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Rolex will swap parts out if they need to be replaced to be able to do a satisfactory service/ repair so as to be able to give a two year warranty ( better then when new) . They won’t do willy nilly for the sake of it. And how is a part not “original” if supplied by the manufacturer? This whole Patina/ usability argument sometimes gets a bit ridiculous. If you want a watch you can happily use every day with a “ factory “ warranty then let them do it . If you want to leave it entirely original and just want to leave it in a box and look at it then don’t.
ejay2.0-
how is a part not “original” if supplied by the manufacturer?
Because service parts are not the original watch. And often service dials are significantly different designs from original.
This whole Patina/ usability argument sometimes gets a bit ridiculous.
Personally I wouldn’t touch a watch that had been refinished / polished or had a service dial and most other collectors are the same IME. I don’t see why some people have a problem with a significant premium being assigned to originality and condition. Owning watches, like most jewellery, is pretty ridiculous to start with.
The thing is this is a 35 year old watch. Sympathetically serviced over time it will be fine for at least another 35 years. A repolish is more akin to a restoration than a service.
freddo
@J0nathan cheers for the input, will stay clear of them then now I’ve had some other people recommended.
@underuser53929 – thanks, will note them down. For now I’ve emailed Robert who @Stonehedge recommended, thanks for that. Impressed by his website and credentials/ Rolex experience. Do you post the watch to him? He’s in Cornwall!
@freddo thanks for the insight! Why would they do that? I was quite taken back by their quote and it seems unnecessary to spend that much on a watch that works perfectly fine to me, though I don’t know anything at all. Having said that, due to hardly any recent use and definitely having never been serviced, someone recommissioning it seems sensible if I’m planning on getting some new plexiglass and the strap changed anyway. Not sure about missing endlinks, hopefully not, will check. If someone here can help that is a bonus :)
Found it in a 1983 brochure I think too