The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX


Go Back   Rolex Forums - Rolex Forum > Rolex & Tudor Watch Topics > Rolex General Discussion

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 14 December 2021, 04:43 AM   #1
1secondslow
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: USA
Posts: 19
Local service nightmare, advice?

Recently called around for estimates to get my 20 year old 14060m overhauled. I wanted to get it done locally rather than send it in to Rolex because I don't like the idea of having to wait a long time to get my watch back, and I like to support local businesses. Decided on a local watchmaker that quoted me $600. According to their website, they have 40 years experience in watchmaking and has good reviews online.

Before handing my watch over to them, it was running about 10 seconds fast a day. After about 3 weeks, I was informed that my watch was ready for pickup. Upon receiving the watch and inspecting it, I immediately noticed that the bezel was stuck and would barely move. There was also a large piece of debris stuck to the minute hand that I could clearly see with my naked eyes. There were also some minor scratches on the caseback that weren't originally there. Although annoyed, I had them fix the bezel and remove the debris from under the crystal and I took the watch home.

After having the watch for a few days I found it was running about 20 seconds fast a day, which is worse than before I brought it to them!

I brought the watch to a second watchmaker to get another opinion who also has good reviews, and he told me that after putting the watch on a time grapher, it's not running great and will need an overhaul. He said that the watch isn't in terrible shape, but the gears need to be cleaned at the very least.

Anyone experience something like this before? I have a "warranty" with the first shop who worked on my watch, but I don't trust bringing the watch back to them after what happened. The second shop is quoting $700 for an overhaul. I don't want to keep getting scammed for more money, so I'm not sure what to do at this point. Bring it back to the original watchmaker who supposedly did a terrible job or double down and get it overhauled again by a second watch maker. Any advice?
1secondslow is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 December 2021, 07:16 AM   #2
MRBolton
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: USA
Watch: ing my wrist
Posts: 1,268
I’d bring it back to the first shop and tell them about your second opinion. Tell them that you don’t feel comfortable allowing them to touch the watch again and see if you can come to an agreement for some sort of at least partial refund. You paid for a service that it’s sounding like you didn’t really receive.
You gave them a second chance when they opened it up to remove the debris. If something was wrong then, it should’ve been noticed.
Sounds like your worse off than you were prior to the service.
Personally, unless that second shop has an incredible reputation, I’d send to RSC Dallas.
MRBolton is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 December 2021, 07:19 AM   #3
LA_LEC
"TRF" Member
 
LA_LEC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Los Angeles
Watch: Explorer
Posts: 1,793
I also like to support local businesses but a Rolex is a Rolex so why not have them perform the service. You get it done right the first time. You get proof that it is genuine and has been serviced (extending the warranty on said service). I would never let anyone even open my Rolex that wasn't from Rolex.

Send it directly to the mother-ship and wear something else while you wait knowing that upon return it will be like new.
__________________
1661016610LV214270 MK2
"Life is far too short not to wear a Rolex!"
LA_LEC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 December 2021, 07:44 AM   #4
rmagoo57
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
rmagoo57's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2019
Real Name: Ron
Location: Detroitish
Watch: GMT II/Sub/Exp II
Posts: 2,561
A perfect example of "you get what you pay for" and trying to save a couple hundred dollars. Burn the warranty from the butcher and send it into Rolex and enjoy it for many years.
rmagoo57 is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 14 December 2021, 07:49 AM   #5
Kevin of Larchmont
2024 Pledge Member
 
Kevin of Larchmont's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: The Ice House
Watch: Ingersoll Mickey
Posts: 3,400
Six hundred bucks is a suspiciously low price. Missed that red flag. Either see if the local AD can service it or send it back to Rolex. Now more than ever it needs an expert.
Kevin of Larchmont is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 December 2021, 07:54 AM   #6
ryangambrill
"TRF" Member
 
ryangambrill's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Cleveland
Watch: Tudor GMT
Posts: 281
Count the $600 as tuition and send to RSC.


