Grandfather's watch

[newbieincali]

The other month my mother told me that she was giving me my grandfather's TT Datejust which made me really excited. It's one of this family things that you always want to keep in the family. The Serial number is an early 5 mil and was my grandfather's dress watch which he barely wore. He let me actually wear it when on our trip to Spain...

Question is. My mother took it to a local AD to have it sent to the RSC. Its been about 5 weeks and she just got the estimate for 650 bucks. Not too bad as the watch has been sitting in a closer for I don't know how many years. Here is the weird part. My mom was told that the bracelet is very old and is weak and it should be replaced and that should cost 3200 dollars. When she called me to tell me this I said no way. Since I do not have any pictures its hard for me to judge the actual condition but by what I know of the watch that seems highly suspect.

Has anyone else experienced an AD pushing a bracelet unnecessarily?

[Tools]

It is unlikely that the bracelet suddenly became "weak", especially it lightly used as you indicate.. Likely somebody is just going by expected life-cycle times for watches worn regularly..

I wouldn't worry about it and make the assessment when yo have it in your hands...

[Vlad]

I disagree. I have never seen a case when Rolex suggests a replacement part just to make extra money.

Most likely, in the past 35 years, the band did stretch. If the original band was a folded link style, then yes, D-link is a stronger option. Rolex always tells you what MUST be done to the watch and what is optional.

but even if your watch needs a band, there are other option than paying $3,200 to Rolex.

[newbieincali]

I think at this point just having them doing the servicing and then getting my hands on the watch first is the best idea. I'm out in LA area so I can easily get to the Bevery Hills RSC if need to. I will post pictures once I get the watch. The AD told my mom it would take at least 5 more weeks.

Does RSC provide a list of items changed and serviced when the watch is returned?

[Grissom]

I think I would get it back, and walk it in to the Beverly Hills RSC for an estimate, and then, you decide what to do and what not to do......that is what I would do....and I might also have Dalton from ABC Watchwerks, in LA, also give me an estimate....

Enjoy wearing it, and thinking of your grandfather, while doing so!

[classicwatchparts]

Another option is to get the band rebuilt and then you will be able to have a band from your grandfather and not a replacement . It will cost approximately USD1000 plus postage.

Send me a message

Michael Young