New Member / Advice wanted please

[StevenG]

Hi,

I'm new here and mainly signed up for some advice ;) hopefully that's not considered too impolite...

I recently came across an old (1970's) Gents ST Oyster Air King Perpetual that was in some stuff left to me by a relative. The watch itself was without a strap and the plexiglass (or whatever the glass type) was damaged but the watch still worked fine. I sent it to Rolex for an estimate and it arrived back today...

Service - £430 ($694) includes tax and the glass replacement

Bracelet Options - Jubilee £730 ($1,177), Oyster £660 ($1,065) or Basic leather strap / buckle - £150 ($242)

Optional Parts - Replacement dial - £338 ($545)

Apparently the dial is 'marked' which is not something I noticed when I checked the watch so I would probably skip that (plus their estimate says the replacement dial would not have a textured finish and they will change the batons). You'd think for £338 they would at least replace it like for like .

Anyhow I was just wondering if it's even worth doing? The watch doesn't have any sentimental value really - it's just been sat in a box for the last 10 years or so. I am considering just having it serviced and buying an aftermarket bracelet and would like some opinions if you would be so kind.

Thanks in advance

[chancer]

Hi StevenG

If it were me, I would just find a Rolex certified watch repair person, and have them service the watch and replace the crystal.
If it has no special value to you, then why spend that kind of money.

[james.uk]

Stick it on a NATO or leather strap. Any of our sponsored links can do a basic service for much less. J

[GradyPhilpott]

You probably should get the service and forget the rest, if you're okay with that.

If Rolex insists on all or nothing, you can opt out for a Rolex-certified watchmaker to do the service.

You can then get the fabric or leather strap of your choice.

Personally, I'd get the service, the Jubilee bracelet and leave the dial as is.

Rolex would probably go for that, since a lot of purists like the patina that comes with an old dial, batons, and hands.

The Air King is such a classic watch. It would be a shame not to fix it up a bit.

A picture would be nice.

[StevenG]

Hi,

Thanks for posting replies with your thoughts/ideas. I'm glad someone thought it was a good idea to get the Rolex service done because that's what I decided to do . I'm not sure about what I am going to do about a strap/ bracelet but the service eta was 10-14 weeks so I have plenty of time to decide what to do about a strap.

Here's a picture (and remember that I'm not to blame for it's condition, so please don't start chucking rotten fruit at me or whatever punishment ardent watch fans inflict on those causing damage to nice watches )


IMG_0199.jpg