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austinnh · 27 May 2010, 01:36 AM

First of all, good morning! This is my first post I'm looking forward to lots of learning and contributing.

This is a bit complicated. I just picked up a sub (14060M non-COSC, my first Rolex) from a private collector, and it has stopped (EDIT: Yes, I have wound it fully).

It was serviced less than a year ago (before I owned it) by Zimbal's in Clearwater, FL. I have spoken with them and they agreed to fix it under warranty. Using Rolex parts. But I'm in Philly and sometimes D.C. so I would have to ship it to them.

My other option is to take it to a local place that my dad has always trusted with his Rolex and have them do a full service. This will be much more expensive of course.

Can't decide which I should do. Does anyone know anything about Zimbal's? Should I trust them with the watch? I should mention that I am VERY protective of this dial. I've seen Rolexes with marks on the dial and I would be really disappointed to have this watch come back from either place with a new mark on the dial. Is there any way I can protect myself against this? Does anyone know if watches ever come back from a Rolex Service Center with a mark on the dial?

Thanks so much!
-Austin

DRAWTOOL · 27 May 2010, 01:47 AM

First off Welcome to the forum!

Secondly, you say the watch stopped, I'm sure you know they will do that If off the wrist for 40hrs or so.

padi56 · 27 May 2010, 01:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by austinnh

First of all, good morning! This is my first post I'm looking forward to lots of learning and contributing.

This is a bit complicated. I just picked up a sub (14060M non-COSC, my first Rolex) from a private collector, and it has stopped.

It was serviced less than a year ago (before I owned it) by Zimbal's in Clearwater, FL. I have spoken with them and they agreed to fix it under warranty. Using Rolex parts. But I'm in Philly and sometimes D.C. so I would have to ship it to them.

My other option is to take it to a local place that my dad has always trusted with his Rolex and have them do a full service. This will be much more expensive of course.

Can't decide which I should do. Does anyone know anything about Zimbal's? Should I trust them with the watch? I should mention that I am VERY protective of this dial. I've seen Rolexes with marks on the dial and I would be really disappointed to have this watch come back from either place with a new mark on the dial. Is there any way I can protect myself against this? Does anyone know if watches ever come back from a Rolex Service Center with a mark on the dial?

Thanks so much!
-Austin

You must give your watch a full manual wind around 40 full crown turns clockwise to start.Then if worn for around 8- 12 hours a day that should keep its power reserve for when off wrist over night.On a full manual wind your watch will run for between 39 to 42 plus hours off wrist then it will stop.

austinnh · 27 May 2010, 02:55 AM

I gave it a full manual wind of ~40 turns. That usually gets it going again but it stops after a few hours. I guess I should have specified that I'm not new to mechanical watches, just new to Rolex. I'll edit the original post. Thanks for the replies!

DRAWTOOL · 27 May 2010, 03:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by austinnh

I gave it a full manual wind of ~40 turns. That usually gets it going again but it stops after a few hours. I guess I should have specified that I'm not new to mechanical watches, just new to Rolex. I'll edit the original post. Thanks for the replies!

That being said, I'd take it to a local AD or trust your dad's watchmaker and just be specific about what you want done. I know nothing of Zimbals.

Tools · 27 May 2010, 03:05 AM

If the original service Dealer is reputable, the best course is to send it to them under warranty...

If you are interested in the watch being returned to "like new" condition, then you will have to bite the bullet and use either the Rolex Service Center or a Rolex contracted watchmaker (usually these are at the larger AD's).

I'm not sure that there is a reason to be "protective" of your dial... they are not generally scratched or ruined, but if it was, a 14060M dial is easily replaced....

austinnh · 27 May 2010, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tools

If the original service Dealer is reputable, the best course is to send it to them under warranty...

That's the thing. I know nothing about this jeweler except that they apparently stand behind their warranties even after the watch has seen three different owners since they serviced it. They don't seem to have a website.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tools

If you are interested in the watch being returned to "like new" condition, then you will have to bite the bullet and use either the Rolex Service Center or a Rolex contracted watchmaker (usually these are at the larger AD's).

Incidentally it is "like new" externally... now if only it worked...

Rolex contracted watchmaker? Now I'm confused. I did some reading around on the whole authorized/certified Rolex this or that. The impression I got was that there are three authorized Rolex service centers and there are retailers. Nothing else. No such thing as authorized Rolex service other than those three and no certified Rolex watchmakers (except for those working at the three RSC). Anyone care to clarify?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tools

I'm not sure that there is a reason to be "protective" of your dial... they are not generally scratched or ruined, but if it was, a 14060M dial is easily replaced....

I've had two automatics done at a local jeweler (not my dad's) and I think both of them came back with new marks on the dial. (maybe I just didn't notice them before?

) I wasn't too bummed about those watches but I would be unhappy if that happened to my sub, and certainly don't want the hassle of getting a new dial. Just want the watch on my wrist looking as beautiful as it does right now except working.

Thanks for the replies!

(that smiley always makes me want beer...

)

Tools · 27 May 2010, 09:28 AM

Welcome to the unusual world of Rolex...

