Hello from a new Rolex owner

[VirginiaJim]

Hello, all!

I just inherited a Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1002 my grandfather bought in Switzerland back in 1959. He kept it until his death in 1994, when it went to my father. When Dad died in 2015, it came down to me. I just had her serviced, and she's running like a champ.

Is there any special way to care for a Rolex? I encountered a bit of a learning curve when it came to winding and setting the thing - this is my first mechanical watch, as well as my first encounter with the oyster case. The Rolex repair shop taught me how to unscrew the crown - it's like unscrewing the cap on a pop bottle, but a LOT smaller - and wind / set the watch that way. Finished winding / setting? Screw the crown back in. It took some getting used to, but I love learning new things, so it's cool. Is there anything else I need to know? The only watches I've owned have been cheapo Timexes and Casios, as well as a Bulova Precisionist I keep for dressy occasions.

Thank you for your time,
Jim.

[Xantiagib]

they're made to be worn and can handle even the least 'savvy' owner with ease
keep it clean and serviced every 4 years or sooner to keep it waterproof if you intend on swimming with it - and above all enjoy it as you've got some many years of dna to add to it before you pass it on to your kid(s)

[Pavlos]

Originally Posted by VirginiaJim

Hello, all!

I just inherited a Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1002 my grandfather bought in Switzerland back in 1959. He kept it until his death in 1994, when it went to my father. When Dad died in 2015, it came down to me. I just had her serviced, and she's running like a champ.

Is there any special way to care for a Rolex? I encountered a bit of a learning curve when it came to winding and setting the thing - this is my first mechanical watch, as well as my first encounter with the oyster case. The Rolex repair shop taught me how to unscrew the crown - it's like unscrewing the cap on a pop bottle, but a LOT smaller - and wind / set the watch that way. Finished winding / setting? Screw the crown back in. It took some getting used to, but I love learning new things, so it's cool. Is there anything else I need to know? The only watches I've owned have been cheapo Timexes and Casios, as well as a Bulova Precisionist I keep for dressy occasions.

Thank you for your time,
Jim.

Best to get the proper Rolex Sevice Centre to service it. Make sure they do not replace dial or hands and do not polish the watch. Get this confirmed in writing and speak to service administrator yourself face to face at the centre. Don't in my opinion trust independent shops to do it. There was a jeweller my friend had his Longines serviced at in Gurnsey in the Channel Islands. He claimed he used to work for Omega and the store has a good reputation. After the service the watch had issues. They guy only charged £90 for service and Longines would charge closer to £200. There is no regulatory body for watchmakers, how do you know they even service the watch.

[brandrea]

Welcome and what a fantastic keepsake

[westsiderkg]

welcome 2 the forum. :)

[c41006]

Welcome

[Pavlos]

Welcome. I forgot to say

[Ignace Worang]

welcome and don't worry too much...just wear it and enjoy. Best thing abt Rolex is that it can serviced by any good watchmaker....after 10 years or so.

[Wesholm]

Hi from a fellow newbie!

[sigmadial]

Greetings! Such a great story. I hope I'd be able to pass down something to my kids