like a lot, but again it's a rarer glossy black dial in excellent aesthetic condition. So the question is, would be crazy to be $4550 in to this watch without the band, or is it worth it because it is scarce and, uh, because I love it? (I only have a limited budget though, so I can't just pay for love...)

Thanks for any opinions! I have attached some photos. I am new to the forum so please don't hesitate to point out any taboos that I am violating!

[L.K Johnson]

Pics not showing up. Think you need at least 10 posts to share pics...

[Bensrolex]

thanks for your help Mr. Johnson. Strange, on my previous post the image seemed to show up ok, no?

[L.K Johnson]

Originally Posted by Bensrolex

thanks for your help Mr. Johnson. Strange, on my previous post the image seemed to show up ok, no?

Weird...

[csfischer20]

Well... it sorta depends on the watch you bought. It could be worth it, or it may not be worth it. More info is needed. IF you have a president for 4 grand with no bracelet, you got a hell of a deal. If you got a 1980's Air King for 4 grand with no bracelet, then you're cutting it close.

[Bensrolex]

Originally Posted by csfischer20

Well... it sorta depends on the watch you bought....

valid point (headsmack) ;)

[Handey0465]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/ROLEX-DATEJ...AAAOSwaB9fogsj

the auction said nothing about "fully serviced" and "running properly"...

Unless you messaged him and he said that....

[Handey0465]

Originally Posted by csfischer20

Well... it sorta depends on the watch you bought. It could be worth it, or it may not be worth it. More info is needed. IF you have a president for 4 grand with no bracelet, you got a hell of a deal. If you got a 1980's Air King for 4 grand with no bracelet, then you're cutting it close.

Just look at his profile under his name....it has the watch listed there...

[boomtime]

Originally Posted by Handey0465

https://www.ebay.com/itm/ROLEX-DATEJ...AAAOSwaB9fogsj

the auction said nothing about "fully serviced" and "running properly"...

Unless you messaged him and he said that....

In the item specifics/condition area:

“ROLEX DATEJUST REFERENCE 1601 VINTAGE WATCH 100% GENUINE THAT HAS BEEN PRE-OWNED BUT IN GREAT CONDITION FOR ITS AGE. THE WATCH SHOWS EXTREMELY LIGHT SIGNS OF HANDLE AND WEAR SUCH AS LIGHT SCRATCHES, SWIRLS AND MARKS BUT NO MAJOR DAMAGE. THE WATCH WAS RECENTLY FULLY SERVICED AND CLEANED AND IT IS WORKING CORRECTLY. PLEASE LOOK AT THE PICTURES CLOSELY AS AN ADDITION TO THIS DESCRIPTION FOR REFERENCE AS THE WATCH IS SOLD AS IS AND THERE ARE NO RETURNS ACCEPTED. PLEASE CONTACT US IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR NEED MORE PICTURES. THANK YOU VERY MUCH AND HAPPY SHOPPING!”

[TimeLord2]

Your images are showing. BTW, you can post images even if it's your very first post. What you cannot do is post a link until you have 10 posts. That said, the pictures you did post are very small. Most everybody here uses tapatalk or some sh!#. Additionally, since you are in California, why not try Rolex in Beverly Hills and get an estimate from them. Might be less than what you were quoted from Giovanni Passalaqua.

[L.K Johnson]

I would for sure service it. It’s an amazing watch. Take in more quotes to compare prices though...I would also source a new fluted bezel with sharper edges to make it “pop” more but that’s just me, other people might say leave it as is...

[chinaski]

I don't think you got ripped off, and yes it's worth it.

Even if you have 5k into the watch, you aren't losing much. Save up and buy the correct bracelet.

[swish77]

I suspect the dial might be refinished. The writing doesn't look super crisp (look at the "O" and "X" in "Rolex," for example), and you're missing part of the "Swiss" and "T" at the bottom of the dial, along with the lume dot at 8 o'clock, as if whoever did it forgot about that one. (Compare to the original text on a 1.8 million 1601 dial below. Different type/color of dial, I realize, but look how crisp the text is.) Bezel doesn't look right either, although maybe it's just over-polished.

You could try to get the seller to pay for part of the service, but this is the danger of buying watches on eBay, especially in other countries. The listing says the watch was serviced, but by whom? The auto mechanic down the street? The description doesn't say, but did you ask?

Either way, I'd probably keep it and have it serviced. (Returning it to Brazil for a refund sounds like a long shot). The $1100 service estimate seems high for a DJ, and I'd bet a good independent would be less expensive. Good luck!

