Hey all - I come to you for some help!
My dad has two old Rolex watches that have basically sat unused for years, and I’m trying to figure out whether they’re worth restoring/preserving and what the “right” way to do that is.
Oyster Perpetual Datejust (I believe late 1950s or early 1960s)
- Still ticks/runs
- Used to be serviced regularly, but probably hasn’t been serviced since ~2019
- Bracelet is certainly aftermarket
- Crystal is scratched up
- Dial/hands appear original to me, but I’m not an expertOyster Royal (I think late 1940s)
- Very small case size
- Large crack/scratch in the crystal
- No clue when it was last serviced, but likely decades
- Unsure if bracelet is original
- Has a ton of wear/patina
A few questions:
- Are these worth restoring from a financial standpoint, or mainly sentimental?
- Would you recommend a full restoration?
- Should I avoid Rolex Service Center and use an independent vintage Rolex specialist instead?
-Any recommendations for trusted vintage Rolex watchmakers in the US?
I definitely do NOT want to ruin originality/value by over polishing, replacing dials/hands, etc.
Would love any thoughts from people experienced with vintage Rolex restoration.
Thanks so much! I feel like an idiot not knowing any of the answers to these, so I appreciate any help!!