When sending a watch to the Rolex Service Center

[btmclemore]

Questions on sending my Explorer II to the Rolex Service Center in Dallas...

1. I've heard there is a flat rate for their service that is somewhere between $600 & $720. True?

2. My watch is a true Roles, with exception of a dial that has been refinished. Would this be something that the RSC would correct? If so, would it include a sizeable increase to the amount of the service charge?

3. Also, the orange hand on the 24 hour hand is no longer there. The hand is fully functional, but it is just a black/gray frame of the hand. Same question as #2, would correcting this problem result in a increase in the service charge?

4. I'm interested in keep the watch as close to 1972 standards as possible. Will the RSC attempt to bring it up to a 2015 standard? Is it something that can be discussed prior to them working on the watch?

Any information is appreciated.

[clubsta]

Use an Independent. The RSC will ruin your watch!

[etp095]

Bob Ridley in Dallas would be a good choice, to restore your explorer. The service charge would be a set rate, then they would add to the bill any extra parts that would need to be replaced. Some of those parts would be at your discretion. Such as bezel, dial, band, hands, the plexi crystal would be included in the service charge, as would the refinishing of the watch. That band isn't original, the proper one would cost about 1k, and they would keep that jubilee. New hands cost around $20-30 bucks each. A new dial would be a few hundred bucks, and I'm not sure what the bezel would cost, more that $200 I'm sure.

[jldc]

I have never been a vintage watch guy but the recurrent theme on this board is to not send vintage watches to RSC.

[btmclemore]

Yes, I forgot to mention that the band/bracelet isn't legit.

[etp095]

I sent my 38 year old tt date to the nyc rsc back in 2008, they did a beautiful job. It cost me $420 for the service, plus $39 for a winding crown,$15 for a case tube, and $27.50 for shipping. Prices have gone up since then.

[btmclemore]

I hear numerous members talk about not sending watches to the RSC.

How would an authrorized dealer ruin your watch?

How are you guaranteed you're getting real Rolex parts if you go through an independent dealer?

[SpaceWanderer]

Originally Posted by btmclemore

I hear numerous members talk about not sending watches to the RSC.

How would an authrorized dealer ruin your watch?

How are you guaranteed you're getting real Rolex parts if you go through an independent dealer?

Here's a crazy idea: call the RSC and ask them. They will answer all your questions and then examine the watch and tell you exactly what they plan on doing. This forum will not be working on your watch-they will.

[Sublover2166]

Originally Posted by btmclemore

I hear numerous members talk about not sending watches to the RSC.

How would an authrorized dealer ruin your watch?

How are you guaranteed you're getting real Rolex parts if you go through an independent dealer?

Not dealer, independent watchmaker.
Rik Dietel who is a member here on the forum is an independent CW21 watchmaker with a Rolex parts account. He only uses factory parts.
His company is Time Care Inc. and he is located in Florida.
Many of us use him for service including myself and he does great work.
RSC will attempt to replace items on your watch like a refinished dial, and without doubt a non-genuine bracelet. Give Rik a call and discuss your watch with him. He can also tell you what RSC will and won't do. He has been in the business over 30 years and knows his stuff.

[EdipisReks]

I've sent vintage watches (and bought some from) to Rick Littlefield, who owns Pieces of Time in Connecticut. I don't know if he is taking new work right now, but I trust him implicitly. He will keep the watch original and charge a very reasonable price.

[skprd13]

What brand watch is Roles?

[EdipisReks]

Originally Posted by skprd13

What brand watch is Roles?

Never made a typo?

[skprd13]

Hmmm you really think this was a typo?

[btmclemore]

It's a typo jackass. Please notice the proximity of the letter S and X on the keyboard.

Thank you for your perfection.

[DKS2375]

Originally Posted by btmclemore

It's a typo jackass. Please notice the proximity of the letter S and X on the keyboard.

Thank you for your perfection.

Whoa.....someone hasn't had their coffee yet this morning.

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by DKS2375

Whoa.....someone hasn't had their coffee yet this morning.

I don't blame him. The guy was being a jackass.

[Dr DRW]

The price for service at RSC for that movement is $1050 , the same they charge for a 1675 currently , however the best you can hope for is they don't insist on changing hands/dial to service..
they WILL NOT restore anything only replace parts which will devalue your watch if you replace visible parts (exception may be a crystal which I personally think is OK to replace on a vintage)
for anything other than SERVICE ONLY you need to go to the likes of ABC watchwords or Intl Watchmakers (Bob Ridley)

[Dr DRW]

You can also likely find a nice appropriate bracelet her on the forum if you are patient, Rolex will also sell you one if you send the watch in (you don't have to get to serviced) but they want a trade for your bracelet so if you want to keep what you have take it in on a strap

[azguy]

You can't send that watch to RCS in my opinion, they'll either ruin it or refuse to service it of you don't do everything required which could be $2,000 or more. No disrespect but that watch is rough.

[JustinK]

Rolex will not service it unless you replace the dial and anything aftermarket on the watch. They will not even refinish the bracelet real or fake because its not correct for the watch. Thats my experience anyway.

Find an independent watchmaker and have the movement serviced and buy a set of hands. If you try to restore the watch to original its going to cost thousands.