Should I Service my 1981 36MM DJ or Replace It?

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Greetings!

I apologize for the length of this post, but I'm struggling with a difficult decision, and the advice I've received from forum members over the years has helped me make better decisions that I would have without your help.

I'm the original owner of a 1981 36mm TT DJ black dial, and have had it serviced regularly over 40+ years. It's time for another service, and that's the reason for the post. Do I service it or replace it?

Over the years the Jubilee bracelet had stretched, as most do, but it's now at the point where my local jeweler suggests that it may be time to have it fully refreshed. He things that the cost for a non Rolex authorized bracelet pin replacement will be at least $500, and a non Rolex authorized full service about $800. He cautions that prices can, and likely will, be higher if other issues are found - not uncommon on a 42 year old watch.

I spoke with my Rolex dealer and told him I prefer Rolex services the watch instead of an independent. He said that's fine, but be prepared for Rolex to replace parts that they considered worn. That would likely mean that the black dial, with lume that no longer glows, would be replaced, and likely the hands as well. A replacement bracelet "can get very expensive" according to him. Without an official quote his guess is that Rolex service will be a minimum of $1,000 without replacing the band or having any serious parts issues. There may also be a delay getting it serviced an returned. As it is now the watch runs a bit slow, which is annoying but not critical. I don't get it wet at all. That's the reason I got the BB58.

With the inflated prices of used Rolexes I was thinking of selling my watch and putting that money into a new 36mm DJ. Reading about issues with the new 32xx movement concerns me a bit, and the larger 41mm case is too bulky and heavy for daily wear, at least to me. It's disappointing that the 36mm DJ doesn't have a pure white marker dial, just the 41 has that option, another frustration which will lead me to getting the black dial replacement - also helpful for better contrast with cataracts.

Just an added comment or two - I've owned several Omegas, and 2 Tudor Black Bays (the original 41 was way to heavy), along with many "beaters" - Seiko/Citizen. In the end I traded out the non Rolex watches, and I'm considering the same fate for the BB58. Reviewers love it, rightfully so, but somehow I feel like I'm settling for something instead of getting what I want.

My 1981 DJ with bracelet is very comfortable at less than 3.3 ounces (hollow links back then0; the BB is over 5; the Sky Dweller, my "grail", is over 6 ounces and is bulky on my wrist. Light and discreet is my preference - thus the 36mm size. Even the 39mm BB becomes noticeable on the wrist in summer heat, and the limited adjustment on that bracelet is annoying. My Rolex has a lot of micro-adjustment holes on the bracelet, and the newer models have the adjustable bands.

The nostalgia issue is real, but my logical mind also has a voice: "Why spend over $2K, or more, to restore a 42 year old watch, when you can sell it "As Is" for likely more than you think in the current market, and replace it with a brand new watch with warranty?" That voice echoes loudly when I think about it.

So, as I see it my choices are:

- Keep the 36mm as is, do nothing to it, and wear it cautiously whenever I want
- Keep the DJ, but service it through an independent to preserve the dial/hands
- Keep the DJ, service it through Rolex, restore it for less than the cost of new
- Sell the DJ, put the money into a new DJ, get the black dial and call it a day
- Return to a single watch, sell the BB58, replace the old DJ with a new one with same colors/bezel/Jubilee

I've included a picture of the 36mm DJ on my wrist, along with the BB58.

So, what would you do? Other suggestions/opinions are welcome.