Rolex Servicing Questions

[Ravager135]

I have a couple questions regarding Rolex servicing. I have a 16610 that is about due for a service. Everything is in working order but it's about time it had a look over, had some scratches seen to, and pressure tested.

1. Will an AD send your Rolex for you to a servicing center? In my case I am assuming NYC is the closest. If not whom do I contact to arrange this? The service center directly?

2. How much does a service routinely cost for a stainless steel watch that requires no major parts? I am anticipating a cleaning and some scratches removed.

3. At five years is my watch better served by just sticking with an AD's offered servicing. I am assuming the answer here is no but I thought I'd ask.

The watch is about five years old, has no issues. It was banged up a lot during my internship. Just want to do what's right by the watch as it is my most sentimental piece. I differ to the experts for your opinion and insight.

Respectfully,

Evan

[JJL]

Not sure why nobody responded, I'm no expert at all but figured I'd share the little I know. I haven't sent my Rolex in yet but probably will in the next year or so.

1. I think you should contact the nearest (or whichever RSC you prefer) via phone and tell them you want to send it in for service. They will tell you exactly what to do as far as shipping it, where to ship it to, etc.. You can ask them any questions. In my case, I live in CT, so I will probably go into NYC and drop it off to avoid shipping charges and potential errors.

2. From what I've read, around 600-800 (assuming you don't need replacement pieces). They clean everything up, inside and outside and it comes back looking brand new. It also comes back with a 2 year warranty, just like when it was brought brand new.

3. I think it depends on the person. RSC is the safest bet, but you will most likely pay more than you would at a watch maker / AD that services Rolexes. If you know someone that is highly recommended by other experts, that might be the better choice since it will probably be cheaper. In my honest opinion, I'd like to send mine back to RSC. I know it will get done right, it will come with the Rolex warranty which is great for piece of mind and good for resale.

That's my 2 cents on your post. For those of you who have experience, please feel free to chime in and correct anything I may not be wrong about.

[z32turbo]

I would rather deal with RSC directly then go thru my AD. That way they contact me with any decisions/questions and not let any employee's at the AD make decisons on my behalf.

[Frosty]

Originally Posted by z32turbo

I would rather deal with RSC directly then go thru my AD. That way they contact me with any decisions/questions and not let any employee's at the AD make decisons on my behalf.

X2. If I had not been deeling directly with the RSC I would not have known I could switch from a black dial to a blue one. They also told me why they were suggesting some things being done. The service was $600 each on a GMT/Sub, and the turnaround was three weeks.

[Z-Sub]

$600 for GMT-II C recently at RSC-Beverly Hills

[JJL]

Originally Posted by Frosty

X2. If I had not been deeling directly with the RSC I would not have known I could switch from a black dial to a blue one. They also told me why they were suggesting some things being done. The service was $600 each on a GMT/Sub, and the turnaround was three weeks.

RSC asked you if you wanted to switch your black dialed Sub to a blue dial? Was it a TT? I'm confused and thought they only would put it back exactly how it was originally offered (as far as dials, bezels, etc...)?

[rolio]

Just got my GMT classic back from the RSC, in Dallas. Servicing was $600 + $85 my AD charged me for shipping. Plus, as stated earlier, all dialogue will be through the AD, and not the timepiece owner. Next time, I will deal directly with Rolex myself. I just like to stay in the loop of things.

[Frosty]

Originally Posted by JJL

RSC asked you if you wanted to switch your black dialed Sub to a blue dial? Was it a TT? I'm confused and thought they only would put it back exactly how it was originally offered (as far as dials, bezels, etc...)?

No, they told me that I would have to replace my black dial, because of crackling, if I wanted it serviced. They were afraid bits would move into the movement and damage it. I had been playing with the idea of getting a blue dial watch and bought a cheap one to see if I would like it. I did, so I asked the RSC if they would switch it to a blue dial and insert, since the dials were the same price. They said they would. They also would change the hands. I told them to go ahead and change it. I am glad they did.

This is a picture of them the day I got them back.

[JJL]

Originally Posted by Frosty

No, they told me that I would have to replace my black dial, because of crackling, if I wanted it serviced. They were afraid bits would move into the movement and damage it. I had been playing with the idea of getting a blue dial watch and bought a cheap one to see if I would like it. I did, so I asked the RSC if they would switch it to a blue dial and insert, since the dials were the same price. They said they would. They also would change the hands. I told them to go ahead and change it. I am glad they did.

This is a picture of them the day I got them back.

that is really cool that they gave you that option. Kind of like getting a fresh new look for your watch, and I supposed next time you send it in you can always ask if they can put it back to the black for you!

Your watches look great! Hidden GMT hand!

[roadcarver]

If you use an AD to send to RSC, the service record will be under your AD and not through you.

A typical cost for regular overhaul (includes new seals, gaskets, polishing, pressure testing) to cost around $545 + taxes. The turnaround time is approx 4 weeks.

Rolex will also send you a service estimate prior to doing any work.

I also believe if you call your nearest RSC, they can make arrangements to send you a service pkg envelope.