[csfischer20]

Originally Posted by Bensrolex

valid point (headsmack) ;)

Now that I can see the watch, I'd get quotes for service from a couple of competent people, but that's a beauty and I think you're fine moneywise. You should also be able to source a bracelet for a reasonable price if that is your desire.

[Bensrolex]

Thanks for the feedback thus far. To be fair to the seller, his communication has been fantastic, he has been very understanding and has offered me a full refund including shipping (he is a dealer and also has a Florida office which would receive my package). He alternatively offered me $200 toward the servicing, but said with any more he would be in the red on the watch.

[stewester]

Personally, I would send it back without hesitation.

[VintageRX]

Check with Rolliworks in California, they do great work and could even give your bezel a recut. Would probably be worth have it serviced if you like it that much but that dial does seem a bit suspicious, definitely have that checked out.

Good luck


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[VintageRX]

Originally Posted by stewester

I would personally send it back without hesitation.

To bad the listing said sold as is and they gave no specification as to the accuracy. May be a hard time disputing who’s in the right


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[offrdmania]

The sales ad clearly said recently serviced which it is not as you state. The dial is also questionable. I would send it back for a full refund and continue searching.

[Yachtbuoy]

I'm not as familiar with how those gloss dials age in relation to the paint, but I'm not impressed with the lettering and while the movement might look clean, it almost sounds like it hasn't been serviced in decades and needs a tear down/rebuild (mine needed this too, despite it being quite clean).

Beyond the dial/movement, the bezel has been smoothed down and you are paying probably the very upper end of a watch-only 160x. If this was an exceptionally cheap watch, then you could probably justify it as a project because you could track down a new dial/bracelet etc. but you should surely be able to find a serviced 160x with a bracelet in better condition, even if it needed servicing.

I'd say return it.

[VintageRX]

Originally Posted by Bensrolex

Thanks for the feedback thus far. To be fair to the seller, his communication has been fantastic, he has been very understanding and has offered me a full refund including shipping (he is a dealer and also has a Florida office which would receive my package). He alternatively offered me $200 toward the servicing, but said with any more he would be in the red on the watch.

Good to hear, send it back. To many red flags for my liking


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[uncleluck]

I’d go for the refund to be honest. I saw the pics in the vintage forum and thought the dial looked at best refinished, that’d bug the heck out of me (especially if that’s the main attraction). For the money these are now it’d want to be all original.

[winst]

Send it back and pay a bit more for a recently serviced DJ with a bracelet on it. It will be cheaper and less hassle for it in the long run.

[Sublovin]

Originally Posted by stewester

Personally, I would send it back without hesitation.

I would as well. I recently bought a datejust with recent service papers, on a Rolex jubilee for under $4. You will have way overpaid if you sink $1100 into a service.

[zapokee]

I'd never buy from a seller who states "No returns accepted." Accepting returns is bog-standard in the vintage watch business.

Look for a seller who has a quibble-free return period of a least a few days after the watch arrives. You need time to wear it, make sure it's running OK and have it inspected. Think HQ Milton and Tropical Watch.

[Bensrolex]

thanks all for your very thoughtful and helpful observations and perspectives. It was particularly valuable to get the independent feedback about the dial, because Mr. Passalaqua also independently mentioned that while he was not completely sure about the dial being refinished, he also had questions. I think I will choose to return it and return to the search. The emotional highs and lows of a new Rolex enthusiast continue...

[narembeen]

Originally Posted by Bensrolex

thanks all for your very thoughtful and helpful observations and perspectives. It was particularly valuable to get the independent feedback about the dial, because Mr. Passalaqua also independently mentioned that while he was not completely sure about the dial being refinished, he also had questions. I think I will choose to return it and return to the search. The emotional highs and lows of a new Rolex enthusiast continue...

You're doing the right thing in sending it back. You will have to look at this everyday and part of the experience is always the transaction.

[Handey0465]

Originally Posted by Bensrolex

thanks all for your very thoughtful and helpful observations and perspectives. It was particularly valuable to get the independent feedback about the dial, because Mr. Passalaqua also independently mentioned that while he was not completely sure about the dial being refinished, he also had questions. I think I will choose to return it and return to the search. The emotional highs and lows of a new Rolex enthusiast continue...

Don’t buy your first off eBay. Find a trusted seller or buy new

[circles]

$1,100 is way too expensive for a service.

[motoikkyu]

I agree with the consensus, this is probably not the best example for your money. I'm surprised how many folks objected to the bezel, wanting it sharper and crisper. I've always preferred the slight wear on vintage bezels, the really sharp ones look great on some watches, but I imagine I am in the minority here.