Bezel Fix

[gjohnson]

I had the bezel fall off on my submariner recently. I sent it in to jeweler who then sent it to Rolex. He calls back saying the bezel is a 30 dollar fix but they have to service the watch to do it. Says to service it and replace fading hands and new crystal glass it will be over a grand

I decline it and it comes back with the bezel on It no longer clicks and it rotates clockwise and counter clockwise. Not sure if this creates a problem or not. Should I still get the bezel fixed to have the click sound and if so will someplace do it without ripping the entire watch apart?

[Tools]

Bezel pops off easily...You have lost a 2 dollar wire pin that rides in the teeth inside the bezel..

Find an independent watchmaker with a Rolex account...or even one with a sign in the window that says "We fix Rolex"...They should be able to fix you up while you wait...

[gjohnson]

without that wire will I be damaging the watch? Can I go some time as is?

[Tools]

Originally Posted by gjohnson

without that wire will I be damaging the watch? Can I go some time as is?

No, won't hurt a thing....You can go indefinitely as is.


It's just not functional as designed...

[watchnut]

Considering that a service is now around $550 and the bezel work was $30, the price of hands and crystals must really have gone up. There must be some other issues. As far as the bi-directionality of the bezel and no click, it would'nt bother me as I don't dive with my Sub. I assume you are dealing with RSC/New York?

[gjohnson]

Part of it was replacing anything that had scratches (i.e. a new bezel itself) Replacing black face as it faded - whatever that means?? New hands and such as they don't glow in the dark as well anymore...which is not an issue for me. Some how the crystal glass is faded as well I had the watch for 10 yrs and until it got sent in I didn't know my watch was in bad shape The dealer said it would look like brand new. I like the battle scares on my watch

I don't dive and not sure how that bezel even works anyway

So without the clicker the watch is OK - only the bi-directional feature doesn't work, which is a feature I don't mess with anyway? Without the clicker will the bezel rotate without me moving it (i.e. get looser over time) and become more susceptable to falling off. Does the wire help keep it in place and tight?

[ohsixx]

My bezel came off in a freak accident. AD send it to Rolex. Got it back in two weeks - $40.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by gjohnson

....I had the watch for 10 yrs and until it got sent in I didn't know my watch was in bad shape :

So without the clicker the watch is OK - only the bi-directional feature doesn't work, which is a feature I don't mess with anyway? Without the clicker will the bezel rotate without me moving it (i.e. get looser over time) and become more susceptable to falling off. Does the wire help keep it in place and tight?

No, it shouldn't get "looser" at any greater rate than it normally might, although the pin does help to locate it and keep it in place, so it will drift (rotate)
a bit with pressure applied.

The part of this that concerns me is the 10 years.. A mechanical watch is like an automobile, or more like a precision tool in that it needs periodic cleaning and oiling to live. If you have not had it oiled then at this point the shafts and gears are metal-to-metal, and it is only a matter of time before it fails..

It is clear that cost is important to you so I would restate....Find a local independent watchmaker who will clean, oil and adjust your watch..It is important and then should last you for another 10 years..

This independent service shouldn't cost you more than a couple of hundred..

[gjohnson]

Originally Posted by Tools

It is clear that cost is important to you so I would restate....Find a local independent watchmaker who will clean, oil and adjust your watch..It is important and then should last you for another 10 years..

This independent service shouldn't cost you more than a couple of hundred..

I do want to get it serviced - right now was bad timing due to some unexpected bills. The dealer said he would only send it in to Rolex for repairs - kinda scared you into it Probably gets some commision and kickback.

You guys send them to independant watch repairs and never have a problem? A couple hundred is much better then 800-1000 bucks. It fits the budget a bit better.

Any reputable places you guys recomend?

[txrob779]

Originally Posted by Tools

No, it shouldn't get "looser" at any greater rate than it normally might, although the pin does help to locate it and keep it in place, so it will drift (rotate)
a bit with pressure applied.

The part of this that concerns me is the 10 years.. A mechanical watch is like an automobile, or more like a precision tool in that it needs periodic cleaning and oiling to live. If you have not had it oiled then at this point the shafts and gears are metal-to-metal, and it is only a matter of time before it fails..

