The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX


Go Back   Rolex Forums - Rolex Forum > Rolex & Tudor Watch Topics > Rolex General Discussion

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 26 August 2014, 06:15 AM   #1
Ghost46
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Harlingen,TX
Posts: 1
Service cost over the top

I bought a GMT in 1972 while serving in Nam. Paid under $500 as bought through Navy Ex. Sent watch to Dallas office for repairs, received estimate of: required repairs $2500, recommended repairs over $6000. 42year old watch. Does anyone have idea as to what office I might plead a case for a lower penalty?
Ghost46 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 August 2014, 06:30 AM   #2
btinl
2024 Pledge Member
 
btinl's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: .
Watch: on my wrist
Posts: 1,973
try an independent watchmaker that has access to Rolex parts
btinl is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 August 2014, 06:33 AM   #3
Tools
TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron
 
Tools's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Real Name: Larry
Location: Mojave Desert
Watch: GMT's
Posts: 43,514
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ghost46 View Post
I bought a GMT in 1972 while serving in Nam. Paid under $500 as bought through Navy Ex. Sent watch to Dallas office for repairs, received estimate of: required repairs $2500, recommended repairs over $6000. 42year old watch. Does anyone have idea as to what office I might plead a case for a lower penalty?
You're not really giving us enough information to respond properly..
__________________
(Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....)
NAWCC Member
Tools is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 August 2014, 07:03 AM   #4
Brandon(phila)
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Real Name: Brandon
Location: Phila burbs
Watch: DSSD
Posts: 755
If it has never been serviced before....I'm sure it needs everything...but both of those quotes seem a little excessive b/c for $6000 you can just buy a almost new GMT.

I know that's not the point but for 6 grand what the heck are they doing?
Brandon(phila) is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 August 2014, 07:06 AM   #5
pacific17
"TRF" Member
 
pacific17's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Real Name: Owie
Location: MNL/SFO
Watch: G-Shock DW003
Posts: 1,504
Office? Penalty?
__________________
pacific17 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 August 2014, 07:07 AM   #6
Wesley Crusher
"TRF" Member
 
Wesley Crusher's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Real Name: Wes
Location: Holosuite
Posts: 6,345
RSC probably wants to replace everything. Dial, hands, bezel, case, bracelet, crystal, internal parts, etc... Didn't they give you a breakdown of what they suggest to replace and the cost for each item?
Wesley Crusher is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 August 2014, 07:21 AM   #7
iamthewalrus
"TRF" Member
 
iamthewalrus's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: UK
Posts: 86
It would help to see a breakdown of these quotes, $2500 seems possibly a 'tad' too much, for 'essential' work, but then again, not unimaginable, more info please, and would love to see some pictures of your watch! :)
iamthewalrus is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 August 2014, 07:33 AM   #8
GradyPhilpott
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
GradyPhilpott's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: New Mexico
Watch: Seiko #SRK047
Posts: 34,460
At least you didn't get a letter saying that it was unfixable, which does sometimes occur.

You might do well to contact Bob Ridley who has an excellent reputation with restorations.

Robert Ridley
Certified Horologist Since 1977
[email protected]

2807 Blackwood Drive
Arlington, TX 76013
Phone: 817.276.1400
Fax: 817.275.2466

http://www.watchmakers.com/www/servicesRolex.html
__________________
JJ

Inaugural TRF $50 Watch Challenge Winner
GradyPhilpott is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 August 2014, 07:34 AM   #9
Dvenus11
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Real Name: Sunny
Location: Los Angeles
Watch: GMT Master 2
Posts: 941
Whats wrong with the watch? If you know someone In LA you can ship the watch to them and have them bring it to my office. I am sure my watchmaker would be able to make the repairs depending on whats wrong with the watch.
Dvenus11 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 August 2014, 07:42 AM   #10
Explorador
"TRF" Member
 
