My Rolex BSC Visit & Rotor Rattle

[sheldonsmith]

After waiting for a long planned meeting in Los Angeles to arrive, I finally was in the vicinity of RSC-Beverly Hills. I stopped by to have my new D-series GMT II examined for what I thought was the rotor, and for my no-date sub to be authenticated and pressure tested as I purchased this from an estate dealer.

Rolex BSC is a pretty large building on Wilshire Drive. Large lobby, sparsely decorated, but well trimmed in wood, Rolex clocks on the wall and plenty room of waiting area. It reminded me of a cross between a bank, airplane waiting area, and doctor's office with magazines on the coffee tables while you waited. There were two counters similar to bank teller counters, but they had built-in leather watch pads to present watches without having to use a jewelers watch pad. The doors to the office area were made of one-way class and opened, James Bond style, on tracks from left to right. Of course, the lobby had discrete, but plenty of security cameras. No picture taking allowed.

The GMTII had a rattle that was especially noticeable when shaking the watch from 9 -> 3. The nice lady behind the counter indicated that it was bracelet rattle. She showed me how to hold the bracelet when shaking the watch, and viola, the watch was quiet (and sounded like my Sub on NATO, and my old Datejusts). I have not been able to replicate how to hold the watch so that there is no rattle, but at least I know its normal.

I also presented her with my A series 14060 no-date sub. I purchased this at an estate store with no papers. I had the watch pressure tested, a verification that the watch is indeed a Rolex and one that is not reported stolen. Cost: $60.

I picked up their inhouse magazine, "Perpetual Spirit" issue #10. There is no mailing list for these and had never seen one before. It featured articles on what their Rolex Ambassadors do and their Rolex watches. I guess you have to stop by RSC's to get them (unless anyone knows different).

I also inquired regarding shipping watches to RSC to verify what I read here. Yes, no more Rolex shipping boxes. They ship using a suede pouches made of a lighter green than the traditional Rolex green, and there is no Rolex logo on them. They are similar to the Suede pouches on the auction sites, but slightly larger.

I also had some time to peruse Beverly Hills. Visited the new Omega store. I received a nice shopping bag to carry all my schwag from the Rolex RSC . I also picked up the new Omega catalog which is in the form of a small hard-cover book. I also stopped by my preferred gray market dealer. There is a new Bvlgari (or Bulgari) store opening. I passed by the Panari store, checked out a few pawn/watch shops and had to go to beat traffic.

Beverly Hills is worth walking through if you have a few hours to kill but be sure to arrive with an empty wallet as there were many enticing pieces.

-Sheldon