It is clear that cost is important to you so I would restate....Find a local independent watchmaker who will clean, oil and adjust your watch..It is important and then should last you for another 10 years..

This independent service shouldn't cost you more than a couple of hundred..

I agree, a 10 year old automatic watch is really due for a service. You might want to pony up and get it whole watch re-conditioned and be happy and trouble free for another 5-7 years.

[ji603]

you found the right website! Search a little bit for 'bezel tutorial by jocke' and you will see how easy it is to pop the bezel off by yourself. I do mine all the time to clean it because it gets sticky and gritty. There are good photos of the 'click spring' that is missing from your watch, and even a story about how a member here used a paperclip to make himself a new one.

[Alcan]

Like Larry said, it's a small wire spring that rides against teeth on the inside of the bezel to prevent it from rotating clockwise. Divers use it to determine how much bottom time they have left. This pic shows it in place.

[mikey]

My jeweller would have charged you $10-15 bucks to put the bezel on. I bet some guys would have actually paid a grand. For a Grand ,you could get an Rolex Oyster Date in really good condition with a few bucks left over for repairs on the Sub.

[colemanitis]

There's also a thin metal gasket which creates friction when turning the bezel. This keeps the bezel from turning freely. It sits just below the spring. Hopefully you didn't lose this too. Here's a pic.

[abigsecret]

This is what's happening the the pivots of your gears as we speak, since they're running without oil... notice the red lines? That's were the metal should be! It's all worn because the dry oil turns into sand, and cuts away the metal. Get it serviced I would recommend, and tell them you don't want to replace dial and hands.

[robrtx]

I sent it in to jeweler who then sent it to Rolex. He calls back saying the bezel is a 30 dollar fix but they have to service the watch to do it. Says to service it and replace fading hands and new crystal glass it will be over a grand

Could the jeweler who sent it to Rolex be marking up the service? I would try dealing directly with an RSC. They will give you a written estimate in writing and will not do any work until you agree. $1000 seems a bit steep even if they replace the hands. $500-$600 would be more my guess.

[gjohnson]

How does one go about finding a RSC? Are there more then one in teh US and are some better then others in regards to turn-around and service??

I live in NJ and have no problem sending it out if I need to. 500 bucks is much better then dishing out over twice then that.

[watchnut]

Originally Posted by gjohnson

How does one go about finding a RSC? Are there more then one in teh US and are some better then others in regards to turn-around and service??

I live in NJ and have no problem sending it out if I need to. 500 bucks is much better then dishing out over twice then that.

I have dealt with RSC/ NY several times on routine service. Although no real problems, I plan to send mine to Dallas from now on. I hear good things about them as well as Beverly Hills, but being in Ohio, Dallas is more convenient.

[gjohnson]

Any adresses, phone numbers, web links, etc to each facility?

I saw one on the website for NY but it didn't have much information.

I know this may be a dumb question but what does service cost on a Rolex (minus the parts that need to be replaced)? Is there a standard 300/400/500 price that fix "x" items and then any broken parts above and beyond are extra.

Thanks,
Glenn

[txrob779]

There on;y a few RSC's in the US....correct me if I am wrong

LA
Dallas
NYC


I am going to PM you an option for service in Dallas.

[mike]

Rolex will always recommend a service on a watch that old. Here's what I think the break down comes to.

Service--about $500 USD
Replace dial and hands--since you state the watch is 10 years old and RSC says it's "faded" I'd guess it's a tritium dial and hand set. Does your dial say SWISS T<25 at the bottom? Rolex loves to replace these as they want to make the watch as new as possible. You may be able to decline this.--Cost abour $250 for the dial and about $300 for the hand set.
Bezel INSERT--about $51 USD last I got one at service.
A new crystal could be about $120 USD.
Is there some kind of damage to the crystal?

