Local service nightmare, advice?

[1secondslow]

Recently called around for estimates to get my 20 year old 14060m overhauled. I wanted to get it done locally rather than send it in to Rolex because I don't like the idea of having to wait a long time to get my watch back, and I like to support local businesses. Decided on a local watchmaker that quoted me $600. According to their website, they have 40 years experience in watchmaking and has good reviews online.

Before handing my watch over to them, it was running about 10 seconds fast a day. After about 3 weeks, I was informed that my watch was ready for pickup. Upon receiving the watch and inspecting it, I immediately noticed that the bezel was stuck and would barely move. There was also a large piece of debris stuck to the minute hand that I could clearly see with my naked eyes. There were also some minor scratches on the caseback that weren't originally there. Although annoyed, I had them fix the bezel and remove the debris from under the crystal and I took the watch home.

After having the watch for a few days I found it was running about 20 seconds fast a day, which is worse than before I brought it to them!

I brought the watch to a second watchmaker to get another opinion who also has good reviews, and he told me that after putting the watch on a time grapher, it's not running great and will need an overhaul. He said that the watch isn't in terrible shape, but the gears need to be cleaned at the very least.

Anyone experience something like this before? I have a "warranty" with the first shop who worked on my watch, but I don't trust bringing the watch back to them after what happened. The second shop is quoting $700 for an overhaul. I don't want to keep getting scammed for more money, so I'm not sure what to do at this point. Bring it back to the original watchmaker who supposedly did a terrible job or double down and get it overhauled again by a second watch maker. Any advice?

[MRBolton]

I’d bring it back to the first shop and tell them about your second opinion. Tell them that you don’t feel comfortable allowing them to touch the watch again and see if you can come to an agreement for some sort of at least partial refund. You paid for a service that it’s sounding like you didn’t really receive.
You gave them a second chance when they opened it up to remove the debris. If something was wrong then, it should’ve been noticed.
Sounds like your worse off than you were prior to the service.
Personally, unless that second shop has an incredible reputation, I’d send to RSC Dallas.

[LA_LEC]

I also like to support local businesses but a Rolex is a Rolex so why not have them perform the service. You get it done right the first time. You get proof that it is genuine and has been serviced (extending the warranty on said service). I would never let anyone even open my Rolex that wasn't from Rolex.

Send it directly to the mother-ship and wear something else while you wait knowing that upon return it will be like new.

[Robf52]

Originally Posted by LA_LEC

I also like to support local businesses but a Rolex is a Rolex so why not have them perform the service. You get it done right the first time. You get proof that it is genuine and has been serviced (extending the warranty on said service). I would never let anyone even open my Rolex that wasn't from Rolex.

Send it directly to the mother-ship and wear something else while you wait knowing that upon return it will be like new.

x2.

[rmagoo57]

A perfect example of "you get what you pay for" and trying to save a couple hundred dollars. Burn the warranty from the butcher and send it into Rolex and enjoy it for many years.

[DJ2020]

Hmm. Bad situation. I would ask for a refund or dispute payment if paid by CC and advise them of the second opinion. After that was settled to some agreement I would not take anymore chances with a watch I spent 20years with. It would receive a full FACTORY service. It deserves it!

I have begun to send all my watches regardless of brand back to the factory for a proper service of the movement, New factory seals and a actual water resistance test. This also gives me a Factory 2 year warranty on top. The only way to go.

[MJZRolex]

Originally Posted by DJ2020

Hmm. Bad situation. I would ask for a refund or dispute payment if paid by CC and advise them of the second opinion. After that was settled to some agreement I would not take anymore chances with a watch I spent 20years with. It would receive a full FACTORY service. It deserves it!

I have begun to send all my watches regardless of brand back to the factory for a proper service of the movement, New factory seals and a actual water resistance test. This also gives me a Factory 2 year warranty on top. The only way to go.

I totally agree. You deserve some resolution from the first service (but I wouldn't let them do it again) and your Rolex deserves a factory service direct from Rolex. Good luck.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

Six hundred bucks is a suspiciously low price. Missed that red flag. Either see if the local AD can service it or send it back to Rolex. Now more than ever it needs an expert.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by Kevin of Larchmont

Six hundred bucks is a suspiciously low price. Missed that red flag. Either see if the local AD can service it or send it back to Rolex. Now more than ever it needs an expert.

Is it that low for a no-date three-hander? I had an "authorized service center" repair (and mess up) a 3186 and it was under $700. Granted this was about four or five years ago, but still...

[ryangambrill]

Count the $600 as tuition and send to RSC.


Current:
- 16622 & 18078
- Tudor GMT - 79830
Past:
- Sub Serti Silver 16613
- Sub SS w/Date

[joli160]

Originally Posted by ryangambrill

Count the $600 as tuition and send to RSC.

Only this, I don’t let a Renault mechanic work on my Audi either

[nachopc]

I will send it to Rolex no matter what and get my 2 years warranty.


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[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by nachopc

I will send it to Rolex no matter what and get my 2 years warranty.