Current:
- 16622 & 18078
- Tudor GMT - 79830
Past:
- Sub Serti Silver 16613
- Sub SS w/Date
__________________
Current:
- 16622, 198078, & Tudor GMT
Past:
- Sub SS & Sub TT w/ Serti
ryangambrill is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 December 2021, 07:56 AM   #7
DJ2020
"TRF" Member
 
DJ2020's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2020
Real Name: Wayne
Location: NC
Watch: 226570
Posts: 3,484
Hmm. Bad situation. I would ask for a refund or dispute payment if paid by CC and advise them of the second opinion. After that was settled to some agreement I would not take anymore chances with a watch I spent 20years with. It would receive a full FACTORY service. It deserves it!

I have begun to send all my watches regardless of brand back to the factory for a proper service of the movement, New factory seals and a actual water resistance test. This also gives me a Factory 2 year warranty on top. The only way to go.
__________________
In the end, it's not the years in your life that count.
It's the life in your years. - Abraham Lincoln
__________________________________________________
Rolex 226570, Explorer II Club
DJ2020 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 December 2021, 07:57 AM   #8
nachopc
2024 Pledge Member
 
nachopc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Real Name: Nash
Location: Europe
Watch: Rolex Only
Posts: 1,579
I will send it to Rolex no matter what and get my 2 years warranty.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
nachopc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 December 2021, 07:58 AM   #9
RoRoRo
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: May 2018
Location: U.K.
Watch: YM40
Posts: 856
I like to support businesses that fulfil a job competently should be your motto.

Send it to Rolex and get it sorted like new and lesson learned I’m afraid.
RoRoRo is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 14 December 2021, 08:34 AM   #10
kieselguhr
"TRF" Member
 
kieselguhr's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2013
Real Name: Nick
Location: Las Vegas
Watch: 1601
Posts: 10,623
Local service nightmare, advice?

Labor was already performed. Only recourse for unsatisfying work would be to have them work on it again under warranty. I would avoid that route as they have clearly demonstrated their workmanship the first time and you would only be subjecting your watch to further amateur hour sessions.

As others have mentioned. Lesson learned for $600. Send it to Rolex. Unless you need another lesson for $700.
kieselguhr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 December 2021, 09:04 AM   #11
214270Explorer
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: United States
Watch: me buy Watches
Posts: 3,955
Get your watch straightened out any way you can.

From now on, send your old Rolex watches to CW21 Phillip Ridley in Mesa, Arizona.

[email protected]
Ridleywatchmakers.com
817.821.2118

He is a well known and well respected Vintage Rolex expert, highly regarded here at TRF.
__________________
The display of actual intelligence terrifies much of mankind

Rolex "some"
Tudor "some"
Damasko "some"
Misc Pieces "some"
Marathon "some"
GS Spring Drive "some"
Hamilton "some"
Findeisen "some"
214270Explorer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 December 2021, 09:08 AM   #12
Laszlo
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
Laszlo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: San Francisco, CA
Watch: Date & No Date
Posts: 10,868
Haha on the 1 second slow.

With second opinion get your money back.

Send to RSC.
__________________
"You might as well question why we breathe. If we stop breathing, we'll die. If we stop fighting our enemies, the world will die."

Paul Henreid as Victor Laszlo in Casablanca
Laszlo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 December 2021, 09:11 AM   #13
crew
"TRF" Member
 
crew's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Real Name: John
Location: Rochester/Naples
Watch: Pepsi
Posts: 18,307
Quote:
Originally Posted by rmagoo57 View Post
A perfect example of "you get what you pay for" and trying to save a couple hundred dollars. Burn the warranty from the butcher and send it into Rolex and enjoy it for many years.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kevin of Larchmont View Post
Six hundred bucks is a suspiciously low price. Missed that red flag. Either see if the local AD can service it or send it back to Rolex. Now more than ever it needs an expert.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ryangambrill View Post
Count the $600 as tuition and send to RSC.


Current:
- 16622 & 18078
- Tudor GMT - 79830
Past:
- Sub Serti Silver 16613
- Sub SS w/Date
Quote:
Originally Posted by kieselguhr View Post
Labor was already performed. Only recourse for unsatisfying work would be to have them work on it again under warranty. I would avoid that route as they have clearly demonstrated their workmanship the first time and you would only be subjecting your watch to further amateur hour sessions.

As others have mentioned. Lesson learned for $600. Send it to Rolex. Unless you need another lesson for $700.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 214270Explorer View Post
Get your watch straightened out any way you can.

