Repairs by Rolex Canada, or by a local company based in Vancouver B.C.?

[PeterKam]

Hi everyone,

Just recently posted asking if my watch was worth repairing and got a huge, "FOR SURE!".

Since I am in British Columbia, Canada, I thought I would first check out local watch repair shops. I came across Otto Friedl Limited in Vancouver and gave them a call. It appears they do all the same repairs as Rolex Canada. I also called Rolex Canada and received a quote. They were more expensive than Otto Friedl.

While saving on repair costs in good thing, it's more important to me that the job is done correctly, and the company doing so, stands behind their service. I also prefer to support a local business. However, am I taking a risk by not going directly to Rolex Canada for my repairs?

Peter

[theprocess]

Take it to RSC. It will come back almost new.

[Chewbacca]

otto is about 15 - 20% less but i prefer the RSC treatment for the paperwork, 2yr warranty and the nice box it comes back in.

i'd use Brinkhaus if you're on the mainland. they've always done good work on my repairs. FYI, they're now owned by Mayors/Birks.

can't wait to see it when its done.

[jctrolex]

If it is only a 10-15% difference I would send it to RSC.

[Eric Chan]

Originally Posted by jctrolex

If it is only a 10-15% difference I would send it to RSC.

I agree.

I have had one watches serviced by RSC and one by Brinkhaus and both came back looking like new. No complaints. The only thing I saved on was shipping when I sent it to Brinkhaus. Other than that, the price is identical to that of RSC.

[tkerrmd]

Then send it to RSC

[tma888]

I have a Yacht-Master on lay away and as soon as I get it, Im bringing it to
Brinkhaus.

The paperwork and 2 year warranty is worth the price difference.

Btw, whats the current turn around time for Brinkhaus? Thanks.

[Rolex57]

Biggest problem for you is finding someone with a Rolex Parts account. I know some watchmakers will replace parts with non-Rolex parts, or worse, re-use parts they shouldn't like gaskets.

Next problem is, if you have a diver, you need special equipment to pressure test it. I don't know any non-Rolex watchmakers that own a Comex pressurizer.

[PeterKam]

The quote I received from Rolex Canada is 42% more than Otto Friedl. Confirmed with each one of them what services, and what items, were included. They were identical, with the exception that Otto Friedl offers a one year warranty, and I believe Rolex Canada offers 2 years (didn't ask about the warranty, but have read that it is 2 years). Rolex Canada did say they water test the watch, which I'm not sure if Otto Friedl does or not.

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by PeterKam

The quote I received from Rolex Canada is 42% more than Otto Friedl. Confirmed with each one of them what services, and what items, were included. They were identical, with the exception that Otto Friedl offers a one year warranty, and I believe Rolex Canada offers 2 years (didn't ask about the warranty, but have read that it is 2 years). Rolex Canada did say they water test the watch, which I'm not sure if Otto Friedl does or not.

wow. that's a difference.

fwiw, rsc will do a restoration. all or nothing with vintage unless you request omissions. my last 14060 2 liner was $875.00

otto may have just quoted what you described as being needed. once opened, the quote could change.

go with your gut.

[PeterKam]

Originally Posted by Chewbacca

wow. that's a difference.

once opened, the quote could change . . .

That would be true for all the quotes I received (contacted Brinkhaus as well). All 3 companies indicated that the service would include the crystal, seal(s), polishing, etc for the base price. And that the price could go up if they find other things that require service, i.e. parts, etc. That I can accept. But it's the base price, and "gut feel", that I need to consider:

Base price:

• Otto Friedl - $380
• Rolex Canada - $540
• Brinkhaus - $650

Gut feeling:

• Still reviewing, but I know which one I enjoyed talking to more . . .

Peter

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by PeterKam

That would be true for all the quotes I received (contacted Brinkhaus as well). All 3 companies indicated that the service would include the crystal, seal(s), polishing, etc for the base price. And that the price could go up if they find other things that require service, i.e. parts, etc. That I can accept. But it's the base price, and "gut feel", that I need to consider:

Base price:

• Otto Friedl - $380
• Rolex Canada - $540
• Brinkhaus - $650

Gut feeling:

• Still reviewing, but I know which one I enjoyed talking to more . . .

Peter

its like a dating site.

go otto in that case. its a cool name.

[PeterKam]

Originally Posted by Chewbacca

its like a dating site.

go otto in that case. its a cool name.

Yeah . . . but then I kept looking, and now I think I've settled on someone else. Another company, referred to me by someone on this forum. Gave the company, MPPM on Vancouver Island, a call and was quite impressed with all the details provided, including a breakdown of item by item pricing, should they need replacement. Apparently they are Rolex Canada certified and provide the same 2 year warranty.

[tma888]

Otto is a great local company. The people there are quite friendly and competent.
If Brinkhaus is not just literally across the street, I will definitely use Otto.

[salem65]

I had my 1970's Batman watch fixed and serviced at Otto Friedl's. Everything went smooth and I would definitely use them again.

[jctrolex]

Originally Posted by salem65

I had my 1970's Batman watch fixed and serviced at Otto Friedl's. Everything went smooth and I would definitely use them again.

Batman watch?

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by jctrolex

Batman watch?

forget it. walk away. let it go.

[salem65]

Originally Posted by jctrolex

Batman watch?

Yep, I got it as a gift when I was a kid. It is a yellow face with Batman on it. I think I posted a pic of it at one time on here.

The plastic crystal had cracked and the winding mechanism no longer worked. Took it to Otto Friedl and they were able to find the parts, fix it and lube it up. Looks and runs great.

[jctrolex]

If it is 42% difference I would tend to use Otto. Having said that Rolex will probably bring your watch back to near new condition, if that is important enough to you to pay the difference.
Like I said I've used them to service my 1675 Pepsi and was really pleased with the result. I have also purchased a vintage watch from them, the rotor sounded loud to me about 6 months alter, they took it in and re-serviced it no questions asked. The watchmaker there told me they used to be the Patek service centre in Vancouver until Brinkhaus took over the dealership. I guess if they are competent enough to service a Patek they can certainly service a Rolex.

[cdnwatchguy]

Otto's does some great work however.....so does RSC Toronto. Tough call, I have had work done at both places. It comes down to whether or not the premium charged by RSC is worth it to you.

[arinsd]

I say use the RSC... Its been a long time and you want to have it done right. Since the watch was a gift and will probably be worth a decent amount of money why not get it done with the piece of mind that its all oringal Rolex parts. Im sure the other guys do a great job but I just like knowing its all Rolex parts and more importantly it was polished correctly.

I also agree with what Chewbacca stated. The quote from Otto may go up as they open it and see there is more damage or more parts needed for a complete restoration.

[alastairbird]

I have had my 5500 Explorer serviced at Otto Friedl for the last 20+ years - it's from 1963 and needs (fairly) regular love. I trust their work and wouldn't hesitate for a second to have them work on any of my timepieces. In fact, they just replaced the mainspring in my 1971 Omega Flightmaster (that was painful) and it works better than it did when I bought it.

The other thing, of course, is that I have no interest in having my watch 'looking like new'. I have heard stories of people sending their watches to RSC with instructions 'not to polish' and have them come back all shiny and new. Otto will polish them but only on request. I've worked for 25 years to get the patina on this thing just right.

[PeterKam]

Originally Posted by alastairbird

. . . The other thing, of course, is that I have no interest in having my watch 'looking like new'. . . I've worked for 25 years to get the patina on this thing just right.

Never considered this angle . . . worth thinking about . . .