Dilemma restoring my vintage rolex at RSC

[corboylee]

Dear Sifus and Rolex Gurus here,

I'm new to this forum and i would like to seek some advise or maybe someone can point me to the right direction in regards to restoring my vintage Rolex.

I recently inherited a Dual tone Date Just 1601 but it is not in a tip top condition since the watch is over 40yrs old (based on my own research). The dail and movement still functional and looking good but there are also other visible wear and tear problems eg:

1) dirty and sratches all over the case
2) patina formed on the fluted Bezel and crown
3) crystal is badly scratched
4) jubilee bracelet is loose and dirty
5) crown is loose

So, i wanted to revive this beauty and my friends told me to go straight to our one and only rolex service center in KL. Since i have no clue or do not know any reputable vintage watch service centre, i went there with a hopeful mind.

After the initial quote, discussion, and further consultation with their sales person, i am really lost and in doubt whether i should continue with them to restore my watch. Here are a few things which i find quite rigid and doesn't make sense (to me), not sure any sifus here face the same problem.

1) They claim their basic package includes cleaning, checking, water test, case polishing, crystal and crown replacement, etc. I'm ok with the polishing and crystal replacement but not the crown replacement coz the new crown looks completely different and brand-new. So when i told them im opting out the new crown, apart from not reducing the basic package price nor give me the new crown as spare, they are not willing to polish the watch too because it will compromise the original crown fitting connecting to the tube (doesn't make sense to me even after the explanation but i had to accept because they are the rolex professional right?). So for this basic package, i have no choice but to follow as instructed or they will only replace the crystal and cleaning for a whopping of 2.9k. I even ask, if i accept the new crown, would they return my original crown?... the answer is a BIG NO! coz thats the HQ policy, they will never return replacement parts! I find this really weird, coz i wanted to keep all the original part since this a vintage watch afterall and it has sentimental value. She wont budge at all :(

2) They said the back case is a bit eroded so need replacement. Same problem here, the new replacement has a completely different engraving text. Even the serial number is different and they wont return the old one if they replace it. I can still accept this and not to replace since it cost extra and i just have to live with the risk of non water resistant. Something i need to consider and is a fair option.

3) They said the jubilee bracelet is not genuine and they will not proceed with the servicing if the set (watch + strap) is not genuine unless i get the original strap from them. I had no choice but to opt for the original leather strap they offered coz the new jubilee cost 18k and it probably doesn't match the vintage look of this watch. Again, i have no one to verify but to follow since they are ROLEX!! But they suspect the watch COULD be genuine coz it has all the serial numbers and attributes. So they will only service if i buy the leather strap from them or bring in a genuine set. Now it makes me wonder, why the hell the watch has a genuine face but a fake bracelet. Unfortunately, i will never know coz i inherited it and there was no cert or original box.

4) They also "SUSPECT" there are other parts that need replacement which the total cost come to a whopping of 10k in total. Again this is not something i can decide later, they need me to agree and willing to pay this amount upfront and in the event it needs replacement, they WILL replace and charge without notifying. Basically saying it is thier call to make and you better be prepare to pay this amount.

SO, GURUS AND SIFU, can you shed some light and teach me what to do? Should i pay a rejection fee and go to someone else? or i should proceed with them?

Is there any OTHER REPUTABLE vintage rolex service shop in Klang valley that is abit more flexible and reasonable than our ONE & ONLY ROLEX SERVICE CENTER in KL?

Here are some photos as reference.

Sorry for the long rant and post. Thanks in advance

[TuRo]

Ok they will have your pants down on a piece like this...... $10k is mental and twice what it's worth.
It's a1601 with a sigma dial worth about £4k - it's in ok condition to my eye for a 50yr old Datejust, just needs a light fettling. It's easy to work on as 1570/5 mvt. Suggest you give it to a local watchmaker who will clean it up, polish the acrylic, do the bezel and service mvt and probably save the crown too.The case back is fine too I'd suggest, especially if you are not looking to dive/swim with it on. The bracelet looks pretty ok with consummate stretch expected of an early 70s piece.... you can get them tightened but they feel buttoxed to me when done, and a stretched jubilee is super-comfy imho - I'm gonna say £750 all in here in UK but I'm sure some of my US friends will say that is too much ! If nobody in KL send it overseas to a specialist near you.
Rgds Paul

[Nick9]

Get it back from Rolex and someone here will help you find a good independent. You will save a bucket of money and end up with a more vintage looking DateJust.