In any event of the three RSCs I've delt with --NYC, Dallas, and Beverly Hills--BH would be my first choice. You can call, get instructions, and send direct. They will advise on mamdatory work and suggested work. Anything suggested can be declined.
You may be able to get the work done a bit cheaper with a Rolex trained watchmaker with a parts account albeit at the expense of the Rolex warranty.

[Flyjet601]

Originally Posted by mike

Rolex will always recommend a service on a watch that old. Here's what I think the break down comes to.

Service--about $500 USD
Replace dial and hands--since you state the watch is 10 years old and RSC says it's "faded" I'd guess it's a tritium dial and hand set. Does your dial say SWISS T<25 at the bottom? Rolex loves to replace these as they want to make the watch as new as possible. You may be able to decline this.--Cost abour $250 for the dial and about $300 for the hand set.
Bezel INSERT--about $51 USD last I got one at service.
A new crystal could be about $120 USD.
Is there some kind of damage to the crystal?

In any event of the three RSCs I've delt with --NYC, Dallas, and Beverly Hills--BH would be my first choice. You can call, get instructions, and send direct. They will advise on mamdatory work and suggested work. Anything suggested can be declined.
You may be able to get the work done a bit cheaper with a Rolex trained watchmaker with a parts account albeit at the expense of the Rolex warranty.

It is amazing the price difference Mike. I got my SS DJ serviced by Rolex Hong Kong. 10 years, Service, new dial, new hands and polish....$2400HKD = $300 USD approx.

[mike]

Originally Posted by Flyjet601

It is amazing the price difference Mike. I got my SS DJ serviced by Rolex Hong Kong. 10 years, Service, new dial, new hands and polish....$2400HKD = $300 USD approx.

LOL! Don't I know it Larry. A basic service is twice the price I paid for my 1675 when new!

[gjohnson]

Originally Posted by mike

Rolex will always recommend a service on a watch that old. Here's what I think the break down comes to.

Service--about $500 USD
Replace dial and hands--since you state the watch is 10 years old and RSC says it's "faded" I'd guess it's a tritium dial and hand set. Does your dial say SWISS T<25 at the bottom? Rolex loves to replace these as they want to make the watch as new as possible. You may be able to decline this.--Cost abour $250 for the dial and about $300 for the hand set.
Bezel INSERT--about $51 USD last I got one at service.
A new crystal could be about $120 USD.
Is there some kind of damage to the crystal?

In any event of the three RSCs I've delt with --NYC, Dallas, and Beverly Hills--BH would be my first choice. You can call, get instructions, and send direct. They will advise on mamdatory work and suggested work. Anything suggested can be declined.
You may be able to get the work done a bit cheaper with a Rolex trained watchmaker with a parts account albeit at the expense of the Rolex warranty.

Yes it has Swiss T<25 on the face. What does that actually mean? As far as the crystal it is fine as far as I can see. You add all those up and that is what the jeweler stated/quoted.

I don't mind the basic service - but evrything else is fine to me. I don't mind a few scratches on the bezel or the watch. For 10 years I never took it of my wrist regardless of what job I was doing - pounding nails to working behind a desk designing stuff as an engineer. Not the best pic (actually looks better in person - but not sure how to take pic without glare)



When you mention about the Rolex warranty - what do you mean by that? If you go elsewhere what are you voiding on the warranty? Or what does the warranty gain you.

Boy there is a lot to learn - I wish I found this site years ago.

[SSD]

The warranty comes from Rolex, and is enclosed with the watch when it is returned to you. It would be voided if there are any non-Rolex original parts installed on the watch, such as an aftermarket dial, bezel, etc... When the watch is returned to you, it will be in an as-new condition.

[abigsecret]

The Rolex warranty on new watches is 2 years (back then it was only 1 year), so as of this moment you have no warranty. RSC will give you a 1 year warranty on the movement and water resistance after they service it. Some authorised watchmakers will give you 2 year warranty on the same stuff. The Rolex warranty will not be honored by anybody other then Rolex, the watchmaker's warranty will only count with them, so not via RSC. Hope this makes sense

[gjohnson]

Makes sense guys. Thanks - I actually found the paperwork and box for the watch. It mentioned that the warranty was 1yr.