Servicing Advice For Vintage Rolex

Hello, looking for some advice regarding a 1960's 1008 Rolex (Oyster Perpetual) I was given a few years ago. Would folk send it to an approved Rolex watchmaker /service centre or a more general one. I have no idea what servicing would cost or rather what I should expect to pay as reasonable. Similarly am unsure of service intervals as ATM I don't wear it too often. I was hoping to buy a Smiths PRS29a but if servicing is pricey in general I prob can't afford to. Can anyone make any recommendations too? Many thanks, Oli.


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The problem with sending a watch of that age to an independent is the availability of parts. However I’ve used approved repairer Duncan at Genesis before and it was fine. He returned the replaced parts on request and kept things as original as possble.

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Originally Posted by Corporalsparrow

The problem with sending a watch of that age to an independent is the availability of parts. However I’ve used approved repairer Duncan at Genesis before and it was fine. He returned the replaced parts on request and kept things as original as possble.

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Thank you Corporalsparrow.


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Using a Rolex Service Centre will be more expensive than an independent but you do get a two-year warranty and they will respect your wishes with regard to not replacing the dial or hands.
With VAT included, I paid about £720 for servicing a no-date automatic from 1967 at RSC.


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I was thinking of using Simon Freese for one of mine. Has anyone used him for a vintage Rolex?

I know about Genesis as others have mentioned so I too am interested in any other recommendations or thoughts on this.

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Originally Posted by NickRed71

Using a Rolex Service Centre will be more expensive than an independent but you do get a two-year warranty and they will respect your wishes with regard to not replacing the dial or hands.
With VAT included, I paid about £720 for servicing a no-date automatic from 1967 at RSC.


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Blimey- I'm not sure I could justify that along with all my other outgoings. Defo won't be using Rolex! But thanks for your reply.


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I use Duncan at Genesis for Rolex servicing, he's excellent.

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Originally Posted by Tenko

I was thinking of using Simon Freese for one of mine. Has anyone used him for a vintage Rolex?

I know about Genesis as others have mentioned so I too am interested in any other recommendations or thoughts on this.

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I have used Simon for servicing both my 16800 Sub and 16750 GMT and Simon did a perfect job as always.

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Originally Posted by Jack Norman

I have used Simon for servicing both my 16800 Sub and 16750 GMT and Simon did a perfect job as always.

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Thanks

To me, only Rolex can service a Rolex if you want a 100% guarantee of authenticity. It may be more expensive but only a Rolex warranty verifies a Rolex and a vintage Rolex deserves the best treatment possible and only Rolex can do that.

The only reason to take a Rolex to an independent is the price and that is a pretty poor reason.

I've used Steven Hale watches (http://www.shwr.co.uk) in London for vintage Rolex servicing and they seemed to do a decent job and used correct Rolex parts.

Hale is well regarded for vintage Rolex.

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Originally Posted by Mick P

To me, only Rolex can service a Rolex if you want a 100% guarantee of authenticity. It may be more expensive but only a Rolex warranty verifies a Rolex and a vintage Rolex deserves the best treatment possible and only Rolex can do that.

The only reason to take a Rolex to an independent is the price and that is a pretty poor reason.

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You may be right, but also comes down to what you can afford. I received my from my parents as a gift, and in all fairness probably wouldn't have been able to buy one myself. If money was no problem then I'd agree with you.


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Recommend using a Rolex accredited independent, likely to be a little cheaper than RSC and more flexible.

Paul

It’s worth getting a quote from Rolex as the price can vary from about £500 upwards.

Independents are cheaper but not by much if you send it a Rolex accredited Indy. Also bear in mind that Rolex expect their watches to be serviced only every ten years so a £500 service works out at less than £1 per week.

Would you pay £1 per week to have a Rolex on your wrist?

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Originally Posted by Ogdensnut

Hello, looking for some advice regarding a 1960's 1008 Rolex (Oyster Perpetual) I was given a few years ago. Would folk send it to an approved Rolex watchmaker /service centre or a more general one. I have no idea what servicing would cost or rather what I should expect to pay as reasonable. Similarly am unsure of service intervals as ATM I don't wear it too often. I was hoping to buy a Smiths PRS29a but if servicing is pricey in general I prob can't afford to. Can anyone make any recommendations too? Many thanks, Oli.


