To Overhaul or Not To Overhaul?

[Davew833]

Took my "new" 1970 red 1680 in to a local watchmaker and Rolex servicer for an appraisal today. The good news is that he carefully (and quickly!) disassembled it and pronounced it to be 'authentic.' However, he said the movement, though running correctly, was quite dry and worn and recommended overhauling it. He quoted about $450 labor and $100- $300 parts depending on what was found upon disassembly. Is this a fair price? He said he'd recently done a 1575 and showed me that he had the parts necessary in stock.

He also insisted that any money I spent on an overhaul now would be more than returned if I decide to sell it. I don't question the value of an overhaul for reliable operation and my own enjoyment, but I wonder if it really improves resale value.

My breathing is just now returning to normal-- I think I hyperventilated watching him swiftly and skillfully tear down my watch to the bare movement! (He was, of course, well-trained and very careful, I was just nervous.)