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khalifam · 3 April 2019, 05:55 PM

Hey All,

Hope April is treating you well! When I purchased a 16710 I did some research about whether or not Rolex would allow me to change my Bezel insert, there was a mix of opinions with some saying yes some saying no.

I thought I'd provide more of an update:

You can turn up to St James any time no appointment required - they will take your watch and check the serial number etc (to make sure it's not stolen or registered lost)

They'll also undertake an assessment on your watch (only if you ask) so the technician (Paul) came out and told me my watch had recently been serviced and is within +-4 seconds, the bracelet is okay and glass is okay if you ask ever so nicely he'll put this on a Rolex headed piece of paper.

Asked me if I wanted the same bezel insert which is £55.95ish if I wanted them to keep the old insert then it would have been £35ish.

As it was the 16710 he was happy to put any bezel insert on... Took about 30 mins overall but of you just want the bezel insert changed that will take them about 15 mins, will provide you with an invoice with what they've done including the watch serial number, model number and bracelet code. Your old insert will be returned to you in a scratched aluminium case too!

Here's some wrist shots! Before and after!

Sent from my SM-N960F using Tapatalk

meyers · 3 April 2019, 06:05 PM

Sounds like a great experience!

Sadly the AD here does not offer anything remotely close to the same level of service

Bob the brush · 3 April 2019, 06:09 PM

Thanks. I am going down to StJames next week to drop off my 116710 GMT for a service, as it is starting to look a bit battered and not keeping time like it once did, it's 10 + years old now, and has not been done before, so I feel it's time and it's more than likely to be the one and only time I service it. I will post my experience, and hope this to be positive.

khalifam · 3 April 2019, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob the brush

Thanks. I am going down to StJames next week to drop off my 116710 GMT for a service, as it is starting to look a bit battered and not keeping time like it once did, it's 10 + years old now, and has not been done before, so I feel it's time and it's more than likely to be the one and only time I service it. I will post my experience, and hope this to be positive.

Remember, you can send it in for a quote and if you're not happy with it they will send you the watch back via post (if you reside in the UK) free of charge.

Good luck!

Sent from my SM-N960F using Tapatalk

padi56 · 3 April 2019, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by khalifam

Hey All,

Hope April is treating you well! When I purchased a 16710 I did some research about whether or not Rolex would allow me to change my Bezel insert, there was a mix of opinions with some saying yes some saying no.

I thought I'd provide more of an update:

You can turn up to St James any time no appointment required - they will take your watch and check the serial number etc (to make sure it's not stolen or registered lost)

They'll also undertake an assessment on your watch (only if you ask) so the technician (Paul) came out and told me my watch had recently been serviced and is within +-4 seconds, the bracelet is okay and glass is okay if you ask ever so nicely he'll put this on a Rolex headed piece of paper.

Asked me if I wanted the same bezel insert which is £55.95ish if I wanted them to keep the old insert then it would have been £35ish.

As it was the 16710 he was happy to put any bezel insert on... Took about 30 mins overall but of you just want the bezel insert changed that will take them about 15 mins, will provide you with an invoice with what they've done including the watch serial number, model number and bracelet code. Your old insert will be returned to you in a scratched aluminium case too!

Here's some wrist shots! Before and after!

Sent from my SM-N960F using Tapatalk

Well its been like that over the past 20 plus years last one I had changed on a SD cost £23 just cannot understand why some pay crazy money for any Rolex insert.The only one that expensive now is the green 16610LV insert but thats down to those wanting to change from black to green and visa versa.

khalifam · 3 April 2019, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by padi56

Well its been like that over the past 20 plus years last one I had changed on a SD cost £23 just cannot understand why some pay crazy money for any Rolex insert.The only one that expensive now is the green 16610LV insert but thats down to those wanting to change from black to green and visa versa.

Hi,

Yes agreed it's been like that however, before with purchased there was a lot of "unknowns" with people citing on the forum that Rolex would not change the bezel insert, which is obviously quite contrary to my experience as well as yours. I wasn't aware that the black sub could be changed for a green bezel insert though?

Sent from my SM-N960F using Tapatalk

padi56 · 3 April 2019, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by khalifam

Hi,

Yes agreed it's been like that however, before with purchased there was a lot of "unknowns" with people citing on the forum that Rolex would not change the bezel insert, which is obviously quite contrary to my experience as well as yours. I wasn't aware that the black sub could be changed for a green bezel insert though?

