Rolex won't even service one of their watches after a certain age. .
They also automatically replace dials, hands, bezels and other cosmetic parts unless specifically told not to.
My understanding is that once a movement is 30+ years out of production, Rolex USA won't service it anymore. I've heard that Rolex service centers in other countries will repair some of the very old calibers if they have the parts. It's been rumored that Rolex Cuba is sitting on a treasure trove of 1950's parts, just waiting for the embargo between the USA and Cuba to be lifted. But that's just a rumor.
Not only that, Rolex will sometimes refuse to service watches unless you agree to all the replacement parts. And of course, they refuse to return any original parts replaced.
Take care,
gatorcpa
Check this excerpt from a Cuban newspaper, you need to scroll down to: When time stands still, call on master 'relojero'.
Is it not even possible to obtain an 'extract of the archives' from Rolex?
No. They do not speak to mere mortals.
My impression is that Rolex has little respect for their vintage collectors. They'll do "restorations" their way, how they like it, and couldn't care less what the customer wants.
Why do the operate this way?
Because they can,
gatorcpa
I just wonder, did rolex official web site have something like "Rolex vintage watch database".
