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Post by FuzzyMutt on Nov 1, 2021 23:38:53 GMT
In keeping with the trend... aging parents don't want stuff. They want to be noticed and appreciated and they SHOULD BE!!! That said. There is no way on this planet I would buy a Rolex. But... I sure was happy to be able to buy my new Stainless Apple watch with cellular... Different priorities and goals.. for sure. Now. To set the stage. Dad has a Rolex Oyster Perpetual DateJust from well before I was born. I could go into the whole story.. but the crib notes.. when he came back from Vietnam the third time, his (beloved!!!!) Uncle gave it to him. The (nearly 50 year old) watch is still in "good" condition. It keeps time perfectly. He has worn it over the years, alot, so scuffs and scrapes and such. I remember when I was a kid and it had to be a real event for that watch to come out. Over the years, it's become a staple. It is engraved, and the engraving is still legible (pretty good actually!!) The problem is, it has developed a rattle, and over the years the face has begun to show age. It is still beautiful and I am in awe at the quality. I want my dad to have a beautiful watch face on his wrist <3 So! Instead of sending my 80 year old dad jumping off the Stratosphere, or, worse, a Van Gogh exhibit and nice dinner with mom... I want to make his watch soooooo great. Why am I reaching out to the Peas?  ? 1) My friends will find it insane to pay to prettify a gorgeous watch. Rolex recommends service every 10 years. This thing hasn't been seen since the 70's!!! So I have no one local to ask. 2) Dad has held on to this watch longer than my mom!!! He WILL NOT mail it to an "internet site" no matter how legit they are. He still thinks Verizon is an "Internet site." Guaranteed that will include Rolex!! Honestly.. I don't blame him. Value aside I would want to drop it off somewhere established and KNOW that they will do everything in the world to make sure it is safe. 3) So, here we are with the ask: I live in the Boston area. The age of the watch makes Rolex a crap shoot (mid- early 70's) Even more, I've read they will restore it, which results in alot of polishing etc, and it would break his heart to lose the engraving. Me? I'll likely (high possibility) inherit it. I want to wear it, and I want that engraving, too. And, this will be the gift I give my son on his wedding day (if it's far enough in the future!!) I want that engraving more than the watch itself. Please!! Recommendations?!!?! ?? I would have a better feeling dropping off a brand new car in Southie for detailing!! |
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Post by mom on Nov 1, 2021 23:42:25 GMT
I would take it to a Rolex store and talk to them. Go in person and see what they say. There is no chance I am letting anyone but Rolex look at it if its mine.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Jun 1, 2024 19:37:28 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Nov 1, 2021 23:50:22 GMT
Go to a jewelry store that sells Rolex watches and let them look at it.
I have a unique Fossil watch that a mall batter watch store won't touch. I have to take it to the cities big jewelry store for a new battery.
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Post by belgravia on Nov 2, 2021 0:31:02 GMT
Take it to an authorized Rolex dealer. They will likely send it away to have it serviced. Of course, make sure you instruct them to preserve any engraving-although I can’t imagine Rolex polishing it away. My husband sends his watches away for service…they come back looking amazing.
Rolex can do anything! My friend had her watch face changed from gold to black to provide more contrast with the gold hands, as her aging eyes were having a hard time seeing the time! 😂
It sounds very special. I love family pieces that get passed down. 😍
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Post by Spongemom Scrappants on Nov 2, 2021 0:43:32 GMT
I have a vintage Rolex Lady Datejust. I've had it serviced locally as a jeweler within reasonable driving distance from us has a watch guy who used to work for Rolex. But I wouldn't hesitate to send it off for servicing either.
As you are in the Boston area, there are surely multiple local options for legitimate servicing of a Rolex.
And you certainly can specify that the engraving be carefully maintained. I'd be shocked if it were 'polished away' anyway.
I recently had my everyday watch (Cartier Tank Française) serviced and was so pleased with how much better it looked afterwards.
