Vintage Rolex Repair & Restoration | Professional Movement Service

Professional Vintage Rolex Watch Repair, Service, & Restoration including Chronograph Repair

I provide professional vintage Rolex repair and restoration services. While I am not affiliated with Rolex, I specialize in the mechanical service and repair of older Rolex timepieces. Each complete Rolex service includes full disassembly of the movement, thorough inspection, ultrasonic cleaning, lubrication with high-grade synthetic oils, and timing adjustment in accordance with Rolex service guideline’s. As part of the process, all case gaskets are replaced, and the crystal is polished or replaced as needed, followed by a pressure test for water resistance. I have over 13 years experience servicing popular vintage models 1including the Rolex Submariner, Datejust, Oyster Perpetual, Explorer, GMT-Master, and chronograph models such as the Daytona.

See the list at the bottom of this page of Rolex models I have serviced.

Start Your Rolex Service Today

Visit Getting Started to learn how to safely send in your Rolex for a full evaluation.

Rolex Calibers I Commonly Service

  • 1210 / 1225 manual-wind
  • 15xx series
  • 3035
  • 3135 / 3130 / 3185
  • Early Perpetual movements

What Rolex Models Do I Service?

  • Oyster Perpetual
  • Datejust & Day-Date
  • Submariner
  • Explorer
  • Air-King
  • Vintage references dating back to the 1940s
  • Calendar and Day-Date models
  • Daytona Chronograph

Independent Rolex Watch Repair vs. Rolex Service Center (RSC)

Choosing between an independent watchmaking service and a Rolex Service Center (RSC) really comes down to what you want for your watch and how you value originality, cost, and communication. As an independent watchmaker who specializes in vintage and older Rolex models, I take a conservative, preservation-focused approach whenever possible. That usually means keeping original dials, hands, cases, and patina intact—features that collectors and long-term owners often care deeply about—rather than automatically replacing parts to meet current factory standards. I work directly with you, explain what your watch actually needs, and document the service with photographs. In most cases, my services also represent a meaningful cost savings compared to RSC, with more flexible turnaround times and fewer mandatory cosmetic replacements.

Rolex Service Centers have factory-specific advantages—such as internal training programs, standardized testing, and access to parts for supported models. Depending on the model and owner expectations, it often makes more sense for Rolex owners to have a RSC service their watch. However a RSC does not necessarily hold exclusive qualifications to service Rolex watches. Any competent, trained watchmaker is fully qualified to work on Rolex movements, including many models that are not yet considered vintage. Technical documentation and service procedures are widely available within the professional watchmaking community, and many independent watchmakers, myself included, have decades of hands-on experience with specific Rolex calibers. It is also important to note that Rolex will not support older models indefinitely, and currently has discontinued factory support for watches using the 1500-series movements and older, which means RSC service may no longer be an option for those models at all. In those cases, an independent specialist is often the only practical path forward. Ultimately, there is no single “right” choice—my goal is to provide you with clear information so you can make an informed decision that best suits your watch, your budget, and how you intend to enjoy it.

Case polishing

Polishing vintage Rolex watches—and vintage timepieces in general—is often a topic of controversy among collectors. For newer models in relatively good condition, I can lightly polish out surface scratches to restore a “like-new” appearance, but only at the customer’s request. However, for older Rolex watches, especially those with deep wear or significant case scratches, excessive polishing can soften sharp lines, distort lug profiles, and reduce both the value and originality of the case. To preserve the watch’s integrity, I always consult with the owner before performing any polishing. For most vintage Rolex case restorations, I recommend minimal or no polishing, especially on watches that show natural aging and wear consistent with their history. This approach helps maintain the original shape and character of your timepiece.

What about Parts?

New old stock parts for the repair of vintage Rolex movements—such as the popular Caliber 1570—are still available, but they can be expensive and are becoming increasingly scarce. As these parts continue to disappear from the market, servicing older Rolex watches becomes more challenging, especially when it comes to commonly worn components. I specialize in restoring and repairing original movement parts whenever possible, and I also work with a skilled machine shop that can custom manufacture precision components when necessary. For more information on the use of generic parts see Rolex Parts-The use of aftermarket/generic parts

If you have concerns about parts or would like to discuss the repair options for your vintage Rolex, feel free to contact me directly. For more context on the challenges of maintaining these iconic timepieces, see the article: “Why Servicing a Vintage Rolex Will Only Get Harder and More Expensive.”

Partial Log of Rolex Models we have Serviced and Repaired (bold entrees include pictures of the service process):

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you accept watches by mail?

Yes — see our Getting Started page.

Home much does a Rolex service cost?

A complete service costs $475 for the average Datejust Perpetual model, $825 for chronographs. This does not include parts or return shipping. Once you decide to send your Rolex in, I will evaluate what is needed and provide a firm quote. Older Rolex watches that need repairs or parts often exceed $1000.

What is your turnaround time for a Service?

Turnaround time for a complete Rolex service runs around 4 weeks right now. If repairs or parts are needed that could be longer. See Turnaround Time.

Professional Vintage Watch Repair Vintage Rolex Service, specializing in Chronograph Repair
Rolex 6511 Presidential Repair with Calibre 1055 movement
Repair & Service Rolex Daytona Chronograph Ref. 6239 with the 722 Movement
Vintage Rolex 16200-Caliber 3135 Repair & Service
Rolex Plates Disassembled
Professional Vintage Watch Repair
Professional Vintage Watch Repair
Professional Vintage Watch Repair
Professional Vintage Watch Repair

For additional information on watches we work on please visit these pages:  Vintage Breitling repair —Vintage Omega repair — Vintage Heuer repair —Bulova Repair, and Pocket Watch Repair. See my FAQ for additional information, and visit Watch Repair Case Studies.