Rolex 1002 - Service advice

[tirej]

Last night, I came into possession of a Rolex 1002, 508XXXX SN. As with every Rolex, there's bound to be a story connected to it, and without rambling too much, here's the story behind this one.

This watch belonged to my father-in-law, who passed away in 1996 at the ripe young age of 56. He had worked his entire professional career for BetzEntec, which over the years eventually became part of GE. As you can read on the dial, this watch was a sales award. He was a very accomplished salesman with Betz, and had earned numerous accolades during his years there. He was a larger-than-life personality, the kind of person who took over a room just by walking through the door. A very cool guy.

Years ago, my wife (his middle child) and I were looking for something - what I can't remember - in the basement of the house he built when he and his family, my in-laws, first moved to town. By time my wife and I had started dating, my then-future father-in-law had moved out after he and my wife's mother divorced. Anywho, we were searching the basement and I found a Rolex box with papers and manual, but no watch. I did, however, know a watch existed, having noticed it on my father-in-law's wrist several times. I kept the box, wondering if I would ever see the watch again, and was it indeed the actual box for that watch.

A few years after the divorce, he remarried and had several happy years until his untimely passing in 1996. Fast-forward to 2013, and his second wife, with whom we remain close, found a few things of his she thought my wife would like to have. She realized after the passing of her own father (which was recent) that she was holding onto things too long, and by giving them to those who will take care of them and respect them would be good for them, and for herself.

My wife surprised me with the watch when I got home from work. I congratulated her on owning a wonderful memento of her father. They were so close, and I knew how much this meant to her. And then, she was kind enough to let me be its' caretaker. Excited at the prospect of reuniting the watch and it's box, I dashed upstairs, grabbed the box, popped off the aftermarket bracelet, and what do you know, the serial numbers on the case and certificate matched! I always wondered, and now I knew. I reminded her that this is her watch, but I'd be happy to wear it for her.

And now, I need your help.

I've owned one Rolex previously, but have never had one serviced, and I wanted to draw on your experiences with the various service centers, as well as the do's and dont's of getting a vintage piece restored. The watch is in good running condition and seems to be keeping good time, but then again it's a Rolex, so I guess I shouldn't be surprised by that. Along with a full cleaning and service, I want to keep it as it is, with the same hands and dial, and I don't want it overly polished. What else should I consider?

Also, I'd like to get a period correct Oyster bracelet for everyday wear. I'm not the biggest fan of the riveted Oysters, and would prefer to have a non-riveted bracelet.

Thanks for read, hope it wasn't too long. Any advice is appreciated andI look forward to your responses.

[vintagewaferthin]

I would consider Bob Ridley in Dallas Texas to restore the watch for you.

[andromeda160]

folded link bracelets will feel light/kinda cheesy if you get one, but there extremely comfy(more comfy than most of my rubber straps) and extremely strong! and they look great it just takes a week or so to get used to.

[cop414]

Wow, great story. Welcome to TRF. As far as service on your heirlom I would say Bob Ridley or Rik at timecare, I do believe he's a member here and maybe will chime in.
Congratulations on being the caretaker of such a nice watch.

[slcbbrown]

Lots of watch techs can do a decent job for you. You might start by calling Bob Ridley or Manny Chamosa to see who can get parts easiest. I'd be amazed if there were not good people to use in Atlanta, as well.

I would probably search for a newer bracelet that has the appropriate looks, rather than the exact, period correct version. IMO, the newest bracelet that gives you the look you're after and will fit your watch will be the best wearing one.

[violetman]

very nice presentation dial 1002 rolex

[cop414]

Originally Posted by violetman

very nice presentation dial 1002 rolex

Ah ha, I learned a new watch term today... "presentation dial", thank you very much!

[FLY-DOG]

Nice story....that's a family heirloom that deserves the best when it comes to service. Certainly Bob Ridley at Watchmakers International or Rik E. Dietel at Time Care, Inc. would be at the top of the list for most on this forum. Having said that, there are other fine watchmakers and others will chime in with recommendations of their own.

[tirej]

Gentlemen, thanks for all the replies. I look forward to having my 1002 serviced and your recommendations will go a long way in getting it there.

Cheers!

[Furbo]

Great story.

[Vlad]

Very cool dial!

If the watch runs, then all it needs is a generic service - any competent watchmaker in your area can do the job - you do NOT need to send it to Bob, RSC, or anyone else. Replace the crystal and do not polish he case - keep it as is.

As for the band - you can find a 19mm oyster with solid links (it's heavier and sturdier than folded link version) for about $300. buy it and wear it.

This 1002 has family history and a super cool dial, but this particular model does not demand much over the value of the movement, thus don't go overboard.

Vlad

[pdoukas]

Contact Beau or Dalton at ABC Watchwerks if you're on the West Coast. $395 service with Rolex Parts and they are top notch. All you need is a movement service and a crystal replacement (crystal is part of the service). If all checks out with the movement then they will also change out the main spring which is also part of the service. Many folks from the forum use them if on the West Coast. East of the Mississippi I'd use Riki. If you go with someone local I'd make sure they have Rolex parts accounts.


Sent from my mobile device. Please excuse spelling, punctuation, and brevity.

[Wolfgang427]

Great story, enjoy your new watch......