There are several Rolex Service Centers around the country, and all are good; including San Fran, Chicago, and others. There are only two Corporate owned Centers, NYC and Dallas; Beverly Hills is closed. However, there is a major Rolex Watchmaker School and adjoining Service Center in Lititz, PA.

You will also find many good Rolex contracted watchmakers.. These businessmen have Rolex accounts and follow Rolex procedures when servicing your watch... frequently the watchmaker at the larger Dealers are contracted (authorized) to service a Rolex.

(there really isn't any such thing anymore as a "certified" Rolex watchmaker except to say that some may have Rolex training certificates)

If you have had work done at Dad's watchmaker and they damaged dials, do not take your Rolex there....

austinnh · 27 May 2010, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tools

If you have had work done at Dad's watchmaker and they damaged dials, do not take your Rolex there....

Nah it wasn't at my dad's, just another random place and I definitely won't take my Rolex there.

nauticajoe · 27 May 2010, 09:40 AM

Autin, where you from in Philly? I'm coming from Bucks cty.

In any event, there is a shop in center city that is known for Rolex repair (sorry, don't know the name). You may want to google search these guys. Worse case, you always have the RSC here in PA.

Good luck!

austinnh · 27 May 2010, 10:33 AM

I'm right in Center City. I'd really like to know what that shop is if it is particularly good. Fact is there are several jewelers I know of who will gladly service a Rolex and I could start naming them. I don't know if any are particularly good so a recommendation would be great.

nauticajoe · 27 May 2010, 10:44 AM

Try Govberg. Also, you may want to get a hold of Benari in Exton. I know their service dept. comes highly recommended.

Good Luck!

greekbum · 27 May 2010, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by austinnh

Does anyone know anything about Zimbal's? Should I trust them with the watch?

http://www.clearwatergazette.com/20060316/rolex.html
I dont know if they have a watchmaker with a parts account?PM Rikki the watchmaker on this site he is not to far from there store and might know.

austinnh · 27 May 2010, 12:01 PM

They have a parts account, told me on the phone.

Thanks for the link! They sound like a good place.

I'll PM Rikki, thanks!

padi56 · 27 May 2010, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by austinnh

They have a parts account, told me on the phone.

Thanks for the link! They sound like a good place.

I'll PM Rikki, thanks!

Yes Rikki is one of the good guys but there are quite a few others but if you want a quick turnaround then its a independent like Rikki.

Traveler · 27 May 2010, 01:03 PM

I would recommend you send it to a RSC. Tell what they find..and I would also have a few words with the 'private collector' that you purchased it from as well.

sakuraba · 27 May 2010, 01:51 PM

I always like to start "base zero" on any new-to-me watch.. The best way to do that IMO, is through an RSC service.

Good luck.

austinnh · 27 May 2010, 02:08 PM

I spoke to the private collector, he's been helpful and offered to help pay for shipping to Zimbal's. I don't think he deliberately sold me a broken watch.

What is typical turnaround for an RSC? I admit I'm a bit impatient to get this watch working on and on my wrist.

Will an RSC insist on polishing it? The case is not perfect but it's close to it and I don't want it polished. Can an RSC accommodate that request?

sakuraba · 27 May 2010, 02:14 PM

An RSC should take about a month for a service. The polishing is up to you. Definitely something you can decline, but the cost will be the same. They will provide you with a list of things that needs to be done, and those that they advice you to do.

walds11 · 27 May 2010, 07:48 PM

Is you want fast, dependable and reasonably priced service, send it down to Rik.

JimSnyder · 27 May 2010, 08:28 PM

Have no worries about Zimbal's. They are vey good. I have a good friend who has sent several Rolexs to them for service

austinnh · 22 June 2010, 07:23 AM

Thanks for all the input guys. I sent it to Zimbal's and it is now running great. Has gained about a second in five days!

Nicko · 22 June 2010, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by austinnh

Thanks for all the input guys. I sent it to Zimbal's and it is now running great. Has gained about a second in five days!

Congrats! Glad you have it back on your wrist again!

27 May 2010, 01:36 AM	#1
austinnh Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Philly Posts: 156	Hello! Sub stopped, requesting advice. First of all, good morning! This is my first post I'm looking forward to lots of learning and contributing. This is a bit complicated. I just picked up a sub (14060M non-COSC, my first Rolex) from a private collector, and it has stopped (EDIT: Yes, I have wound it fully). It was serviced less than a year ago (before I owned it) by Zimbal's in Clearwater, FL. I have spoken with them and they agreed to fix it under warranty. Using Rolex parts. But I'm in Philly and sometimes D.C. so I would have to ship it to them. My other option is to take it to a local place that my dad has always trusted with his Rolex and have them do a full service. This will be much more expensive of course. Can't decide which I should do. Does anyone know anything about Zimbal's? Should I trust them with the watch? I should mention that I am VERY protective of this dial. I've seen Rolexes with marks on the dial and I would be really disappointed to have this watch come back from either place with a new mark on the dial. Is there any way I can protect myself against this? Does anyone know if watches ever come back from a Rolex Service Center with a mark on the dial? Thanks so much! -Austin

