Rolex Service - AD or RSC?

[adamlea]

Greetings. I have a G Series 216570 Explorer II - which I purchased new in 2013 with a lot of sage advice from fellow members. After almost 10 years, it now needs service.

Is it better to go through a local AD or send directly to an RSC? I’m thinking RSC (Dallas) would be the best route, but I don’t know. This is my first service. Seems like RSC personnel would be better qualified and better equipped, which would be moot points if AD’s send them out to an RSC anyway. Do they? That’s another thing I don’t know.

There are 2 ADs in my area. Had a bad experience with one when I was quoted an astronomical price for a repair on a Cartier that was later made by a Cartier boutique for considerably less. So, I won’t be going to that one. And that leaves just one AD.

I recall seeing several threads, maybe even some stickies, about having your Rolex serviced, but I couldn’t find them. So, apologies if I’ve missed them or if I've posted this in the wrong forum. As I remember, there used to be a fairly set protocol about how to request a shipping box, how to pack it, and how to mail it, etc. Maybe that’s changed. The Rolex website wasn’t particularly instructive.

It’s nerve-wracking to send your watch off. I’m not thrilled with the AD route, but can’t get real excited about dropping my watch off at the post office either. If anyone has any kernels of repair wisdom, I sure would appreciate them. Thanks in advance.

[kieselguhr]

Me personally, RSC preferred unless you have had great experience with the local AD watchmaker/ technician. I know 2 of the local Rolex trained watchmakers attached to ADs in town and wouldn’t hesitate to have them service modern watches. Classic and Vintage watches are sent out to RSC regardless.

If you feel anxious mailing it out yourself, you could request that an AD mail it out for you. However, doing so designates the AD as the contact for RSC and service related decisions are approved by them (Hopefully according to your specification).

Personally don’t see a reason to use AD as a middleman if you’re planning on going the RSC route because if theft is a concern, their packages are just as likely to be stolen as well. Additionally, they may charge you a service fee for shipping out anyway.

[Tools]

If you use an AD for an RSC service, the AD is the customer and RSC will not discuss your watch with you. The AD will also make decisions about the service if they don't/can't contact you.

This is not to say that an AD or even an independent shop, cannot do an excellent job, they just are not Rolex.

Only Rolex and a few Rolex approved Service Shops can give you the 2 year International warranty honored by any Rolex Service Center.

[Incident]

If your local AD is an Auth Rolex service provider, there is zero difference between sending it to them or to Dallas for the work. At the end of the day, your watch will be serviced by an individual...whether in Dallas or your home town. Either one can do a great or less than great job. Both offer the same two year warranty.
One option may be much faster for turn around than the other. If you get good feedback about the specific watchmaker at your local AD, there is the benefit of knowing exactly which individual will be doing the work, versus sending it to Dallas where you have no way to know who that individual may be.

[Chewbacca]

I prefer the AD route so there’s a local neck to squeeze.

Just get it all in writing and ask what if any markup they add. From my experience it’s about 10% more than RSC direct but I prefer it incase something happens there’s reputations on the line, and technically you’re giving them a sale which could help give reason to visit more and get another Rolex without buying trinkets or engaging in mind numbing AD chitchat.