Dad’s Rolex. What to do?

[1mlee0916]

Hi! First time poster here... please be gentle if I’m asking a question that’s been asked already, but I searched through the forum, and couldn’t find a satisfactory answer. =)

I just sent in my Dad’s Datejust 16014 - I believe it’s from the late 70s or early 80s to the Dallas RSC. I don’t ever intend on selling it, but would like to keep it in the family as a heirloom piece. My Dad left the family when I was a child, so I don’t really have any sentimental attachments to it, but it’s just a rather cool piece, it being a relatively old watch.

I’m debating whether I should replace the dials and hands. I understand with new dials and hands I will lose the tritium, and the overall faded vintage feel. Considering I don’t intend on selling it, should I just have them replace it? Any other factors that I should take into?

Thanks in advance!

Btw, just placed an order with my AD for my first new Rolex - an Explorer 1... can’t wait!

[bp1000]

Keep everything as is. Don’t even polish it

I like to view my dads DJ and see all the wear on it. Polishing it and changing it would feel like wiping away the history.

Also, new hands on a vintage watch look so out of place.

Just have it’s movement serviced. Keep it running clean and smoothly.

[16610v]

This vintage rolex is awesome with creamy dial.

Keep everything original.

[218225]

Go for the service and state very clearly that they leave the rest untouched.
It should show it’s age and you can still wear it without worrying about damaging it.
Congrats on your own Rolex. It is a great watch


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[MJ8]

Originally Posted by bp1000

Keep everything as is. Don’t even polish it

I like to view my dads DJ and see all the wear on it. Polishing it and changing it would feel like wiping away the history.

Also, new hands on a vintage watch look so out of place.

Just have it’s movement serviced. Keep it running clean and smoothly.

Agreed!

[joli160]

I'd keep the dial and hands, full service and a polish.
It will come back like a brand new piece. These folks at the RSC know what they are doing and you'll be amazed how it will turn out.

[jimcameron]

It's a great watch as is, and would still be a great watch if you wanted to update any component that you feel detracts from your enjoyment. Basically, you can't make a bad decision so long as you stay with genuine Rolex parts.

[jimcarver]

Definitely don't replace the face and hands they look great. Polish it if you want it looking newer, leave it if you would rather the battle scars from your Fathers use.

[Rocket_Man]

I wouldn't have even sent this watch to an RSC. They tend to want to restore them to as new condition and replace the dial/hands almost instinctively. The DateJust is probably a mid 80's model and not necessarily a great collectors watch since they made so many of them. But the patina of the hands and markers is nice and I would never replace them. Nor polish the watch. Just ask the RSC to service the movement. If they say no, then ask then to return the watch and find an independent who will service the movement and leave the rest intact.

[mountainjogger]

Originally Posted by joli160

I'd keep the dial and hands, full service and a polish.
It will come back like a brand new piece. These folks at the RSC know what they are doing and you'll be amazed how it will turn out.

x2!!!

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by joli160

I'd keep the dial and hands, full service and a polish.
It will come back like a brand new piece. These folks at the RSC know what they are doing and you'll be amazed how it will turn out.

assuming RSC will even service it w/o doing replacements, i have no idea. Otherwise take it to a good independent.

[Rolexavidfan]

Unless the watch has issues on the dial or movement needing service and replacement, I wouldn’t touch it.

My dad left me 3 Omega Seamasters. Two are in pristine condition and I had the old straps (not original) replaced with an original Omega strap with buckle. The other one had moisture issue so I had to replace with new hands and cleaned up the dial.


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[cop414]

I leave it, service only. Congratulations on the Explorer

[abozz]

Originally Posted by bp1000

Keep everything as is. Don’t even polish it

I like to view my dads DJ and see all the wear on it. Polishing it and changing it would feel like wiping away the history.

Also, new hands on a vintage watch look so out of place.

Just have it’s movement serviced. Keep it running clean and smoothly.

[chevy9]

Welcome, Congrats on the new Explorer! As for your father's DJ, have the movement serviced only.

[Sarosh]

Service only, no replacement anything! It’s a lovely watch don’t let them replace anything, maybe find a solid independent around you to service the moment only?

[brandrea]

Another leave it be. Congratulations in advance on the incoming

[JR16]

Service the movement, don’t touch anything else- looks great !


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[1mlee0916]

Wow, thanks for all the great feedback guys! Really helpful forum!.... and quite addicting. My fiancé hates me for always being on this site on my phone. :)

I’m supposed to get the RSC estimate today, so I’ll see if they listed the dial and hands as a mandatory change. If not, I’ll just keep them as is - will the quote clearly say what’s optional and what’s mandatory by the way?

[DLRIDES]

Originally Posted by Rocket_Man

I wouldn't have even sent this watch to an RSC. They tend to want to restore them to as new condition and replace the dial/hands almost instinctively. The DateJust is probably a mid 80's model and not necessarily a great collectors watch since they made so many of them. But the patina of the hands and markers is nice and I would never replace them. Nor polish the watch. Just ask the RSC to service the movement. If they say no, then ask then to return the watch and find an independent who will service the movement and leave the rest intact.

This.

If Rolex refuses to service movement only, have them return it !!!!

[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by 1mlee0916

Wow, thanks for all the great feedback guys! Really helpful forum!.... and quite addicting. My fiancé hates me for always being on this site on my phone. :)

I’m supposed to get the RSC estimate today, so I’ll see if they listed the dial and hands as a mandatory change. If not, I’ll just keep them as is - will the quote clearly say what’s optional and what’s mandatory by the way?

They cannot tell you a dial and hands replacement is mandatory unless for instance the hands had lume that was breaking off and could get inside the movement. They can only suggest things like this. Please keep it original. It is perfect as is. Just get movement serviced and then decide if you want it polished.

[gummy]

Originally Posted by joli160

I'd keep the dial and hands, full service and a polish.
It will come back like a brand new piece. These folks at the RSC know what they are doing and you'll be amazed how it will turn out.

This is it...If would look fantastic

[madgpol]

Service only. It's a beautiful watch and will always be your dad's.

[RedLs3]

Keep it and leave it alone

[georgekart]

I would just do a movement service and nothing else at reputable watchmakers. No to polishing, no to replacing dial and hands. Maybe bracelet stretch repair if it has stretch. Otherwise leave it looking original.

[SurfDiver]

I’ve taken this from another direction. Have a Sub that wife wears and a DSSD-DB that I wear. Original boxes for both. The DSSD-DB even has a calendar from the AD, and the Cameron books. Kept the protective plastic and put them on sticker paper.

Told the kids to keep both as worn, especially the DSSD-DB with the books, calendar and all. Wear the watches if they want. Otherwise, just service. No polishing. Sell as complete set. Remain as original as possible.


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[Aclockworkblue]

Great watch. Just the movement service and a LIGHT polish and you are all set!

[dafuture]

I'd leave the dial and hands alone. Even if you'll never sell it, it's cool to look down and see what your Dad saw when he wore it.

Just get it serviced and wear it as is.

[tomchicago]

That is a gorgeous datejust and has far greater impact than any modern, clunky, showy piece. Don't replace anything, just service the movement with RSC Dallas or someone careful like Jessica or Bob Ridley.

[wach16]

Originally Posted by 16610v

This vintage rolex is awesome with creamy dial.

Keep everything original.

+1 and congrats on the EXP 1