Went to NYC RSC today

[Thrasher]

Dropped off my new-to-me U serial no-date Sub for a servicing. The building itself, located at 665 5th Ave, is called.... The Rolex Building . I imagine Rolex owns the building. It flies the US and Swiss flags on the outside. I walked into the building, and was greeted by a security guard, who directed me to the 5th floor. Leaving the elevator, I entered the Rolex facility, where they don't allow photographs to be taken. There was a counter staffed with two or three well-dressed twenty-somethings, one of whom immediately greeted me and asked if she could be of assistance. I told her the nature of my business, and she had me fill out a service form. She then took the watch to have it evaluated, a process that took about 15 minutes.

I killed the time by people-watching my fellow Rolex service customers. There was a 40 year old guy there with his family, probably in town on vacation. There was an older gentleman, impeccably dressed, who was getting a gold President serviced. Another guy in his 30's, also impeccably dressed (this is Manhattan ), with a rather intense demeanor- probably a young-ish buffalo making his mark on the world in the big city. And me- just a new Rolex enthusiast, wading into the water.

The young miss brought the watch back, with the recommendations: standard servicing, and an insert replacement. Estimated total with tax: $604.00, with an estimated 4-week turnaround. I asked her if the watch was going to be sent to Pennsylvania for servicing, to which she replied that it would be done there at the Manhattan location. I also asked her if I could have the old insert, to which she surprisingly said yes- I thought that Rolex did not return replaced parts in the U.S.- maybe it was my smooth demeanor... I was dressed nice, in my finest Chuck Taylor's.

So that's where we stand now. My sub is is getting the spa treatment, and I am wearing my GMT Coke until the sub comes back. Planning on either a James Bond Nato or the London RSC mil-sub strap on the Sub when it gets back, and using it as my daily driver. I think I'm digging the plain, no date look v the more complicated GMT. Having to decide between the two is called a "quality problem".

[TheVTCGuy]

Thanks for the thread Rich, be sure and post pics once you get it back and let us know how the whole experience was, mine is up for service next year and I'm trying to decide which RSC to send it to.

[2th Dr]

Cool. Thanks for sharing!

[Thrasher]

Oh, you betcha. I have read of a number of people having less than ideal experiences with the NYC RSC, but wanted to see for myself. And being from NY, I also speak the language....

(I am editing as more thoughts come forward...) It was a pleasant and professional experience thus far. I could sense the European influence in the decor and layout of the RSC, having lived overseas for a period of time. Definitely Swiss- a couple of notches, not many, above austere, yet pleasant enough. And they had Swiss chocolate in a bowl on the counter.

[Tools]

Great post..

Sure beats the AD bashing variety..........

[R1@160@alltimes]

Maybe I need to try this again....with a fresh pair of Chuck Taylors

As you may recall, I had the least pleasent encounter on 5th Ave on Tuesday.

Rich, was your service rep a young asian young lady? She seemed pleasently decent.

[Thrasher]

Yep, that was her. She did well- pleasant and knowledgeable. I impressed her with my style, too. She dug how I could tell her that it was a 14060 with a U serial number. Chicks dig guys who know their Rolexes .

And I can heartily recommend wearing at least fresh smelling Chuck Taylors .

[R1@160@alltimes]

Originally Posted by Thrasher

Yep, that was her. She did well- pleasant and knowledgeable. I impressed her with my style, too. She dug how I could tell her that it was a 14060 with a U serial number. Chicks dig guys who know their Rolexes .

And I can heartily recommend wearing at least fresh smelling Chuck Taylors .

at the Chuck Taylor remark....my gf is obsessed with them (has them in every color )

I got stuck with a rude young man wearing extremely thick gazelle (spelling?) glasses. He was so bent on convicing me that all Rolexes come with a defective lume dot.

I can't imagine how people like that have jobs :shrugs: I'm glad you came away satisfied with your experience.

[onkyo]

Rich,

Thanks for the play by play of your trip to the NYC RSC !!!

I am from Brooklyn and have never been to the Rolex building....

Now I know, when I do need to go there look for the young asian lady.

[icnbne]

Originally Posted by R1@160@alltimes

I got stuck with a rude young man wearing extremely thick gazelle (spelling?) glasses. He was so bent on convicing me that all Rolexes come with a defective lume dot.

if they all have the defective lume dot, its not really defictive is it?

wish we had a RSC in Brisbane...

