Got my watch back from RSC but does it have issues?

[computerguru]

I got my GMT 1675 back from the RSC. I noticed on the date wheel a small dark speck on the number 15. I don't care about it cosmetically, but I am concerned if it will harm the movement at all.

Edit: I have another area of concern. The seconds hand gets a bit jumpy at certain areas and pauses briefly at 25 seconds. This is with a full wind.


Should I send it back to the RSC?

[Nikrnic]

I would due to the erratic second hand.

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[nevergiveup]

Yes it's obvious you need to send it back. Disappointing also.

[Onikage]

Yeah I'm definitely going the independent route. If they still exist when I come to need one. This sounds terrible. RSCs do some amazing work but I want a guarantee that my watch doesn't have whatever the heck the OP's has had done to it.

[Pantheon]

Definitely send it back. If the watch is acting abnormally in any kind of way you don't know what's wrong with the mechanism and you can end up doing even more damage if you continue to use it.

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[watchmaker]

Originally Posted by Onikage

Yeah I'm definitely going the independent route. If they still exist when I come to need one. This sounds terrible. RSCs do some amazing work but I want a guarantee that my watch doesn't have whatever the heck the OP's has had done to it.

Independent watchmakers are not automatically superior, just at RSC is not automatically inferior.

There is no correlation between the address at which one repairs a watch and how good/bad the repair can be.

n.b. I’m not championing choosing either one over the other. Just saying that neither option is a guarantee that there will be no problems/issues/mistakes.

[cerendigit]

What RCS you sent it to?

Pics of the date wheel?


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[brandrea]

Originally Posted by cerendigit

What RCS you sent it to?

Pics of the date wheel?


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Ditto.

OP I see you’re from Canada ...

[mmmmp]

The datewheel would normally be a non issue however erratic time keeping is flat out unacceptable. Take it back pronto.

If the work was done by the RSC in Toronto, I'm surprised. They usually do stellar work. But, things happen so don't sweat it: they'll make it right.

Good luck

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[1watch]

They need to make it right. I personally wouldn’t trust Rolex with anything vintage in the future and instead would use a reputable independent with access to period correct oem parts.


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[Onikage]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

Independent watchmakers are not automatically superior, just at RSC is not automatically inferior.

There is no correlation between the address at which one repairs a watch and how good/bad the repair can be.

n.b. I’m not championing choosing either one over the other. Just saying that neither option is a guarantee that there will be no problems/issues/mistakes.

Hear ya. I'd still be more comfortable being in direct contact with the person doing the work. I suppose I meant to say.

[computerguru]

Originally Posted by cerendigit

What RCS you sent it to?

Pics of the date wheel?


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I can’t get a good enough picture off my iphone but it’s a small piece of debris on the 15th. Doesn’t look like lint or metal.

I sent it to RSC in Toronto.

[computerguru]

Also I will mention that the timekeeping seems fine just that the seconds hand has some strange movements.

Could it be related to tensioning of the seconds hand? I have been looking through old threads to see if others have a similar issue.

[Gmt21]

Let me say this....there is risk whenever you send your precious watches out for service. Whether it's to an RSC or independent, even the best trained watchmakers make mistakes. You have to be aware of these risks. In my experiences with servicing lets say over 20 watches in the last several years, I have had both RSC and two of the "premier" independents recommended on TRF make major mistakes during a service that required either further repair or sourcing of a correct vintage replacement part.
There is no 100% safe route. BUT - I do agree with many here that vintage independent specialists are a safer bet than RSC for your vintage pieces. For your modern pieces RSC is fine IMO.

[computerguru]

As long as RSC fixes the issues this time around I’ll be more than happy. I’m going to get my AD to ship it out in a couple days

[subtona]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

Independent watchmakers are not automatically superior, just at RSC is not automatically inferior.

There is no correlation between the address at which one repairs a watch and how good/bad the repair can be.

n.b. I’m not championing choosing either one over the other. Just saying that neither option is a guarantee that there will be no problems/issues/mistakes.

Consistency is a good indicator ... in my experience the address on 5th ave (RSCNY) has consistently been terrible.

[Swearengen]

I believe the motion of the second had you describe is not uncommon on a 15xx movement as the second hand is indirect. There is some sort of spring arrangement which drives the second hand, and the tension of this spring is quite crucial and somewhat tricky to adjust. Sounds like yours just need a small adjustment, no drama.

Originally Posted by computerguru

Also I will mention that the timekeeping seems fine just that the seconds hand has some strange movements.

Could it be related to tensioning of the seconds hand? I have been looking through old threads to see if others have a similar issue.

[Claven2]

Originally Posted by Swearengen

I believe the motion of the second had you describe is not uncommon on a 15xx movement as the second hand is indirect. There is some sort of spring arrangement which drives the second hand, and the tension of this spring is quite crucial and somewhat tricky to adjust. Sounds like yours just need a small adjustment, no drama.

This. The second hand is driven off the third wheel and a tension spring keeps the lash out of the gear. It has to be adjusted so as not to overly reduce amplitude, while also preventing the seconds hand from jumping around. FWIW, it's cosmetic and does not affect timekeeping accuracy.

Last couple 1575 movements I sent to rsc in toronto came back with too little spring tension. In both cases, my local AD honored the warranty card and made the adjustment in under 20 minutes.

Basically you lose a couple degrees of amplitude, but get a smooth seconds hand. No biggie, and I think the rsc people are so used to working on 3135 movements that they miss this detail when doing a 157X movement.

[computerguru]

Great to hear that it’s not a serious problem. I just had it shipped out today. Will update when it comes back

[116710er]

Hmm, another RSC high level QC job. Make sure you takes photos of the watch. Front, back, side, etc. DETAILED photos. Also double check your insert when you get it back. Make sure they didn't do a "favor" and swap it out for you without your consent. I would also put it on a timegrapher or ask you local AD to put it on their timer and make sure RSC did a proper service on your watch.

[Throttle]

I will NOT go back to RSC for a service.
The only first time i sent my 116520 for a service, they screwed up.
There are many more skillful and dedicated watchtechs out there.

[jaisonline]

Originally Posted by subtona

Consistency is a good indicator ... in my experience the address on 5th ave (RSCNY) has consistently been terrible.

i have to agree. had 2 watches serviced there in early 2019.

Had a 79280 Tudor Chrono serviced last yr. They returned the watch back to me w/ the bezel not aligned properly and both chrono screw down couldn't be unscrewed by hand. They also demanded to replace the hands that didn't need replacing by making up a story about the tritium lume in the thin hands cracking (total lie). Also wanted to replace the crystal.

I refused as recently retired Vanessa serviced the watch 2 years prior but she didn't have the 3 correct white gold sub dial hands as part of my dial swap. note: NY RSC knew nothing about the dial swap.

I now send my watches to Dallas but still use NY RSC if I need a quick model appraisal for authenticity ( for insurance purposes although they only value older models at their current MSRP).

At the end of the day, it's the RSC employees who help make our service experiences positive or negative and not the address since we don;t have contact w/ the watchmakers and RSCs can / do ship our watches to other locations for services.

I just find the Dallas folks more accommodating and customer friendly.