The Rolex watch exterior is meticulously cleaned and restored using various pastes, polishers, and techniques. This process involves a complete overhaul of the watch, including case cleaning, movement repair, dial refinishing, strap replacement, and removing the traces of time on the luxury timepiece. Bob’s Watches offers Rolex repair service and restoration for vintage and antique watches using 100 authentic Rolex parts.
If your Rolex watch is missing components or requires replacement parts, it is crucial to source genuine Rolex parts. Avoid aftermarket or counterfeit parts as they can compromise the watch’s performance. Rolex’s downloadable user guides provide information on settings and functions of Rolex watches.
To restore a damaged or worn Rolex watch, follow these steps:
- Clean the bezel by replacing the lume dot on the bezel.
- Have the watch examined by a watchmaker who draws up an estimate of the work to be done. Once approved, servicing begins.
- At least partially disassemble and clean the watch, then lubricate with special lubricants not commonly available. For a more thorough cleaning, use a mild soap diluted in lukewarm water and a soft brush.
- Ensure the crown is screwed down tightly to prevent water from entering the watch.
In summary, the Rolex watch exterior restoration process involves a thorough cleaning and restoration of the watch’s movement, case, bezel, and other components.
📹 Restoring a Retired Welders Rolex GMT 16750 Pepsi
Can you restore an old Rolex?
The Rolex repair process involves removing the movement, case, and bracelet, overhauling them, and refinishing them to restore their original luster. Dirt or residue is removed before polishing, which is done in a 30 liter ultrasonic tank at 60-70 degrees. The watch is then dried using a special watch heater, and the four-step polishing process begins using Menzerna polishing compounds. The watch is then placed in the ultrasonic tank for 40 minutes at 70-80 degrees, and then dried on a heating machine.
The service also includes testing the watch’s timekeeping accuracy and water-resistance. After reassembling, the watch is greased and tested using a wet and dry water-resistance tester. If defects are found, the watch can be repaired and restored to working condition. If the watch is a mechanical one, it is crucial to manually wind it before wearing it for the first time.
Can you refinish a Rolex?
The timepiece has been subjected to a comprehensive cleaning and refinishing process, followed by the installation of new seals. Subsequently, the device is subjected to a series of tests to ascertain its waterproof capabilities. Following a series of comprehensive assessments, the movement, inclusive of the dial and hands, is meticulously reassembled. Subsequently, the watchmaker gauges the chronometric precision and makes any requisite adjustments to fulfill Rolex standards, thereby ensuring that the movement meets Rolex’s specifications.
How do you clean the outside of a Rolex?
Rolex watches are designed for daily use and are built to last a lifetime. They require minimal user upkeep, with periodic maintenance of their precision movement recommended by Rolex. However, this should only be attempted by a professional watchmaker. As you wear your watch, dirt and grime can get stuck, affecting its natural beauty and functionality. Regular cleaning will help keep your Rolex looking new for many years.
- Make sure the crown is screwed down.
- Fill a bowl with soap and water.
- Scrub your watch with a soft brush.
- Rinse with fresh water.
- Dry with microfiber cloth.
Many Rolex watches are equipped with water-resistant Oyster cases, which create a hermetically sealed structure around the internal movement. These features add to the watch’s resilience and durability.
Rolex’s waterproof Oyster cases make cleaning easy, allowing the watch to be fully scrubbed and cleaned with soap and water. By following these steps, you can keep your Rolex looking new and functional for years to come.
Do used Rolex go up in value?
The value of a Rolex watch is largely determined by its overall condition, with a better condition resulting in higher prices. The model, particularly the vintage Rolex Daytona and Submariner models, holds great value due to their exceptional quality and international fame. However, the specific model is not the only factor affecting its value. Rare reference numbers and unique qualities can set certain Rolex watches apart from others on the vintage or secondary market.
These small details can significantly increase the value of a watch, making it worth significantly more than its identical counterparts. For instance, the famous’red’ Submariner watch features the ‘Submariner’ text in red letters across its dial, which might be overlooked by less experienced collectors. In summary, the overall condition, model, reference number, and unique qualities all play a crucial role in determining the value of a Rolex watch.
How much does it cost to restore a Rolex watch?
