Help!
Author
Discussion

Sideways Tim

Original Poster:

957 posts

207 months

Thursday 12th February 2009
quotequote all
My wife has a 1980's Rolex Oyster Perpetual and it keeps stopping. Took it to the local AD for a service and they told me that Rolex wouldn't do it due to the age of the watch, so they sent it to their repairer. They've done a lovely job externally and it will now hand wind, whereas before it wouldn't, but it still keeps stopping.

Before the service, on hand winding it would take about two full rotations of the crown, then it was as if the mechanism slipped and it just made a ratcheting noise. That's now stopped, so they've definitely done something internally to improve things. I was surprised on collecting the watch that there was no charge, but it seems like I've got what I paid for.

An suggestions as to:
Would Rolex themselves repair the watch?
Anyone else worth taking it to?
Is it time to retire the watch?

Edited by Sideways Tim on Thursday 12th February 12:22

deejuic

396 posts

204 months

Thursday 12th February 2009
quotequote all
That doesn't seem to make much sense. The AD should have sent it to Rolex. I have sent my father's old sub back to Rolex. He bought that in the late 70s.

More than likely, they would want to send to their repairshop as they get a better margin on the service. But because they didn't charge you, I can't figure it out.

Try going to a different AD and see if they will ship to Rolex. Insist on it, or call Rolex directly to confirm that they will take it in for service.

Maxf

8,437 posts

262 months

Thursday 12th February 2009
quotequote all
My 80's oyster is in at Rolex as I type. My mum had hers repaired last year so I really don't understand why they wouldnt look at it. Forums are awash with vintage Rolexes which have been serviced by Rolex.

It sounds like your dealer is misinformed to me.

Sideways Tim

Original Poster:

957 posts

207 months

Thursday 12th February 2009
quotequote all
I thought the 'too old for Rolex to service' point sounded a bit dubious. To be fair the girl was young and might not know the ropes fully. I'll return it and insist on a proper Rolex service.

Cheers for the advice folks.

SpydieNut

5,931 posts

244 months

Thursday 12th February 2009
quotequote all
Sideways Tim said:
I thought the 'too old for Rolex to service' point sounded a bit dubious.
fishier than a tuna factory.

i would take it elsewhere and get it sent to rolex for a service.

Don1

16,341 posts

229 months

Thursday 12th February 2009
quotequote all
And get the money refunded from the first 'service'.

SpydieNut

5,931 posts

244 months

Thursday 12th February 2009
quotequote all
Sideways Tim said:
My wife has a 1980's Rolex Oyster Perpetual and it keeps stopping. Took it to the local AD for a service and they told me that Rolex wouldn't do it due to the age of the watch, so they sent it to their repairer. They've done a lovely job externally and it will now hand wind, whereas before it wouldn't, but it still keeps stopping.

Before the service, on hand winding it would take about two full rotations of the crown, then it was as if the mechanism slipped and it just made a ratcheting noise. That's now stopped, so they've definitely done something internally to improve things. I was surprised on collecting the watch that there was no charge, but it seems like I've got what I paid for.

An suggestions as to:
Would Rolex themselves repair the watch?
Anyone else worth taking it to?
Is it time to retire the watch?
ahem

smile

Don1

16,341 posts

229 months

Thursday 12th February 2009
quotequote all
As you were then!

Sideways Tim

Original Poster:

957 posts

207 months

Thursday 12th February 2009
quotequote all
smile