Experiences sending very old Rolexes to RSC?

[powerfunk]

Hi all,
Longtime lurker here; love this forum. As I understand it, Rolex Service Centers used to only service watches under 30 years old or so. My local AD told me that RSC will now service a Rolex of any age.

Obviously RSC replaces whatever parts it deems necessary, and non-original parts are clearly not ideal, but I have a 1950's Speedking in average-ish condition that's somewhat over-polished anyway.

It's running around +90 per day, so, since it needs a service anyway, I was thinking a complete RSC overhaul might actually be cool.

So I was wondering, has anybody had experience sending OLD watches to RSC? And would they actually replace parts with correct NOS Speedking parts they have lying around?? Thanks!

(Will post pics soon...currently logging in from work, which I'm sure no one else is doing)

[adam78]

The thing about sending a Speedking for RSC treatment is that even if they were to service it (and they probably could), the cost of the service might approximate the value of the watch! If you're okay with that, why not? But a good independent watchmaker could do it, no problem, for much less.

[harry in montreal]

well said Adam. its just not worth it. it will never run perfectly. you are better off using a really good watchmaker and have him source a new mainspring to use post-cleaning. harry

[Brenngun]

Also agree with above 2 comments.

[powerfunk]

Thanks for the feedback guys...off to the local watchmaker it is!

[tucsonrick]

If you send it to RSC, they will tell you what they recommend and the cost of each item. You can select or not what ever you want. That way you know.

[sdwtchlvr]

I would go independent watch maker too over RSC. But be care who you use. Parts may be near impossible to come by if something gets inadvertently broken. Take it to a watchmaker that has experience with vintage Rolex.

[Dr. Robert]

A few years back the RSC in Beverly Hills, Ca. wouldn't work on 3 of my Rolexes......a 1963 Datejust & 2 1655 explorer 2's...............the indie RSC in San Francisco did the work......I asked where they would get the parts....they told me Rolex parts warehouse in Dallas! They did the work & renovation & I was thrilled!

[Rod.]

Hi,
Not sure if a 267xxxx Submariner I bought new in 1972 qualifies as very old, but I just got a quote from Rolex Canada Service for a restoration overhaul including a new crown + tube. The work includes complete dismantling, cleaning, oiling, new gaskets, timing analysis, water testing, spring bars in the bracelet, and a 2-year warranty. It won't be cheap but will be good as new.

Rod.

[powerfunk]

Well, I took everybody's advice and had the Speedking serviced by my local watchmaker and I'm stoked! Also got my Air King's crystal buffed. My "kings" just got back from European Watch Co.:

(Think I'm gonna have to upgrade my camera just for TRF...)

[dddrees]

Very nice, glad to see you were able to find someone to service your watch.

[slcbbrown]

I don't know the current situation with RSC, but I've always understood that they will service any watch that they have parts for. I believe you can call RSC-Dallas and get an answer without sending your watch to them.

[azguy]

Originally Posted by slcbbrown

I don't know the current situation with RSC, but I've always understood that they will service any watch that they have parts for. I believe you can call RSC-Dallas and get an answer without sending your watch to them.

x2

[swish77]

I agree with the above comments about service on vintage watches at RSC (be careful!), but remember that you get Rolex paperwork and a two-year warranty on the watch. The Rolex paperwork is worth a lot, especially if you don't have the original paperwork. It proves authenticity, gives you peace of mind, and would certainly be a huge bonus if you ever wanted to sell the watch.

[dddrees]

The RSCs' in the U.S will not work on watches with exotic dials such as a Red Sub.

Care should be exercised as RSCs' in the U.S. has a different view and policy about what they should be doing with a watch. This differs from what most collectiors of vintage watches view as important and valuable. RSCs' in the U.S. believes everything they touch should look like brand new when it leaves their hands. This not what makes most of these watches so dear and valuable to those who collect them.

Why do you think that most collectors in the States refer people to Bob Ridley instead of RSC?

[pdoukas]

Originally Posted by dddrees

The RSCs' in the U.S will not work on watches with exotic dials such as a Red Sub.

Care should be exercised as RSCs' in the U.S. has a different view and policy about what they should be doing with a watch. This differs from what most collectiors of vintage watches view as important and valuable. RSCs' in the U.S. believes everything they touch should look like brand new when it leaves their hands. This not what makes most of these watches so dear and valuable to those who collect them.

Why do you think that most collectors in the States refer people to Bob Ridley instead of RSC?

This is not true. The Independent RSC in San Francisco will work on them. While I fully endorse Bob Ridley as being the go to guy for vintage restoration, If you need/want RSC paperwork then you have to send the watch to the RSC. Giovanni in San Fran at the RSC there will adhere to all of your requests.

As an example, I sent in my 1968 for a full service. I also sent my own MK1 dial to replace the one that was in there and asked if he could locate some matching tritium hands. I expect the watch back any day now, with RSC Paperwork. In the future, this watch will go to Bob Ridley, but I needed the paperwork this time around to compliment the watch in case I ever needed to sell it.

Pete

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by pdoukas

This is not true. The Independent RSC in San Francisco will work on them. While I fully endorse Bob Ridley as being the go to guy for vintage restoration, If you need/want RSC paperwork then you have to send the watch to the RSC. Giovanni in San Fran at the RSC there will adhere to all of your requests.

As an example, I sent in my 1968 for a full service. I also sent my own MK1 dial to replace the one that was in there and asked if he could locate some matching tritium hands. I expect the watch back any day now, with RSC Paperwork. In the future, this watch will go to Bob Ridley, but I needed the paperwork this time around to compliment the watch in case I ever needed to sell it.

Pete

I was either unaware or I must have forgotten about San Fransico, thanks for correction Pete.

[pdoukas]

Hey Dan, no problem. I actually want to go there and talk to Giovanni some day, preferably soon. I'm not a collector, because I cannot afford the hobby. I've bought my watches at a fair price and fairly good looking. The problem is, they don't come with paperwork and I wanted the paperwork in case I needed to sell or trade them for any reason. When I heard about RSC San Fran, I was elated. I figure there are a lot of people like me that would like some form of paperwork and this would be a good start. We'll see how she turns out ina few days :)

[GlennW]

Giovanni - RSC San Francisco is A+ in my books!!

I have used him before (on this Gilt dialed Tudor Sub) and will use him again.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by pdoukas

Hey Dan, no problem. I actually want to go there and talk to Giovanni some day, preferably soon. I'm not a collector, because I cannot afford the hobby. I've bought my watches at a fair price and fairly good looking. The problem is, they don't come with paperwork and I wanted the paperwork in case I needed to sell or trade them for any reason. When I heard about RSC San Fran, I was elated. I figure there are a lot of people like me that would like some form of paperwork and this would be a good start. We'll see how she turns out ina few days :)

I remember reading a number of posts on the forum that state they do an outstanding job. Please post some pictures when you get yours back and let us know how it turned out.

Thanks again for correcting my error Pete.

Dan