Rolex Service

[Goldjockey]

Have an old GMT Master I've owned since it was new in '78. Still runs (more or less) but needs a new stem and complete servicing. Any recommendations for reasonably priced Rolex mechanical work from the experts here on the forum?

 

[Dave London]

Rolex has a service center in Texas, but not inexpensive . I dabble but with my own stuff mostly pocket watches

 

[thughes]

Ask on TRF (The Rolex Forum). Those guys will know.

 

[LahtiM39]

Send your watch to Rolex in Switzerland. The price and service is better than can be had in the US.

 

[sam]

I’ve repaired and serviced modern and vintage GMTs. Parts availability on 15xx series movements is limited but a new stem and new mainspring shouldn’t be a problem. You can email me if you like.

 

[ShamarVelasquez]

That old GMT Master is a real gem! It's awesome that you've had it since '78. For reasonably priced Rolex servicing, I'd recommend checking out independent watchmakers who specialize in Rolex repairs. They often provide excellent service at a fraction of the cost of sending it to Rolex directly. I remember needing a service for my Patek Philippe replica, and I found an amazing local watchmaker who did a fantastic job. It really brought the piece back to life without breaking the bank. Maybe look for watchmaker recommendations on local forums or ask around at watch shops.

 

[Goldjockey]

I’ve repaired and serviced modern and vintage GMTs. Parts availability on 15xx series movements is limited but a new stem and new mainspring shouldn’t be a problem. You can email me if you like.

Just found this response, Sam. Thank you, and I’ll be in touch! - Mike

 

[Tim Wells]

If Sam doesn't have time or for whatever reason you need another reference, I had some work done to mine by this guy. timecareinc.com. On the Rolex forum he goes by the handle Rikki and is an authorized repairman who does good and reasonable priced work. I have his number if you need it.

 

[Goldjockey]

If Sam doesn't have time or for whatever reason you need another reference, I had some work done to mine by this guy. timecareinc.com. On the Rolex forum he goes by the handle Rikki and is an authorized repairman who does good and reasonable priced work. I have his number if you need it.

Thanks Tim. I appreciate the lead. Sam has the watch on his bench now, and work is underway. Will post an update and photos when the work is complete.

 

[HK3006]

I had a Submariner I got used in 1977 when I had it serviced by a authorized Rolex repair center it was $240.00 including a trade in for the expanding band to a solid link one.
Fast forward to 2011 and a band alone was over $800.00! Look around for a watch smith to do the work.

 

[Goldjockey]

Huge thanks to Sam Alfano, for taking on my 1970s 1675 Rolex GMT Master. The watch had been on my wrist virtually every day since 1978 until it finally stopped running completely a couple of years ago, and boy did I miss it. I had poked around for some time looking for competent repair service at a reasonable price, and had all but given up when I posted here on the forum looking for references.

Discovering that Sam did this type of work was a real surprise, and a welcome one, as I’m well familiar with Sam’s dedication to precision, craft, and quality in everything he does. When Sam responded to my post, I didn’t hesitate, and I have to say the experience was outstanding!

From the beginning, Sam communicated via email, advised options, and kept me informed of progress along the way. When everything was finished, I was absolutely impressed with the results, and grateful for the level of professional service provided at a truly reasonable price.

I’m posting an image of the finished work here. Sam sent progress photos of the teardown and rebuild, and rather than posting them myself, I’ll ask Sam to respond to this post with his original photos and a description of the actual work performed.

The website for Sam’s service is ”watchsmith.us”. Highly recommened, once again with sincere appreciation for the combination of top level professional service and reasonable pricing! .

Thank you, Sam!

Mike

 

[sam]

For rescue, Mike's vintage Rolex GMT Master model 1675 purchased in 1978 and was DOA. It required a lot of work as all lubricants were completely dry and parts were slowly grinding away as a result.

To make matters worse, the balance staff had a broken pivot so the staff needed to be replaced. Rolex no longer makes parts for movements this old, so you have to beat the bushes to find what you need. I replaced the staff, a few wheels, cap jewels, and the mainspring barrel and arbor, as the one in it had been dented in three places. I did remove the dents but elected to replace the barrel as it needs to be perfectly flat and smooth inside or performance will tank.

The bracelet literally fell apart on my bench as someone had attempted to replace a missing rivet with a piece of iron wire. Thankfully I had a piece of 1mm stainless steel rod so I made a new rivet and peened the edges to lock it in place. Interestingly, the bracelet is a very old aftermarket jubilee style bracelet made with genuine 14k gold links.

After overhauling the movement I replaced the worn out original acrylic crystal, as well as all of the gaskets.
Timegrapher readings show it running beautifully and it successfully passes pressure testing to 10 bar/330 feet, so it'll be safe in the pool.

A great classic piece that Mike's traveled the world with, and I'm sure he's happy to have it back on his wrist.