1988 Datejust hasn't worked in over 10 years - worth repairing?

[gt_93]

Hi all,

New to this forum, so appreciate all the help I can get.

I've been looking to purchase my first luxury watch recently as I am getting married in April next year. When I told my parents about this, my dad said that I could have his old Datejust that he doesn't use anymore seeing as he's retired. It has the original boxes and certificate and from that I can see it's from 1988. From initial research, I'm fairly certain it's a 36mm Datejust reference 16013. As my dad stopped wearing it when he retired, it hasn't been used in roughly 10-15 years. The crown doesn't screw down and even though it can turn, the hands don't move. As far as I'm aware, he never got the watch serviced ever since he got it. Apart from it not working, it's in quite good condition. Is it worth taking it to a RSC to get it serviced/repaired? I'm not sure how much this costs in Australia and if the cost of repair would outweigh the value of the watch itself. Obviously it would be good to try and fix it as it was my dad's and it has sentimental value but would I be better off just getting a new watch or trying to get this fixed? Also aware that I can't afford a new Rolex and even if I could, the waitlist is so long

Thanks in advance!

[Hkspwrsche]

I would find a local watch maker. If it doesn’t need parts it will be less expensive for the same service.

[pk552502]

Definitely get it serviced. I agree, find a good independent watchmaker and get it serviced through them and keep the original parts if they're in good shape.

[harry in montreal]

What color
Is the dial ? Great watch.

[INC]

Originally Posted by gt_93

Obviously it would be good to try and fix it as it was my dad's and it has sentimental value but would I be better off just getting a new watch or trying to get this fixed?

It is a future family heirloom, worth far more than any other new watch.

And since it's been stored indoors and stopped without anything wrong with it, I think it's pretty easy to get it work again. It is possible, that this watch just need to clean and oil it.

That's why I join the above club: try to find an independent watchmaker, and if that doesn't work, look for the RSC. However, in your case even the latter's price will be much less than what this watch would be worth on the market.

[TimeLord2]

Yes! Get it serviced. Try and post a few pics. Use the "Go Advanced" button below and then the paper clip icon. Follow the image sizing instructions in the popup window.

[pensandwatches]

Definitely get it serviced - I have one from ~ 1987 and love it. I believe RolliWorks or Rik Dietel are the ones folks here recommend for vintage Rolex. There may be others - do a search for vintage Rolex repair. They can also refurbish the bracelet if it’s stretched.

As stated above, under good care and service you can hand it down also! But best of all it’s from your dad - wear it with pride and good health!

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by gt_93

Hi all,

...my dad said that I could have his old Datejust that he doesn't use anymore seeing as he's retired...

I'd be wearing it and enjoying it even more if I'd retired. Hard to beat a vintage Datejust

[tekno]

Let’s see the watch


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[gt_93]

Hi all,

Thanks so much for your help. Definitely leaning towards going ahead with the service/repair. I took it in for a quote and was told this.

Necessary

Complete service with polishing:

Disassemble the case of the watch

Cleaning and replacement of basic movement parts

Regulation and timing of the movement

Full Quality control according to our specifications

Multiple precision, power reserve, functional, water resistance checks during service and at quality control

Final assembly of watch with new gaskets

Cleaning and polishing

Replace monobloc crown

Replace parts kit



Total AUD$1,952.50



Condition:

Bezel: marked

Bracelet: marked

Case: marked

Clasp/ strap: marked

Crystal: chipped

Dial: lumi non viable

Hands: lumi non viable


Does this seem about right? And can anyone tell me what parts kit is? When they saw the watch, they said they should probably change the crystal as it's chipped but I don't know if that's included in the price? Also, thoughts on polishing? I've read mixed things here and on other websites.

I'll try and post some photos shortly!
Thanks again ��

[gt_93]

Here are some photos!

[andrewjb88]

That's really nice! My dad died a few years ago and I've got his 16203 now.

100% that needs servicing and then either your dad needs to wear it or you need to wear it.

[Ferrari308]

Service it and enjoy that watch as it was intended!!


PDG

[Ferrari308]

Service it and enjoy that watch as it was intended!!


PDG

[MrLemon]

Service it at well known watch maker, not RSC.
SO you can keep all parts original.
And wear it in good health, give it to you child when you retired.

[doyall]

For comparison, I very recently had my circa 1989-1992 16203 DateJust (3135 movement) serviced. With a crown/tube along with hands (hands apx. 70$) replacement and all else contained in your quote, the cost was a bit over $700 US. Without knowing if your 3035 movement is more or less difficult to service, it seems like $1,952 AU ($1,245 US) is a bit pricey. But even at that it is well worth rehabilitating. An independent may be less costly, but there is always the risk of choosing the wrong one. And with Rolex service you know you are getting the two year "warranty".

[TimeLord2]

Looks very nice indeed! Definitely worth servicing and do replace the crystal. Perhaps there is someone on the forum from down under who can recommend a CW21 certified watchmaker in OZ. You may get a better price that way but a 2-year warranty from Rolex is quite nice to have too. Just make sure they can source original Rolex parts if you do go with someone other than Rolex. Polishing is optional and you can request to keep the parts if you do go with Rolex but they will charge you about 40% of the value of the parts to keep them. Just put down in writing exactly what you want them to do especially if you plan on keeping the dial and hands, without replacing. Great family heirloom!