Sent from my SM-N960F using Tapatalk

You cannot now the only ones that can change a 16610LV insert is RSC not even independents can change them. But original green to green only, they will not put a black insert on a 16610LV.

Stevec14 · 3 April 2019, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by khalifam

Hi,

Yes agreed it's been like that however, before with purchased there was a lot of "unknowns" with people citing on the forum that Rolex would not change the bezel insert, which is obviously quite contrary to my experience as well as yours. I wasn't aware that the black sub could be changed for a green bezel insert though?

Sent from my SM-N960F using Tapatalk

Rolex will only not change the insert if the watch is born a LN and they have it on their records. All others, they will change while you wait.

The black sub can’t be changed to green. Only the LV can have a new green bezel insert, and they are on an exchange only basis.

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Stevec14 · 3 April 2019, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stevec14

Rolex will only not change the insert if the watch is born a LN and they have it on their records. All others, they will change while you wait.

The black sub can’t be changed to green. Only the LV can have a new green bezel insert, and they are on an exchange only basis.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ps good work on the insert. You could get the others too to complete the set.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Onikage · 3 April 2019, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stevec14

Rolex will only not change the insert if the watch is born a LN and they have it on their records. All others, they will change while you wait.

Interesting this treatment of LN only GMTs. What is it with Rolex and GMT LNs lately I wonder?

Stevec14 · 3 April 2019, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Onikage

Interesting this treatment of LN only GMTs. What is it with Rolex and GMT LNs lately I wonder?

It’s a long running thing that has been reported by a few members - I have had several discussions with RSC who said the same.

That said, it does seem to be relaxing a bit possible (quite rightly).

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

khalifam · 3 April 2019, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stevec14

Rolex will only not change the insert if the watch is born a LN and they have it on their records. All others, they will change while you wait.

The black sub can’t be changed to green. Only the LV can have a new green bezel insert, and they are on an exchange only basis.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I did query this, I was advised 9/10 times they will still do it! If the case is marked LN they would also do it. I was also advised it depends what mood they're in on the day!! Ha

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Stevec14 · 3 April 2019, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by khalifam

I did query this, I was advised 9/10 times they will still do it! If the case is marked LN they would also do it. I was also advised it depends what mood they're in on the day!! Ha

Sent from my SM-N960F using Tapatalk

You were advised differently to me then, and a couple of others on here who tried (and failed) to get an insert. Maybe they are relaxing it a bit.

That said, it’s a bloody stupid state of affairs so if they will do it then all good. One of the biggest selling points of the 16710 is the versatility and to not be able to change inserts if wanted takes away from that.

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Dan Pierce · 3 April 2019, 09:13 PM

Did the same at Rolex St James back in 2008, same experience.
dP

brandrea · 3 April 2019, 09:19 PM

Good to hear OP, sounds like a great experience

madgpol · 3 April 2019, 10:01 PM

Yep I can vouch for the great service at st James. Did a bezel swap for my 1675 maybe 8 years ago. Cost £23 and I was able to keep the original insert.

Stevec14 · 3 April 2019, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madgpol

Yep I can vouch for the great service at st James. Did a bezel swap for my 1675 maybe 8 years ago. Cost £23 and I was able to keep the original insert.

They are great in there. Got all my bezels and jubilee in there with no hassle at all.

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strafer_kid · 3 April 2019, 10:31 PM

That is good to hear as I have known them to get mixed comments through the years, although my own (limited) personal experience with them has been good.

JP123 · 12 June 2019, 08:40 PM

Just changed mine from Coke to Pepsi this morning at the St James service centre. £56 for the Pepsi bezel and keeping the original Coke one (would have been £35 if I was willing to leave the Coke one with them). No problems at all and I'm really confused why inserts sell for hundreds of dollars when Rolex offer this service.

strafer_kid · 12 June 2019, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JP123

Just changed mine from Coke to Pepsi this morning at the St James service centre. £56 for the Pepsi bezel and keeping the original Coke one (would have been £35 if I was willing to leave the Coke one with them). No problems at all and I'm really confused why inserts sell for hundreds of dollars when Rolex offer this service.

I wonder if they would also switch a bracelet from Oyster to Jubilee at the same time, i.e. from Pepsi on Oyster to Coke on Jubilee?

OysterBracelet · 15 June 2019, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strafer_kid

I wonder if they would also switch a bracelet from Oyster to Jubilee at the same time, i.e. from Pepsi on Oyster to Coke on Jubilee?