Your watch has a common movement and there are lots of parts available.

You may want to agree to a replacement crown and/or crown tube; it depends why the crown is loose, but these do wear out. Definitely a new crystal.

Replacement of the case back? Confirm with a second opinion. In my experience, not likely needed.

If the bracelet is not Rolex, you have the choice to keep it on the watch, buy a Rolex replacement (new or used), or wear it on a strap.

Only the lightest hand polish on the case, please. Or not (better option).

Yours is a nice watch. Looks like untouched condition and a Sigma dial. Enjoy!

[Dan S]

What currency are we referring to here, Malaysian ringgits? Show good photos of the bracelet, including the various parts of the clasp, the back of the bracelet and end-links, the side of the bracelet etc.

[swish77]

Originally Posted by Dan S

What currency are we referring to here, Malaysian ringgits? Show good photos of the bracelet, including the various parts of the clasp, the back of the bracelet and end-links, the side of the bracelet etc.

Yeah, that's gotta be the case. That would convert to about $2300, which is still expensive.

OP, just go to an independent and have the movement serviced, crown attended to and the crystal lightly polished. Should be about a quarter of the price.

[Tools]

Replacing crowns and backs is relatively common to ensure the watch remains waterproof, but it is certainly your choice to go elsewhere.

Personally, I would look for a competent and reliable independent for this watch. It likely still has plenty of life in it and the cost of an RSC overhaul/rebuild may be more than it needs.

Only you can decide if you want to keep or replace the aftermarket bracelet. A new bracelet, alone, will cost more than the actual value of the watch.

[indianmachine]

How much is the rejection fee?

[corboylee]

Yes, currency is in Malaysian Ringgit which turns out to be $2.3k. Rejection fee is MYR240. Thats a small amount which i'm willing to burn provided there is a good reputable watch maker around KL that can help me fix this beauty. Any recommendation?

Attached is the jubilee bracelet

[brandrea]

I’d speak to Michael Young in Hong Kong

http://www.classicwatchrepair.com/

Edit: welcome to the forum

[TuRo]

Should be a 62523 not 62510 on a bi-colour 1601/3

If it's correct the blade is c 1980 like this one

https://www.chrono-shop.net/en/a-r-c...e-clasp-e.html

[corboylee]

So the bracelet is fake?

[Dan S]

I think that Paul was just saying it's not the correct bracelet for that watch. And in any case, it's not the original bracelet; the bracelet is circa 1980 and the watch is from the early 70s. Others may know better, but I don't see any obvious signs that the clasp is fake. However, I'm not familiar with those end-links. So overall, it could be a mix of legit and aftermarket. Wait for more replies.

[TuRo]

It's possible that RSC stated the bracelet is aftermarket because of those no. 3 end links. Could be the rest is ok albeit later and mixed parts. A competent Rolex watchmaker well versed in the vintage stuff will be able to tell you in 10 secs when they get it in hand - hope the work at an indie watchmaker goes well, and defo worth it as the RSC return fee is not to onerous I think.

[LeBapt]

Originally Posted by brandrea

I’d speak to Michael Young in Hong Kong

http://www.classicwatchrepair.com/

Edit: welcome to the forum

+1

Just send it to Michael. I had a small chat with him last week and his team has done a great job on one of my watches. If you want a quote you should call them directly because they never replied to me when I submitted the online form on their website.

[corboylee]

Originally Posted by LeBapt

+1

Just send it to Michael. I had a small chat with him last week and his team has done a great job on one of my watches. If you want a quote you should call them directly because they never replied to me when I submitted the online form on their website.

Hmm..they are based in Hong Kong, i lived in Malaysia.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by corboylee

Hmm..they are based in Hong Kong, i lived in Malaysia.

So what's the problem. People send him watches from all over the world.