Two broken Rolexes - cheaper to just replace the movements than attempt to get repaired?

[RRFAN]

Hi all,

Two of my Rolex reps have give up after many years of use. My Day Date and my girlfriend’s mid size date just. Both are Chinese clone movements if I remember correctly.

Both have the same issue, the seconds hand refuses to move, the balance wheel won’t spin even with plenty of charge on the mainspring and foolishly when diagnosing both I removed the stems when in the charging position (as opposed to the change time setting) and as such the keyless works need fiddling with to get the stem to go back in. This means hands, dial and date wheel removing at least.

I can likely find a watchsmith to fix these issues but unsure of the cost. I believe they cost together around $500 originally but no idea on replacement these days (I expect higher).

Would it be better off for me to try and source replacement movements and just get them installed? Any ideas of prices and how easy to source please?

Thanks for any advice.

[daytonadragon]

Need to know what are the rep Rolex model's and post pictures to help you determine the type of movements.

I reckon it is cheaper to replace the movements versus servicing the movements.

[Ryaku]

If the movement swap doesn't require any mod or adjustment (date wheel overlay, pinion height...), yes, servicing a asian clone movement doesn't make much sense, especially if you can perform the swap yourself.