Table of Contents
What is Overhauling?
An overhaul refers to the maintenance of machinery.
Unlike regular maintenance (routine inspections) where only the appearance is examined, in an overhaul, each component of the machinery is disassembled, inspected, cleaned, repaired, and then reassembled. For precision machinery like Rolex watches, periodic overhauls help prolong their lifespan.
Car repairs are also called “overhauls,” right?
Regular maintenance of mechanical products is the secret to their longevity.
Reasons Why Rolex Overhauls Are Necessary
Watches are composed of over 100 parts. Each part is coated with specialized oil (lubricant) to prevent wear and tear. However, the deterioration of this lubricant leads to malfunctions and degradation of the watch.
Over time, the viscosity of the lubricant decreases, and using the watch with depleted lubricant causes components to damage each other, becoming a cause of malfunction. Parts that undergo wear, damage, rust, etc., may require replacement, leading to high repair costs, and in the worst case, the watch may become irreparable.
Additionally, seals used in components like the watch case, apart from the lubricant, also deteriorate over time. When seals degrade, water, sand, etc., can enter, resulting in damage or breakage of components.
Therefore, an overhaul is essential for maintaining the precise performance of the watch. If you plan to use the watch for an extended period, periodic maintenance is highly recommended.
Frequency of Rolex Overhauls
Generally, the recommended timing for a Rolex overhaul is every 3 to 5 years for mechanical watches and every 4 years for quartz watches. However, the appropriate timing for an overhaul may vary depending on the environmental conditions in which it is used.
Even if the recommended period has not elapsed, issues may arise, so it is advisable to periodically check the condition of your Rolex and perform overhauls as needed.”
Duration of Rolex Overhauls
If you send your Rolex for an overhaul to the official manufacturer, they typically take about 6 weeks to complete the process. If you choose a watch repair shop, they usually handle it in about 2 weeks, but depending on the model, some may not be serviced unless it’s done by the official manufacturer.
If your Rolex is relatively new or has been overhauled within the last 3-4 years, the need for parts replacement is often minimal, allowing you to keep the costs down. However, as the watch ages beyond that timeframe, issues like oil depletion, parts wear, and breakage may necessitate part replacements.
So, an overhaul is necessary to keep the watch running smoothly for a long time.
That’s correct. It’s advisable to schedule regular overhauls before you start noticing any issues with the watch!
When sending a watch for repair, it’s good to focus on three points: cost, speed, and technical expertise. Especially for those concerned about cost and technical proficiency.
| Cost | Speed | Technical | |
| Authorized Manufacturer | △ | △ | ◎ |
| Repair Shop | 〇 | 〇 | 〇 |
| Electronics Retailer | 〇 | △ | 〇 |
Depending on what is important to you to have repaired will determine where to go to get the work done.
Choosing Between Official Manufacturer and Repair Shops for Rolex Overhauls
Pros and Cons of the Manufacturer
The advantage of having an overhaul performed by an authorized manufacturer is certainty.
The manufacturer will repair the watch with certainty unless the watch is discontinued. In many cases, an authorized manufacturer will provide a warranty of several years after an overhaul is performed, giving you the peace of mind of knowing that if a problem occurs after the repair, you can have it repaired right away.
Conversely, the disadvantages of having the manufacturer perform the work are that it may take longer and the price may be more expensive.
When having an overhaul performed directly by the manufacturer, it first takes about one week for an estimate, and then it usually takes several more weeks to receive the product.
For example, when requesting an overhaul in Japan, it takes approximately one month for Rolex, four weeks for IWC, and three to five weeks for Omega. If you feel that the reliability of an authorized manufacturer is an advantage, we recommend that you proactively request an overhaul to an authorized manufacturer.
Pros and Cons of Watch Repair Shops
The advantage of requesting an overhaul at a watch repair store is that the price is generally lower, although it varies depending on the store and the owner of the store.
In addition, since the overhaul is performed at the store where the watch is brought in, the time required to leave the watch can be shortened. However, it is important to choose a watch repair store that has technicians who are certified as “watch repair technicians” or “certified advanced watchmakers” and a store that offers a generous warranty.
The recommended approach for those seeking an affordable and quick overhaul is to carefully choose a store and then entrust the watch repair to a watch repair shop.
Pros and Cons of Electronics Retail Stores
The benefits of requesting an overhaul at an electronics retailer are that the shop is conveniently located.
Since the shop is in your living area, the turnover for overhauls or repairs is often quick, and the prices are usually lower. However, many types of watches cannot be repaired at electronics retailers, and they may not handle all types of watches.
Furthermore, in electronics retailers where “watch repair craftsmen” are not stationed, the technical expertise may not be substantial. Therefore, when entrusting a valuable watch, there might be a bit of concern. Hence, when requesting a repair, it’s necessary to confirm whether technicians dispatched from the manufacturer or “watch repair craftsmen” are present.
