GMT II broken spring? - Help!!

[mastergunnera8]

Glad to find thid forum. I have a GMT II that I bought new in 1991 and does not work. Took it to a highly recommended watch tech here in northern virginia and he is saying the internal spring has broken and it will cost me $350.00. I am sure this is not a factory tech person..is this a fair estimate? Did I make a mistake letting this non factory person crack the case open? Looking for advise please...I love this watch and plan to pass down to my son someday...This is not the first problem I have had unfotunately...the pin in the side that you adjust the time with had broken back in 2000 and that cost me over $400 to get repaired and serviced, this was by a factory auth tech though...HELP!!! The last 4 of the model # is B6241.

[Nick1959]

I hope he has not doen anything there. I suggest you send it to the svc center and even if it may be more costly it is worth it

[Dan Pierce]

First, welcome to TRF!
The main spring on my DJ needed replacement and my watchmaker [w/ Rolex parts account] fixed it for about $90.00. His prices are usually pretty good so not sure if your guy did the same work or not. I'd take it to an RSC and get a second opinion.
Good luck, hope it's back on your wrist soon.

[Lol-x]

Maybe the spring breaking was symptomatic of some other issue that might in fact need your watch to be serviced.

When did you last get your watch properly serviced? I it was more than say 5 years ago, then maybe a servicing and lubrication of the movement is recommended.

However, Dan knows what he is talking about so I would have confidence in his advice to you.

Welcome

[mastergunnera8]

Thanks...you know I am seriously thinking of selliing it now...I can live with something breaking once, but when it happens twice...then I can't rely on it. Especially when fixing runs to over $700, for a watch...I have always wanted a Rolex and was a lower enlisted Army Soldier then...saved up through the Gulf war and then some afterwards, then finally had saved enought to buy...no small sum back then!! especially on that salary...I have thoroughly enjoyed the watch..but really bummed now (again)!!

I guess I will contact Rolex NY and get the info of a service center near me...I am sure there is one in the DC area...(got that from another thread) Is this something common to this model? Should I look to another model that may be more reliable?

[padi56]

Well first the mainspring is not a very expensive item if he is just charging that to replace the mainspring then its expensive.If he is going to service the watch then price is quite good.And any trained watchmaker could work on a Rolex movement,the same for getting the back off,its not rocket science with the correct tool.Somtimes the mainspring just get gummed up in the barrel by lack of service like picture below.

[mastergunnera8]

It's replacement of the spring and complete servicing. Any idea of what rolex would charge for servicing? The last time it was 3-400 alone...but that was 6-7 years ago. Thinking about it, if I am looking to sell it may be a good idea to only have a service center work on it...anyone have an idea of what this watch may be worth? I have all the receipts, box, papers, seals, etc...

[Vanessa CW21]

Originally Posted by mastergunnera8

It's replacement of the spring and complete servicing. Any idea of what rolex would charge for servicing? The last time it was 3-400 alone...but that was 6-7 years ago. Thinking about it, if I am looking to sell it may be a good idea to only have a service center work on it...anyone have an idea of what this watch may be worth? I have all the receipts, box, papers, seals, etc...

RSC will charge $555 for the service, this included the mainspring, and refinish. If you maintain your watch the way it should it doesn't just break...
If you waited 9 years for the first service which has been 9 years since, than it's not unusual for things to start breaking. A mechanical watch is supposed to be serviced every 5 to 7 years.

[RsqVet]

Master ---

Once you sell it you can never replace it, and the models have changed and are more expensive.

So I would keep it. I have regretted selling most watches that I have sold, not at first but in time.

As others have mentioned a mechanical watch has a service interval, you are way over. You would not drive your car for 20,000 miles and then bemoan the fact the engine has wear or breaks would you? Properly serviced a rolex is as rugged and bullet proof as any mechanical watch. Which is to say very rugged but not as rugged as a non-mechanical.

So get it serviced, the spring as a part is cheap, it's the service / clean / lube you are paying for. Next time do it in 5 years or so and there will not likely be any "broken" parts, though maybe some worn parts, that happens in any machine. If you keep or sell there is no reason to go to Rolex themselves vs. a reputable independent unless you really want that extra cost. Don't think it would make a much more of a sale price either.

[mastergunnera8]

Thanks to everyone for your assistance and advice.

I understand about the service interval...just with things the way they are it's not pleasant to shell out 500 every few years...but I do enjoy the watch very much and have decided to keep it along with my original intent of passing down to my son...he's only 9 now..but that will go fast...then he can enjoy the service payments!!

I also checked out what it would cost to replace..wow!! I doubt I could afford to replace...haven't seen a GMT II for anywhere close to what I paid then, they are way higher now...I'm glad I made the investment then...

Again, appreiciate all the advice...

MG

[padi56]

Originally Posted by mastergunnera8

Thanks to everyone for your assistance and advice.

I understand about the service interval...just with things the way they are it's not pleasant to shell out 500 every few years...but I do enjoy the watch very much and have decided to keep it along with my original intent of passing down to my son...he's only 9 now..but that will go fast...then he can enjoy the service payments!!

I also checked out what it would cost to replace..wow!! I doubt I could afford to replace...haven't seen a GMT II for anywhere close to what I paid then, they are way higher now...I'm glad I made the investment then...

Again, appreiciate all the advice...

MG

Well when you think its just about $9 a week over 5 years, expect the service on say a car would cost a lot more over the same period of time.And if properly serviced a Rolex could last a life time and beyond. Would doubt the same could be said for any other piece of mechanical machinery today.