Vintage Rolex Servicing
At From Rust to Wrist we specialise in professional servicing and sympathetic restoration of vintage Rolex timepieces. Vintage Rolex watches require experienced attention: parts are often rare, ageing materials need delicate handling, and value is preserved only when work is reversible, documented and historically respectful.
Our Services
Full mechanical overhaul: complete strip, ultrasonic cleaning, inspection, replacement of worn parts with period-correct components where possible, reassembly, lubrication and timing regulation to the best achievable standard for the movement.
Dial, hands and luminous work: conservation preferred over replacement. Reluming or hand‑refinishing is undertaken only when necessary and always with prior owner approval; we match historic tones and textures to retain authenticity.
Crystal replacement and gasket renewal: installing period-appropriate crystals and modern gasket materials to improve water resistance without compromising appearance.
Why choose specialist vintage servicing
Preservation of value: inappropriate repairs or heavy refinishing can substantially reduce a vintage Rolex’s market and collector value. Our approach is conservative and reversible.
Expertise with historic materials: vintage crowns, tubes, bezels, plexi crystals and movement parts behave differently from modern components; experience ensures correct techniques and compatible parts.
Access to period-correct parts and skilled craftspeople: where genuine parts are unavailable we use high-quality NOS or historically accurate substitutes and document their origin.
Transparent communication: clear estimates, condition reports and approvals before any non-routine work begins.
Typical turnaround times and estimates
Routine service: typically 4–8 weeks depending on parts availability and watch condition.
Restoration (dials, casework, scarce parts): 8–16 weeks or longer for rare spares.
Estimates are provided after a free initial inspection; final cost depends on movement calibre, parts required and the level of restoration desired.
What we do not do
We do not perform aggressive polishing that removes original bevels and engraving unless explicitly authorised.
We do not clandestinely fit modern replacement parts without full disclosure.
We avoid unnecessary dial or handset replacement; conservation is our default.
How to proceed
Contact us with photos and the reference/serial if available for a preliminary assessment.
Arrange a secure shipment or drop‑off for an in-person inspection.
Receive a written estimate and service plan prior to any work commencing.
From Rust to Wrist is committed to preserving the history, functionality and integrity of your vintage Rolex. For careful, knowledgeable servicing that respects provenance, entrust your watch to specialists. Contact us today for an appraisal and service estimate.