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This 1+. I mean, so clear. It’s a 14060 a common run of the mill watch. not a 1016 or 1675 etc. send it to Rolex and get it serviced. Accept the $600 as the cost of education. Assuming he didn’t swap out parts rendering it a franken that Rolex won’t touch.


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[RoRoRo]

I like to support businesses that fulfil a job competently should be your motto.

Send it to Rolex and get it sorted like new and lesson learned I’m afraid.

[kieselguhr]

Labor was already performed. Only recourse for unsatisfying work would be to have them work on it again under warranty. I would avoid that route as they have clearly demonstrated their workmanship the first time and you would only be subjecting your watch to further amateur hour sessions.

As others have mentioned. Lesson learned for $600. Send it to Rolex. Unless you need another lesson for $700.

[214270Explorer]

Get your watch straightened out any way you can.

From now on, send your old Rolex watches to CW21 Phillip Ridley in Mesa, Arizona.

[email protected]
Ridleywatchmakers.com
817.821.2118

He is a well known and well respected Vintage Rolex expert, highly regarded here at TRF.

[crew]

Originally Posted by rmagoo57

A perfect example of "you get what you pay for" and trying to save a couple hundred dollars. Burn the warranty from the butcher and send it into Rolex and enjoy it for many years.

Originally Posted by Kevin of Larchmont

Six hundred bucks is a suspiciously low price. Missed that red flag. Either see if the local AD can service it or send it back to Rolex. Now more than ever it needs an expert.

Originally Posted by ryangambrill

Count the $600 as tuition and send to RSC.


Current:
- 16622 & 18078
- Tudor GMT - 79830
Past:
- Sub Serti Silver 16613
- Sub SS w/Date

Originally Posted by kieselguhr

Labor was already performed. Only recourse for unsatisfying work would be to have them work on it again under warranty. I would avoid that route as they have clearly demonstrated their workmanship the first time and you would only be subjecting your watch to further amateur hour sessions.

As others have mentioned. Lesson learned for $600. Send it to Rolex. Unless you need another lesson for $700.

Originally Posted by 214270Explorer

Get your watch straightened out any way you can.

From now on, send your old Rolex watches to CW21 Phillip Ridley in Mesa, Arizona.

[email protected]
Ridleywatchmakers.com
817.821.2118

He is a well known and well respected Vintage Rolex expert, highly regarded here at TRF.

All of the above. Lesson learned. (Hopefully)

[Laszlo]

Haha on the 1 second slow.

With second opinion get your money back.

Send to RSC.

[duke]

To quote my long dead grandfather, "the second kick of a mule is no education". Send it to a RSC.

[Rebel]

Originally Posted by duke

To quote my long dead grandfather, "the second kick of a mule is no education". Send it to a RSC.

Your grandfather was wise. This!

[KY..]

Originally Posted by duke

To quote my long dead grandfather, "the second kick of a mule is no education". Send it to a RSC.

Great quote, and funny too…

If you don’t have a relationship with a good watchmaker that you are comfortable with it is hard to believe the hype of good reviews these days unless you know the reviewer…
I’ve had good results when referred to supposed professionals by friends and people I trust…
Beware the snake oil salesmen that still lurk out there…
For you, the only option is to send it back home to RSC for TLC…

[ryangambrill]

I made this error one time on some quartz watches. Specifically a Movado and Baume & Mercier. Asked if they were experience for a simple battery change. Both watches ended up with moisture within a couple days. Never make the same error again. Glad it did not happen to my Rolex etc. the movado was scarred for life. Sucks.


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[kxux]

I just had full service on my 10 years old GMT in local Rolex dealer. All work made in house by certified watch maker. And paid close to what you did - to be fair 150 more.

They did outstanding work, watch is like new and runs well. Not that this helps your situation, but maybe someone reading this later will decide to use Rolex dealer with service capabilities and saves some headache.


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[Dirt]

You wanted a quickie and you got it.
There's no substitute for quality workmanship like the very best of the independents or Rolex.
Your bias toward supporting local businesses also played a part
As my Grandfather used to say "There's no experience like the experience you pay for".

[Jefferyasher]

I called Dallas RSC yesterday and was quoted a service price of $700 (plus any other items that were extra). So you were really just saving time (and possibly not that much). As others have said, send it to RSC or see if they will send it and compensate you for part of the service (if not all).

[Fleetlord]

RSC ONLY for MODERN ROLEX.

Vintage is a different animal...

Again...RSC ONLY

[ryangambrill]

I would document the situation and dispute the CC Charge if the first shop does not step up to the plate. Hopefully Amex.


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[vinny84]

If you send it to RSC, see if you can send it to the Lititz, PA RSC. I was told all vintage Rolex along with modern ones get serviced there. Probably your best option

[chieftd]

Send to Rik Dietel in FL. Time Care Inc. Search for threads on him in this forum. He is great, excellent service.

http://www.timecareinc.com/


Good luck.

Cheers, Tim

[SearChart]

Send it to Rolex service center.