Rolex service - only when something wrong?

[natdad]

I have a 12 yo GMT IIC that generally is running fine. It's slightly slow and sometimes when I pull the crown out, it doesn't always find the correct indent to change the time. A local AD told me not to get it serviced until it stopped working because he didn't think it was worth it. Any thoughts? Do people get there Rolex watches serviced every 10 years as Rolex recommends or do you wait until something is wrong with it?

Thanks

[fsprow]

I’m sort of a preventative maintenance person, whether it applies to cars, other mechanical items or watches. Therefore, at approximately 10 years out it goes to a factory service center.

[Master_Grogu]

I’m in the camp of going only when it doesn’t work. However, knowing a quote is free, you could always send it to RSC and see if something needs work.

[TswaneNguni]

Maybe a service at 12 years is not a bad idea and it comes back looking like new .

[Cambo]

I go with the prescribed service....lubes/seals dry out over time and, even if the watch is running fine, these could create a more expensive service issue.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by natdad

I have a 12 yo GMT IIC that generally is running fine. It's slightly slow and sometimes when I pull the crown out, it doesn't always find the correct indent to change the time. A local AD told me not to get it serviced until it stopped working because he didn't think it was worth it. Any thoughts? Do people get there Rolex watches serviced every 10 years as Rolex recommends or do you wait until something is wrong with it?

Thanks

It may be functioning for you, but it may be running without lubrication at vital points that will further wear parts unnecessarily.

A dozen years may also not be kind on the waterproof seals. If they have hardened and cracked, then you will have a wet misadventure in time.

Or you can wait until you have a catastrophic failure, some do.

[stateman]

Had a similar decision for a 2008 16710 and sent it to RSC earlier this year for a movement only service, check seals etc. It's my daily driver and ability to take a dunking is a minimum expectation.

[khalifam]

My 16710 at work. Didn't get serviced for 26 years until the losing time really bothered me. If is running a few mins late and it's not a daily.... Wait it out.

I'll be devils advocate too... I also got it serviced as the older the model gets the more expensive service becomes too....

Good luck

Sent from my SM-N986B using Tapatalk

[ROBERT1183]

If it was mine I would send it out before it stops working. Preventive maintanence never hurts. Im no expect on watches but just like cars or anthing when something completely stops working usually something binds or gets damaged. If your already experiencing decreased performance I would do it before it worsens. And I much rather the piece of mind that its all taken care of good for many more years of enjoyment.

[Frits1980]

I'm in the if it aint broke dont fix it camp. My 20+ year old 14060 never has been serviced and is running fine. I dont swim with it do.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by natdad

I have a 12 yo GMT IIC that generally is running fine. It's slightly slow and sometimes when I pull the crown out, it doesn't always find the correct indent to change the time. A local AD told me not to get it serviced until it stopped working because he didn't think it was worth it. Any thoughts? Do people get there Rolex watches serviced every 10 years as Rolex recommends or do you wait until something is wrong with it?

Thanks

Although the average time for service now is around 10 years depending on use, just use common regarding service. Rolex watches are expensive but need service to keep them running correctly to maintain there value.

[Gab27]

I don't wait for my cars to break before changing the oil. I also don't like the idea of driving around in a 'sick' car. Same goes for my watch.

[JSolution]

Originally Posted by padi56

Although the average time for service now is around 10 years depending on use, just use common regarding service. Rolex watches are expensive but need service to keep them running correctly to maintain there value.

Did you just say the V word?

[padi56]

Originally Posted by JSolution

Did you just say the V word?

Well in this context a non working watch or watch with problems, would not have the same value, or saleability if needed, as a fully serviced 100% working one

[Master_Grogu]

Originally Posted by JSolution

Did you just say the V word?

Hi I’m new to the forum, does service increase the value of my watch? By how much? Should I keep the service sticker also ?

[brandrea]

It’s situational for me. I don’t see the point in servicing a watch if its running perfectly. YMMV.

[joli160]

I only service them when they show problems.
Just recently had a DJ serviced after 21 years, no additional costs and my DD is going strong for two decades already. Never had one fail.

It’s not about cheaping out on costs but I just don’t want to be without them for 8-12 weeks.

[smithsj716]

I’ve actually heard my AD advise that if it ain’t broke not to fix it in the past


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[stockae92]

for me, if you don't dive or go into the pool with the watch, I would send it in for service when its no longer keeping time.

i don't trust WR unless its tested.

[EEpro]

Originally Posted by Master_Grogu

Hi I’m new to the forum, does service increase the value of my watch? By how much? Should I keep the service sticker also ?

Servicing optional. Hang on to box and papers. And also the bezel protector.

[MrMercedes]

Originally Posted by TswaneNguni

Maybe a service at 12 years is not a bad idea and it comes back looking like new .

[TheVTCGuy]

IMHO, I think that advice from your AD is terrible. Yes, I am OCD and a preventative maintenance nut, but 12 years, combined with the small issues you described (running slow and the crown not catching) CERTAINLY warrants a service. As Tools pointed out, the seals and lubrication are for sure in need of a change. If the watch were perfect and six or seven years old I could understand holding off, but it’s not.

[TheVTCGuy]

Originally Posted by Gab27

I don't wait for my cars to break before changing the oil. I also don't like the idea of driving around in a 'sick' car. Same goes for my watch.

Very good analogy

[Robf52]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

IMHO, I think that advice from your AD is terrible. Yes, I am OCD and a preventative maintenance nut, but 12 years, combined with the small issues you described (running slow and the crown not catching) CERTAINLY warrants a service. As Tools pointed out, the seals and lubrication are for sure in need of a change. If the watch were perfect and six or seven years old I could understand holding off, but it’s not.

This.

[Melissaw1010]

Is it important to have it serviced from an AD ? Or can unauthorized dealers that are well rated service it

[Oyster_Jubilee]

I bought my 14060 Sub in 2001. I finally sent it to RSC Dallas in 2019 for its first service. I figured 18 years was enough lapsed time and warranted a service. It was running fine when I sent it in.

[Michael T]

The crown not always indenting would cause me to have it serviced.

[Fred48]

Considering all the service horror stories we hear about on this forum, would no one be concerned about a watch that is is running well, with no mechanical or cosmetic issues, coming back worse; e.g., running too fast, too slow, scratched ?

[Boopie]

I joined TRF in 2007 specifically to ask advice on servicing my daily-worn (since 2/01) Yachtmaster. It was running perfectly. The advice was pretty split just like on this thread, but many recommended a 5-7 year service interval. I did get it done then, and it’s been in a few more times since then (all at an RSC). Earlier this year it had problems reliably keeping accurate time, and the power reserve was diminishing, so I took it to a new RSC in town. The watchmaker told me that it’s good for another 10 years. I also just popped into the Geary’s Rolex store in Century City, and the SA also said 10 years is considered the new service interval on new watches they sell today.

So, unless there’s a problem sooner, I’m planning on going another decade before its next service.

A question about watches that are seldomly worn. What if they keep good time when they’re wound and worn daily, but once they’re off the wrist they don’t hold the “wind” for a day (i.e. much less than the power reserve)? That is, the watch works perfectly but runs out of “juice” sooner than it should? Does that need a service? Mainspring issue?

[daOnlyBG]

Originally Posted by Gab27

I don't wait for my cars to break before changing the oil. I also don't like the idea of driving around in a 'sick' car. Same goes for my watch.

x2