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Rolex U.K. themselves recommend Steven Hale for all vintage repair work so that's a pretty good endorsement if nothing. The watch will have either a cal. 1560 or 1570 which I suspect there will still be parts for so hopefully it wouldn't involve the costly procedure of making parts but will still be fairly expensive. I would send it in for a quote and evaluate whether to have it repaired or not once you've got a firm idea of the costs involved.

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Originally Posted by Dave+63

It’s worth getting a quote from Rolex as the price can vary from about £500 upwards.

Independents are cheaper but not by much if you send it a Rolex accredited Indy. Also bear in mind that Rolex expect their watches to be serviced only every ten years so a £500 service works out at less than £1 per week.

Would you pay £1 per week to have a Rolex on your wrist?

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I thought a 10 year service interval was for the more modern models. If it is for all models then £1 a week is certainly a bargain. I was under the impression it would need doing every 5 or thereabouts.


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Originally Posted by Ogdensnut

I thought a 10 year service interval was for the more modern models. If it is for all models then £1 a week is certainly a bargain. I was under the impression it would need doing every 5 or thereabouts.


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You could well be right but that would only mean it’ll cost him £2 per week. That’s still less than the price of a coffee!

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Originally Posted by Dave+63

You could well be right but that would only mean it’ll cost him £2 per week. That’s still less than the price of a coffee!

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Actually if it continues to steadily climb in value, as it probably will with a Rolex service history, instead of being down £2 per week, he could well be in profit.

If you got a decent Rolex, it always pays in the long term to give it the best treatment possible.

I've used Duncan at Genesis for servicing and repair of a number of my Rolexes (inc vintage) and I'm 100% pleased with his work.

I wouldn't use anyone other than a Rolex Accredited watchmaker on a Rolex.

R

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Originally Posted by Mick P

To me, only Rolex can service a Rolex if you want a 100% guarantee of authenticity. It may be more expensive but only a Rolex warranty verifies a Rolex and a vintage Rolex deserves the best treatment possible and only Rolex can do that.

The only reason to take a Rolex to an independent is the price and that is a pretty poor reason.

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Unfortunately that is complete rubbish.

I'd have Rolex service a modern watch directly. I'd have a Rolex accredited watchmaker service a 5 digit watch, and I would probably only use a known, well regarded specialist for anything truly vintage, unless I had the type of relationship with Rolex service dept that some of us can only dream about.

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Originally Posted by Ogdensnut

I thought a 10 year service interval was for the more modern models. If it is for all models then £1 a week is certainly a bargain. I was under the impression it would need doing every 5 or thereabouts.


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Originally Posted by Dave+63

You could well be right but that would only mean it’ll cost him £2 per week. That’s still less than the price of a coffee!

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Possibly, but vintage tend to need servicing more often and can be more temperamental. Having seen the Comex go back to Rolex during their previously 1 year service guarantee, and then need to go back again just after their one year guarantee ran out(it's a vintage watch Sir). I wouldn't bank on 10 years!

I’m after a service, light case refurb and a small lume repair on my 1675 GMT. When I spoke with Simon Freese regarding my watch, he indicated that obtaining parts wouldn’t be an issue. His reputation for the other elements of my requirements is excellent. His prices are competitive and he provides an 18month guarantee. The only downside is it’s a 3 month wait to get it done.

I’ve considered both Genesis and Stephen Hale but would I get exactly what I want from those guys? I don’t mind paying more if they can provide exactly what I am after.

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Originally Posted by Omegamanic

Unfortunately that is complete rubbish.

I'd have Rolex service a modern watch directly. I'd have a Rolex accredited watchmaker service a 5 digit watch, and I would probably only use a known, well regarded specialist for anything truly vintage, unless I had the type of relationship with Rolex service dept that some of us can only dream about.

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You may think it is complete rubbish but I don't.

We all know rightly or wrongly people place value on service warranties and papers when it comes to buying Rolex, especially older ones.

If a vintage Rolex comes out of the Rolex Service dept, you know it has had the best treatment in the world. Independents may strive to equal it but they will never beat it. Also with Rolex you know you are getting the best parts fitted.

Rolex are now much more sympathetic to vintage watches and there is really no excuse not to go to them.

To be honest when ever I have bought a Rolex without a Rolex service history, it goes straight into Rolex within 24 hours of purchase.

