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Rolex given to me.

4K views 41 replies 23 participants last post by  nokard 
#1 · (Edited)
My father in law gave me his Rolex & I'm just trying to find out info on it. From my own online research it seems this watch is from 1973. It's not in working condition. I don't know if it needs a battery, but I think most Rolex's don't use one. Advise on anything that I should be looking for/at or how to get it working is appreciated!

Oyster Perpetual Datejust
Superlative Chromometer Officially Certified

Reference #1601
Serial #3, xxx, xxx
 
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#2 ·
The model you described is an automatic mechanical watch; not to patronize, but did you try winding it?

If it is actually broken and in need of repair, the market for watch repair is not too dissimilar from the market for auto repair. You can send it to an official Rolex Service Center (RSC), who will charge you a lot but do a good job (analogous to having a dealer service / repair your car), or you can take it to an independent watchmaker, analogous to an independent mechanic, who can also fix it but whose skill sets vary. Most good watchmakers will be familiar with fixing Rolex watches, it is such a dominant and common brand (in the same way most US mechanics can fix Fords and Chevrolets, but you might find a specialist for a Volvo - Rolex are very common, like the Fords and Chevrolets in this example).
 
#3 ·
Really need pictures to help you out here. Although, The reference #1601 is easy to google and you will be able to learn a lot by reading an article or two about it. If it does not work right now, the only thing you can do is take it to a watchmaker.

Since you mention not knowing if it needs a battery or not, there is some basic stuff you do not know yet. This watch does not have a battery. It has a screw-down crown ("winder"). Less expensive watches and watches with basic water resistance do not have them. Before you can wind the watch, you have to unscrew the watch until it winds freely. This watch also has the ability to wind itself while you are wearing it due to an internal rotating mechanism.

If you are still unsure and don't want to break anything, I would take this to the nicest jewelry store you can find. Shopping mall jewelry staff should be able to help, but they might not be able to if they are sales persons only.) When you go, ask the first person there if there is anyone who knows about "older vintage watches." Let them know you do not know anything about the watch and wanted to get some basic user knowledge.

Good Luck. Just don't rush off and sell it to the first offer you get.
 
#5 ·
Really need pictures to help you out here. Although, The reference #1601 is easy to google and you will be able to learn a lot by reading an article or two about it. If it does not work right now, the only thing you can do is take it to a watchmaker.

Since you mention not knowing if it needs a battery or not, there is some basic stuff you do not know yet. This watch does not have a battery. It has a screw-down crown ("winder"). Less expensive watches and watches with basic water resistance do not have them. Before you can wind the watch, you have to unscrew the watch until it winds freely. This watch also has the ability to wind itself while you are wearing it due to an internal rotating mechanism.

If you are still unsure and don't want to break anything, I would take this to the nicest jewelry store you can find. Shopping mall jewelry staff should be able to help, but they might not be able to if they are sales persons only.) When you go, ask the first person there if there is anyone who knows about "older vintage watches." Let them know you do not know anything about the watch and wanted to get some basic user knowledge.

Good Luck. Just don't rush off and sell it to the first offer you get.
Yeah, I wish I could post a picture, but it's not working out for me for whatever reason. I never had a problem before, but that was several years ago with a different phone. I only have basic knowledge of this phone and am trying to learn as much about it as possible. Anyway, thanks for the tips!

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#6 ·
A screwdown crown is designed to block entrance of water into the case when you're not using the crown. If it's screwed down now, then turning it clockwise will just not move (will feel tight). Turning it counterclockwise will turn until there is a sort of pop and it will spring a tiny bit away from where you were screwing it down. You are then at the first crown position. If you then turn it clockwise you will wind it. Typically in an automatic (self-winding) watch, you can additionally wind the watch by shaking it gently or by simple wearing it (and that is how it stays wound once you start wearing it).

After you wind it a bit at the first position, you can pull it out again a little further till you hear a click and most watches allow you to quick set the date by turning it in one direction or the other (varies by watch). Pulling it out to the third position typically allows you to set the hands (and usually "hacks" the watch by stopping it so you can set it to the exact time). Then you push it all the way in, then push gently, feeling a sort of spring compress and turn it to screw the crown down again.

Maybe you know all this, but if not maybe it will be useful. Even if it IS broken, it's a great watch and you'll be pleased with it once it's fixed. Note also that some independent watchmakers are also very expensive (like mine). If it is broken, it might be costly but sending it to Rolex might be a plan. Though my understanding is that they will try to make it look like new (which some collectors don't appreciate). Seems like a good idea to me but I'm not really a collector, nor do I have a Rolex.

Good luck and congratulations.
 
#7 ·
All information is useful. Thanks! It turns out that I was correctly winding the watch when the crown was pulled out, but nothing happened. The crown can only be pulled out two times. The second time adjusts the hands and date.

