16800 and 3035 - Service Life

[camwilson04]

I have a question that’s been on my mind for a while.

I own a 1986 16800, and the movement was serviced by Rolex in late 2022. However, I can’t shake the feeling that when it’s due for its next service, I might run into difficulties due to its age and the potential scarcity of parts.

Am I overthinking this because there are still a lot of 3035 movements around, or is this a legitimate concern?

In a way it's ruining my enjoyment of the watch however I'm probably overthinking it as it's my only vintage piece

[Dan S]

No problem, it will last forever! Now go take your Xanax. :-)

[camwilson04]

Originally Posted by Dan S

No problem, it will last forever! Now go take your Xanax. :-)

Yes exactly what I was thinking

[Tools]

Originally Posted by camwilson04

. . .
In a way it's ruining my enjoyment of the watch however I'm probably overthinking it as it's my only vintage piece

Since we can still find parts and service even those before your 16800, it is likely that parts and expertise will still be around long after you and I are long gone.

[0nly5iv3Digits]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Now go take your Xanax. :-)

Absolute savage, you

[502 to Right]

Rolex is still servicing 15XX movements so I would say the 30XX movements will be serviced for quite a while.

[studioal]

Always amazes me how many folks have this assumption that vintage watches are somehow less up to the task of daily wear than their modern counterparts. Like sure, I'd rather have my BB58 lose a spring bar and sink to the bottom of the lake than my 94110, but I know that my 94110 is built to the same sturdiness as the BB58 and can take just as much abuse.

Have we forgotten that these old watches were once on the wrists of explorers and adventures doing MUCH more than commuting from the Bronx into Midtown on a rainy day?