Vintage Service Question

[HappyHighway]

Hi everyone and my apologies if this is already answered elsewhere in this forum. I’ve looked for discussions topics but nothing quite fit what I was looking for. I inherited my grandfathers Rolex from my father. My first step was to get it appraised. It’s a Model 4365, 33mm, dated 1946. The movement actually works, because it’s manual wind it operates most of the day, but the time is really bad. I think it loses something like an hour throughout the day!!

I was thinking of getting it serviced but just curious on what I should expect. Is it worth doing? Does it decrease value? What should I expect to pay? Will it keep time better afterwards? I’ll post a photo for fun.

Thank you so much for any information at all.

[vintagewaferthin]

If you plan on wearing it I would definitely get it serviced.

[swaini3]

Get it serviced yes, but by someone that knows vintage well to even check if all parts are genuine (no offense). Ask for a movement only service. A good watchmaker should be able to recommend what needs to be done. Comparing the cost of the service/ parts vs the value of the watch can help you decide too.

[HappyHighway]

I appreciate the feedback! I suppose I’ll take it down and find out what it costs to do a full service.

[Realezt01]

Not many people do them I don’t think

[Stan Cooper]

Phillip Ridley in Mesa, AZ.

[HappyHighway]

Well, I took it to a local dealer here in D.C. and he said he doesn’t do vintage services, but assesses that it would probably run about $2000. Not sure I want to eat that much considering it actually does work. Just loses about half an hour throughout the day, haha.

Now…I will be actually be in Switzerland over the summer. What’s the chance a dealer could have better luck over there?

[saxo3]

Originally Posted by HappyHighway

Now…I will be actually be in Switzerland over the summer. What’s the chance a dealer could have better luck over there?

Bring your watch to the Rolex HQ in Geneva.

[77T]

Originally Posted by HappyHighway

Well, I took it to a local dealer here in D.C. and he said he doesn’t do vintage services, but assesses that it would probably run about $2000. Not sure I want to eat that much considering it actually does work. Just loses about half an hour throughout the day, haha.

Now…I will be actually be in Switzerland over the summer. What’s the chance a dealer could have better luck over there?

That isn’t a far-fetched number if you want it 100% OEM inside. If you sent it to either Ridley or another vintage US watchmaker they’d be in same boat with expensive old stock parts.

Geneva dealers won’t be any better cost-wise or parts-wise. Rolex only restores these models if they are significant and important. They have a Restoration Dept. but you can imagine the wait even if they did accept it.

I would call first rather than try a “drop-in without appointment”

Would you be open to finding a reconditioned movement to swap out? It could be a better option.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[saxo3]

Originally Posted by 77T

Rolex only restores these models if they are significant and important.

That is wrong.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by HappyHighway

. . .
I was thinking of getting it serviced but just curious on what I should expect. Is it worth doing? Does it decrease value? What should I expect to pay? Will it keep time better afterwards? I’ll post a photo for fun.

Thank you so much for any information at all.

Yes, most Rolex watches are worth repairing, especially if it has special meaning for you. In some cases the repairs may cost more than actual value, but a working heirloom is much better than an old paperweight.

A proper service that replaces/repairs movement function and does not replace major components will never decrease its value.

Yes, it will keep time better after a proper service, but a watch of that age was only keeping time within a minute or more a day unlike modern movements.

Cost is up to you and what you are willing to pay. As mentioned, seek a good vintage specialist.

I repaired my father's early 60's Seamaster and wear it on special occasions as a vintage watch is always tasteful. Cost to repair was close to its value at the time, but today I could recover that cost several times over.

[77T]

Originally Posted by saxo3

That is wrong.

I was imprecise in my language.

I was referring to the Restoration Department vs. the RSC itself in Geneva.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[HappyHighway]

As always, I really appreciate everyone’s insight. I’ll have to mull this over a little bit. The price is a little high but i also understand that over time it should recoup the cost. I definitely need to get a new band, the current one is old cracked leather and I suspect is not original.

Really great advice from everyone. Thank you so much.

[Bestdj777]

Consider getting a quote from John Alabaster in NOVA. He has worked on one of my watches and might be able to give you a better quote.

[HappyHighway]

I’ll check him out! Looks it’s in Vienna, super close. Thank you.

[FLY-DOG]

Originally Posted by Stan Cooper

Phillip Ridley in Mesa, AZ.

Phillips Dad, Bob Ridley, in Arlington Texas did an outstanding job in servicing my 1969 Air King.

https://watchmakers.com

[Bestdj777]

Originally Posted by HappyHighway

I’ll check him out! Looks it’s in Vienna, super close. Thank you.

My pleasure. I’d be curious how they compare on price to what you were quoted but would be surprised if it was in the $2,000 range.

[juktagt]

Originally Posted by FLY-DOG

Phillips Dad, Bob Ridley, in Arlington Texas did an outstanding job in servicing my 1969 Air King.

https://watchmakers.com

That looks super.

OP- yes, I'd get that serviced. Do your research before selecting where to send it.

[Dan S]

It's a simple manual-wind watch, so if it's running, there's a reasonable chance that all it needs is a COA service, which should cost $300-$500, depending on where you have it done. Yes, there are some people who will overcharge you just because the watch says Rolex on the dial, or take advantage of you because it's an heirloom. Don't use those people. Absolutely no reason to send this to Switzerland or to use one of the high-priced specialists. Take your time and ask around.

[Nickn]

Originally Posted by Dan S

It's a simple manual-wind watch, so if it's running, there's a reasonable chance that all it needs is a COA service, which should cost $300-$500, depending on where you have it done. Yes, there are some people who will overcharge you just because the watch says Rolex on the dial, or take advantage of you because it's an heirloom. Don't use those people. Absolutely no reason to send this to Switzerland or to use one of the high-priced specialists. Take your time and ask around.

Totally agree any competent watchmaker can service this watch

[MrChamfers]

Originally Posted by HappyHighway

I’ll check him out! Looks it’s in Vienna, super close. Thank you.

I am another happy vintage client of Phillip Ridley. Very reasonable rates, and he provides a next day shipping label, fully insured.