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Post by FuzzyMutt on Nov 2, 2021 0:48:37 GMT
I would take it to a Rolex store and talk to them. Go in person and see what they say. There is no chance I am letting anyone but Rolex look at it if its mine. I agree! And he would likely be ok dropping it with a hand written note at Rolex. I can't find that! Me, I want electronic notification of receipt etc. A part of me wonders if being in Boston makes a 4-7k watch not a big deal. I literally don't care about the value. I want this watch with this engraving. Otherwise, I'd take it anywhere Rolex is serviced. Never a question I thought I'd be trying to figure out! |
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Post by busy on Nov 2, 2021 0:49:14 GMT
Yes, you need to go to an Rolex authorized dealer. There's a Long's Rolex Boutique and a Tourneau in Boston and those are the only ADs in the area.
Since it's not been serviced for so long, it's very likely it will be sent to Rolex for servicing, not performed by the AD, and those waits can be VERY long. Six months or longer is not unusual.
I'm assuming the engraving is on the back... talk to the AD and specify you want it retained. Be very very clear and ensure they put it on their instructions to Rolex. That should not be a problem, just be sure it's documented.
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Post by belgravia on Nov 2, 2021 0:55:23 GMT
I would take it to a Rolex store and talk to them. Go in person and see what they say. There is no chance I am letting anyone but Rolex look at it if its mine. I agree! And he would likely be ok dropping it with a hand written note at Rolex. I can't find that! Me, I want electronic notification of receipt etc. A part of me wonders if being in Boston makes a 4-7k watch not a big deal. I literally don't care about the value. I want this watch with this engraving. Otherwise, I'd take it anywhere Rolex is serviced. Never a question I thought I'd be trying to figure out! When you take it to an authorized Rolex dealer, they will likely discuss with you the servicing that needs to be done. In my experience, they have a form to complete that includes all information pertinent to that specific watch and to the service/repair. They will provide you with a copy of this for your records. They have experience dealing with sentimental items and deal with expensive pieces as a matter of routine. |
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sassyangel
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,456 
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Post by sassyangel on Nov 2, 2021 5:06:53 GMT
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Post by KelleeM on Nov 2, 2021 8:58:02 GMT
If you can’t find a Rolex retailer try calling Barmakian Jewelers. They are in the Jeweler’s Exchange in Boston and have a big retail store in Nashua, NH.
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DEX
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,355
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Post by DEX on Nov 2, 2021 10:47:09 GMT
Be prepared for $$$$+ to clean it. My late husband had a Patek Philippe and it cost him $800 to clean.  |
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kibblesandbits
Pearl Clutcher
At the corner of Awesome and Bombdiggity
Posts: 3,305
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Post by kibblesandbits on Nov 2, 2021 11:57:07 GMT
I have a Rolex and a Breitling, both gorgeous pieces. They go to the registered dealer for service and cleaning. It's NOT cheap.
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maryannscraps
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,736
Aug 28, 2017 12:51:28 GMT
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Post by maryannscraps on Nov 2, 2021 12:00:42 GMT
Yes, you need to go to an Rolex authorized dealer. There's a Long's Rolex Boutique and a Tourneau in Boston and those are the only ADs in the area. Since it's not been serviced for so long, it's very likely it will be sent to Rolex for servicing, not performed by the AD, and those waits can be VERY long. Six months or longer is not unusual. I'm assuming the engraving is on the back... talk to the AD and specify you want it retained. Be very very clear and ensure they put it on their instructions to Rolex. That should not be a problem, just be sure it's documented. I've been a customer of Long's jewelers in Peabody for more than 30 years, they are a reputable company. |
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Post by zztop11 on Nov 2, 2021 13:59:19 GMT
Go to the Rolex website. They list dealers all across the US
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scrappington
Pearl Clutcher
in Canada
Posts: 3,139
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Post by scrappington on Nov 2, 2021 15:43:40 GMT
You should really get that watched insured and appraised.
