Rolex support for the 1570(5) — how long will it continue?

[shedlock2000]

Hi All,

I recently acquired a 11670LN — which doesnt scratch my watch itch (despite greater functionality) and so I will likely move on.

I picked it up because I have a hard life (thus, so does my watch) and the 3186 is a much more robust and advanced calibre compared with the 1570(5)s that preceded it (I know that 16710s use the 3185/6, but their bezel proportions and sapphire crystal put me off them).

In lining up a service 1675 I was advised that Rolex will wind down their support for the 1570(5) in terms of parts and warranty in a couple of years — some people have told me explicitly that their RSCs are already not offering services on the movements. In contrast, my AD says that RSC 700 (Toronto, I believe) have not had any such instruction and are continuing to service the movements; but, in light of growing scarcity of parts and a potential of RSC no-longer offering servicing, the continued operation of a watch with such a movement may become problematic.

Has any one here heard similar rumblings in the RSC world or has had experience of service refusal? I am now hesitant a bit hesitant to move away from the 116710 and to a 1675 if parts will become an issue in the near future (I don’t expect to live forever, but I can imagine another 40 years or so with a 1675)!

A few photos of my past GMT’s for attention:






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[donq]

There are lots of parts and qualified watchmakers out there.
Should be ok for a while considering the value of the
.

[Dan S]

Rolex is not supporting repairs for the 1570 anymore, in general. No more parts for independent watchmakers with parts accounts, most RSCs won't service them. Some watchmakers obviously have some parts in stock, and there will continue to be parts available on the secondary mark: NOS, used, and aftermarket.

As a collector of watches from the 1940s - 1970s from many brands, I don't see this as being very different from the general status quo for vintage watch repair. If I have a 1950s Longines, Lemania, Eterna, Omega, etc., it's not likely that the manufacturer will provide parts. It's part of collecting vintage watches, you just have to accept it. I'm always on the lookout for parts watches for some of the less common movements.

[shedlock2000]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Rolex is not supporting repairs for the 1570 anymore, in general. No more parts for independent watchmakers with parts accounts, most RSCs won't service them. Some watchmakers obviously have some parts in stock, and there will continue to be parts available on the secondary mark: NOS, used, and aftermarket.

Hmmm, this doesn’t sound at all good. The black bezeled 1675 you see in the photo above needed an hour wheel which had an unusual pinion length. It was unobtanium anywhere (I posted in here and searched for about 18 months before sending it to RSC — who did change it). However, the experience was partly responsible for me selling that watch.

The thought of trying to buy up parts to keep a 1675 operational is a bit off-putting for me, as I’m not a collector — I like to wear them because they look better than their modern counterparts.


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[shedlock2000]

Originally Posted by donq

There are lots of parts and qualified watchmakers out there.
Should be ok for a while considering the value of the
.

I did have some issues trying to source an hour wheel some time ago, so I think parts availability is becoming a bit of an issue in certain circumstances. Additionally, where I live in Canada there was only one guy willing to work on Rolex — and he’s since retired. The nearest place for me that I now know of is Vancouver or Toronto. My local watch smith (who was a Rolex AD) now has no parts availability and so he won’t (cant) repair them.


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[TuRo]

Don’t worry plenty of 1570/5 out there - pal has about 1000 of them that he bought when they were £200-250 in the 80/90s - he’ll make a killing of course next few years - utter rotter!!

I’ve tracked prices last 30 yrs - c £500 in 2000, £1000 2015 and £1700-2000 in 2023 - I suspect there are quite a few knackered DATEJUSTS minus an engine now, plus in the future I suspect !!

Ps why Datejust 1601/1603 at £3300 loose head and £3800 6251h/62510h are way undervalued btw ;-)

Many, many watchmakers have a few tucked away too.

[donq]

I found several 1570 hour wheels in the original Rolex packaging for sale in about 5 minutes online.

[Jmbarrack]

I also have a 1675 - approx 1972 - and the watch underwent a full restore/service back in 2008 by RSC. It sat unused until I purchased it in 2021. The 1575 movement is just as accurate as the 3186 in my 116713LN - which is pretty amazing considering it's age.

I too often worry about parts and servicing in the future - but it's one watch I am just never going to be willing to give up. I don't live far from NYC, so I'd hope that would give me a large pool of watchmakers / part sources eventually. But I can't say it also hasn't crossed my mind.

[springer]

Originally Posted by Jmbarrack

I also have a 1675 - approx 1972 - and the watch underwent a full restore/service back in 2008 by RSC. It sat unused until I purchased it in 2021. The 1575 movement is just as accurate as the 3186 in my 116713LN - which is pretty amazing considering it's age.

I too often worry about parts and servicing in the future - but it's one watch I am just never going to be willing to give up. I don't live far from NYC, so I'd hope that would give me a large pool of watchmakers / part sources eventually. But I can't say it also hasn't crossed my mind.

The 1570s are considered by many, if not most ,as the Rolex workhorse when considering what is their best movement. It is a great movement, and reliable as it gets.

[shedlock2000]

Originally Posted by donq

I found several 1570 hour wheels in the original Rolex packaging for sale in about 5 minutes online.

There are two types of hour wheel: one of them, the 1.41mm, is fairly easy to find (which is, I suspect, the one you found). The other is less easy to find (2.44mm). In fact in over 18 months of sweat hung — including several posts on here and hunting through eBay and various other venders I couldn’t find one.

It’s a bit moot now, but feel free to let me know if any were 2.44mm.


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[shedlock2000]

Originally Posted by Jmbarrack

I also have a 1675 - approx 1972 - and the watch underwent a full restore/service back in 2008 by RSC. It sat unused until I purchased it in 2021. The 1575 movement is just as accurate as the 3186 in my 116713LN - which is pretty amazing considering it's age.

I too often worry about parts and servicing in the future - but it's one watch I am just never going to be willing to give up. I don't live far from NYC, so I'd hope that would give me a large pool of watchmakers / part sources eventually. But I can't say it also hasn't crossed my mind.

Access to a large number of watchmakers would help settle my worries too, but the response I had here trying to find the errant hour wheel was not encouraging: https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?p=9956534

I really struggled to find a single wheel, so I am less enthusiastic about potential lack of support from RSC.


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[shedlock2000]

Originally Posted by TuRo

Don’t worry plenty of 1570/5 out there - pal has about 1000 of them that he bought when they were £200-250 in the 80/90s - he’ll make a killing of course next few years - utter rotter!!

I’ve tracked prices last 30 yrs - c £500 in 2000, £1000 2015 and £1700-2000 in 2023 - I suspect there are quite a few knackered DATEJUSTS minus an engine now, plus in the future I suspect !!

Ps why Datejust 1601/1603 at £3300 loose head and £3800 6251h/62510h are way undervalued btw ;-)

Many, many watchmakers have a few tucked away too.

I suppose I could stock up on parts that are likely to wear. I’m less worried about about crystals and handsets — it’s random wheels and springs I’m mostly concerned about.


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