I have no idea what the costs would be to fully restore this watch, but I may attempt to try restoring it myself first... if I can find a diy video.

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#9 ·
Wait did I read that correctly, you plan on fixing the watch yourself? With out any training or experience in repairing a mechanical watch. Who moments ago could not figure out if you were winding it correctly.

That is possible the worst idea I have heard all year.

You would be better off selling it, as is while it still worth anything. Than paying someone to fix what you have destroyed.
 
#15 ·
You got a free watch, spend the $$ to have it properly fixed and it will last a lifetime and you'll have a family heirloom and cool story to boot. If you are not willing to do that just sell it here for $1000 and be done with it.
 
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#17 ·
Okay, after doing more research & reading the comments here, I'm going to pay a prefessional to restore the watch. I was told $850(CAD) is the starting price for an service. As tempting as it is to try restoring this myself, I don't want to risk damaging a nice watch that I'd like to keep for a long time.

Plus... I think I gave you guys a heart attack. I don't want any deaths as a result of any diy actions I may have taken. [emoji12]

Here's also a couple of pics of my Rolex. I figured out how to post the pics. Watch Analog watch Watch accessory Fashion accessory Jewellery
Watch Analog watch Watch accessory Fashion accessory Jewellery


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#26 ·
Okay, after doing more research & reading the comments here, I'm going to pay a prefessional to restore the watch. I was told $850(CAD) is the starting price for an service. As tempting as it is to try restoring this myself, I don't want to risk damaging a nice watch that I'd like to keep for a long time.

Plus... I think I gave you guys a heart attack. I don't want any deaths as a result of any diy actions I may have taken. [emoji12]

Here's also a couple of pics of my Rolex. I figured out how to post the pics. View attachment 14461019 View attachment 14461021

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Hi. I'm in Vancouver BC. Whereabouts are you in Canada? I may be able to give you a couple of names who are good watchmakers who specialize in Rolex repairs.
Cheers!

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#18 ·
Rolex will probably send it back to you looking like new and ready to run for another 40 years. They are like Leica in that respect. My Leica M9 had to have the sensor replaced, but in addition to that they sent it back to me looking factory fresh. Buffed out all my scratches.

There’s a former watch dealer with a Youtube channel (Paul Thorpe I think) that said he once got sold a Rolex that was in a fire. It looked unsalvageable. He sent it to his local watchmaker to do what he could first but it still looked awful. Then he sent it to Rolex and though it was pricey, it came back looking like a new watch. Kind of amazing really. I love the idea of finely made machines (watches, cameras, etc.) being restored to use instead of scrapped. Like an eternal battle against entropy.
 
#20 ·
There's a former watch dealer with a Youtube channel (Paul Thorpe I think) that said he once got sold a Rolex that was in a fire. It looked unsalvageable. He sent it to his local watchmaker to do what he could first but it still looked awful. Then he sent it to Rolex and though it was pricey, it came back looking like a new watch.
And they only had to replace the case, caseback, dial, crystal, movement and bracelet? :) Reminds me of Trigger's broom
 
#21 ·
This is a very cool watch and has something you can't buy: patina, and the fact that you knew whose watch it was.
Glad to see you see sense and get it fixed properly. This is a great old watch that you can wear with a suit and with a T shirt and jeans. Wear and enjoy in good health!
 
#23 ·
I went to a local watch repair guy near my work today just to get an idea what needs to be done & what his cost would be. He opened up the watch & there was rust inside. Seal on cover needs to be replaced & needs a good cleaning. Plus there may be other things he finds once he completely gets inside. He said he would charge me $375 when I spoke to him on the phone, but raised the price to $500(CAD) after looking at it in person. I'm sure if I send it to Rolex the price will be over $1,000(CAD).

He has good reviews & said he uses authentic parts if new ones are needed. One reason I'm considering using this guy for watch repairs is that I like meeting who is working on my stuff. He's experienced with swiss watches, his shop is close by & his pricing are definitely more appealing then sending it out to Rolex. Plus, I can see forming a relationship with this guy as I have other watches that will need servicing soon. But with Rolex, I know everything is top stuff. I'll sleep on my decision tonight and decide who to send my watch to.

Are there any questions I should be asking or anything else I should find out about that I'm missing?
 
#24 ·
He has good reviews & said he uses authentic parts if new ones are needed.
Okay the pics of your watch looks off; the magnifier doesn't look right and I'm not sold ont eh dial. It may just be bad quality pics but my gut response seeing the watch was 'fake'

Also I wouldn't be getting my hopes up about the quoted text above. Rolex are VERY restrictive about OEM parts so if he's using like for like parts he is either getting a donor watch or has access to a stash of old stock old.
 
#33 ·
So I think my decision is leaning towards having the local guy fix the watch. I was thinking a what I want to do with it long term and I'm going to keep it forever. I always keep gifts given to me. If I was planning on selling it, I would send it to Rolex.
 
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