[R1@160@alltimes]

Jun, you would think that's what he wanted me to believe

[Thrasher]

There's something goofy and comfortable about wearing Chuck Taylors...can't put my finger on it, but they're fun. And girls look sexy in them.

Rudeness is never called for. Is there any substance to his position?

This was the easy part of the transaction- the promise that this and that will be done with X amount of quality for Y amount of dollars. The real deal is after the work is done.

[walds11]

Thanks for sharing. Hopefully the NY RSC does not do a hack job on your watch.

[SDDS]

thanx for sharing ur story Rich..hope u will get it back as BRAND new

[skinnypuppy]

Next visit you guys should try the white chocolate in the bowl on the counter. yum

[Idle Swede]

Is the "return old insert" noted on your receipt?

It would surprise me a lot if they gave it back to you.

[R1@160@alltimes]

Originally Posted by skinnypuppy

Next visit you guys should try the white chocolate in the bowl on the counter. yum

Funny that you mentioned it, I had like 4 pieces of the milk chocolates from their bowl. Lindt makes some good quality stuff.

[sakuraba]

I have yet to hear of an RSC returning a replaced part. Please keep us posted. Thanks for the thread, very nice initial experience.

Hope RSC NY delivers this time!

[Marrk]

August 2008: I requested and was given my old insert from RSC NY after a standard service on a 5513.

Originally Posted by sakuraba

I have yet to hear of an RSC returning a replaced part. Please keep us posted. Thanks for the thread, very nice initial experience.

Hope RSC NY delivers this time!

[mck22]

thanks for sharing

[Sylvainl]

Monday night it will be on my wrist can't wait

[Idle Swede]

Originally Posted by Sylvainl

Monday night it will be on my wrist can't wait

???????

[Thrasher]

Originally Posted by Idle Swede

Is the "return old insert" noted on your receipt?

It would surprise me a lot if they gave it back to you.

Actually, the receipt does not indicate this request. It's more of a claim check sticker, affixed to the obverse of a Rolex Customer Service Division business card. It has the transaction reference number, watch model number and serial number, and the date it was dropped off printed on it. The service estimate also doesn't mention my request, as it was generated before I asked to keep the insert. I'll call them on Monday just to confirm that they have the request.

[Idle Swede]

Originally Posted by Thrasher

Actually, the receipt does not indicate this request. It's more of a claim check sticker, affixed to the obverse of a Rolex Customer Service Division business card. It has the transaction reference number, watch model number and serial number, and the date it was dropped off printed on it. The service estimate also doesn't mention my request, as it was generated before I asked to keep the insert. I'll call them on Monday just to confirm that they have the request.

I know, it looks like a business card stapeled on.

I meant the service estimate paper.

[Thrasher]

20-20 hindsight: should have snapped some before pics. Wouldn't have helped too much anyway, as my photo skills aren't developed (doh!) that well- witness my action shot of the stationary Rolex Building.

[DadsWatch72]

I was given my original 9315 bracelet back after having my 1665 serviced.

[HockeyBrand]

Originally Posted by Thrasher

I was dressed nice, in my finest Chuck Taylor's.

So that's where we stand now. My sub is is getting the spa treatment, and I am wearing my GMT Coke until the sub comes back. Planning on either a James Bond Nato or the London RSC mil-sub strap on the Sub when it gets back, and using it as my daily driver. I think I'm digging the plain, no date look v the more complicated GMT. Having to decide between the two is called a "quality problem".

Ever try the leather Chucks?

Great report to NYC spa! Be sure to go with the authentic Bond Nato! I got caught up and bought the black/grey marketed one, before I found out that the original was olive drab with burgandy stripe.

[Harvie]

I have used RNY for service for 25 years.

[Thrasher]

Rolex called me on September 30, and I picked up my Sub late yesterday afternoon. The turn-around time was 19 days, and I was charged exactly the amount of the service estimate. They returned my used bezel, and gave me a travel pouch. The watch looks practically new, save for the band, which while looking new has some stretch. My experience was good; ymmv. Pics after I rest- did a red-eye last night and I'm beat.

[bodybump]

Hey Rich..did you spot if any of the employess wearing a Rolex??