Long term Rolex Explorer wearer

[MACW63]

I have owned several Rolex Explorer 1 watches from new since the late 1980's and have had them serviced by Rolex which is now getting extremely expensive, so i would like to get some perspectives from the community on what independent watch repairers can do in lieu of a Rolex Service, particularly where it comes to repairs.  A case in point is salt water contamination on the face of my 14270 1993 watch many years ago following a scuba diving session.  When i had it serviced by Rolex straight they offered me a new dial, but was also advised against replacing it because of its rarity Trium dial and collectability ect.  So the dial was not been cleaned and the watch now needs a full overhaul because of a broken winder  that has shredded some metal inside the calibre 3000 movement.  I would like to know if any experience in restoring dials and how to get all the repair work done at sensible prices.  Rolex ar asking £900 for a calibre 3000 service and if i have repairs and a new glass it will be hundreds more??  attached a picture of the dial for members to comment on please.  Thank you

[jdm]

7 hours ago, MACW63 said:

I would like to get some perspectives from the community on what independent watch repairers can do in lieu of a Rolex Service, particularly where it comes to repairs.

Have a read of our pinned topic below

 

[Endeavor]

I faced a similar problem with my 1992 Rolex Submariner.

I had it once serviced by a well known/established official Rolex dealer but the "in-house" watchmaker messed up and the watch had to go back for repair. Even thought the "repair" was for "free", I lost pretty much the confidence in those official dealer addresses. If any service, the watch has to be send to an official Rolex service center but as you said, the prices are going through the roof. It gets to a point whereby you can't afford your own Rolex anymore ...... how funny is that?

Solution; I learned watch-repair and serviced the Rolex myself.

However, if/when you need parts for repair, that may become a bit of a problem; Rolex doesn't sell them to you! Sometimes you may find parts on eBay or elsewhere, the authentic Rolex (new or used) or generic parts.

Of course you first have to learn decent watch-repair skills (fun to do!) before you dive into your Rolex. Once you can do the things yourself, you really own your own Rolex.

Suc6

Edited January 24, 2022 by Endeavor

[Klassiker]

As Rolex advise you at the last service, get a new dial fitted If you want a new-looking one, but keep the original.

Oh, and please write a few lines about yourself in the introductions section.

[MACW63]

Thanks for your comment Endeavor.  Yes i had wondered about the possibility of learning those skills myself, but tooling up to do all the things i will want to do like properly clean the parts change the glass, polish the case, brush the bracelet might be almost as expensive as a service and as you say i know i will need parts.  Would be very satisfying to be able to do though.

[jdm]

2 minutes ago, MACW63 said:

Yes i had wondered about the possibility of learning those skills myself, but tooling up to do all the things i will want to do like properly clean the parts change the glass, polish the case, brush the bracelet might be almost as expensive as a service and as you say i know i will need parts

Tools for cleaning and outer restoration would not be much, e.g. great brushing is done with green 3M pads,  and learning how to do that is not very difficult either.
It's when it comes to service and repair a movement that the proper tooling, starting with the right bench that the cost quickly adds up. The isn't tool that does the work, it's person, and to learn and hone skill to work confidently on watch of values, at least few years are needed, practicing every day.