Yep, assuming you are referring to the older models.

I recently purchased a 62510 bracelet for my 16710 in St James's and had a new Pepsi insert installed at the same time. Original Oyster bracelet and black insert returned. Total cost a shade under £1,000 and took about 30 minutes

HK852GMT · 15 June 2019, 02:59 PM

I went in to RSC St James’s last week. Very pleasant and quick experience. They were very happy to swap my black for a coke, and as stated above allowed me to retain my original one. Thirty minutes, and prices as above. Lovely people all round and thoroughly recommended.

The same cannot be said for RSC Hong Kong who absolutely will not under any circumstances perform this service.

Steed · 15 June 2019, 03:59 PM

Interesting. I had no idea this was possible. Does an appointment need to be made or can you drop by announced? I have a 25 yr old SD bought new, that would benefit from a new bezel, but would want to keep the original with all its dings and scratches.

HK852GMT · 15 June 2019, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steed

Interesting. I had no idea this was possible. Does an appointment need to be made or can you drop by announced?

I just walked in at 11am on a Tuesday, was seen in three minutes and was out the door at 1145. No appointment. No drama.

VacherObsessive · 15 June 2019, 06:12 PM

“Your old insert will be returned to you in a scratched aluminium case too”

OP please can you explain what a scratched case is.

Really good news. My wife wants to change her 16700 to a Pepsi as it has an incorrect coke in it. But we want to keep the Coke bezel obviously. Only £50 odd for a full checkup and bezel change .... I must say that is a great price, and a great turnaround (time). We will pop in then

OysterBracelet · 15 June 2019, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VacherObsessive

“Your old insert will be returned to you in a scratched aluminium case too”

OP please can you explain what a scratched case is.

Really good news. My wife wants to change her 16700 to a Pepsi as it has an incorrect coke in it. But we want to keep the Coke bezel obviously. Only £50 odd for a full checkup and bezel change .... I must say that is a great price, and a great turnaround (time). We will pop in then

It's a dial tin. They're always scratched, they come this way from Geneva I was told (mine was also scratched)

spacedinvader · 15 June 2019, 06:53 PM

This mirrors my experience at RSJ last year when I added the Pepsi option to my coke. I think you should be able to buy a jubilee for your oyster 16710 (or vice verse) right? Does anyone know the what RSJ charge for the jubilee in those circumstances?

Also, I assumed scratched aluminium was a way of describing the brushed aluminium case.

khalifam · 15 June 2019, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spacedinvader

This mirrors my experience at RSJ last year when I added the Pepsi option to my coke. I think you should be able to buy a jubilee for your oyster 16710 (or vice verse) right? Does anyone know the what RSJ charge for the jubilee in those circumstances?

Also, I assumed scratched aluminium was a way of describing the brushed aluminium case.

£950 as far as I remember.

No the aluminium case was scratched like it had been taken in and out your jeans pocket 500 times...

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spacedinvader · 15 June 2019, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by khalifam

£950 as far as I remember.

No the aluminium case was scratched like it had been taken in and out your jeans pocket 500 times...

Sent from my SM-N960F using Tapatalk

Oh yes, just checked mine. It’s the same and “made in Switzerland” on the back is eroded so partially legible. I wonder if they had some other historical use.

VacherObsessive · 15 June 2019, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by khalifam

£950 as far as I remember.

No the aluminium case was scratched like it had been taken in and out your jeans pocket 500 times...

Sent from my SM-N960F using Tapatalk

£950 for a brand new jubilee for a 16710 / 16700 !?! Happy days!!

3 April 2019, 05:55 PM	#1
khalifam "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: UK Posts: 1,071	Rolex - St James Bezel insert change 16710... Positive! Hey All, Hope April is treating you well! When I purchased a 16710 I did some research about whether or not Rolex would allow me to change my Bezel insert, there was a mix of opinions with some saying yes some saying no. I thought I'd provide more of an update: You can turn up to St James any time no appointment required - they will take your watch and check the serial number etc (to make sure it's not stolen or registered lost) They'll also undertake an assessment on your watch (only if you ask) so the technician (Paul) came out and told me my watch had recently been serviced and is within +-4 seconds, the bracelet is okay and glass is okay if you ask ever so nicely he'll put this on a Rolex headed piece of paper. Asked me if I wanted the same bezel insert which is £55.95ish if I wanted them to keep the old insert then it would have been £35ish. As it was the 16710 he was happy to put any bezel insert on... Took about 30 mins overall but of you just want the bezel insert changed that will take them about 15 mins, will provide you with an invoice with what they've done including the watch serial number, model number and bracelet code. Your old insert will be returned to you in a scratched aluminium case too! Here's some wrist shots! Before and after! Sent from my SM-N960F using Tapatalk

