Preserving Your Preowned Rolex: Expert Tips for Care and Maintenance

Regular Cleaning Routine

The first step in preserving your preowned Rolex is establishing a regular cleaning routine. Depending on how often you use the watch, you should be cleaning it anywhere between daily, to weekly, to monthly. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe down the case, bracelet, and crystal, removing any accumulated dirt, oils, or fingerprints.

For a more thorough cleaning, use a mild soap diluted in lukewarm water and a soft brush. Ensure the crown is screwed down tightly to prevent water from entering the watch. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or exposing your Rolex to chemicals that could damage the finish.

Water Resistance Checks

Rolex watches like the Rolex Submariner are renowned for their water-resistant capabilities, but over time, seals may degrade. Ensure your preowned Rolex maintains its water resistance by having it checked by a certified watchmaker. This is particularly crucial if you plan to wear your Rolex in water or if it is a vintage model with an unknown service history. Regular water resistance checks will help prevent moisture from entering the case and damaging the delicate movement inside.

Regular Servicing

Like any high-value instrument, a Rolex watch requires regular servicing to ensure it functions at its best. Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of Rolex, was convinced that customers should only be offered reliable and durable timepieces, and set up efficient after-sales services. From adjusting the length of a bracelet to carrying out a complete overhaul, every type of servicing operation for a Rolex watch should  be entrusted to Rolex World Service or a certified watchmaker.

Rolex recommends servicing your watch approximately every ten years, but this may vary based on factors like usage and environmental conditions. During a service, a qualified watchmaker will disassemble the watch, clean each component, lubricate the movement, and replace any worn-out parts. Regular servicing not only preserves the performance of your preowned Rolex but also safeguards its longevity.

Proper Storage

When not adorning your wrist, proper storage is key to preserving your preowned Rolex. Store your Rolex in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure can fade the dial and damage the lubricants within the movement. A dedicated watch box or case is a great place to store your watches. Choose a box with individual compartments or watch pillows to keep each watch separate and prevent them from touching. These are designed to protect your watches from dust, moisture, and scratches.

If your Rolex came with its original packaging, be sure to keep it in excellent condition as well, perhaps storing your watch within. Make sure you keep the box and papers, as they contribute to the overall value of the watch.

Gentle Winding and Setting

If your preowned Rolex is an automatic (self-winding) model, wearing it regularly is usually enough to keep it running. If you store your watch for an extended period, consider using a watch winder, an electronic device that is made for keeping your automatic watches fully wound, to ensure continuous movement – especially if you own multiple timepieces. When manually winding your Rolex, do so gently and avoid excessive force. When setting the time or especially a date, wait until the hands are outside the 9-3 position to prevent damage to the movement.

Avoid Extreme Temperatures

Don’t leave your Rolex in the car! Extreme temperatures can negatively affect the performance of your preowned Rolex. High temperatures can cause the lubricants to break down, while low temperatures can affect the oils' viscosity. Extreme temperatures can also cause changes to movement and accuracy, weaken materials, and cause damage to seals. Avoid exposing your watch to sudden temperature changes or prolonged periods of extreme heat or cold.

Be Mindful of Scratching

While Rolex watches are crafted from quality materials like stainless steel and precious metals, they are not impervious to scratches. When wearing your preowned Rolex, be mindful of your surroundings to avoid accidental bumps and scratches. If your Rolex does have scratches, consult a professional watchmaker to assess if polishing is necessary. However, keep in mind that excessive polishing can alter the original finish, design, and water resistance of the watch.

Find Your Next Preowned Rolex

Preserving your preowned Rolex ensures its craftsmanship and style lives on for generations. By incorporating these expert tips into your watch care routine, you can ensure that your Rolex retains its value and integrity throughout the course of ownership.

At Gray and Sons, we take extraordinary care of our preowned Rolex watches because we understand the value they hold and are passionate about preserving the Rolex legacy. The new and used Rolex market has risen to levels no one saw coming – Authorized Rolex dealers don’t have any stock and preowned watches are getting harder and harder to find. Luckily, Gray and Sons Jewelers has several genuine preowned Rolex watches like the Datejust in stock. Our team of experts are dedicated to preserving these watches by providing high-quality, routine maintenance and repairs. Contact us today for more information.

Gray and Sons is a Proudly Unauthorized Independent Rolex dealer dealing in preowned, used and unused Rolex watches, buying, selling and repairing Rolex since 1980.