27 May 2010, 03:05 AM	#6
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,515	If the original service Dealer is reputable, the best course is to send it to them under warranty... If you are interested in the watch being returned to "like new" condition, then you will have to bite the bullet and use either the Rolex Service Center or a Rolex contracted watchmaker (usually these are at the larger AD's). I'm not sure that there is a reason to be "protective" of your dial... they are not generally scratched or ruined, but if it was, a 14060M dial is easily replaced.... __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

27 May 2010, 09:28 AM	#8
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,515	Welcome to the unusual world of Rolex... There are several Rolex Service Centers around the country, and all are good; including San Fran, Chicago, and others. There are only two Corporate owned Centers, NYC and Dallas; Beverly Hills is closed. However, there is a major Rolex Watchmaker School and adjoining Service Center in Lititz, PA. You will also find many good Rolex contracted watchmakers.. These businessmen have Rolex accounts and follow Rolex procedures when servicing your watch... frequently the watchmaker at the larger Dealers are contracted (authorized) to service a Rolex. (there really isn't any such thing anymore as a "certified" Rolex watchmaker except to say that some may have Rolex training certificates) If you have had work done at Dad's watchmaker and they damaged dials, do not take your Rolex there.... __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

27 May 2010, 01:51 PM	#17
sakuraba "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Real Name: Jib Location: SJ, California Watch: sun dial Posts: 8,189	I always like to start "base zero" on any new-to-me watch.. The best way to do that IMO, is through an RSC service. Good luck. __________________ F 14000 AirKing black F 16710 GMT Pepsi F 16570 Explorer II white T 16600 SD D 16610 LV "fine quality is remembered long after the pain of spending money" -Steve Mulholland

27 May 2010, 02:14 PM	#19
sakuraba "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Real Name: Jib Location: SJ, California Watch: sun dial Posts: 8,189	An RSC should take about a month for a service. The polishing is up to you. Definitely something you can decline, but the cost will be the same. They will provide you with a list of things that needs to be done, and those that they advice you to do. __________________ F 14000 AirKing black F 16710 GMT Pepsi F 16570 Explorer II white T 16600 SD D 16610 LV "fine quality is remembered long after the pain of spending money" -Steve Mulholland

27 May 2010, 02:55 AM	#4
austinnh Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Philly Posts: 156	I gave it a full manual wind of ~40 turns. That usually gets it going again but it stops after a few hours. I guess I should have specified that I'm not new to mechanical watches, just new to Rolex. I'll edit the original post. Thanks for the replies!

27 May 2010, 09:40 AM	#10
nauticajoe "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Joe Location: PA Posts: 14,774	Autin, where you from in Philly? I'm coming from Bucks cty. In any event, there is a shop in center city that is known for Rolex repair (sorry, don't know the name). You may want to google search these guys. Worse case, you always have the RSC here in PA. Good luck!

27 May 2010, 10:33 AM	#11
austinnh Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Philly Posts: 156	I'm right in Center City. I'd really like to know what that shop is if it is particularly good. Fact is there are several jewelers I know of who will gladly service a Rolex and I could start naming them. I don't know if any are particularly good so a recommendation would be great.

27 May 2010, 10:44 AM	#12
nauticajoe "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Joe Location: PA Posts: 14,774	Try Govberg. Also, you may want to get a hold of Benari in Exton. I know their service dept. comes highly recommended. Good Luck!

27 May 2010, 12:01 PM	#14
austinnh Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Philly Posts: 156	They have a parts account, told me on the phone. Thanks for the link! They sound like a good place. I'll PM Rikki, thanks!

27 May 2010, 01:03 PM	#16
Traveler Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 374	I would recommend you send it to a RSC. Tell what they find..and I would also have a few words with the 'private collector' that you purchased it from as well.

27 May 2010, 02:08 PM	#18
austinnh Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Philly Posts: 156	I spoke to the private collector, he's been helpful and offered to help pay for shipping to Zimbal's. I don't think he deliberately sold me a broken watch. What is typical turnaround for an RSC? I admit I'm a bit impatient to get this watch working on and on my wrist. Will an RSC insist on polishing it? The case is not perfect but it's close to it and I don't want it polished. Can an RSC accommodate that request?

27 May 2010, 07:48 PM	#20
walds11 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Real Name: Adam Location: Philly ‘burbs Posts: 5,660	Is you want fast, dependable and reasonably priced service, send it down to Rik. __________________ Adam

27 May 2010, 08:28 PM	#21
JimSnyder "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Real Name: Jim Snyder Location: Ohio Watch: Ask me later..... Posts: 7,726	Have no worries about Zimbal's. They are vey good. I have a good friend who has sent several Rolexs to them for service __________________ "You ain't lived, 'til you've had your tires rotated by a red-headed women."

22 June 2010, 07:23 AM	#22
austinnh Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Philly Posts: 156	Thanks for all the input guys. I sent it to Zimbal's and it is now running great. Has gained about a second in five days!

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