For those who want to easily request an overhaul, it is recommended to carefully choose a store and then entrust the watch to a watch repair shop.
It’s surprising that places that can perform overhauls are actually quite nearby.
Repairs can be done at manufacturers, watch repair shops, and electronics retailers, but each has its pros and cons, so it’s essential to choose a store that suits your preferences!
How Much Does a Rolex Overhaul Cost?
The cost of a Rolex overhaul depends on each model and situation. If no parts need to be replaced, the price is not that much, but if parts need to be replaced, the price may be a little higher. The following is a summary of repair costs for each model.
The repair costs are based on the cost of having the manufacturer perform the repair.
Cosmograph Daytona
Created in 1963, the Cosmograph Daytona is one of Rolex’s most popular models.
Originally designed for professional car racers, the Cosmograph Daytona is equipped with a tachymeter for measuring speed and a chronograph function for measuring time.
The popular Cosmograph Daytona is a highly valuable watch because supply is not keeping up with demand, and the manufacturer’s suggested retail price is rarely sold, resulting in a high price.
The table below shows the overhaul prices for the Cosmograph Daytona of such Daytona series.
| Model | Manufacturer’s（SGD） |
| Cosmograph Daytona | SGD 900～ |
Explorer
The Rolex Explorer was launched in 1953 and has remained largely unchanged in design for more than half a century.
The dial design is simple and easy to read, and its relatively orthodox design is characterized by a sense of luxury.
The table below shows examples of Rolex Explorer models and their prices for overhaul.
| Model | Manufacturer’s（SGD） |
| Explorer | SGD 1,300～ |
| Explorer old | SGD 1,300〜 |
| Explorer II | SGD 850〜 |
| Explorer II old | SGD 1,300〜 |
Submariner
The Rolex Submariner was the world’s first diver’s watch, created in 1953.
With its powerful water resistance and ability to measure dive time, it is considered the origin of today’s diver’s watches.
The table below shows examples of each model and prices for overhauling such Rolex Submariner.
| Model | Manufacturer’s（SGD） |
| Submarine | SGD 1,300～ |
| Submarine old | SGD 1,300〜 |
| Submariner Day-Date | SGD 850〜 |
| Submariner Day-Date | SGD 1,300～ |
Yacht-Master
The Rolex Yacht-Master has been an enduringly popular watch among Rolex fans since its introduction in 1992.
It has a unique design with scales embossed three-dimensionally and is characterized by its gorgeous design, and is so popular that discontinued models often appear on the used market today.
The table below shows examples of each model and their prices for overhaul of such Rolex Yacht-Masters.
| Model | Manufacturer’s（SGD） |
| Yacht-Master | SGD 850~ |
| Yacht-Master II | SGD 1,200～ |
GMT-Master
The Rolex GMT-Master was developed in 1955 in response to a request from Pan American Airlines to create a watch that would allow the wearer to check the time at two places at once: the place of departure and the place of destination.
It was carried on the test flight of Concorde, the world’s first supersonic passenger aircraft, and has been used by NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) and Air Force pilots.
| Model | Manufacturer’s（SGD） |
| GMT Master | SGD 850～ |
| GMT Master old | SGD 1,300～ |
So the price varies greatly depending on the model?
Yes, it does. Even if it costs a little more, an overhaul is important if you want to use it for the long term.
Can You Sell a Broken Rolex?
In general, you might feel that a watch has no value and cannot be bought if it is broken. Whether a broken watch can be bought often depends on factors such as the condition of the malfunction, but in the case of Rolex, it is often possible to buy it with a high probability.
This is because Rolex is a highly popular brand, and there are cases where it can be repaired and resold, or sold directly to collectors.
As Rolex is popular both as new and used, and there is a segment of buyers specifically looking for affordable used ones, dealers are often willing to consider buying broken Rolex watches.
Of course, if the watch is not broken, you can potentially request a higher price for the purchase. Therefore, if you have a Rolex that you haven’t used for a while and it’s not broken, it might be advisable to request a purchase without overhauling it.
However, it is recommended to find a reliable purchasing agent and have it appraised. When selecting a reliable purchasing agent, it is recommended to check the following points:
Points to consider when choosing a purchasing agent:
A track record of many successful purchases
Presence of specialized appraisers
Issuance of an accurate estimate
Explanation of the appraisal results
Choosing a purchasing agent is important too, isn’t it?
Yes, it is. There are also unscrupulous agents, so be careful in your selection.
Conclusion
Watches can be passed down from parents to children and even from children to grandchildren if regular maintenance is performed. Particularly, Rolex, being regarded as an asset, can be inherited as a valuable possession. In this article, we introduced the necessity and importance of Rolex overhauls. We encourage you to consider regular maintenance to ensure long-term use.
Moreover, since many dealers offer buyback services for Rolex, even if the watch is faulty, it might be worth considering selling it instead of or in addition to opting for an overhaul.
