A friend got into a money problem so I helped him out. I think he bought this watch in the mid 90's. The paperwork estimate was 10 years old but it says it's a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust. The date counter is not working. Should I take it to a mom and pop jewelry store or to a Rolex dealer? I read something about Rolex parts being free. I've never owned a Gen. I guess I'll sell it on the M2M forum when it's ready.
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I had to help a friend, bought his Gen Rolex.Now what do I do?
- Thread starter SteveSS
- Start date
Sorry to hear about your friend, and you did a solid by helping him out.
I would take it to a Rolex dealer and have them check it out to see if its legit. I'm sure the community can also help you out if you have the means to open up the back.
As for fixing the thing, it's probably not under warranty anymore, which means, while R-fac will fix it (if it's 100% legit), it'll cost you. If you don't want R-fac to touch it (to preserve its vintage charm if it has any, as R-fac will replace them, or if you have any doubts as to its legitimacy), then you can also ask around the forum if somebody will fix it up for you.
I would take it to a Rolex dealer and have them check it out to see if its legit. I'm sure the community can also help you out if you have the means to open up the back.
As for fixing the thing, it's probably not under warranty anymore, which means, while R-fac will fix it (if it's 100% legit), it'll cost you. If you don't want R-fac to touch it (to preserve its vintage charm if it has any, as R-fac will replace them, or if you have any doubts as to its legitimacy), then you can also ask around the forum if somebody will fix it up for you.
There's a fair number of watchsmiths here in the forms who can get it back in tip top running shape. Unless you want to spend the money to have Rolex certified as authentic as well as service it, this would be the best route to go
hanski
Renowned Member
- 25/4/18
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Maybe you can post a real picture of the watch instead of a Google search result?
lorenzo1910
I'm Pretty Popular
"Watchsmith" ??? It's "watchmaker" 
. Please
A "smith" - as in blacksmith - is someone who works iron and steel, with a forge and hammer. The word "smith" derives from Old English "smythe" meaning to strike (think old fashioned English "smite my foes").
"Watchsmith" is just so fundamentally wrong it hurts
. Please A "smith" - as in blacksmith - is someone who works iron and steel, with a forge and hammer. The word "smith" derives from Old English "smythe" meaning to strike (think old fashioned English "smite my foes").
"Watchsmith" is just so fundamentally wrong it hurts
Here's my experience -- Take to an AD and they'll charge you to have it shipped to he nearest repair / service center, assuming you're in CONUS, either in NY, Texas or California. In a few day's you'll get an estimate of what's needed to repair including the cost for parts and labor.
If you're having it serviced, eg. cleaned and regulated, expect to pay that and the shipping up front. Once it arrives at the service center they'll completely disassemble it, inspect the parts and if they find anything off, they'll contact you and let you know of the cost. Afterwards every part is given an ultrasonic bath and it'll be reassembled.
If you do not want any visual parts replaced, e.g service hands, dials, etc be sure to have that explicitly written on the service ticket. Write in something like Rolex will reimburse the cost of a new or similar timepiece if a service / replacement part is used, sign it and give it back to them.
I wouldn’t send an old Datejust to Rolex for repair. You will seriously overpay for service and parts. Find a qualified watchmaker that can service it locally and it will cost you 1/3 of what Rolex will charge you. Plus if there are any aftermarket parts on it like a clasp or crystal, Rolex won’t even touch it unless you agree to pay to replace everything. With Rolex nothing is free unless it’s within the 1 year warranty. You will pay a premium for everything.
Sorry about the watchsmith thing. It sounded okay. Did not intend to offend. I got a local guy who will service it for $450 and replace the bezel for another hundred. Cheap compared to some Rolex dealers I talked to..