RSC service advice

[eiregnol]

Hi

After sending in my 168000 submariner date to rsc ny, I received an estimate for an overhaul with refinish, plus a crown, new bezel insert, and new hands.

I called rsc ny and they were very helpful addressing my concern that changing the hands and bezel insert would change the look and effect the value. They said the could relook at the insert and see if not changing that would be possible, but the hands had to be replaced. They said though that the hands would be period correct, and would match. They went a step further and looked at a picture of my watch and compared the current hands to the new hands and said I would not notice a difference.

Under a uv light the hands and dial match, so I think the current hands are tritium. they don’t glow for more then a second. Would the new hands be luminova?


I feel like the normal response is don’t let rsc do the work, and go independent, but I’m wondering if the hands are period correct as they said, then mine as well replace them. Why not right?
If I have to replace the insert, are the service ones any different then what I have now?

I also declined the refinish, but I wonder, maybe it would look nice. RSC is supposed to be pretty good at it. Thoughts on that?

[Tools]

Rolex replaces parts with the latest available for that model. They do not replace parts with "period correct" items, whatever that means.

Any lume products will be Luminova, not tritium

[rmwill]

That model is extremely rare. Get it back and send it to a good independent like Rolliworks. RSC does a great job on recent more common references. Never send a tritium watch in to RSC.

[karleone]

They will replace your tritium hands by luminova hands. Don’t understand why they want to. change the insert. I would not go trough RSC and find a reputable watchmarket to service it.

[HHIslander]

Originally Posted by rmwill

That model is extremely rare. Get it back and send it to a good independent like Rolliworks. RSC does a great job on recent more common references. Never send a tritium watch in to RSC.

Couldn't agree more. RSC does not handle vintage well at all. Never send.

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by HHIslander

Couldn't agree more. RSC does not handle vintage well at all. Never send.

This !


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[winst]

Looks a great watch to me as it is from your picture. As others have said, get it back then send to one of the reputable independents recommended on the forum.

[eiregnol]

Thank you all that’s great advice. I’ll look into independent. My main reason for going rsc is making sure genuine parts are used. After a quick search it seems rolliworks and Philip Ridley come up a lot. Are there any New England independent watch makers with a Rolex parts account?

Who does TRF like these days for service?

[7enderbender]

Following.

Yeah, you need to get that back. I had looked into something like this a while back and I’m not sure there is anyone reliable in the New England area. Curious to hear what others will recommend. The Boston area is kind of a dead zone considering the overall renewed interest in watches and given the population and money around here. The official Rolex dealers around here are a complete disappointment and I wouldn’t go there for anything. No Omega Boutique. Some independents where I’m not sure what to make of them.

[RossK]

Careful the RSC will make a Frankenstein out of it.

[TimeLord2]

I used Phillip Ridley with great results. He is a a vintage specialist and will send you a Fedex label and insure the watch with whatever you are comfortable with. The watch when finished, will have to be picked up at an authorized Fedex office. Aside from pickup and delivery, he uses all Rolex parts and can refinish the case as well if that's what you want done. Also have seen good work on this forum from Ric Dietal based in Florida, plus recommendations for LAWW in Pasadena, CA close to my home. I went with Phillip because he was super communicative and helped me source some hard to find parts. As I said, very happy with the result. Beautiful watch you have there!

[Andad]

Yes, I would use an Indie for the service and keep the hands and bezel insert as is.

[eiregnol]

Super, I have asked for my watch back and will look into independents. I have also seen great reviews about ric dietal, Thank you all for the advice

One shop that came up near by is USA watch service in NH. Not seeing, many trf reviews. Any one tried them?

[aayates]

I would argue it depends on your plans. If yours is a period correct watch, with no modifications, it makes sense to keep it as original as possible (unless you plan to keep it, wear it, and are not worried about re-sale). How's that for a run-on sentence! I have a used 1990 or so 18238 that I sent to RSC for full service after buying. New hands, face (with added luminova), polish, etc. Rolex even said the face would be slightly different. I decided I was going to keep the watch so was not worried. Now I can still sell the watch for $6k more than I purchased it so still not worried. Depends on investment vs. fun to wear/keep I suppose.