Daytona 6265 service Rolex Geneva

[Vintage12]

Hoping this thread helps others with vintage service plans.

I'm fortunate to own a very nice full set Daytona 6265 circa 1978. The overall condition of the watch is exceptional. I don't wear it too often but sometime back in October/November 2016 decided to free it from the watch winder and take it out for dinner. It's manual wind of course and everything seemed fine but after trying the chronograph I noticed some occasional sticking of the function.

Time for a service methinks. In early December I took it to my local RSC in SW Florida to seek their advice. I was adamant we not change any of the exterior components and focus on a sympathetic service to the interior of the watch only with obvious attention to the chronograph.

Ultimately we agreed the watch must go back to Rolex HQ and so it was duly sent to them December 6th with my instructions. It was due back before the end of February.

When I enquired as to status mid February I was told Rolex have to put the watch in a "special category" and they were still working on the quotation for the work. Apparently they won't start the effort until they have all the parts needed. Makes sense but... should have been a clue for me.

Then I get a quote - $2,300. Ouch. Should have been another clue, but for a watch of this caliber I had to agree they proceed with the work.

The next day it occurred to me. For that price they had to be changing parts against my wishes. After a call to the RSC I was told, no, it's for a movement service only. Insisted they double check this because the price was clearly off the charts if that was the case.

Sure enough. The crystal was getting changed out and I was livid. Apparently, the older plexiglass watches can get fractures at the edge and so it is changed out as a matter of course even though it was against my wishes. It almost seems the approach from Rolex is to "make as good as new" vs retaining the vintage patina and originality. Stop!

To the RSC's benefit they contacted Rolex Geneva immediately and Rolex agreed to recover the crystal and return it with the watch so it can be re-instated.

Now I've researched this a bit more I may have made a genuine but well intentioned mistake in sending the watch to Geneva where I thought it would be best taken care of. Rolex really should have a special vintage service department that operates under a different paradigm.

I'd like to reserve final judgement until the watch comes back, but caution ye who seek service on a vintage watch.

[sensui]

You do not send a vintage Rolex to RSC...... Many other good watchmakers that are cw21 certified and will maintain the originality of the watch servicing the movement /parts necessary only.

[swish77]

This is a tough one. I personally wouldn't have any problem with them changing the crystal. I wouldn't want anything else changed, of course, but the crystal wouldn't bother me because it's so, so important to the protection of the watch. I wouldn't mind having a fresh one. The old ones indeed become brittle and can develop little cracks you might not notice.

Also, on the Daytona 6263/5, the Rolex service crystal is really not that visually different, is it? If this was a 5513/2 Sub or 1665 SD with a beautiful original domed crystal, then that would be different. Also, it'll be cool to have Rolex service paperwork. It adds value. And now you're also getting the original crystal back, so great.

However, all that said, I don't like the price for the service, and I would probably have just sent the Daytona to one of the well-respected watchmakers that are often mentioned on this site by us vintage watch lovers.

Good luck with the service. I'd be curious to read how it turns out. Stunning "Big Red," by the way!

[mattedialdoc]

Very appreciative to you for taking the time to post your experience. It echoes years of similar posts. Stay away from the RSC for vintage watches.


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[Vintage12]

Appreciate the comments. I get the point about the crystal although I could not see any issues with the original even under a 10X loupe. Interesting comment on the 1665 as I referenced this very example and concern to the RSC - at some point during the life of my 1665 the T39 crystal had been changed for a service crystal - still nice, but it takes something away from the watch. Have considered profiling or even seeking out an original T39. I know this doesn't bother some folk.

[HolyCosmic]

Congrats! RSC accepting your Daytona means a lot. It means Your movement is in pristine condition. You got yourself a deal here. 2.3k is cheap considering Bob charging 3k plus for a service. Trust me the service bill will add value to your watch in the long run.

I would not hesitate to send your watch to Geneva for a service. My square guard 5512 with serial 478k was just serviced by Rolex last week. They replaced the bezel, crown and plexiglass. I saved the original parts before sending the watch in. But they are available.

[lhanddds]

Originally Posted by swish77

This is a tough one. I personally wouldn't have any problem with them changing the crystal. I wouldn't want anything else changed, of course, but the crystal wouldn't bother me because it's so, so important to the protection of the watch. I wouldn't mind having a fresh one. The old ones indeed become brittle and can develop little cracks you might not notice.