Explorador's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Switzerland
Watch: 16710LN,PO 8900
Posts: 227
There is a lady watchmaker in this forum, I forgot her name, but she seems to have magic hands and this might be an interesting challenge for her. Maybe you two should have a talk.
Other members might remember her name. Another member posted a lot of pics of how she repairs his watch not long ago. Hope this might help.
Explorador is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 August 2014, 07:43 AM   #11
GradyPhilpott
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
GradyPhilpott's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: New Mexico
Watch: Seiko #SRK047
Posts: 34,460
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dvenus11 View Post
Whats wrong with the watch? If you know someone In LA you can ship the watch to them and have them bring it to my office. I am sure my watchmaker would be able to make the repairs depending on whats wrong with the watch.
__________________
JJ

Inaugural TRF $50 Watch Challenge Winner
GradyPhilpott is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 August 2014, 07:45 AM   #12
pacific17
"TRF" Member
 
pacific17's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Real Name: Owie
Location: MNL/SFO
Watch: G-Shock DW003
Posts: 1,504
Quote:
Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott View Post
__________________
pacific17 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 August 2014, 08:13 AM   #13
Dvenus11
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Real Name: Sunny
Location: Los Angeles
Watch: GMT Master 2
Posts: 941
Quote:
Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott View Post
I just re read what I posted and it makes no sense. Sorry about that. I am in the watch business and deal with all types of high end watches to vintage watches. I have a office in Los Angeles and have in house watch makers. So i am pretty sure I can get you a better deal then most of the people out there. Just need some more details of the watch and the problems its having.
Dvenus11 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 August 2014, 08:31 AM   #14
bighaole
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: USA
Watch: Exp II + Daytona
Posts: 452
Quote:
Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott View Post
At least you didn't get a letter saying that it was unfixable, which does sometimes occur.

You might do well to contact Bob Ridley who has an excellent reputation with restorations.
+1 I had a great experience working with Bob.
bighaole is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 August 2014, 08:33 AM   #15
Robday
"TRF" Member
 
Robday's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Real Name: robday
Location: Texas
Watch: 16710 GMT Coke
Posts: 105
Quote:
Originally Posted by Explorador View Post
There is a lady watchmaker in this forum, I forgot her name, but she seems to have magic hands and this might be an interesting challenge for her. Maybe you two should have a talk.
Other members might remember her name. Another member posted a lot of pics of how she repairs his watch not long ago. Hope this might help.
I was certainly impressed. Here is the link:

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=365839
Robday is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 August 2014, 09:22 AM   #16
adamlea
"TRF" Member
 
adamlea's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Great Plains
Watch: Exp II 216570 Blk
Posts: 1,190
You might also want to check out the Rolex WatchTech section. Just a thought.
adamlea is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 August 2014, 11:09 AM   #17
redsubby
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Real Name: Henry
Location: TW/SoCal
Posts: 1,632
show us scans of your watch and the estimate that way maybe we can give you some ideas at that time.
redsubby is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 August 2014, 11:18 AM   #18
superdog
2024 Pledge Member
 
superdog's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Real Name: Seth
Location: nj
Watch: Omega
Posts: 24,834
Do it the right way.

Pay the penalty.

It will restore an icon to magnificence.

You will be the single owner of a perfect piece if history.

Do it right.
__________________
If happiness is a state of mind, why look anywhere else for it?

IG: gsmotorclub
IG: thesawcollection

(Both mostly just car stuff)
superdog is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 August 2014, 11:46 AM   #19
SeaAndSky
"TRF" Member
 
SeaAndSky's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Wild Blue Yonder
Watch: 116710 LN
Posts: 1,613
Ghost, when was it last serviced? I'm curious. I'm also interested in seeing a breakdown of what's suggested and a cost per item.
SeaAndSky is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 August 2014, 11:50 AM   #20
HogwldFLTR
2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member
 
HogwldFLTR's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Real Name: Lee
Location: 42.48.45N70.48.48
Watch: Too many to list!
Posts: 33,697
Rolex will bring the watch to like new condition if allowed which doesn't do much for it as a vintage piece. There are a number of watchmakers on the forum who would take better care to maintain the vintage watch as such.
__________________
Troglodyte in residence!

