1972 Rolex Datejust- Service advice

[turboevo2]

My father has a 1972 Rolex Datejust and he has not serviced it since then. He only has been using it recently for the past 9 years. I want to service the watch since it has never been serviced. According to him it is getting slower. Just wondering should I just send it to RSC or do you guys suggest any other place that will be more cheaper and is a certified Rolex servicer? The lens have minor scracthes but I do not want to change it. I am more concerned about the movements inside.

Any advice?

[Jason71]

Ryan, I would check with Bob Ridley. He does fantastic work with vintage Rolex watches.

http://www.watchmakers.com/

[TimeToGo]

You may want to try Dalton as well, ABC Watchwerks - Right down the street from you, Southern California.

[slcbbrown]

A 72 Datejust should have a plastic crystal which is typically changed as part of a full service. I'm pretty sure they change it as part of insuring the watertightness, and a plastic crystal is cheap. If you really need to keep the service cost down, shop around, but this watch is way overdue for service. It may be worth your time to call RSC-Dallas, too. Even a good deal on a service is not cheap ($300-$500), but keep in mind that it can last another 50 years.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by slcbbrown

a 72 datejust should have a plastic crystal which is typically changed as part of a full service. I'm pretty sure they change it as part of insuring the watertightness, and a plastic crystal is cheap. If you really need to keep the service cost down, shop around, but this watch is way overdue for service. It may be worth your time to call rsc-dallas, too. Even a good deal on a service is not cheap ($300-$500), but keep in mind that it can last another 50 years.

x2

[Tools]

There is a Rolex Service Center in San Fran..

Expect to pay 600 to 700 because there may likely be some worn parts that are out of the normal expendibles with one this old..

Since it has the older movement, I would discourage you from using anything except an RSC at this point. They will ensure that any worn or out of tolerance parts are replaced with original eqipment parts. An Independent can do a good job of the cleaning and oiling, but you never get the parts scrutinized or just outright replaced the way the Service Center will...

I have heard way too many times where a member has taken his 30 year old watch to an Independent, and puffed out his chest proudly saying "they didn't have to replace anything".. To this I say that he just got taken-for-a-ride because Rolex always replaces expendible parts such as pallets, rotor axles, main wheels, mainsprings and other parts that normally wear..

[EE33]

Originally Posted by Tools

There is a Rolex Service Center in San Fran..

Expect to pay 600 to 700 because there may likely be some worn parts that are out of the normal expendibles with one this old..

Since it has the older movement, I would discourage you from using anything except an RSC at this point. They will ensure that any worn or out of tolerance parts are replaced with original eqipment parts. An Independent can do a good job of the cleaning and oiling, but you never get the parts scrutinized or just outright replaced the way the Service Center will...

I have heard way too many times where a member has taken his 30 year old watch to an Independent, and puffed out his chest proudly saying "they didn't have to replace anything".. To this I say that he just got taken-for-a-ride because Rolex always replaces expendible parts such as pallets, rotor axles, main wheels, mainsprings and other parts that normally wear..

Being a newbie, I learn so much by reading posts like the above, Thanks Larry. Priceless Mate.

[turboevo2]

Originally Posted by Jason71

Ryan, I would check with Bob Ridley. He does fantastic work with vintage Rolex watches.

http://www.watchmakers.com/

Thank you!

[turboevo2]

Originally Posted by TimeToGo

You may want to try Dalton as well, ABC Watchwerks - Right down the street from you, Southern California.

I will try this as well! Thanks!

[turboevo2]

Originally Posted by Tools

There is a Rolex Service Center in San Fran..

Expect to pay 600 to 700 because there may likely be some worn parts that are out of the normal expendibles with one this old..

Since it has the older movement, I would discourage you from using anything except an RSC at this point. They will ensure that any worn or out of tolerance parts are replaced with original eqipment parts. An Independent can do a good job of the cleaning and oiling, but you never get the parts scrutinized or just outright replaced the way the Service Center will...

I have heard way too many times where a member has taken his 30 year old watch to an Independent, and puffed out his chest proudly saying "they didn't have to replace anything".. To this I say that he just got taken-for-a-ride because Rolex always replaces expendible parts such as pallets, rotor axles, main wheels, mainsprings and other parts that normally wear..

I agree with you. That is why I am thinking of sending to Rolex in Texas. This watch was given by my mom to my dad back in 1972 and since then it has not been serviced. My dad is not a watch enthusiast such as me. My gut feeling is telling me just take to a RSC since its an antique already. My dad only been using it for past 9 years and it is in excellent condition still. Except now a days he notice that it is slower.

[turboevo2]

Originally Posted by slcbbrown

A 72 Datejust should have a plastic crystal which is typically changed as part of a full service. I'm pretty sure they change it as part of insuring the watertightness, and a plastic crystal is cheap. If you really need to keep the service cost down, shop around, but this watch is way overdue for service. It may be worth your time to call RSC-Dallas, too. Even a good deal on a service is not cheap ($300-$500), but keep in mind that it can last another 50 years.

The plastic crystal has minor scratches but I think it is still good. The bracelet is in excellent condition. Only thing i want to do is service the movements. My dad mentioned if it will cost more than $300 he will not do it and might as well keep it. I figure might as well help him maintain the watch because it has a sentimental value to him. Also I hope I can get that watch in the many years to come.

[turboevo2]

I called RSC dallas they said that since it is vintage already they do not know if they have all the parts that it needs. They suggest to send it in and they will take a look. Regular service will be at $550 minimum.

[NikkiTyler]

Does your watch have a oyster band? two-tone, gold or steel?

[turboevo2]

its a stainless steel...

[vb2011]

My guess is that the lubricants in the watch has dried up, therefore more friction, and therefore causing the watch to slow down. So yes, better to bring it in for service before too much wear and tear happen on the gears.

[DG123]

Send it to Rolex Dallas or Rolex NYC service center.

Originally Posted by turboevo2

My father has a 1972 Rolex Datejust and he has not serviced it since then. He only has been using it recently for the past 9 years. I want to service the watch since it has never been serviced. According to him it is getting slower. Just wondering should I just send it to RSC or do you guys suggest any other place that will be more cheaper and is a certified Rolex servicer? The lens have minor scracthes but I do not want to change it. I am more concerned about the movements inside.

Any advice?

[marcel78]

You might want to try Rick from Pieces of Time - a couple of my friends from work have had their Rolex watches serviced and always been very happy ... He is a very reputable watchmaker in CT

http://www.piecesoftime.net/home.html

Regards,
M

[springer]

Originally Posted by TimeToGo

You may want to try Dalton as well, ABC Watchwerks - Right down the street from you, Southern California.

X2. I heard Dalton does great work also. His case repairs are amazing.

[gwozhog]

Pics PIcs pics.