RSCs confiscating replaced parts?

[wadekind]

I have read various threads across this site where RSCs refuse to return replaced parts. What is the reasoning behind this?

[BillA]

From previous posts to answer this question: Rolex does not want genuine parts being sold to put into fake watches.

[TimeLord2]

You can request the parts are returned and they may honor that request depending on teh age of the watch. Of course they will charge you for it.

[Calatrava r]

Consider also, if you request an approved dial change, they will charge you for the new dial and keep your old dial. They say the cost of the new dial reflects the trade in value of the old dial. This clearly shows the company policy of eliminating factory Rolex parts from being out there which could then be used on fake watches.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by BillA

From previous posts to answer this question: Rolex does not want genuine parts being sold to put into fake watches.

This ^^^

Edit: welcome to the forum

[Tools]

Rolex has considered parts replacement as an exchange transaction.

[Fredrik]

It depends is my answer... It seems that in north america you never get your parts back. I have always gotten my parts back after a service and it seems to vary with location.

[MRBolton]

Originally Posted by Fredrik

It depends is my answer... It seems that in north america you never get your parts back. I have always gotten my parts back after a service and it seems to vary with location.

All your parts, or just items like bezels, dials, etc...?

[Thx67]

I think im right in saying that if you order a new bracelet, the price quoted is dependent on them keeping the old one. I can see their reason for doing it but it doesnt seem right handing in something that you own for the privilege of buying the same thing again.

[Harry-57]

Originally Posted by Thx67

I think im right in saying that if you order a new bracelet, the price quoted is dependent on them keeping the old one. I can see their reason for doing it but it doesnt seem right handing in something that you own for the privilege of buying the same thing again.

I've heard of some people sending in a watch minus bracelet to the RSC for a service. Apparently it's how some of us get brushed bracelets onto our GMT Masters while keeping the original PCL one.

For a watch that is sold with a choice of bracelets (e.g. Sky Dweller, GMT Master) you can trade in or have both for a higher price.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by Thx67

I think im right in saying that if you order a new bracelet, the price quoted is dependent on them keeping the old one. I can see their reason for doing it but it doesnt seem right handing in something that you own for the privilege of buying the same thing again.

Yes, but it is on an exchange basis so it's at a reduced price
Do you think you would enjoy paying the full wack up?
It could be rather scary

[Marcjvr]

Originally Posted by BillA

From previous posts to answer this question: Rolex does not want genuine parts being sold to put into fake watches.

Hope that’s not the case. It would mean Rolex doesn’t trust their customers

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by Marcjvr

Hope that’s not the case. It would mean Rolex doesn’t trust their customers

It is, and they don't. Although Rolex would argue it's in an effort to secure brand integrity.
dP

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by Marcjvr

Hope that’s not the case. It would mean Rolex doesn’t trust their customers

That would be because some customers were proving to not be worthy of trust.
What customers believe is their right to do as they wish with their surplus parts whether it be selling them or creating frankenwatches, is contrary to what Rolex believe is best for protecting brand equity and image.
Since Rolex have been clamping down tighter on these things there has been less parts floating around in the ether and frankenwatches.
The practices that Rolex are puting in place must be doing something right.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by wadekind

I have read various threads across this site where RSCs refuse to return replaced parts. What is the reasoning behind this?

Well first the only time Rolex replaces parts if they are not genuine or worn bad and need replacing to keep functional of the watch.So why would anyone want worn or damaged parts back,if just dial/bezel is changing this is normally done on part exchange basis.

[LC23]

Totally makes sense to me.

[csaltphoto]

Originally Posted by padi56

Well first the only time Rolex replaces parts if they are not genuine or worn bad and need replacing to keep functional of the watch.So why would anyone want worn or damaged parts back,if just dial/bezel is changing this is normally done on part exchange basis.

Well they started requiring that auto repair places make available to the customer the parts they replaced (if requested), as a way to mitigate fraud in repair services. So that the customer knows the work they paid for was actually done. It doesn't seem unreasonable for other industries as well.

[Fredrik]

Originally Posted by MRBolton

All your parts, or just items like bezels, dials, etc...?

Well, I only ever had vintage watches serviced and I usually get some stuff back...
This is what I got when my -78 1680 was serviced for the first time ever:

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by csaltphoto

Well they started requiring that auto repair places make available to the customer the parts they replaced (if requested), as a way to mitigate fraud in repair services. So that the customer knows the work they paid for was actually done. It doesn't seem unreasonable for other industries as well.

It's not comparing apples with apples.
Rolex replaces various parts routinely and it's built into the basic service charge. As Peter has said. Why would one want parts returned that are deemed by Rolex themselves to be US?

At the end of the day, if one can't trust the mothership, then who can one trust?
If it's a matter of integrity where we can't have faith that the best outcome is sought through the standard practices of Rolex. Then we are playing in the wrong space altogether.
Besides, other watch manufacturers do it as well and in some ways they are equally as tringent and getting more so in a number of ways.

[TimeLord2]

I does depend. On my 1675/3 from around 1974, I purchased a new bezel insert at the local Rolex Service Center in 2021. They charged me for the insert, installing the insert, and another small charge for returning my original faded insert. Prior to all of that, I was going to have it serviced at the same RSC and they indicated I could purchase a new bracelet. They had no interest in keeping my old American-made oval link bracelet but did offer $200 off the cost of the new replacement if I returned my original. Other than cosmetic parts like dial, hands, inserts, and bracelets, I would have no interest in keeping internal parts or a worn out bezel ring which couldn't hold an insert. That is, unless the bezel ring was irreplaceable, like from say a 6542 or something. What's the point? That said, I suppose it will all be irreplaceable at some point… Thank goodness for EBAY!

[Easy Rhino]

Originally Posted by Fredrik

Well, I only ever had vintage watches serviced and I usually get some stuff back...
This is what I got when my -78 1680 was serviced for the first time ever:

Was this service of your vintage 1680 done recently?

[Fredrik]

Originally Posted by Easy Rhino

Was this service of your vintage 1680 done recently?

No, that was in 2011, but at the second service a couple of years ago I got the replaced plexi back, but nothing else. I also got some stuff back when servicing my (now sold) -78 1675 some 5-6 years ago at a different location.

It is nice that I got the original plexi back, because the service plexi is slightly different.

So, it seems to depend. I probably would not get any service replaced standard parts back for my modern watches.

[train-time]

Why do these types of threads always get entitled with some dramatic terminology like "confiscated?" I can picture them breaking your door down and raiding your parts drawer. Pure sensationalism just to get attention and one's ire.

As others have said, sometimes new parts are offered on an exchange basis, presumably at a lower cost, but who knows.

[rmwill]

Endless stream of first post trolls here.

Originally Posted by train-time

Why do these types of threads always get entitled with some dramatic terminology like "confiscated." I can picture them breaking your door down and raiding your parts drawer. Pure sensationalism just to get attention and one's ire.

As others have said, sometimes new parts are offered on an exchange basis, presumably at a lower cost, but who knows.