Older Rolex are going up in value.
Unfortunately rolex needs to be serviced at a Rolex dealer. I don't think parts can be purchased by another jeweler.
It will be expensive. But it will be worth it.
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sassyangel
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,456
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Post by sassyangel on Nov 2, 2021 15:49:19 GMT
Be prepared for $$$$+ to clean it. My late husband had a Patek Philippe and it cost him $800 to clean. I was looking at what they do to clean and service a Rolex. I definitely can’t imagine that kind of precision treatment, expertise and care comes cheap. It looks like the process would get to the bottom of the rattle sound. But they did look really beautiful at the end. |
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janeinbama
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,176
Location: Alabama
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Post by janeinbama on Nov 2, 2021 18:46:33 GMT
Longtime Antique Roadshow follower. You need to Google Rolex watches on Antiques Roadshow before you have any repairs done just so you ask the right questions. Changing the dial and face on some of those vintage Rolex can decrease the value by thousands of $$. If you do get it worked on, ask for all pieces to be returned to you.
In a different vein, my late Uncle traveled the world with Lockhead in the 70's and 80's. He was in China right after US opened up trade, he bought some "Rolex" watches and gave one to my Dad. When my Dad went to get a battery for it, jeweler would not work on it as it was a Rolex! Dad had to convince him it was not real!
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Post by FuzzyMutt on Nov 3, 2021 0:04:37 GMT
Yes, you need to go to an Rolex authorized dealer. There's a Long's Rolex Boutique and a Tourneau in Boston and those are the only ADs in the area. Since it's not been serviced for so long, it's very likely it will be sent to Rolex for servicing, not performed by the AD, and those waits can be VERY long. Six months or longer is not unusual. I'm assuming the engraving is on the back... talk to the AD and specify you want it retained. Be very very clear and ensure they put it on their instructions to Rolex. That should not be a problem, just be sure it's documented. I didn’t think of it being gone for months. Hmmmm Obviously I’m going to have to get his buy in lol Thank you for the info! I’m leaning towards Long’s. |
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Post by FuzzyMutt on Nov 3, 2021 0:05:46 GMT
Thank you, I hope he likes the idea! |
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Post by FuzzyMutt on Nov 3, 2021 0:07:12 GMT
Be prepared for $$$$+ to clean it. My late husband had a Patek Philippe and it cost him $800 to clean. That’s what I was figuring… 600-1000 is what I’d be pretty happy to pay for it to be perfect for him again! $800 to clean… wow! |
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Post by FuzzyMutt on Nov 3, 2021 0:09:33 GMT
Yes, you need to go to an Rolex authorized dealer. There's a Long's Rolex Boutique and a Tourneau in Boston and those are the only ADs in the area. Since it's not been serviced for so long, it's very likely it will be sent to Rolex for servicing, not performed by the AD, and those waits can be VERY long. Six months or longer is not unusual. I'm assuming the engraving is on the back... talk to the AD and specify you want it retained. Be very very clear and ensure they put it on their instructions to Rolex. That should not be a problem, just be sure it's documented. I've been a customer of Long's jewelers in Peabody for more than 30 years, they are a reputable company. Thank you for the personal reference. I’m going to make an appointment with them. You’re right, the engraving is on the back. |
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Post by FuzzyMutt on Nov 3, 2021 0:16:24 GMT
You should really get that watched insured and appraised. Older Rolex are going up in value. Unfortunately rolex needs to be serviced at a Rolex dealer. I don't think parts can be purchased by another jeweler. It will be expensive. But it will be worth it. I assume I could likely get it appraised at the same time it is cleaned and repaired? I don’t think I could add it to my insurance, as I don’t own it. I’m guessing some parts may be needed due to the rattle, maybe something broke or is surely worn. |
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Post by FuzzyMutt on Nov 3, 2021 0:22:53 GMT