[gt_93]

Originally Posted by doyall

For comparison, I very recently had my circa 1989-1992 16203 DateJust (3135 movement) serviced. With a crown/tube along with hands (hands apx. 70$) replacement and all else contained in your quote, the cost was a bit over $700 US. Without knowing if your 3035 movement is more or less difficult to service, it seems like $1,952 AU ($1,245 US) is a bit pricey. But even at that it is well worth rehabilitating. An independent may be less costly, but there is always the risk of choosing the wrong one. And with Rolex service you know you are getting the two year "warranty".

Hi, thanks for this. Did yours include polish as well? I'm thinking that's probably also contributing to the slightly higher cost and I'm not sure I want it done... I'm going to ask them today about it and to see what cost would be with keeping basically everything original except for the crystal seeing as that's got a chip and some scratches

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by gt_93

Hi, thanks for this. Did yours include polish as well? I'm thinking that's probably also contributing to the slightly higher cost and I'm not sure I want it done... I'm going to ask them today about it and to see what cost would be with keeping basically everything original except for the crystal seeing as that's got a chip and some scratches

Personally I'd get everything except the hands/dial change, unless you particularly need the lume to glow in the dark. Definitely a crystal change.

Good luck with it!

[HenryThe4th]

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding and the thoughtful offer from your dad! A vintage Rolex like the Datejust can hold significant sentimental value so I would say repair it. It can also be a Family heirloom!

[doyall]

Originally Posted by gt_93

Hi, thanks for this. Did yours include polish as well? I'm thinking that's probably also contributing to the slightly higher cost and I'm not sure I want it done... I'm going to ask them today about it and to see what cost would be with keeping basically everything original except for the crystal seeing as that's got a chip and some scratches

Yes, it was polished. Turned out well, in my opinion. Before and after pictures are here https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=914490 on post 19.

Based on what I have read on this forum, the cost of polishing is included in the RSC service price whether you get it polished or not.

Good call on the crystal.

[zapokee]

I don't mind polishing on a special family piece like this. They'll make it look brand new and your Dad will be proud.

Collectors generally prefer unpolished, but presumably you're going to enjoy it yourself rather than selling it in the collector community.

I had my Datejust polished by the RSC, and it was very sympathetic - no metal removal was discernible and it looked awesome.

[Yachtbuoy]

Originally Posted by doyall

For comparison, I very recently had my circa 1989-1992 16203 DateJust (3135 movement) serviced. With a crown/tube along with hands (hands apx. 70$) replacement and all else contained in your quote, the cost was a bit over $700 US. Without knowing if your 3035 movement is more or less difficult to service, it seems like $1,952 AU ($1,245 US) is a bit pricey. But even at that it is well worth rehabilitating. An independent may be less costly, but there is always the risk of choosing the wrong one. And with Rolex service you know you are getting the two year "warranty".

Tbh my 1603 cost about $1400 AUD a few years ago because it hadn't been serviced in 27 years so that's not too bad.

[TuRo]

Service on that by a Rolex/Tudor indie in UK @ £300-350 will be about 8-10% of it's value £3500-4000 so not much at all. RSC will be mental expensive and utter waste of money. Nice piece.

[doyall]

If you go with an independent, just make sure they have a Rolex parts account. Otherwise they will have to use aftermarket parts (which *may* affect value and function) or obtain genuine parts on the secondary/gray/black market at inflated prices. You may never truly know what was used until at the next RSC inspection it gets flagged.

[doyall]

Originally Posted by Yachtbuoy

Tbh my 1603 cost about $1400 AUD a few years ago because it hadn't been serviced in 27 years so that's not too bad.

My 16203 was 25+ years since last service.

[gt_93]

Thanks everyone, really appreciate all of your input since I'm new to all of this!
When I spoke to the people at the place I got the quote, they said that the crystal is being replaced as part of the service and that the original dial and hands will be kept, so I'm happy about that. Now just have to decide what to do about polishing... I was initially leaning towards not doing it but the more I look into it and also see what you're all saying, I think I'll go ahead with it since I'll be using the watch and can pass it down later on too. Even if it loses the marks that were made by my dad, it will still always be his and I can make a new story with it so that when I pass it on, it won't be totally worn down. Any further opinions about polishing will be great though as I'll decide in the next day or so!

[Dan S]

Refinishing a case is a skill that is separate from watchmaker for the most part. So it depends who does it. If it is an expert who knows how to refinish the case to original specs, maintaining sharp edges/corners and finishing the brushed/polished planes correctly ... then yes. But if it is just going to be buffed up to remove scratches ... then no!

If you sent it to a Rolex Service Center (owned by Rolex), then they will probably do a good job, because they have specialists who are trained to refinish cases properly. If you took it to an authorized dealer or independent watchmaker, then I don't think we can necessarily give you good guidance, but I would not necessarily trust them to refinish the case unless I somehow knew that they had the expertise. There are only a handful of people in the US that I'd ask to refinish a vintage Rolex case. They need to have the right training, equipment, and experience.

[doyall]

Originally Posted by gt_93

... I'll decide in the next day or so!

Keep us posted.

[gt_93]

I've gone ahead with the service but opted against the polish. Figured I'd see what it looks like first after it's been cleaned since it's still in pretty good condition, then if I want it polished later on down the track, I can always do so. Was also conscious that I can't go back after it's been polished, so this seemed like the best option at this point in time!