Apart from the ‘warm feeling factor’ that some folks associate with a watch being sent to the brand service centre, I’m struggling to see what RSC can provide that an accredited repairer can’t. Accredited repairers have the same parts access, their facilities and equipment have to meet high standards stipulated by Rolex. an owner also has the benefit of speaking directly to the guy who’s doing the job and discussing any issues with him.

Evidence of service history does affect values if selling, but I’d be more impressed with a recent service by an accredited repairer than RSC.

The issue of Rolex servicing usually divides opinions, this one’s no different.

Paul

I have seen conflicting information on these. Does rolex service watches older than 50 years?

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Originally Posted by walkerwek1958

Apart from the ‘warm feeling factor’ that some folks associate with a watch being snt to thw brand service centre, I’m struggling to see what RSC can provide that an accredited repairer can’t. Accredited repairers have the same parts access, their facilities and equipment have to meet high standards stipulated by Rolex. an owner also has the benefit of dpeaking directlyto the guy who’s doing the job and discussing any issues with him.

Evidence of service history does affect values if selling, but I’d be more impressed with a recent service by an accredited repairer than RSC.

The issue of Rolex servicing usually divides opinions, this one’s no different.

Paul

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They do have all the tools and access to parts for what they can service under their agreement. The right oils are being used and the correct surface treatments.
However having been in one centre that had very low standards I would proceed with caution.

Rolex accredited repairers cut corners to save money. For example, they are told to always replace crowns now, but the gold crowns aren't cheap. If they are the correct updated one and they look good, then they often won't get replaced.

The one I have been in only had accreditation for the owner, so he only had one set of tools. Therefore the correct hand setting tools, movement holder etc are not used by all the other watchmakers at the workshop. The other watchmakers all worked on Rolex. Plus the workshop was disorganised and filthy.

So yes in theory they are as good, but as always check yourself first, I would have no issue using Steven Hale from reputation and what I have heard from other watchmakers and dealers.

As crunchypirate said, Rolex will often recommend Steven Hale, as they did with my watch (1959) because they wouldn't touch it. I guess if you have a good relationship with Rolex they would help you out?

I work quite close to RSC so have tried to use them in the past and had really bad service, for example they wouldn't sell me a Rolex buckle for my watch because I didn't have a Rolex strap, so I said okay, sell me a strap, to which they replied that they didn't sell any that would fit my watch. It was eventually resolved after I wrote to complain but I try to avoid them when I can because of that - they're generally very up themselves.

I've bought a few vintage models without any sort of Rolex service papers and it made no difference to me.

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Originally Posted by Mick P

You may think it is complete rubbish but I don't.

We all know rightly or wrongly people place value on service warranties and papers when it comes to buying Rolex, especially older ones.

If a vintage Rolex comes out of the Rolex Service dept, you know it has had the best treatment in the world. Independents may strive to equal it but they will never beat it. Also with Rolex you know you are getting the best parts fitted.

Rolex are now much more sympathetic to vintage watches and there is really no excuse not to go to them.

To be honest when ever I have bought a Rolex without a Rolex service history, it goes straight into Rolex within 24 hours of purchase.

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Rolex repaired a floppy hour hand on my 42mm Explorer 2 under warranty. I then noticed an oily fingerprint in the very centre of my dial that wasn't there before it went in for repair. Back into London to drop it off and they replaced the whole dial for me. There's no question about it going to Duncan Potter (who is Rolex-accredited) when it needs a service, I don't trust Rolex to do it properly. Please feel free to not bother telling me why I'm wrong.

I`ve had work done by Bill Rice, I`ve visited his premises several times, I'm impressed by the set-up he's got and (more importantly) with the way he works. I`ve no first-hand experience with other accredited repairers but I`ve heard plenty of good reports about Duncan at Genesis.

There are some non-accredited independents who seem to be able to 'magic' Rolex parts up when they need them......sadly I`m no one of them and as a mere hobbyist monkey I`ll never aspire to such greatness. However, let's not forget that Rolex movements are straightforward and there's no great mystique about working on them, it's just the availability of parts and the potential costs if something goes wrong that's a bit off-putting.

I`m seriously considering selling one of mine this year and ideally it should be serviced before sale, I`ll probably do it myself because I can and I`m almost certain it won`t need parts. If I genuinely thought it would sell for significantly more I`d send it to Bill Rice for service, I`ve no hesitation in recommending him.

Paul

Duncan at Genesis did an excellent job on a vintage datejust of mine.

