Non-RSC watch repair shop in Melbourne?

[White Collar Boy]

Hi folks.

Is anyone able to recommend a watch repair place in Melbourne, Aust., that isn’t a Rolex Service Centre?

Asking for a friend who wants to get his 2005 black-dial Explorer 2 serviced; he wants to go to an independent watchmaker (should they be able to source any genuine parts needed), thinking it is cheaper than an RSC.

Thanks in advance.
-Matt

[Dirt]

The only one I can recommend is Max Sweitzer in Sydney.


Why doesn't your mate want to go to Rolex?
Rolex has been fine for the most part for me, and I'm rather uncompromising at times.

[White Collar Boy]

Thank you for that.

My mate seems to think Rolex might charge a fair bit more. I have no experience yet with an RSC, as my only Rolex (so far!) is a vintage Air-King covered under independent warranty (through Watch Tech). I thought service costs would be fairly even though, with the added comfort that an RSC is only going to put genuine Rolex parts in, if needed...

[Yess]

How much are you actually likely to save? Independent Jewelers in Aus aren't cheap. They're highly specialised.

The cost saving would easily be offset by the fact you get the watch serviced by Rolex with paperwork if they ever wanted to sell.

Unless there's another reason they don't want the watch going to Rolex I just can't see a benefit here (financial or otherwise).

[White Collar Boy]

Great points, thanks man. Will pass this on to my friend.

[RJRJRJ]

I'm not in AUS, but here in the US (California) it's been my experience that a respectable independent isn't that much cheaper than RSC. You might save $100 or so.

[White Collar Boy]

Thanks for that USA perspective. Sounds like it is similar over here in Australia.

[DoctorA]

It’s not worth it! Go with the RSC for the peace of mind!
You’ll end up saving maybe $100 but won’t get the rolex backing!

[White Collar Boy]

Thanks doctor.

This is all good advice for me (as sooner or later I’ll need to take one somewhere) as well as my mate.