Vintage watches and parts

[Rick5]

Hi,

I have a modern datejust (7 years old), but I have always wondered how people get vintage Rolex watches serviced when they have been out of production for many years. What happens when parts are no longer available for a very old Rolex? Or are there still used parts floating around for many decades?

Thanks,

Rick

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Rick5

Hi,

I have a modern datejust (7 years old), but I have always wondered how people get vintage Rolex watches serviced when they have been out of production for many years. What happens when parts are no longer available for a very old Rolex? Or are there still used parts floating around for many decades?

Thanks,

Rick

In general Rolex keeps movement parts for 30 plus years and still most all movement parts available for the 15 series movements.

[Rick5]

Originally Posted by padi56

In general Rolex keeps movement parts for 30 plus years and still most all movement parts available for the 15 series movements.

What happens when they are something like 60 or 70 years old? Can they no longer be serviced at that point?

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Rick5

What happens when they are something like 60 or 70 years old? Can they no longer be serviced at that point?

Originally Posted by Rick5

What happens when they are something like 60 or 70 years old? Can they no longer be serviced at that point?

Well I have a few Rolex from the 1920s into 1940s and still have them serviced by my watchmaker friend and not needed any movement parts.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Rick5

What happens when they are something like 60 or 70 years old? Can they no longer be serviced at that point?

There are still parts available for 60 or 70 year old watches. Those movements were still being produced for many more years, and as mentioned, Rolex says they produce replacement parts for 30 years after they are discontinued. Additionally, those parts still warehoused will last for many more years.

There is a shortage of parts for very early 15xx series movements at Rolex, but there are several reputable aftermarket manufacturers that make the parts that need replacement more frequently.

Watchmakers can also use parts from watches that are no longer viable but have plenty of useful parts.

Lastly, parts cane actually be made, hence the term "watchmaker"

[Rick5]

Very interesting replies. Thanks, everyone.

[douglasf13]

The concern lies in that Rolex has stopped supplying third party watchmakers with parts, so, when they decide to stop supporting a model in a few decades, I’m not really sure where the parts will come from, especially on the 32xx and newer movements.