ARock
4
Rolex Explorer I “BlackOut” service question(s)
Hi everyone. My first posting on PuristS . . .
I will be receiving very shortly my new Rolex Explorer I BlackOut “S” series (1991). This was a spur of the moment purchase and I am very excited to get my hands on this watch.
The watch is in a fair-to-good state, possibly 6.5-7 marks out of 10 (hard to tell exactly the condition from the photos the seller has emailed me). It comes with all the boxes and papers and I am certain everything is original and in-order with this watch as the seller has very good feedback from another international watch forum.
It is not certain that the Explorer has been serviced anytime recently, and I wish to send it into Rolex UK for a full-service. The question(s) that I want some help with is what to do about the replacing and refinishing of parts that Rolex will undoubtedly want to perform.
This is the first “older” watch that I have purchased, and I have to admit I don’t exactly know how I will feel about wearing a newly received watch that doesn’t have the look and feel of brand-new. I am certain that after servicing the movement, Rolex will ask me if I want the bracelet and case refinished, and if I want the hands and dial replaced. What should I do in this situation? Should I keep everything original so as not to detract from the authenticity of the watch? I must say that having a newly refinished case and bracelet, and a newly replaced dial and hands really does attract me as I feel it will spark new-life into the older watch. It’s not as if the watch is an “antique” (only 20 yrs old) that I am gravely harming by refurbishing. I am also assuming of course that if Rolex do replace the dial that they will supply another “BlackOut” dial with silver writing exactly like the one that they removed (would this be the case)?? Would they give me back the original dial and original hands that were replaced?
Will having everything refurbished detract from the watch? Will its later value (both aesthetically and monetarily) be affected?
Many thanks in advance for your suggestions and opinions.
Aaron.
Rolex Explorer I “BlackOut” service question(s)
I should ask tem to NOT polish the watch NOR touch the dial and hands.
