Advice please - sentimental / very beat up gold Oyster (1981, president band)

[eredhuin]

My dad had a gold Oyster Datejust (EDIT - DAY DATE - THANKS FOLKS) he bought in Zurich 41 years ago. When he passed away and that watch came to me. I couldn't bear to look at it for five years. But I think it's time. The face, crystal and movement seem fine. The band is soft gold and has not held up. Dented bumps and twisted pins. I'm surprised it hadn't fallen completely apart.

I was thinking of going to the Rolex service centre here in town (Toronto) - but having had service on my Milgauss there one time - that place is not cheap.

What advice do folks have? I am not interested in selling - this has sentimental value. I have all the original paperwork associated with this watch.

This is my first post here.

Thanks in advance.

[4 Aussies]

You have a Day-Date friend!!! Welcome to the forum!!

[ltmgeller]

Welcome to the forum. It's worth the $ going to Rolex although, for your watch, there are a few well recommended members here that can fix the watch. I believe Roliworks is one of them. Do a little reading and search a few threads on the topic and you should find the answers you're looking for.

[eredhuin]

Thanks !

[KeithP]

This is a Day-Date. King of the hill, solid gold flagship Rolex.
Worth the cost of bracelet restoration from such as Roliworks, plus full service. Do it right.

[Screwly]

Would love to see before and after pics if you send it to Rolliworks

[eredhuin]

Thanks for all the tips folks.

I didn't realize this was a day-date so thanks for that too. My other Rolex doesn't have a date on it.

This is exactly the kind of info I was looking for. I'm in Toronto and thinking a trip to Rolliworks in Miami is on the radar.

[Slimpee]

I was in a similar position two years ago and used Rolliworks. I was thrilled with the results. Of course, it wasn’t cheap but I don’t regret the expense one bit.

A couple tips: Factor in the possible cost of extra links if the bracelet is too short once it’s repaired. RW had 4 they added for me and I bought another once I got it back. Second, think about the level of polishing. I went with a 2 which is a vintage-level polish and think it was a good call.

Here is a link to my previous thread: https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=796242

Good luck, keep us posted, and wear that great piece with pride!

[NoVaSubowner]

Originally Posted by Slimpee

I was in a similar position two years ago and used Rolliworks. I was thrilled with the results. Of course, it wasn’t cheap but I don’t regret the expense one bit.

A couple tips: Factor in the possible cost of extra links if the bracelet is too short once it’s repaired. RW had 4 they added for me and I bought another once I got it back. Second, think about the level of polishing. I went with a 2 which is a vintage-level polish and think it was a good call.

Here is a link to my previous thread: https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=796242

Good luck, keep us posted, and wear that great piece with pride!

Agree 100 percent. A buddy of mine also inherited his Fathers Day-Date. I recommended Rolliworks based on input from this forum.
He had a light polish done on the case and a complete band restoration done.
The watch came back looking as new as a 40 year old watch could.


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[Amateur]

Drop it at the service center. You'd be amazed at how beautiful it will be when back!

[joli160]

The bracelet is shot and will require a lot of welding. That will set you back a few grand, totally worth it and better than replacing it.

The RSC is not repairing bracelets so you have to go to an independent like Rolliworks or LAWW

[Andad]

Originally Posted by Amateur

Drop it at the service center. You'd be amazed at how beautiful it will be when back!

Amateur

As Joli has said a RSC won’t repair a bracelet only replace.

It will look beautiful with a new bracelet.

At minimal cost.

[dannyp]

Perhaps save the bracelet (sentimental value) but put it on a nice leather strap if restoration cost a concern?

[daytona_meteorite]

this is the perfect piece for before and after on a timelapse! Def keep us posted with the repair!

[ronricks]

Originally Posted by eredhuin

Thanks for all the tips folks.

I didn't realize this was a day-date so thanks for that too. My other Rolex doesn't have a date on it.

This is exactly the kind of info I was looking for. I'm in Toronto and thinking a trip to Rolliworks in Miami is on the radar.

I’d send the watch head to Rolex to service only if they agree not to change the dial and hands. They will likely want to replace the crystal, crown, and gaskets which is ok. I’d send the bracelet to Rolliworks. You likely will need to have links added when it is tightened up to fit your wrist. You have a great watch that can be restored easily.

[eredhuin]

Originally Posted by ronricks

I’d send the watch head to Rolex to service only if they agree not to change the dial and hands. They will likely want to replace the crystal, crown, and gaskets which is ok. I’d send the bracelet to Rolliworks. You likely will need to have links added when it is tightened up to fit your wrist. You have a great watch that can be restored easily.

Super helpful. Um, dumb question, but, will the RSC take the bracelet off for me or will they not want to do that? Is this a thing I can/should do MYSELF or should I first go to a separate jeweler?

Thanks

[ronricks]

Originally Posted by eredhuin

Super helpful. Um, dumb question, but, will the RSC take the bracelet off for me or will they not want to do that? Is this a thing I can/should do MYSELF or should I first go to a separate jeweler?

Thanks

Any competent jeweler should be able to do it.

[harvey]

…sorry for your loss.

please take plenty of before and after pics for us to enjoy! thank you.

[Chewbacca]

Lots of good advice here. Cherish it.

[101031-28]

I have used Rolliworks on a few bracelet restorations and was extremely pleased with the outcome. As far as the watch head, RSC may want to replace parts if worn out/flaking off. I would ask RW if the can service the movement while keeping all of the watch original parts (dial, hands, crystal etc) unchanged.

[ronricks]

Originally Posted by harvey

…sorry for your loss.

please take plenty of before and after pics for us to enjoy! thank you.

Let me second this. If you get it restored would love to see the pics.

[HogwldFLTR]

Cool watch and looking forward to the restoration!

[gerry100]

Put it on a leather strap and send the bracelet out for service

[Spectre38]

Sorry or your loss. The Day Date will clean up beautifully and you will have a lifetime of memories to carry with you. Just don't try to go cheap on it, give it the respect it deserves.

[Amateur]

Originally Posted by Andad

Amateur

As Joli has said a RSC won’t repair a bracelet only replace.

It will look beautiful with a new bracelet.

At minimal cost.

Agreed, that's what i meant hahah

[eredhuin]

As update - I'm in dialogue with rolliworks and will keep folks appraised on how it goes. Definitely pictures - before and after.

EDIT - thanks everyone this feels right, and I like the idea of melting down the gold atoms and forming them fresh into a new band, a phoenix from the ashes.

[Ssunnylee24]

Mike @ Rolliworks.

They will even insure the watch and send you labels.

[eredhuin]

While it took a little while, my AD in Toronto did a fabulous job servicing the watch - basically new movement new hands new crystal - not cheap. I now have the bracelet back and will be sending to Mike at RW. I have taken pictures and will share here in a couple months.

[hoot504]

Can’t wait.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by eredhuin

While it took a little while, my AD in Toronto did a fabulous job servicing the watch - basically new movement new hands new crystal - not cheap. I now have the bracelet back and will be sending to Mike at RW. I have taken pictures and will share here in a couple months.

Great watch and heirloom.

You will be happy when you get it all together. Many happy years enjoying this stellar time piece.