Advice on vintage Tudor servicing

[carlheyerdahl]

I’ve got a Tudor submariner 79090 from 1992, so really just starting to be vintage. Anyways, the movement is in need of some love. It’s keeping good time, but is definitely not winding the way it should when I unscrew the crown to set the date or time. I took it to a place near me that services lots of watches and has a good reputation. I believe the are even the only official Oris center in North America.

I got the estimate back the other day and they are not willing to forgo case polishing and refinishing as well as getting rid of my acrylic. Obviously I have declined the service and will just keep looking. My question is; does anyone have experience getting a vintage watch serviced with only the movement being worked on? I wasn’t expecting them to be so rigid on working on the whole watch especially since the movement is an ETA. I know if it went to RSC or TUDOR they would want to make it “like new”. Does anyone have a recommendation for anyone who may be able to help me near Boston? Thanks!

[sillo]

Originally Posted by carlheyerdahl

I know if it went to RSC or TUDOR they would want to make it “like new”.

You could call up an RSC and talk to them regarding that. I had them service my tritium 16700 and was able to have them guarantee to not replace the hands or dial and they were also fine with the no polish request. They only seem to force the dial changes when the old lume is crumbling and can potentially fall out and affect the movement.

They also won't just replace the dial or hands without confirming with you first because it increases the service cost.

You can also try some of the recommended independents like Phillip Ridley.

[NHDoc]

I noticed you're in Mass. If you are within a reasonable distance of Dover NH you can bring your watch to Haris at USA Watch Service. He's a great guy and will do exactly what you want (and nothing more). If you're not close enough to visit you can always ship it to him but I like to meet the people who work on my stuff and he was very nice and friendly and overhauled my Oysterquartz in 2017 and I am pleased to say all was well with his work.

2 Washington st. J1
Dover, NH 03820
Phone: 603 742 0001

[tfjordan]

Tanner Morehouse of TM Watch is the only person who touches my vintage. He knows how to treat them and follows instructions about what to touch and not touch.


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[Tools]

Ship it to Rik in FLA at TimeCareInc.com

He has a lot of experience with Rolex/Tudor watches and will do what you want.

[Rowlf]

I've had 2 Tudor Submariners serviced.

The most satisfactory outcome came from RSC in Dallas. But I didn't put any restriction on what they could do. So it came back looking like a new watch. Which I then regretfully sold.

The 2nd I had done at a popular independent who did a decent job, in that the movement ran perfectly, but I was less than pleased with the re-finishing. Which I then happily sold.

[NHDoc]

The OP specifically doesn't want the case refinished or the crystal replaced. I have found that RSC is pretty rigid in that they only do a "complete service" which includes case refinish and replacement of any parts they feel are necessary (which would be the acrylic crystal most likely). So, as a result he's left with choices in using independent watchmakers. I only made my recommendation because he's local and asked about someone in the Boston area. My guy is about an hour north of Boston. FWIW he does use genuine Rolex/Tudor parts (he's got an account with Rolex to order them directly) and I am sure he'd be happy to limit the work to overhauling the movement and nothing more if that is what the customer wants.

[Onequik135i]

Originally Posted by Tools

Ship it to Rik in FLA at TimeCareInc.com

He has a lot of experience with Rolex/Tudor watches and will do what you want.

Rik is the man.

[linesiders]

For what is considered best vintage practices, the Tudor should just have a movement service, seals, gaskets, and maybe crystal and crown if necessary for waterproofing. From a value standpoint never polish unless it is really bad.

Most consitent Vintage advice will be in the ventage section ; )

Originally Posted by NHDoc

The OP specifically doesn't want the case refinished or the crystal replaced. I have found that RSC is pretty rigid in that they only do a "complete service" which includes case refinish and replacement of any parts they feel are necessary (which would be the acrylic crystal most likely). So, as a result he's left with choices in using independent watchmakers. I only made my recommendation because he's local and asked about someone in the Boston area. My guy is about an hour north of Boston. FWIW he does use genuine Rolex/Tudor parts (he's got an account with Rolex to order them directly) and I am sure he'd be happy to limit the work to overhauling the movement and nothing more if that is what the customer wants.

It is an ETA and therefore not expensive nor hard to service. Which is extra good seeing that Rolex is dropping support for parts on a lot of the older pieces, with or without a parts account.

ohh, and Go Pats ; )

[NHDoc]

Yes, of course case gaskets and seal replacement go without saying. I was referring mostly to the cosmetic issues like case polish or dial/hands replacement which RSC will do whether or not the customer wants it done. Also, as long as the old crystal passes pressure testing there is no reason to replace it but my understanding is replacement with a new acrylic crystal should not hurt the "vintage" nature of the watch. You could always request that any parts replaced be returned too. RSC won't do that but most indys will.

[sillo]

Originally Posted by NHDoc

I was referring mostly to the cosmetic issues like case polish or dial/hands replacement which RSC will do whether or not the customer wants it done.

This just isn't true though. Worst case they refuse to service it because you won't agree to the part replacement. They'll never just replace them without running it by the customer first.

Case refinishing is a different story, but again if you explicitly tell them and have them list it on the invoice they will not do it.

[fskywalker]

Rik Dietel (Time Care Inc) can do a great job for you, as many other private watchmen and leave the case alone


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[carlheyerdahl]

Thank you so much everyone! This is all so helpful, much appreciated.


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[Cantab]

Yet another vote for Rik and his skills. You will not be disappointed.