He is a Rolex accredited independent (so can get parts from Rolex). His communication (by email) was first rate. If you want to see whether he can do what you want, I should email him.

As for prices, accredited independents are supposed to use Rolex prices (though I think they try to keep them as reasonable as possible). The main advantage is you know the reputation of the person doing the work.

ATB

Jon

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Originally Posted by me32dc

Rolex accredited repairers cut corners to save money. For example, they are told to always replace crowns now, but the gold crowns aren't cheap. If they are the correct updated one and they look good, then they often won't get replaced.

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Good, I would rather have the flexibility to not have a perfectly functioning crown replaced via an independant rather then mandatory via Rolex?, if that's what you are saying. If it genuinely needs replacement it's a cost either way - Rolex don't replace crowns for free.

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Originally Posted by Tenko

I’ve considered both Genesis and Stephen Hale but would I get exactly what I want from those guys? I don’t mind paying more if they can provide exactly what I am after.

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I’ve now sent email enquiries to both Genesis and Stephen Hale so I’ll see what they come back with then make my decision after that.

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Originally Posted by Tenko

I’ve now sent email enquiries to both Genesis and Stephen Hale so I’ll see what they come back with then make my decision after that.

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Do yourself a favour, forget about e- mail and PHONE these guys! I know it seems infashionable thesedays, but it’s amazing how effective verbal communication can be.

Seriously, it pays to discuss exactly what you want. If you send a covering letter with the watch confirming what you’ve agreed and what you’ve asked for that covers all bases.

Paul

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Originally Posted by walkerwek1958

Do yourself a favour, forget about e- mail and PHONE these guys!

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Had a busy day but managed to speak to Duncan at Genesis on the phone so at least we managed to talk through the work and yes, much easier than sending an email. I also received a response to my enquiry from Stephen Hale who suggest that I send my watch in for an estimate for a £75 plus VAT charge if I decide not to proceed with the work.

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Originally Posted by Mick P

You may think it is complete rubbish but I don't.

We all know rightly or wrongly people place value on service warranties and papers when it comes to buying Rolex, especially older ones.

If a vintage Rolex comes out of the Rolex Service dept, you know it has had the best treatment in the world. Independents may strive to equal it but they will never beat it. Also with Rolex you know you are getting the best parts fitted.

Rolex are now much more sympathetic to vintage watches and there is really no excuse not to go to them.

To be honest when ever I have bought a Rolex without a Rolex service history, it goes straight into Rolex within 24 hours of purchase.

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The only reason I would ever send a watch to Rolex is if I was planning to sell it. Their watchmakers are still human and accredited watchmakers have access to the same parts. I don't know why you think Rolex will give a watch the best treatment in the world. That's plainly nonsense.

A friend has a 1008 watch that doesn’t really work. Where is he best getting it sorted ?

Thanks will


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Originally Posted by s1wnw

A friend has a 1008 watch that doesn’t really work. Where is he best getting it sorted ?

Thanks will


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A Rolex accredited independent: —will have access to the spare parts, will be cheaper than RSC and easier to have a conversation about what you want.


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Originally Posted by Mick P

To me, only Rolex can service a Rolex if you want a 100% guarantee of authenticity. It may be more expensive but only a Rolex warranty verifies a Rolex and a vintage Rolex deserves the best treatment possible and only Rolex can do that.

The only reason to take a Rolex to an independent is the price and that is a pretty poor reason.

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Mick, you're like record that's got stuck!

So what's wrong with taking it to a Rolex accredited indy such as Duncan Potter? These guys have access to Rolex parts and will do just as good a job. Furthermore, and I speak as one who's fixed a few watches myself, I strongly believe it is better to entrust a watch to one individual rather than a faceless Service Centre, you can communicate properly with the individual and clarify exactly what you want doing.

Just my humble opinion, Rolex will want silly money to service the watch with some of the prices and recommendations they are coming back with regards modern stuff .

Take it or send it to a good watchmaker and like Paul says they are relatively simple and not Black Magic ( to the right person ) to work on , it might and probably be as simple as a service is required .

Mick you’re forgetting or are unaware that all of the old school Vintage Guys that Rolex had as watchmakers are nearly gone and are few and far between .

Can I guarantee that a vintage Rolex won’t come back from Rolex with new hands , dial etc? I don’t have to worry if I let Duncan at Genesis do the work because he does just what I ask for. It’s a shame but I won’t let Rolex near anything old and beautiful!