[kilyung]

Deal with RSC directly otherwise they won't speak with you directly if there's an issue (AD would be on record as POC). RSC will send you packaging materials and instructions - just need to find brown packaging tape. Make sure to use USPS (per instructions) and insure for full value. Service will cost around $800 (there was recently a service price increase) but polishing is included - excluding any parts required.

[roadcarver]

I just took my SD last week to RSC in Toronto and the overhaul quote for me was $580. $800 for a regular standard overhaul sounds a little pricey, that prices seems like it has parts replaced in that price.

Originally Posted by kilyung

Deal with RSC directly otherwise they won't speak with you directly if there's an issue (AD would be on record as POC). RSC will send you packaging materials and instructions - just need to find brown packaging tape. Make sure to use USPS (per instructions) and insure for full value. Service will cost around $800 (there was recently a service price increase) but polishing is included - excluding any parts required.

[mrbill2mrbill2]

$650 in the US.

Check with TRF member Rikki for service.

If it must be RSC go with Dallas stay away from NYC.


cheers:

[james1787]

I just dropped my 1999 14060 sub off last week to the RSC in NYC
$600 for service
$75 for replacement crown (it was worn)
+tax

came to $734.

Since I'm not far by car or train I decided to drop it off in person. I'll pick it up in person when it's ready. They estimated 3-4 weeks turnaround time.

[jdm124]

My daughter will be taking four Rolexes (what is the plural of 'Rolex'?) and a Tudor to the RSC in NYC this week to get estimates for various repairs and services - I will report when I know something.

[Dr. Robert]

My indie....has Rolex tools & access to Rolex parts......I had my P serial 16610 serviced......clean, oil, adjust & pressure test, new mainspring & all gaskets= US$480.

[PeteNYC13]

Not sure what part of Maryland you are in...but, if you are close to D.C., Tiny Jewel Box has a Rolex watchmaker and can service for you.

Just an option - I have dealt with them before and it's a good location. Just had my second service on my ten year old sub and it really does come back looking as good as new, literally.

[Ravager135]

I spend quite a bit of time in DC and will check out and price out Tiny Jewel Box. I appreciate all the help and feedback. I want to give my Sub some love since it looks worn compared to my newer Explorer. I appreciate all the information and help.

[PeteNYC13]

Originally Posted by Ravager135

I spend quite a bit of time in DC and will check out and price out Tiny Jewel Box. I appreciate all the help and feedback. I want to give my Sub some love since it looks worn compared to my newer Explorer. I appreciate all the information and help.

___________________________-

Good luck, can't wait to see pictures when it's all done with servicing

[blue lion]

My 16613 is due for the same service. I called RSC in Dallas and they said $600 for routine service. I could either ship it directly to them or take it to my AD who would charge the same $600 and would ship it for me. The RSC rep I talked to encouraged me to use my AD for the shipping.

[Ravager135]

Originally Posted by PeteNYC13

___________________________-

Good luck, can't wait to see pictures when it's all done with servicing

I will definitely get those for you. I am going to swing by my AD tomorrow and talk turkey. Lucky I have a beauty to keep me company while I wait.

[Hairdude1]

Good company to keep you occupied!

[zeuloa]

I would wait a few years, until the 7 year mark. When that time comes I would send directly to RSC Dallas.

[slcbbrown]

Originally Posted by zeuloa

I would wait a few years, until the 7 year mark. When that time comes I would send directly to RSC Dallas.

I thought 7 years was the new timing, too. However, pressure testing (cheap) never hurts. I work about 3 miles from RSC-Dallas but have used other watch tech's for service for the last 26 years in Dallas. I'm sure there are lots of good watch guys near DC who can do nice work for you. Some AD's have their own watch tech, but they'll typically charge Rolex prices.

[azguy]

I would have it pressure tested and continue to wear it, 5 years is waaaay to early in my opinion.....

[zeuloa]

I would wait a few years, until the 7 year mark. When that time comes I would send directly to RSC Dallas.

[garpesce]

the old saw "if it ain't broke..." applies to rolex watches, too.
advice from rolex service evp, two mgrs of service dept, nyc.
if "opc" keeps reasonably good time, with nighttime adjustments, leave it be.

regional authorized service centers are overloaded, lag times are very long, repair costs for chronometer overhaul are high, service quality is stretched thin. it was a big problem in the '60s, it's got to be much bigger now. mechanical movement watchmakers (repair techs) are scarce, for decades, the swiss have struggled to replace retiring watchmakers. you get the idea.

finally, case and bracelet maintenance can be left to local "ad"s if you know their good reputation is deserved. you might ask to see some of their work.
i tend to ramble. so, that's "30".

[Axelord]

I have worn my vintage 1930's Rolex for 22 yrs, almost every day, and up until 3 days ago, it worked fine. I never had it serviced in all that time. Its in the shop getting fixed now and I am to pick it up in about 2 weeks. whenever they call and say its ready....It will cost about $500, and I expect it to work perfectly for another 22 yrs.

[james1787]

I picked up my Rolex for RSC NY today and here are the results (next 2-3 posts)

[james1787]

I picked up my Rolex for RSC NY today and here are the results (next 2-3 posts - before and after shots)