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=808599
HogwldFLTR is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 August 2014, 11:58 AM   #21
Michael T
2024 Pledge Member
 
Michael T's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Houston
Posts: 1,243
Has it been serviced before? If you had a 1972 car that had little routine service would a high bill surprise you? As mentioned earlier it would be helpful to see the estimate to get some substantiative advise.
Michael T is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 August 2014, 12:02 PM   #22
Sunny Arizona
"TRF" Member
 
Sunny Arizona's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Real Name: Brad
Location: Colorado
Watch: 16613
Posts: 1,263
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ghost46 View Post
I bought a GMT in 1972 while serving in Nam. Paid under $500 as bought through Navy Ex. Sent watch to Dallas office for repairs, received estimate of: required repairs $2500, recommended repairs over $6000. 42year old watch. Does anyone have idea as to what office I might plead a case for a lower penalty?
The more serious members may not see the humor in your post. You have officially received a Rolex sponsored wallet biopsy. Send it to Vanessa. Do as little as required. There are some well renowned vintage repair specialists but your watch will be gone a long time
Sunny Arizona is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 August 2014, 12:02 PM   #23
azguy
Banned
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Real Name: -------
Location: -------
Watch: ---------
Posts: 12,609
To heck with the $6k service, I'm dying to know what the "required" $2.5k service is...Please scan and post the estimate.

BTW, Ridley is far from cheap or inexpensive, FWIW...
azguy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 August 2014, 12:19 PM   #24
RollieVerde
Banned
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Very Far Away
Posts: 579
Quote:
Originally Posted by superdog View Post
Do it the right way.

Pay the penalty.

It will restore an icon to magnificence.

You will be the single owner of a perfect piece if history.

Do it right.
I heartily agree. To make a 42-year-old Rolex new again, it's not too much to ask. Unlike other such expenditures, this one will last for decades.
RollieVerde is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 August 2014, 01:04 PM   #25
joli160
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
joli160's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: NL
Watch: Yachtmaster
Posts: 14,761
2.5K I wouldn't care, but 6K I would feel robbed.
__________________
Day Date 18238, Yachtmaster 16622, Deepsea 116660, Submariner 116619, SkyD 326935, DJ 178271, DJ 69158, Yachtmaster 169622, GMT 116713LN, GMT 126711.
joli160 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 August 2014, 01:36 PM   #26
handsfull
"TRF" Member
 
handsfull's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Real Name: J
Location: The great Midwest
Watch: youlookinat?
Posts: 2,369
Send it to Rik D
handsfull is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 August 2014, 01:44 PM   #27
DCheeta
"TRF" Member
 
DCheeta's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Real Name: Dave
Location: NYC
Posts: 7,181
Seems really high. I brought my 40 year-old Sub to RSC NY and paid around $800 for the service. But it was in fairly good condition already, so maybe therein lies the disparity.
DCheeta is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 August 2014, 05:21 AM   #28
regnant
"TRF" Member
 
regnant's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Close to Rolex AD
Posts: 3,474
According to watch mags I read ,if you neglect the maintenance namely mechanical watch movements when their service is due you could pay thousands of dollars to get them fixed .I first thought it was BS though
__________________
http://s30.postimg.org/eykg4i271/A_Lange_Sohne_Movement.jpg
regnant is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 August 2014, 06:06 AM   #29
SMD
"TRF" Member
 
SMD's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Real Name: SMD
Location: LGA/EWR/ORD
Watch: AP/PP
Posts: 3,701
I am always amazed when someone starts a thread like this as never returns or responds. What's the point?
SMD is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 August 2014, 06:09 AM   #30
Chaching
"TRF" Member
 
Chaching's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Real Name: None of ya #@!
Location: Somewhere
Watch: Many! 116718 GOLD
Posts: 2,137
unreal..
Chaching is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Wrist Aficionado

My Watch LLC

WatchesOff5th

DavidSW Watches

Takuya Watches

OCWatches


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.