Rolex watches are recommended to be serviced every 5-10 years for optimal performance and longevity. The cost of servicing can range from $800 to $2, 000, depending on the complexity of the movement and any necessary repairs. It is essential to have your Rolex serviced by an authorized Rolex service center or a reputable watchmaker like SwissWatchExpo to maintain the watch’s authenticity and use genuine Rolex parts. If a Rolex service center is not nearby, SwissWatchExpo offers a full range of services, from basic maintenance to major repairs and restorations.
All watch repairs are performed in-house by trained technicians in their state-of-the-art service center in Buckhead, Atlanta, making them one of the few stores in the Atlanta area that performs in-house watch repair of luxury timepieces.
What not to do with your Rolex?
To maintain the longevity of a high-end watch, it is crucial to care for it properly. This includes not submerging the watch underwater with the crown pulled out, activating chronograph pushers underwater, setting the watch while wearing it, adjusting complications during the red zone, storing the watch in high magnetic fields, and keeping a dead battery in the watch for extended periods.
Meanwhile, it is essential to avoid submerging the watch underwater with the crown pulled out, as moisture can damage the watch movement. Modern luxury watches have winding crowns that screw into the case to create a hermetic seal, offering better water resistance than pull-out crowns.
In summary, proper care and attention to detail are essential for extending the life of a watch. Avoiding these six things can help ensure the watch remains in top-notch shape and prevent damage to the movement. Additionally, it is important to avoid paying over market value for a dream watch and to consider the potential risks associated with submerging the watch underwater.
Why is my Rolex cloudy?
Condensation on the inside of a watch can occur due to leakage, improper crown closure, or moisture ingress. This usually affects the watch’s waterproofness, which is indicated on the cover or dial. The watch glass may also be broken or the gasket has worn out. If condensation persists, it’s best to seek help from a watchmaker or jeweler. While watches generally dislike water on the inside, it doesn’t necessarily pose a direct threat. If condensation persists, contact a jeweler immediately. Water resistance is usually indicated on the cover or dial, and it can be expressed in meters, ATM, or bar, all based on water pressure.
Does polishing a Rolex devalue it?
Polishing a watch involves removing a thin layer of metal, which can alter the finishing and shape of the watch and its components. Over-polished watches have thinner and rounder lugs with little to no edge definition between the top of the lug and the side of the case. A bad polishing job is irreversible, and an over-polished vintage Rolex is valued much less than an untouched one in the eyes of many buyers.
Most serious collectors value originality over flawless condition, and the fewer modifications and restorations the better. A scratched up vintage Submariner that’s never been polished will always command higher prices than a newer-looking vintage Sub that’s had all its scratches and dings buffed out.
If you decide to polish your Rolex, it is crucial to trust an expert to do the job, as polishing correctly requires great skill, experience, and specialized equipment. If you’re not concerned about the long-term value and collectability of your Rolex, polishing is the way forward, but it is essential to trust an expert to do the job correctly.
How do you get the fog out of a Rolex watch?
To remove moisture from a watch, place it away for a while, preferably with the crown open and in the outermost position. Wait for the condensation to disappear, then place the watch in a warm place or sun, or in a bowl of rice to absorb moisture. Press the crown closed again after the moisture has left the watch. Do not contact the watch with an open crown.
Use a hairdryer to get the condensation out sooner, but avoid it as it can cause more damage. If the condensation persists or returns after several days, the watch may not be properly waterproof. Take it to a jeweler to check if the valve cover is closed properly, the gasket is good, or moisture is getting into the watch through the crown.
Can scratches be buffed out of a Rolex?
To effectively remove scratches from a used Rolex watch, use a polishing cloth, such as Cape Cod metal polishing cloths, which are suitable for stainless, gold, platinum, and silver metals used in Rolex timepieces. It is important to use the cloths only on the polished parts of the bracelet (center-links) and avoid damaging the brushed finish (outer-links). Wrapping the cloth around a Q-tip can help control the polishing surface and avoid accidentally damaging undesired surfaces.
Brush strokes should be precise and follow the grain of the metal, and reserved pressure should be used. The surface should be re-leveled and scratches should disappear within a few minutes. It is not recommended to polish unscratched areas unnecessarily, as it will remove a fine layer of metal. For more information on how to maintain your Rolex watch, refer to the article on the Basic Rolex Care.
📹 Rolex 1016 Explorer I – Service and Restoration after months lost outdoors
A sensitive restoration of a watch which survived months lost in soil with very few ill effects.
It’s so satisfying to see a high-end, a luxury watch, let’s say it, being used and used a lot, to actually do what it’s supposed to do: tell the time and continue doing so, well, in all conditions and for a long period! And what a magic to see it come back to its original splendor! A marvelous restoration, bravo! Thanks for the article!