Also, on the Daytona 6263/5, the Rolex service crystal is really not that visually different, is it? If this was a 5513/2 Sub or 1665 SD with a beautiful original domed crystal, then that would be different. Also, it'll be cool to have Rolex service paperwork. It adds value. And now you're also getting the original crystal back, so great.

However, all that said, I don't like the price for the service, and I would probably have just sent the Daytona to one of the well-respected watchmakers that are often mentioned on this site by us vintage watch lovers.

Good luck with the service. I'd be curious to read how it turns out. Stunning "Big Red," by the way!

Aaron, I believe the service crystal is a little flatter, not as nicely domed as the original. You lose some control when you go with the RSC. By the way, I paid the Ridley' s just slightly over 2K for servicing my Tudor Monte Carlo 7032 about a year ago.

[strafer_kid]

No doubt, Rolex don't make ownership of their vintage models straightforward in any way, and presumably because they can ultimately control the supply of parts even to independent specialists, we are always going to be at their mercy to some extent, maybe even increasingly over time?

[Vintage12]

Some of you were interested in how things turned out. Hopefully this helps you when considering service needs on a vintage watch.

Well, it was a long time coming however the watch is back after nearly 5 months with Rolex. I was getting worried and so was the service manager at my local AD.

Initially it arrived without the promised original crystal from Rolex. However, after a few calls it was located and shipped out the next day. The service manager tells me it was the worst 1 hour of his life trying to track it down.

I needn't have been so upset. To be fair, Rolex did an excellent job servicing the watch. The patina and originality was all kept intact as requested. Yes I have a new crystal but it is identical to the old one which I will keep with the watch. The new crystal certainly shows off the magnificence of the reference 6265. All the functions work well and the time keeping is spot on.

Ok, so it was a little pricey. But now I have a Rolex service card and warranty for 2 years. Interestingly, Rolex noted some parts are now in short supply should I require those in the future - hands are no longer available, not that I would want those changed. My advice, just be very specific about your requirements and put it in writing, whomever services your watch.

[swish77]

Beautiful! Big congrats!

I'm curious ... did RSC insist on changing the crown and tube from a 702 to 703 set-up? And if so, did you get the originals back? I would assume that would be mandatory to guarantee water-resistance, but maybe there's a stipulation on these vintage watches that water resistance is not guaranteed.

Regarding the crystal ... I have a 6263 (6.0 mil.) that just returned from a service at LAWW. I also needed a new crystal, so they took a Rolex service crystal that would be correct for a Daytona, but they re-profiled it to match the original, more domed appearance.

[greekbum]

I had my 6265 serviced at Rolex 2 year international warranty last year was around $550 different RSCs different prices.

[jban5]

I'm also curious about something, and I'm not challenging you or anything negative, that is why do you keep a manual winding watch on a winder? I can't think of anything bad that would happen but it doesn't seem to make sense.

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by jban5

I'm also curious about something, and I'm not challenging you or anything negative, that is why do you keep a manual winding watch on a winder? I can't think of anything bad that would happen but it doesn't seem to make sense.

I wondered the exact same thing.

[landroverking]

I would think there would be many watchmakers that could service the 727 movement.

[Vintage12]

The RSC didn't insist on the crown changes. I had specifically requested no change to crown and other items, this was also noted in the return paperwork. Also noted "We are unable to grant our customary international 'pressure proof' guarantee" but my sense is this is more about the age of the watch. Yet the 2 year factory service warranty is still intact.

Nice looking 6263. Your repair shop did a great job on profiling your crystal. I still have a 6263 on my acquisition target list.

As for question on the watch winder, the watch is kept in the storage area up top which accommodates a few manual watches. The winding bays have the automatics. I agree, it wouldn't make sense to use a winder for this watch although not sure it would do any damage.

While Rolex did a good job, it's clear to me there are more cost effective ways to get your vintage watch serviced while protecting the patina. Some of those specialty shops like LAWW certainly seem to know their stuff.

[swish77]

Originally Posted by Vintage12

While Rolex did a good job, it's clear to me there are more cost effective ways to get your vintage watch serviced while protecting the patina. Some of those specialty shops like LAWW certainly seem to know their stuff.

Yes, that's true, but Rolex paperwork, especially from HQ in Switzerland, adds value to your Daytona. I'd have no problem sending my watch back to Rolex for service IF I could guarantee they would only do a movement service. That's the tricky part, but it sounds as if they left all the best vintage qualities on your watch alone.

[MattCH]

Nice watch. They could have charged more...
By the way they have a specialized vintage watch center.

Enjoy you beautiful daytona!