Incoming!!! (and service recommendation sought)

[Initial_J]

Recently purchased this Daytona 116520 black dial, which arrived last week. It's an F series watch (late 2003 - early 2005) with a CL4 clasp code (2004). With some persistence and diligence, I was able to procure it for $1-2k below the typical private party price. It was an opportunistic purchase because of the price, and I wasn't sure if I would keep it or flip it. Now that I've worn it a few days, I really love it and plan to hang onto it at least for a while. However, there's the possibility I flip it down the line.

I'm now debating whether to have it serviced or not. You can see from the picture of the movement that it could use a trip to the spa, and the watchmaker I had authenticate the watch recommended a service. However, it's running very well so I don't really HAVE to service it. If I do have it serviced, I may have it very lightly polished to make it like new for me; there are no deep scratches so there's no reason to take off a lot of metal.

Do you think I should have it serviced now or just wear it and enjoy? If servicing the watch, would you go to RSC or is there an independent you recommend? Would you let them give it a light polish or no? There's one scratch on one of the PCLs that is a bit annoying but not deep; the rest is typical hairline stuff.

It came with a box, booklet with appropriately dated copyright, but no papers. Since there are no papers, there would be some value in having RSC documentation if I decide to flip it down the line.

[Ocean Wanderer]

Hi,

Do you know if your watch has ever been serviced in the past?

Rolex recommends to service their watches every 7 to 10 years for the newer models, or as soon as possible if you experience any issues.

Seeing that your watch was made in early 2000s, if it hasn't been serviced before, I'd say that now is a good time to do so.

Some people say 'if it ain't broken, don't fix it'. Although it might be a good advice for some things, I do think that taking care of expensive watches by having them serviced according to the maker's recommendations is a good thing.

[Ssunnylee24]

Your are in SF, which is good because one of the best shop is located near you.
Contact Mike@Rolliworks for the full service, movement and polishing.
Service should cost less than (or close to) what you have saved on buying this beauty.
Either if you decided to sell it down the line or not, the service paper from him would help you sell it later.

Sunny

[Jake85]

Very nice, I am currently negotiating the purchase of a very similar watch (F serial but with the fat hands not the skinny hands, unpolished). Curious what you paid if you could please DM me...

Congrats!

[Initial_J]

Originally Posted by Jake85

Very nice, I am currently negotiating the purchase of a very similar watch (F serial but with the fat hands not the skinny hands, unpolished). Curious what you paid if you could please DM me...

Congrats!

Yes, I remember your other thread. I just PM'd you.

[faz]

I would have it serviced, it is too nice a watch (and a hot model as you already know) so it is money well spent.

Previous Rolex Service Center in SF is now a private shop, does great work. (Giovani is the owner, 210 Post St #705, San Francisco, CA 94108)

In south bay, have seen and heard good things about Rolliworks as mentioned above. They do have laser welding and they do great job of fixing Rolex bracelets (take out the stretch etc.)

Also in south bay, World Time is a private watch repair shop in San Jose (Santa Clara?) who has done work on Rolex and other brands for the ADs for many years. I highly recommend him to all my friends as well. (He did my sub service a few years ago and it still runs +/-1 seconds per day, not kidding) and also gives three years of warranty on his work.

Any of these options will be a fine choice to get that beauty serviced and brought to a condition it deserves.

[Odie-r]

Congrats on your new Daytona!

[Tools]

Giovanni still runs the old Rolex Service Center over on Post Rd in San Fran. Probably could do a good job for you and discuss exactly what you want.

[AJM914]

Congrats! Get it serviced and cleaned up!

[brandrea]

Congratulations