when rolex won't service you b/c your watches are too old--where do you go?

[surfnli]

have an old tudor sub and a rolex oyster, was advised by the rolex service center in manhattan when i went in to adjust the bracelets that both are too old for them to service. are there any reputable watch servicers/repairers in NYC that people take their old rolexes to?

also, as an aside--what the heck, why wouldn't rolex do it no matter how old the watch is? slightly miffed by that response.

[rain_maker]

I dont know about in the City but you can send to Bob Ridley at Watchmakers Intrnl or Rikki at Time Care Inc

[harry in montreal]

to the original poster: you should be able find a great watchmaker in the NY area. i would not take my tudor sub to a rolex center even if they agreed to take on the cleaning. if the watch is screwed up and you dont want to deal with it, sell it to a charming opportunist like me !

[Mickey®]

They actually say they won't even "try"?
I'd have more respect if they'd give it a go...

If they have to hand make a couple hundred parts per year for those few who have watches for 30+ years. I think they should...

How old is the Rolex Oyster?

Thx.

Just one man's opinion...

[Jason71]

I've heard good things about Andrew Shear. I believe he is in your area. I am not sure that he would service your Rolex, but he would definitely know the best contacts

BTW, he is in the sticky at the top listed as vintage dealers

[bardamu]

This is of little help to the OP, but apart from Rolex will any of the other large high end brands refuse to service their older models? I've never heard of PP, AP, or JLC turn away a watch -- I've heard of repairs costing many thousands and requiring close to a year to complete, but never an outright refusal. Do brands like Cartier (Richemont) or Omega have a policy similar to Rolex's?

[roadcarver]

RSC Toronto serviced my wife's 6618 - they warned me though it may be hard to source the dial, but they did. It took 2 months to overhaul the watch.

[oldbronco]

I sent a 1937 Bubbleback to Bob Ridley. it took 2 months, @ the work was fabulous.

[harry in montreal]

LOL that they wont service a tudor sub. my dopey local watchmakers service them easily. with a common ETA movement and a case that was basically a rolex part in use for decades. not nice on them.

[slcbbrown]

I have never had a problem with service on a 30 year old Rolex. I use any of several non-RSC watch guys in the Dallas area but have found others in other cities, too. One of my favorites is Manny Chamosa. I'm guessing that there are plenty in NY.

[azguy]

Send it to Bob Ridley, no doubt about it

[Mike1066]

There is a sticky of great vintage watch service guys. That may be a good place to look.