Request for help: 1570 serviced 20+ years ago

[MGMCC]

Hello all,
I would appreciate some guidance and advice about a 1570 movement watch that I’m looking to buy. The watch was serviced around 20 years ago, it was a full movement service by Rolex, I’ve seen the receipt that matches the watch’s serial number. The seller is representing that the watch was unworn since the service, and the external appearance seems to bear that out since some case parts were replaced by Rolex.
I’ve asked the seller for a Timegrapher or other measurement of the movement’s current performance, the response that I got back was that the watch “is running perfectly.”
Given the amount of time since the Rolex service, would it be expected that the lubricants for the movement would still be okay if the watch was in fact unused since the service? Also, I’m located in Hawaii and don’t have easy access to a Rolex trained (or other) watchmaker to check the watch’s movement - should I just assume that it will need a service because of the amount of time since the last service, even if it was in storage?
Thanks in advance for any help and guidance.
Mark

[Tools]

Hard to say.

. Lubricants do lose their viscosity when the volatiles it is formulated with evaporate. It may still lubricate, but it won't be the same viscosity, or much of it may have migrated away from where it was initially placed..

. Seals are part of the service and 20 years is a long time for these expendables to still be pliable and vibrant.

. The 1570 is no longer supported fully by Rolex, so going forward you should find yourself a good independent.

[S.Explorer]

Given seller's response, I would assume it needs a service.

[MGMCC]

Thanks for the above help!

[WatchGuy1966]

Originally Posted by MGMCC

The watch was serviced around 20 years ago...

I’ve asked the seller for a Timegrapher or other measurement of the movement’s current performance, the response that I got back was that the watch “is running perfectly.”

Should I just assume that it will need a service because of the amount of time since the last service, even if it was in storage?

Yes, get it serviced, although it will probably be a movement only and you probably won't need parts aside from gaskets. Generally a crown, crown stem, and crystal are replaced on these movements/watches, but your probably won't require these parts.

Originally Posted by Tools

. The 1570 is no longer supported fully by Rolex, so going forward you should find yourself a good independent .

1570 is a bulletproof movement and easy for an qualified Rolex person to work on. However, I would recommend a CW21 independent watchmaker with a Rolex parts acct. Sometimes these are at the Rolex AD.

You'll want to communicate very clearly with the watchmaker to make sure they use the same dial and hands, if possible.

These are great movements. Dad bought an OP1500 back in 1979, had it serviced in 1983, wore it for 25 years until 2008, put it in a drawer for another 10 years and gave it to me in 2018. That was 35 years in between services and it ran at +.05 SPD for two months but I sent it in for service anyway.

[Mystro]

Rikki is your guy.

https://www.timecareinc.com/

[MGMCC]

Thanks for the referral info, I looked at the web site, looks great!

[MGMCC]

Thanks for the input.

[77T]

Originally Posted by MGMCC

Also, I’m located in Hawaii and don’t have easy access to a Rolex trained (or other) watchmaker to check the watch’s movement

Mark
There are 2 boutiques where you live - one in Ala Moana and the other in Waikiki. Each are boutiques with servicing watchmakers on staff.

But any watchmaker can open that watch up and see if the cups are dry.

Last thing - you should factor in the cost of a service when you compare the one you're looking at vs. one that was serviced more recently.


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[MGMCC]

Thanks for the info, I didn’t realize there were local watchmakers on staff.

[77T]

Let me correct myself. Only the Ben Bridge has a watchmaker in site. Ala Moana Boutique.


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[Bladeshot]

Service. Definitely.


Just another WIS who loves to trade.
@bladeandwatch1 on IG

[MGMCC]

Thanks for all of the above help. Just to add a bit of local info, it turns out that Honolulu really is a desert in terms of watchmakers. I went into Ben Bridges Timeworks at Ala Moana earlier this week to try and get a handle on the 1570 service possibilities locally. The courteous staff member told me that they no longer have a watchmaker, they “lost him about a year ago” and have been trying to find a replacement without any luck. She said all the local dealers are in the same boat. I haven’t bought the 1570 watch yet, I haven’t gotten fully comfortable with the idea that I can’t get the watch checked out, much less serviced, by someone local…but I’m working on an attitude adjustment on that issue.