Fascinating to watch this. My grandfather was a watch and clock maker. He had a very successful business and was still repairing timepieces until his death in the early 70’s. My father trained as a watch and clock maker, but he unfortunately gave it up. My brother and I are addicted to fine timepieces, so I guess it’s in the blood.
Love it. Lets not forget that many Rolex watches were originally “tool” watches ( as the article maker mentioned) and were intended to be worn in any environment. It wasnt until the last 15-20 years when Rolex prices started moving higher and higher that people started to view them as more of a luxury item than a work watch. Todays Rolex watches are incredibly well made, def better than the older versions. Im lucky enough to have several subs and gmts and they get a lot of wrist time., however, i would probably struggle a little if they were getting the beating this one got.
Great job. It may be my imagination but it seems like there are more quality watchmakers or just any watchmakers in England then there is in the United States. It’s such a dying art in this throwaway society of ours. I have over 100 watches and I hesitate to buy vintage watches which is what I prefer because it is increasingly difficult to find a good watchmaker or any watchmaker to service and repair watches. It’s not a problem with my Rolexes because I can send them to Rolex of New York. Although out of the dozen or so that I’ve sent they did refuse one entirely. I recently came to own a 1927 Hamilton railroad pocket watch grade 992 that appears to be an excellent condition sets runs and keeps good time but because I only see one service mark on the case back and because the amplitude drops from 280 down to 230 from dial up to pendant up I wanted to have at least a COA done or a repair if necessary. My local jeweler sent it to a watchmaker who basically refused to do the COA. It appeared from the conversations I had that he may not have felt confident in taking on the watch. I wish I could find a competent watchmaker anywhere. I’d love to see the watch done on camera like the GMT was even if it meant sending it to Europe… I gladly pay the cost. Oh well.
Those older Rolexes were tool watches indeed – tool watches in the same way as SnapOn are tool spanners and StahWille are tool screwdrivers. And the dirt on that one, oh wow. I buy a fair number of used watches and straight away they go in the ultrasonic, but I’ve not had one like that GMT. So, only 3:50 in, time to watch the rest of the article!
This welder must be rich!!! Not a single welder here in the Philippines can possibly own a rolex. Not to discriminate but welders here are considered entry level workers with at the most can make $10 daily salary. One can possibly own a cheap seiko but they will not use it like this welder did to his rolex!!! 😱😱😱
I’m quite surprised anyone even mentioned dirt, I watched the article and I don’t even remember the dirt. In their defense (not really) there are websites that add “patina” to restorations but I would NOT expect that from this website in a million years. I don’t know what those people are smoking but please don’t stop making articles I very much enjoy these and there’s always going to be a bunch of idiots out there. Nature of the internet. This watch is nuts, half of me is physically ill from seeing slag on a Rolex and the other is amazed someone did that to it and that it survived.
Once I lost a Casio g-shock while working in my vegetable garden (The closest thing I own to a Rolex is a Tissot pr 100 from the mid-1990s) and I was really sad for a couple of weeks until I found it in the compost bin, at night while looking for it in the last hope to find it. The automatic light that turns on when you turn it made me able to find it. Cleaned it and now I love it more than before. In a way I’d like to own a Rolex like this, lose it and then find it again and have it masterfully restored as you did. Thanks for the article!
Very nice job and I thoroughly enjoyed your article. That makes 2 out of 3 I watched and it deserves a sub 🙂 I have a curious question – why is a watch repair business named after a 3 headed dog that guards the door to hell? I once had a mail server called cerberus but I am a sysadmin IT nerd by day with a disturbed sense of humour, something that watchmakers are not normally known for!
This is a really nice article, but the only thing I would say is to invest in some production techniques. Marshall at Wristwatch Revival ran a article of essentially the same watch but with a saltwater ingress problem. His article included much closer magnification and some technical matters that you are covering but not showing. He achieved several times the number of views so from a British craftsmanship perspective this is excellent.
Another “I am not sure that the story behind the watch is for real”. If my watch, not just any watch, but a Rolex EXP was lost and I found it after year, I wouldn’t have left that dirt on it. As for the dirt, it look like someone crushed the dirt into the watch, especailly around the crown. Nevertheless, I would have cleaned it off then brought it to the watchmaker. The movement looked like new. The dial has no patina…. so what gives? Whoopi or Ruby?