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#1 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Mar 2022
Location: Toronto
Posts: 7
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Advice please - sentimental / very beat up gold Oyster (1981, president band)
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. |
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#2 |
2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Sep 2019
Real Name: Randy
Location: Midwest USA
Watch: Blue Sky
Posts: 3,062
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You have a Day-Date friend!!! Welcome to the forum!!
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#3 |
2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Real Name: Mike
Location: New York
Watch: Rolex
Posts: 22,088
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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.
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#4 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Mar 2022
Location: Toronto
Posts: 7
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Thanks !
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#5 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Real Name: Keith
Location: NYC
Watch: AK 126900/SM 300M
Posts: 1,664
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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. |
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#6 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: May 2020
Real Name: Screwly
Location: USA
Watch: “Pepsi”
Posts: 2,369
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Would love to see before and after pics if you send it to Rolliworks
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IG: htown_horology 126710blro jubilee 116500ln white dial 126613lb 326934 jubilee/blue dial |
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#7 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Mar 2022
Location: Toronto
Posts: 7
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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. |
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#8 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: Midwest, USA
Watch: DJ 41; 1803; BB Ch
Posts: 1,290
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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! |
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#9 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Alexandria, VA
Watch: Love them.
Posts: 1,092
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Quote:
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. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
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#10 |
Banned
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: Middle East
Posts: 136
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Drop it at the service center. You'd be amazed at how beautiful it will be when back!
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#11 |
2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: NL
Watch: Yachtmaster
Posts: 14,592
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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 ![]()
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Day Date 18238, Yachtmaster 16622, Deepsea 116660, Submariner 116619, SkyD 326935, DJ 178271, DJ 69158, Yachtmaster 169622, GMT 116713LN, GMT 126711. |
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#12 | |
2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Real Name: Eddie
Location: Australia
Watch: A few.
Posts: 37,284
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Quote:
As Joli has said a RSC won’t repair a bracelet only replace. It will look beautiful with a new bracelet. At minimal cost. ![]() ![]()
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#13 |
Banned
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: usa
Posts: 6,765
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Perhaps save the bracelet (sentimental value) but put it on a nice leather strap if restoration cost a concern?
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#14 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Mar 2022
Location: Santa Clara
Posts: 16
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this is the perfect piece for before and after on a timelapse! Def keep us posted with the repair!
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#15 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: ATL
Watch: 126610LV
Posts: 2,712
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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.
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#16 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Mar 2022
Location: Toronto
Posts: 7
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Quote:
Thanks Last edited by eredhuin; 27 March 2022 at 04:46 AM.. Reason: clarity |
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#17 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: ATL
Watch: 126610LV
Posts: 2,712
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#18 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: rolexforums.com
Posts: 5,401
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…sorry for your loss.
please take plenty of before and after pics for us to enjoy! thank you. |
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#19 |
Banned
Join Date: May 2012
Real Name: CJ
Location: Kashyyyk
Watch: Kessel Run Chrono
Posts: 21,112
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Lots of good advice here. Cherish it.
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#20 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: USA
Watch: 1665
Posts: 4,762
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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.
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He could not just wear a watch. It had to be a Rolex. Ian Fleming |
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#21 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: ATL
Watch: 126610LV
Posts: 2,712
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#22 |
2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Real Name: Lee
Location: 42.48.45N70.48.48
Watch: Too many to list!
Posts: 33,467
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Cool watch and looking forward to the restoration!
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#23 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2021
Location: NY
Posts: 736
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Put it on a leather strap and send the bracelet out for service
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#24 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2020
Real Name: Paul
Location: Out West
Watch: and be amazed.
Posts: 1,552
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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.
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Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro Grouch Curmudgeons ![]() |
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#25 |
Banned
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: Middle East
Posts: 136
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#26 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Mar 2022
Location: Toronto
Posts: 7
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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. Last edited by eredhuin; 29 March 2022 at 08:28 AM.. Reason: wanted to communicate my thanking everyone. |
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#27 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Los Angeles
Watch: Explorer II
Posts: 853
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Mike @ Rolliworks.
They will even insure the watch and send you labels. |
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#28 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Mar 2022
Location: Toronto
Posts: 7
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Update: The watch is back and I'm ready to send the bracelet out
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.
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#29 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: May 2019
Location: USA
Posts: 40
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Can’t wait.
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#30 | |
TRF Moderator & 2024 SUBMARINER Patron
Join Date: May 2007
Real Name: Larry
Location: Mojave Desert
Watch: GMT's
Posts: 43,378
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Quote:
You will be happy when you get it all together. Many happy years enjoying this stellar time piece. ![]()
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