My Grandfather's Rado Watch. Can this be fixed?
TL;DR, can this be fixed?
Rado Golden Horse
Reference no.: 27221710
Another no: 63634414 ( I don't know what this is )
I want to purchase my watch soon. However, I feel guilty of buying my own watch while there are watches from my parents and grandparent that might be fixed. Before then, I won't buy my own watch.
I notice the 12 and 6 is offset.
This is currently not working. My grandfather told me the glass has been changed to something cheaper. The strap is from a Rolex watch. The Rado store told me it will cost about $300 USD. I'm not sure if that's for the glass only or fixing the whole thing, ...
He handed this to me 3-4 years ago. He wanted me to get this fixed. Back then, $300 is how much I earn in a month so I didn't bother. I put it in a box. Years gone by, I have no other automatic watch apart from the watch he also gave to me 5 years ago. I am wearing his Seiko 5 with calibre 7S26 (I don't know the model/reference no.). I got this serviced a year ago but maybe that's for another story.
He was a great man... I'm crying while typing right now.
I would like to know your opinion if old watches like this can be fixed. Thank you very much in advance.
I'm not a watch collector (yet).
I never realized that. I always thought I should go to the company service center.
Thank you for the suggestion.
It is quite ugly from the inside, do they clean those as well?
Got it. Thank you. You just brought light at the end of the tunnel for me.
This is an heirloom, you will destroy it if you do a full resto. Simply service the watch, clean the bracelet, replace the crystal, and light polishing. These watches are special, because they not only tell time, but tell the story of your family member.
Rado has used ETA movements, second hand and NOS can be found online and are not expensive. ETA service normally run about $65, unless something is broken. But looks like all this watch needs is a good cleaning.
The markers for the 6 and 12 being offset is just part of the design of the watch's dial. There's nothing wrong there, other than the fact that it's clearly from the 70's, when society collectively lost its sense of fashion. 😜 As for the rest of it, it should just be a matter of servicing the watch. My guess is that the bezel was plated base metal, and the plating has worn through. It should be able to be re-plated. An example of essentially what they would do can be seen here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hQH4F6uVNA&t=155s
I agree with those that said a professional watchmaker can easily service this. It’s a simple movement to service.
I think $300 is a fair price but I would only service the movement and not sand or polish, and only clean the case, bezel, and replace gaskets, etc.
a service should be to completely take the watch down to bits. I mean down to every individual screw. Then take all of the damaged parts, like gaskets, and possibly damaged internals and place them into an envelope to give back to you. Then soak and wash every piece, replace all damaged parts, and reassemble and regulate.
You can try and source some new end links for the bracelet, hop online and grab an aftermarket, or wear that watch on a nice strap and buckle.
Only you can decide the value in this. I would do this if it were mine and was my grandfather’s watch. What a nice story and heirloom.
Welcome to the community!
I would buy myself a watch while sorting out the gifted ones. This way you can do the same in the future👍
I wouldn't wear an heirloom watch that I intended to also pass down as a daily but do you. Consider getting an additional watch that you Love (not merely like) then lovingly wear the serviced Rado to family gatherings and on special occasions. I don't subject vintage movements to the same daily grind as modern watches and I've probably spent too much money on lost causes but your Rado is a family watch most enthusiasts long to have. I've had many vintage watches serviced and yours is definitely a good candidate though $300 is on the high end of what I've paid in Los Angeles if no new parts are required. Some vintage watches are more compromised than others and never seem to run well while others fall right back into smooth operation. May the Rado be a physical reminder of those who've been Loved for you and future generations. #rado #welcome #aboutvintage
Thank you so much for all of your words. It is heartwarming.
I'm beginning to understand a lot from everyone. Thank you for your responses.
I didn't think of using it occasionally, like family gathering. I only thought of wearing it with pride knowing he is close to my heart. Thank you everyone for your sympathy. Then I won't be wearing this on daily basis when I get this fix.
I even thought of achieving it to mint, but then, after reading your comments, the watch itself is the story. So I will keep it to a "clean" restored watch, rather than trying to make it brand new. Base on your comments, it doesn't sound like it's very hard to restore this.
I really had fun watching at the restoration video. @JBird7986 I'm inspired to get this watch to work.
And thank you everyone for your opinion, I now allow myself to purchase a watch that I love. While restoring my family's old watches. I'm sure it will be interesting.
I will update here once the watch has been restored.
The markers for the 6 and 12 being offset is just part of the design of the watch's dial. There's nothing wrong there, other than the fact that it's clearly from the 70's, when society collectively lost its sense of fashion. 😜 As for the rest of it, it should just be a matter of servicing the watch. My guess is that the bezel was plated base metal, and the plating has worn through. It should be able to be re-plated. An example of essentially what they would do can be seen here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hQH4F6uVNA&t=155s
Good to know
It can be done, $300 is about the right price. I’d also replace the crystal, but that’s all.
Welcome to watch crunch
Awesome watch dude, hope you fixed it. I love my purple horse