3 April 2019, 06:09 PM	#3
Bob the brush "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Mercia Watch: 1016 Explorer. Posts: 928	Thanks. I am going down to StJames next week to drop off my 116710 GMT for a service, as it is starting to look a bit battered and not keeping time like it once did, it's 10 + years old now, and has not been done before, so I feel it's time and it's more than likely to be the one and only time I service it. I will post my experience, and hope this to be positive. __________________ Explorer 1016 Explorer 2 16570 Air King 116900 DJ 16030 - Buckley dial DJ 16220 DJ OQ 17013

3 April 2019, 09:13 PM	#14
Dan Pierce 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Real Name: D'OH! Location: Kentucky Watch: Rolex-1 Tudor-3 Posts: 36,217	Did the same at Rolex St James back in 2008, same experience. dP __________________ TRF Member# 1668 Bass Player in TRF "AFTER DARK" Bar & NightClub Band Commander-in-Chief of The Nylon Nation The Crown & Shield Club Honorary Member of P-Club

15 June 2019, 02:59 PM	#22
HK852GMT "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Hong Kong Watch: 16710 16610LV Posts: 115	I went in to RSC St James’s last week. Very pleasant and quick experience. They were very happy to swap my black for a coke, and as stated above allowed me to retain my original one. Thirty minutes, and prices as above. Lovely people all round and thoroughly recommended. The same cannot be said for RSC Hong Kong who absolutely will not under any circumstances perform this service. Last edited by HK852GMT; 15 June 2019 at 03:04 PM.. Reason: Misspelled a word

3 April 2019, 06:05 PM	#2
meyers Banned Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: ○ Watch: 16710 Posts: 435	Sounds like a great experience! Sadly the AD here does not offer anything remotely close to the same level of service

3 April 2019, 09:19 PM	#15
brandrea 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Real Name: Brian (TBone) Location: canada Watch: es make me smile Posts: 78,136	Good to hear OP, sounds like a great experience

3 April 2019, 10:01 PM	#16
madgpol "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Real Name: Jason Location: UK Posts: 695	Yep I can vouch for the great service at st James. Did a bezel swap for my 1675 maybe 8 years ago. Cost £23 and I was able to keep the original insert.

3 April 2019, 10:31 PM	#18
strafer_kid "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Real Name: Kenny Location: northern ireland Watch: SDs, Subs & GMTs Posts: 5,136	That is good to hear as I have known them to get mixed comments through the years, although my own (limited) personal experience with them has been good.

12 June 2019, 08:40 PM	#19
JP123 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: London Posts: 117	Just changed mine from Coke to Pepsi this morning at the St James service centre. £56 for the Pepsi bezel and keeping the original Coke one (would have been £35 if I was willing to leave the Coke one with them). No problems at all and I'm really confused why inserts sell for hundreds of dollars when Rolex offer this service.

15 June 2019, 03:59 PM	#23
Steed "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: UK Posts: 133	Interesting. I had no idea this was possible. Does an appointment need to be made or can you drop by announced? I have a 25 yr old SD bought new, that would benefit from a new bezel, but would want to keep the original with all its dings and scratches.

15 June 2019, 06:12 PM	#25
VacherObsessive "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Uk Posts: 941	“Your old insert will be returned to you in a scratched aluminium case too” OP please can you explain what a scratched case is. Really good news. My wife wants to change her 16700 to a Pepsi as it has an incorrect coke in it. But we want to keep the Coke bezel obviously. Only £50 odd for a full checkup and bezel change .... I must say that is a great price, and a great turnaround (time). We will pop in then

15 June 2019, 06:53 PM	#27
spacedinvader "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: London Posts: 148	This mirrors my experience at RSJ last year when I added the Pepsi option to my coke. I think you should be able to buy a jubilee for your oyster 16710 (or vice verse) right? Does anyone know the what RSJ charge for the jubilee in those circumstances? Also, I assumed scratched aluminium was a way of describing the brushed aluminium case.

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