Rolex (archive)

You have to understand that the perpetual rotor mechanism of the Rolex (disregard for the oysterquartz) must be adjusted and recalibrated after about the first four to five years of use on a new watch. Included in this service is gasket replacement and a full reoiling of all necessary parts. This service runs circa $400 from Rolex and should be done two to every three years after the first major overhaul.

However, that is only the recommendation. Most people go much longer before their first service and even longer between service intervals. In my experience service isn't even thought of until the watch starts losing serious time. My friend's legacy Datejust (a 1977 model he received in 1993 as a gift from his father) did not require its first service until 1999 - not too shabby.

Hope this helps clarify, and do remember that it is not only Rolexes, but also every watch using an automatic movement that will need servicing in time. I am behind in my Seiko terminology, but I believe yours is also an automatic movement, and will also require reconditioning some day. I could be wrong, though, as my knowlege of Seiko terminology is poor. I do know that to keep absolutely perfect time the watch cannot be an automatic.

Take care.

Chris

I have a crazy question on this off-topic topic. What is up with Rolex's and service? I would think that if you spent $6K on a watch, it wouldn't need much/any regular service. I asked a dealer about it once and he said you need to send them in for a tune-up once a year and it cost some pretty big $$ and you were out the watch a few weeks. Sounds like a lot of work for to keep up with what time it is. My Seiko Kinetic is absolutely maintenance free and keeps perfect time.

Just curious if I am missing something. My $.02.

Regard.

BMWs all over town

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