Will Rolex service my watch?

[Lwright]

Hello,
I just bought a preowned 69173 model datejust and recently I took to my local Rolex authorized dealer to see about sending to Rolex to service my watch since it was last serviced in the year 2006 according to its papers. While at the dealer , the man helping me with my watch, mentioned that the dial was modified, which I didn’t know and didn’t know to ask that question but everything else was genuine. So, he gave me 2 options that Rolex might do 1 to Change the dial to a basic dial, which I picked out or #2 Rolex would deny service and send it back but he wasn’t sure. Has anyone had any issues with this? Thanks for any feedback,

[ZOOK]

I suggest contacting RSC - Rolex Service in Dallas, TX - 214-871-0500 and ask about your watch. Be sure and mention you think the dial has been modified.


If they are unable/unwilling to service your watch without a dial swap, contact Rik Dietel at TimeCare Inc. (www.timecareinc.com) Rik is a well known independent watchmaker located in Florida.

[Apdl]

Did they mention what about the dial was modified? Pics?

[Pepperjack]

There are a few things that may be going on here. Without knowing the person helping you and the specifics of your dial, I will explain what generally comes to my mind in the way I discuss it with my coworkers.

We could have:
1) Modified Dial - a dial with the original backing and paint, but the dial will have hour markers of one style replaced with markers of another style. Often stick markers are replaced with stone markers. A new dial will be required for service unless the customer can provide proof that the RSC has serviced this watch with the dial previously. (It used to be allowed to add stone markers, assuming the execution was excellent)

2) Reprinted/Refinished Dial - a dial with the original backing and markers, but the printing has been removed & reproduced. If the Rolex trademarks or verbiage is reprinted this way, it is an infringement on Rolex's copyright. There will be no repair through an RSC. A new dial will not be offered. This can technically be a fake dial.

3) Fake Dial - this dial is not of Rolex manufacture. This is an infringement on Rolex's copyright. There will be no repair through an RSC. A new dial will not be offered.

[Lwright]

Originally Posted by Pepperjack

There are a few things that may be going on here. Without knowing the person helping you and the specifics of your dial, I will explain what generally comes to my mind in the way I discuss it with my coworkers.

We could have:
1) Modified Dial - a dial with the original backing and paint, but the dial will have hour markers of one style replaced with markers of another style. Often stick markers are replaced with stone markers. A new dial will be required for service unless the customer can provide proof that the RSC has serviced this watch with the dial previously. (It used to be allowed to add stone markers, assuming the execution was excellent)

2) Reprinted/Refinished Dial - a dial with the original backing and markers, but the printing has been removed & reproduced. If the Rolex trademarks or verbiage is reprinted this way, it is an infringement on Rolex's copyright. There will be no repair through an RSC. A new dial will not be offered. This can technically be a fake dial.

3) Fake Dial - this dial is not of Rolex manufacture. This is an infringement on Rolex's copyright. There will be no repair through an RSC. A new dial will not be offered.

Yes, the AD that assisted me said that the markers were replaced with diamonds.

[Lwright]

Yes, the AD said it was modified with Diamond markers.

[Lwright]

Originally Posted by Apdl

Did they mention what about the dial was modified? Pics?

Yes, the markers were replaced with diamonds.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Lwright

Yes, the markers were replaced with diamonds.

Very common with ladies models.

There is no magic done at the Rolex Service Center. Use a quality independent with good references in your local area.

[cfracing]

Maybe my experience with the RSC can shed some light on what their response to you might be.

I took my wife's lady Datejust in for service. The RSC gave me an estimate for the service of $3,900 which included replacing the bracelet because it had been "modified". I had sent the original Rolex bracelet to Michael Young to have it tightened so the RSC would not service the watch unless they replaced the bracelet that had been touched by non-RSC hands. Needless to say I took my wife's watch to an independent who performed a full service at half the RSC cost and without having to replace the bracelet.

In the past I was able to personally drop off a watch for service at the Dallas RSC because I lived in the area. That can no longer be done as of the end of May. I heard that the Dallas RSC has become a training center and that all Rolex service will be done in New York.

[majidessa]

Originally Posted by cfracing

Maybe my experience with the RSC can shed some light on what their response to you might be.

I took my wife's lady Datejust in for service. The RSC gave me an estimate for the service of $3,900 which included replacing the bracelet because it had been "modified". I had sent the original Rolex bracelet to Michael Young to have it tightened so the RSC would not service the watch unless they replaced the bracelet that had been touched by non-RSC hands. Needless to say I took my wife's watch to an independent who performed a full service at half the RSC cost and without having to replace the bracelet.

In the past I was able to personally drop off a watch for service at the Dallas RSC because I lived in the area. That can no longer be done as of the end of May. I heard that the Dallas RSC has become a training center and that all Rolex service will be done in New York.

I wonder how did RSC know that the bracelet was modified (fixed)? The work is not visible and one needs to dismantle the bracelet in order to examine it

[Lwright]

Originally Posted by Apdl

Did they mention what about the dial was modified? Pics?

Yes, the markers were replaced with diamonds.

[ltmgeller]

Welcome to the forum. Call RSC directly.

[Easy Rhino]

If the RSC concerns you, you are one state away from one of the best independent watchmakers that comes highly recommended on this and other forums. I've never met the man, but have spoken with him on many occasions and he has been the only watchmaker to touch my watches in over a decade. He also is one of the few still with a Rolex parts account. https://timecareinc.com/credentials.html

[996marty]

Sounds like taking it to a good recommended independent for a service would be the best way to go