Rolex 1002 - Service advice

[tirej]

Last night, I came into possession of a Rolex 1002, 508XXXX SN. As with every Rolex, there's bound to be a story connected to it, and without rambling too much, here's the story behind this one.

This watch belonged to my father-in-law, who passed away in 1996 at the ripe young age of 56. He had worked his entire professional career for BetzEntec, which over the years eventually became part of GE. As you can read on the dial, this watch was a sales award. He was a very accomplished salesman with Betz, and had earned numerous accolades during his years there. He was a larger-than-life personality, the kind of person who took over a room just by walking through the door. A very cool guy.

Years ago, my wife (his middle child) and I were looking for something - what I can't remember - in the basement of the house he built when he and his family, my in-laws, first moved to town. By time my wife and I had started dating, my then-future father-in-law had moved out after he and my wife's mother divorced. Anywho, we were searching the basement and I found a Rolex box with papers and manual, but no watch. I did, however, know a watch existed, having noticed it on my father-in-law's wrist several times. I kept the box, wondering if I would ever see the watch again, and was it indeed the actual box for that watch.

A few years after the divorce, he remarried and had several happy years until his untimely passing in 1996. Fast-forward to 2013, and his second wife, with whom we remain close, found a few things of his she thought my wife would like to have. She realized after the passing of her own father (which was recent) that she was holding onto things too long, and by giving them to those who will take care of them and respect them would be good for them, and for herself.

My wife surprised me with the watch when I got home from work. I congratulated her on owning a wonderful memento of her father. They were so close, and I knew how much this meant to her. And then, she was kind enough to let me be its' caretaker. Excited at the prospect of reuniting the watch and it's box, I dashed upstairs, grabbed the box, popped off the aftermarket bracelet, and what do you know, the serial numbers on the case and certificate matched! I always wondered, and now I knew. I reminded her that this is her watch, but I'd be happy to wear it for her.

And now, I need your help.

I've owned one Rolex previously, but have never had one serviced, and I wanted to draw on your experiences with the various service centers, as well as the do's and dont's of getting a vintage piece restored. The watch is in good running condition and seems to be keeping good time, but then again it's a Rolex, so I guess I shouldn't be surprised by that. Along with a full cleaning and service, I want to keep it as it is, with the same hands and dial, and I don't want it overly polished. What else should I consider?

Also, I'd like to get a period correct Oyster bracelet for everyday wear. I'm not the biggest fan of the riveted Oysters, and would prefer to have a non-riveted bracelet.

Thanks for read, hope it wasn't too long. Any advice is appreciated andI look forward to your responses.