The Breitling Watch Source Forums

A while ago, i sent my Navitimer and my late fathers Rolex Datejust vintage off for a service via my local AD.

The DJ was from the late 70's. It had the sprung steel rivetted bracelet. The dial and hands were corroded with patina etc. The strap and bracelet had about 20+ years of wear. I don't he'd ever sent it for a service! lol

Anyway, I called the AD yesterday to check on progress. This is what he old me about the Rolex.

It would cost around 300gbp to service the head. Plus any extras due to the age. The bracelet, on the other hand, was so old that it needed replacement. Cost being approx 300gbp.
I said to leave the bracelet as it's unimportant to me, I just want the watch to work.
The Rolex stipulation is that the bracelet will be sent back to the AD as is. The watch head will be serviced and refinished etc. When that is sent back to the AD, I will then have to sign a disclaimer to say that I accept the bracelet back as is and untouched by Rolex and guarantee etc!
Phew - what a procedure!

I suppose they have a reputation to protect but, dang, why so official?!

By the way, should I let them refinish the case and risk losing its character?

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Oyster Date '78, Blackbird chrono DLC '10, Blackbird chrono' 02, Navitimer Fighters '02, Aerospace Evo , Seamaster Chrono Diver 300' 02, Carrera cbm2110

Depends on how much "patina" is on the bracelet and case. If they make the case new looking it will stick out like a sore thumb against the bracelet. Unless you want to retire the bracelet and wear the watch on a strap. I am going through the same debate on a 60's Accutron that was my father's... patina could be really cool with a good crystal. I am thinking I am leaving the patina on the face/hands as well. Just going to clean it up, service it, replace the crystal, and return it to service. At least you are fortunate to have a heirloom watch that the manufacturer still supports... try finding parts for a tuning fork accutron...

I love Rolex Service here in Canada and
always do whatever they tell me. I have
dealt with RSC 3 times and all 3 were top notch.
I had a vintage Air King Date, Sub 16610
and a Daydate;
The DD, AKD and Sub were all "destroyed" before the service. All came
back in like New Condition!!!!
I was amazed, especially
with the DD......also, I bargained with my AD and paid
much less than what Rolex wanted to charge.

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Rolex DeepSea, GMT Master II TT, Pres 18038, DJ TT 16013
Breitling Chronomat 39mm (bullet+UTC), Starliner SS/MOP (wife)

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