From now on, send your old Rolex watches to CW21 Phillip Ridley in Mesa, Arizona.

[email protected]
Ridleywatchmakers.com
817.821.2118

He is a well known and well respected Vintage Rolex expert, highly regarded here at TRF.
All of the above. Lesson learned. (Hopefully)
crew is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 December 2021, 09:17 AM   #14
duke
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: New Hampshire
Posts: 13
To quote my long dead grandfather, "the second kick of a mule is no education". Send it to a RSC.
duke is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 December 2021, 09:28 AM   #15
ryangambrill
"TRF" Member
 
ryangambrill's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Cleveland
Watch: Tudor GMT
Posts: 281
I made this error one time on some quartz watches. Specifically a Movado and Baume & Mercier. Asked if they were experience for a simple battery change. Both watches ended up with moisture within a couple days. Never make the same error again. Glad it did not happen to my Rolex etc. the movado was scarred for life. Sucks.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
__________________
Current:
- 16622, 198078, & Tudor GMT
Past:
- Sub SS & Sub TT w/ Serti
ryangambrill is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 December 2021, 09:39 AM   #16
Rebel
"TRF" Member
 
Rebel's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Real Name: Dr Mark R Nail
Location: New Albany
Watch: Tudor Sub 75090
Posts: 8,257
Quote:
Originally Posted by duke View Post
To quote my long dead grandfather, "the second kick of a mule is no education". Send it to a RSC.
Your grandfather was wise. This!
__________________
-------------------------------
Member of the Nylon Nation
Rebel is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 December 2021, 11:56 AM   #17
kxux
2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member
 
kxux's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Real Name: Jan
Location: PA
Watch: GMT II
Posts: 1,110
I just had full service on my 10 years old GMT in local Rolex dealer. All work made in house by certified watch maker. And paid close to what you did - to be fair 150 more.

They did outstanding work, watch is like new and runs well. Not that this helps your situation, but maybe someone reading this later will decide to use Rolex dealer with service capabilities and saves some headache.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
kxux is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 December 2021, 12:17 PM   #18
joli160
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
joli160's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: NL
Watch: Yachtmaster
Posts: 14,763
Quote:
Originally Posted by ryangambrill View Post
Count the $600 as tuition and send to RSC.
Only this, I don’t let a Renault mechanic work on my Audi either
__________________
Day Date 18238, Yachtmaster 16622, Deepsea 116660, Submariner 116619, SkyD 326935, DJ 178271, DJ 69158, Yachtmaster 169622, GMT 116713LN, GMT 126711.
joli160 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 December 2021, 12:31 PM   #19
KY..
2024 Pledge Member
 
KY..'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2021
Real Name: Keith
Location: California
Watch: 60s to 90s
Posts: 1,373
Quote:
Originally Posted by duke View Post
To quote my long dead grandfather, "the second kick of a mule is no education". Send it to a RSC.
Great quote, and funny too…

If you don’t have a relationship with a good watchmaker that you are comfortable with it is hard to believe the hype of good reviews these days unless you know the reviewer…
I’ve had good results when referred to supposed professionals by friends and people I trust…
Beware the snake oil salesmen that still lurk out there…
For you, the only option is to send it back home to RSC for TLC…
KY.. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 15 December 2021, 07:39 AM   #20
Dirt
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Brisbane
Watch: DSSD
Posts: 8,067
You wanted a quickie and you got it.
There's no substitute for quality workmanship like the very best of the independents or Rolex.
Your bias toward supporting local businesses also played a part
As my Grandfather used to say "There's no experience like the experience you pay for".
Dirt is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 15 December 2021, 08:22 AM   #21
MJZRolex
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Ohio
Watch: Submariner 14060M
Posts: 683
Quote:
Originally Posted by DJ2020 View Post
Hmm. Bad situation. I would ask for a refund or dispute payment if paid by CC and advise them of the second opinion. After that was settled to some agreement I would not take anymore chances with a watch I spent 20years with. It would receive a full FACTORY service. It deserves it!

