Restoring A Firefighters Rolex GMT

This Rolex GMT coke with 3185 Calibre movement has spent more than 2 decades on a firefighters wrist around the streets of Nottingham. It is a tool watch which has been used as such. It has stood up to the work admirably but it is time for a little much needed TLC.

The tell tale sign of wear is the worn out automatic system. This will certainly need attention as it is wearing the rotor against the case back and the top of the movement plates.

The wear to the bezel is attractive and suits the watch perfectly. We will retain the patina by keeping this in place with just a light cleaning.

Once stripped we can see that the movement is very dirty but overall not in bad condition considering the missed services. Rolex movements really are excellent, especially the 31xx variants.

After some manual cleaning with pegwood, the movement goes into the cleaning machine for a deep clean.

Time to give some attention to the bracelet. We will carry out a light valet. over polishing is not suitable for a collectable watch of this age. The customer is looking for a slight improvement in appearance whilst retaining originality. We protect the logo on the clasp with nail varnish, carry out some light work by hand and then ultrasonic clean the bracelet to make sure we match the customers expectations.

The freshly serviced movement is re-united with its dial and hands before being regulated and cased up.

The watch is now freshly serviced. The rotor wear is gone, the oils are renewed and timekeeping is back within chronometer specs. The originality is protected whilst preventing increased wear to the movement, bezel and bracelet. It is ready for many more years of service.

To carry out a Rolex service we charge £395. This includes full movement service, case and bracelet refinishing, regulation and testing. The work takes approximately 2 weeks and the work is covered by a 2 year warranty.