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DrD

Cleaning original Explorer 1 from my Grandfather

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DrD

My Gramps gave me his original Explorer 1 circa 1960s (has yellow numbers)  for high school graduation back in 1991. Ive never worn it. I keep it in a safety deposit box at the bank.

It needs a good overhaul to make sure it lasts. Anyone have recommendations?  Dealer cost is pretty steep, not that it isn't worth it for professional clean and overhaul. A few years ago they quoted me 500$

I know there have been folks on the boards who service watches but is anyone up to this challenge?

Thank you all for any advice.

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Flinnt

I’ve serviced a few ETA based reps now. Send it on over. :lol:

 But seriously...so precious to you that you keep it in a bank vault...yet not worth spending $500 on to bring it back to full life???

 

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BravoDelta

How bout a picture Doc? :D

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NCRich

There are many places, but I would not suggest the Rolex service center.  There are reputable watchmakers that can do the task without removing the patina.

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GenTLe

It depends where you are. It's not that easy to find a really reputable watch tech. And I'd avoid Rolex as they'll probably replace a bunch of stuff making it not so valuable...

I have a friend of mine who was a Rolex certified tech for an official AD (for 10 years) until 2 years ago when he opened his own shop. I've seen him doing from old Rollies to Zenith El Primero, to MoonWatches and also old V&C. For an explorer he would quote you not less than 300/350€ anyway... He is this guy: https://www.instagram.com/federicigioielleria/ (the other guy working there is the one that does jewelry, hence the jewels in the pictures), also here: https://www.federicigioielleria.com/

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paccbet

If you are in Canada, Ashton Tracy is your man 
https://ashtontracy.ca/

Btw $500 is still reasonable for an overhaul 

 

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