Will Rolex or a CW21 Watchmaker Reassemble a Rolex?

[Kobayashi]

I've considered purchasing a couple of inexpensive 1601's to see if I can disassemble and then reassemble them. I know there is the TZ online watch school that allows you to purchase an ETA 2801-2, 2836-2 and 2824-2 as part of their courses. However I want to learn by trial and error for the watch movements I have. Next will be the 3000 series movements. If I'm unable to reassemble the watch can I bring in a box of all the parts to Rolex or a watchmaker to reassemble? I'm also trying to figure out how to restore bracelets - just as a hobby. No interest in doing Michael Young type of work.

[kilyung]

I've been self-studying for the past 7 yrs. I've probably spent $10k in tools, equipment, and books. I absolutely love it. I can comfortably fully service many ETA movements after years of practice (and destroying quite a few movements). However I've still got lots to learn before starting on a Rolex movements - for one thing parts are difficult to source without a Rolex parts account. I'll probably sit for my CW21 someday but just as an accomplishment and not professionally.

If you have all the parts, any CW21 watchmaker will be able to reassemble the watch but if parts are damaged (very easy to do) then you need someone with a parts account. It could get expensive.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by kilyung

I've been self-studying for the past 7 yrs. I've probably spent $10k in tools, equipment, and books. I absolutely love it. I can comfortably fully service many ETA movements after years of practice (and destroying quite a few movements). However I've still got lots to learn before starting on a Rolex movements - for one thing parts are difficult to source without a Rolex parts account. I'll probably sit for my CW21 someday but just as an accomplishment and not professionally.

If you have all the parts, any CW21 watchmaker will be able to reassemble the watch but if parts are damaged (very easy to do) then you need someone with a parts account. It could get expensive.

I salute you for you dedication on learning about watchmaking but in reality a Rolex movement is no more difficult to service than many other movements.In some ways because its quite a large movement and made to be mostly very serviceable friendly.Main problem Rolex has quite a strong strangle hold on parts or any real information on service.Although it takes skill to service any movement, movements like the 3 series are no more difficult to service that most others with the same complication.

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by padi56

I salute you for you dedication on learning about watchmaking but in reality a Rolex movement is no more difficult to service than many other movements.In some ways because its quite a large movement and made to be mostly very serviceable friendly.Main problem Rolex has quite a strong strangle hold on parts or any real information on service.Although it takes skill to service any movement, movements like the 3 series are no more difficult to service that most others with the same complication.

Oh I agree Padi! However based on my experience learning on ETA movements, sh!t happens (especially when learning) and having access to parts is critical - and I'm not proficient enough to make my own parts. That's been my main hang up.

[AbsolutelyROLEX!]

I would think rolex or any watchmaker would reassemble a movement, you can do anything for a thousand bucks!

[T. Ferguson]

Originally Posted by anderl712000

I would think rolex or any watchmaker would reassemble a movement, you can do anything for a thousand bucks!

OMG, is that the going rate to assemble a movement? Makes a Rolex service seem like a bargain since they completely disassemble the movement for cleaning and then reassemble it after.

[Kobayashi]

Thanks for your input Mike. I forgot about the Rolex parts account. You're right. This could get expensive on a trial and error basis. Other than the TZ online courses what else do you recommend or have you done to self-study? I'm already $3k deep in books and tools and I'm just getting started.

[rahible]

Originally Posted by Kobayashi

Thanks for your input Mike. I forgot about the Rolex parts account. You're right. This could get expensive on a trial and error basis. Other than the TZ online courses what else do you recommend or have you done to self-study? I'm already $3k deep in books and tools and I'm just getting started.

I did the TZ courses and have a few books. You might check with a local chapter of the AWCI (American Watchmakers - Clockmakers Institute) or NAWCC (National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors) to see if they have any guidance. Some NAWCC chapters put on courses, but they might be infrequent and expensive.

[Sublover2166]

Rik Dietel told me there are less than 100 CW21 watchmakers in the U.S with a Rolex parts account.

[Kobayashi]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Oh I agree Padi! However based on my experience learning on ETA movements, sh!t happens (especially when learning) and having access to parts is critical - and I'm not proficient enough to make my own parts. That's been my main hang up.

Sounds like I should start with the ETA movements. Thanks for your input.

Originally Posted by rahible

I did the TZ courses and have a few books. You might check with a local chapter of the AWCI (American Watchmakers - Clockmakers Institute) or NAWCC (National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors) to see if they have any guidance. Some NAWCC chapters put on courses, but they might be infrequent and expensive.

Any books to recommend? I'll check out the local chapters. I know two CW21 watchmakers near me so I'll ask them as well.

Originally Posted by Sublover2166

Rik Dietel told me there are less than 100 CW21 watchmakers in the U.S with a Rolex parts account.

That sounds about right. You can search a list of CW21 watchmakers here. It's definitely a slowing industry/skill:

http://directory.awci.com/page.php?id=1

[Sublover2166]

Originally Posted by Kobayashi

Sounds like I should start with the ETA movements. Thanks for your input.



Any books to recommend? I'll check out the local chapters. I know two CW21 watchmakers near me so I'll ask them as well.



That sounds about right. You can search a list of CW21 watchmakers here. It's definitely a slowing industry/skill:

http://directory.awci.com/page.php?id=1

We have to hope that the younger generations in the US want to do something for a living besides sit behind a computer. CW21 watchmakers are in need and since Rolex makes a million watches a year, there are more watches out there and not enough watchmakers. Is it a job that requires skill? heck yes, but if you become an independent like Rik and you build a good reputation and clientele, you will probably never run out of watches to service. I am sure it is a good way to make a living.

[Onikage]

I acquired an inexpensive simple two hand mechanical watch, disassembled with various small screwdrivers and blades, reassembled... Lets just say my dreams of becoming a watchmaker were instantly shattered. My hat goes off to anyone who is anywhere even remotely close.