I have begun to send all my watches regardless of brand back to the factory for a proper service of the movement, New factory seals and a actual water resistance test. This also gives me a Factory 2 year warranty on top. The only way to go.
I totally agree. You deserve some resolution from the first service (but I wouldn't let them do it again) and your Rolex deserves a factory service direct from Rolex. Good luck.
MJZRolex is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 15 December 2021, 08:52 AM   #22
dannyp
Banned
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: usa
Posts: 6,765
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kevin of Larchmont View Post
Six hundred bucks is a suspiciously low price. Missed that red flag. Either see if the local AD can service it or send it back to Rolex. Now more than ever it needs an expert.
Is it that low for a no-date three-hander? I had an "authorized service center" repair (and mess up) a 3186 and it was under $700. Granted this was about four or five years ago, but still...
dannyp is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 15 December 2021, 09:01 AM   #23
Jefferyasher
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Ohio
Posts: 361
I called Dallas RSC yesterday and was quoted a service price of $700 (plus any other items that were extra). So you were really just saving time (and possibly not that much). As others have said, send it to RSC or see if they will send it and compensate you for part of the service (if not all).
Jefferyasher is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 15 December 2021, 09:02 AM   #24
Fleetlord
2024 Pledge Member
 
Fleetlord's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Vain
Posts: 6,025
RSC ONLY for MODERN ROLEX.

Vintage is a different animal...

Again...RSC ONLY
Fleetlord is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 15 December 2021, 09:26 AM   #25
ryangambrill
"TRF" Member
 
ryangambrill's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Cleveland
Watch: Tudor GMT
Posts: 281
I would document the situation and dispute the CC Charge if the first shop does not step up to the plate. Hopefully Amex.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
__________________
Current:
- 16622, 198078, & Tudor GMT
Past:
- Sub SS & Sub TT w/ Serti
ryangambrill is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 15 December 2021, 12:11 PM   #26
Robf52
"TRF" Member
 
Robf52's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: Sunshine State
Watch: lots of Rolex
Posts: 5,077
Quote:
Originally Posted by LA_LEC View Post
I also like to support local businesses but a Rolex is a Rolex so why not have them perform the service. You get it done right the first time. You get proof that it is genuine and has been serviced (extending the warranty on said service). I would never let anyone even open my Rolex that wasn't from Rolex.

Send it directly to the mother-ship and wear something else while you wait knowing that upon return it will be like new.
x2.
__________________
126610LV//116508 Daytona YG Black/Champagne
116655 YM40 Everose Oysterflex//126622 YM40 Blue//126600 SD43
126710BLNR//126711CHNR
126334 DJ41 Rhodium/Diamonds//126331 DJ41 TT Wimbledon
124300 OP41 Green//126334 DJ41Mint Green
Robf52 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 15 December 2021, 04:32 PM   #27
vinny84
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: USA
Posts: 760
If you send it to RSC, see if you can send it to the Lititz, PA RSC. I was told all vintage Rolex along with modern ones get serviced there. Probably your best option
vinny84 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 15 December 2021, 04:44 PM   #28
chieftd
"TRF" Member
 
chieftd's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Real Name: Tim
Location: Kapolei Hawaii
Watch: Blue Sub, YM16623
Posts: 1,369
Send to Rik Dietel in FL. Time Care Inc. Search for threads on him in this forum. He is great, excellent service.

http://www.timecareinc.com/


Good luck.

Cheers, Tim
chieftd is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 15 December 2021, 04:52 PM   #29
GGGMT
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
GGGMT's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Itinerant
Watch: 79010sg
Posts: 8,348
Quote:
Originally Posted by nachopc View Post
I will send it to Rolex no matter what and get my 2 years warranty.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

This 1+. I mean, so clear. It’s a 14060 a common run of the mill watch. not a 1016 or 1675 etc. send it to Rolex and get it serviced. Accept the $600 as the cost of education. Assuming he didn’t swap out parts rendering it a franken that Rolex won’t touch.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
GGGMT is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 15 December 2021, 05:20 PM   #30
SearChart
TechXpert
 
SearChart's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Earth
Posts: 23,639
Send it to Rolex service center.
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by GB-man View Post
Rolex uses rare elves to polish the platinum. They have a union deal and make like $90 per hour and get time and half on weekends.
SearChart is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

OCWatches

Wrist Aficionado

My Watch LLC

WatchesOff5th

DavidSW Watches

Takuya Watches


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.