Longtime Antique Roadshow follower. You need to Google Rolex watches on Antiques Roadshow before you have any repairs done just so you ask the right questions. Changing the dial and face on some of those vintage Rolex can decrease the value by thousands of $$. If you do get it worked on, ask for all pieces to be returned to you. In a different vein, my late Uncle traveled the world with Lockhead in the 70's and 80's. He was in China right after US opened up trade, he bought some "Rolex" watches and gave one to my Dad. When my Dad went to get a battery for it, jeweler would not work on it as it was a Rolex! Dad had to convince him it was not real! Hahaha omg! I love that story!! Hahahha! THANK YOU for this advice. Grandma collected coins and so I totally knew that a novice shouldn’t attempt to clean a valuable coin. I didn’t think to request the parts back! Also, I did read.. and it makes sense, that the rattle should be addressed immediately because something loose could damage the workings and that can get extremely expensive. But I didn’t really think of anything an AD or Rolex could do that would actually decrease the value. The watch face has developed a mark.. I’m not sure if it is debris, or discoloration. That’s mainly what I wanted the cleaning to address.. then he told me about the rattle lol I’ll take a look- also… true dad story… for as long as I’ve been alive, he always asks for car parts to be returned to him after his car is serviced. Same thing with plumbing and heater parts Hahahha I’ve always considered that nutty.. but that’s him! |
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Post by lisacharlotte on Nov 3, 2021 1:53:56 GMT
I would only send to Rolex for service. My husband has a Breitling and to maintain his warranty it has to be serviced by them. In other words, he gets service and then gets a new warranty after that service. It's come in handy before when he had an issue and it was fixed for free since it has been recently serviced. We FedEx it to their service center in Connecticut and they send a service quote, we say yes and pay. It takes a couple of weeks. The service can range from $200 - $800 depending the type of watch and what you are getting serviced. I would assume Rolex would have a similar service setup.
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Gravity
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,230
Jun 27, 2014 0:29:55 GMT
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Post by Gravity on Nov 3, 2021 4:25:39 GMT
My son in law is an estimator for Rolex. He takes the watches apart and estimates the price of needed repairs. I can ask him about preserving the engraving.
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Post by FuzzyMutt on Nov 3, 2021 16:11:55 GMT
My son in law is an estimator for Rolex. He takes the watches apart and estimates the price of needed repairs. I can ask him about preserving the engraving. That would absolutely set my mind at ease! Thank you! Always in awe of the width and depth of Pea scope! |
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Gravity
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,230
Jun 27, 2014 0:29:55 GMT
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Post by Gravity on Nov 3, 2021 16:47:14 GMT
My son in law is an estimator for Rolex. He takes the watches apart and estimates the price of needed repairs. I can ask him about preserving the engraving. That would absolutely set my mind at ease! Thank you! Always in awe of the width and depth of Pea scope! I just asked him for a ballpark time on servicing and cleaning the watch and if the engraving on the back would be damaged if the watch is serviced and cleaned. He replied that the time for service constantly changes, but would most likely be done within two months. He said for the engraving, have the shop state on the work order that the case back is to NOT be refinished. I hope this helps. |
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Post by FuzzyMutt on Apr 6, 2024 21:46:52 GMT
Just wanted to come back to share the experience.
I ended up taking the watch (and dad lol) to Long’s. He doesn’t live nearby, at all, so it was a bit of a production, on our end.
They accepted it, and assured us it would be cared for properly. It ended up going out to Rolex for repair, and was just over 1100$ all in.
The rattle is gone. They called dad to confirm it was ok to put a new Crystal on it, as well as to polish the visible parts of the watch while worn, and the interior, minus the caseback (where the engraving is.) They offered to replace the worn caseback, and return the original, but dad absolutely didn’t want that.
The watch is absolutely beautiful, and was ready in time for him to wear to their 50th Anniversary. (Him and mom, lol, not him and the watch.)
Thank you for all the advice!
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