Will RSC repair parts only?

[DaveInLA]

I've currently got an old Sea Dweller clasp (last 1980s) on my Sub-date 16610 (2008) because of the full link rather than half link attached to the clasp. However, as you would expect, the clasp has a lot more wear and tear than the rest of the watch does.

I've contacted RSC to see if they would either replace or repair the clasp, and they said that they would not, as they try to keep all watches with only original parts. If I brought in my Sub with the SD clasp, they'd replace it with a Sub clasp, which defies the whole purpose of this. But if I only bring in the clasp and claim it's from my Sea Dweller, do you think they'll service it?

[roadcarver]

If I recall correctly, when I first got my 14060, they repaired the clasp of the no date sub when I brought it in for service. Repair, I mean they replaced the clasp with a new one.

[DaveInLA]

Originally Posted by roadcarver

If I recall correctly, when I first got my 14060, they repaired the clasp of the no date sub when I brought it in for service. Repair, I mean they replaced the clasp with a new one.

Did you bring in just the clasp? Or the whole watch? I'd like to bring in just the clasp, as I know they'll replace my clasp with the proper version if I bring in a "hybrid" watch.

[roadcarver]

Mine was the whole watch - that could be the difference?

Originally Posted by DaveInLA

Did you bring in just the clasp? Or the whole watch? I'd like to bring in just the clasp, as I know they'll replace my clasp with the proper version if I bring in a "hybrid" watch.

[DaveInLA]

Originally Posted by roadcarver

Mine was the whole watch - that could be the difference?

I'm afraid it might. I just want to know if they'll help me if I walk in with just a clasp without the watch itself.

[azguy]

Originally Posted by DaveInLA

I'm afraid it might. I just want to know if they'll help me if I walk in with just a clasp without the watch itself.

I bet they won't.......

[roger0770]

If you're close to the SF RSC, walk in and see Giovanni. He will help you out.

[JohnBoy]

Originally Posted by DaveInLA

I've currently got an old Sea Dweller clasp

I've contacted RSC to see if they would either replace or repair the clasp, and they said that they would not, as they try to keep all watches with only original parts. If I brought in my Sub with the SD clasp, they'd replace it with a Sub clasp, which defies the whole purpose of this. But if I only bring in the clasp and claim it's from my Sea Dweller, do you think they'll service it?

I think that RSC, like most larger 'repair' operations, cannot afford to rework, or fix, individual parts at a reasonable price. Rather, they are 'parts changers,' substituting new for old - thus 'fixing' the entire watch. I recently bought a nicely reworked bracelet that was serviced by an RSC (and got the paperwork, too); yep, brand new clasp at $169 base price. If you want some old-fashioned detailed work, like clasp repair, an smaller, independent watch repair shop, with a very caring watchmaker, is probably your best bet. Luck!

[DaveInLA]

Originally Posted by JohnBoy

I think that RSC, like most larger 'repair' operations, cannot afford to rework, or fix, individual parts at a reasonable price. Rather, they are 'parts changers,' substituting new for old - thus 'fixing' the entire watch. I recently bought a nicely reworked bracelet that was serviced by an RSC (and got the paperwork, too); yep, brand new clasp at $169 base price. If you want some old-fashioned detailed work, like clasp repair, an smaller, independent watch repair shop, with a very caring watchmaker, is probably your best bet. Luck!

To be honest, I'd love if they would keep my old clasp and replace it with a new one.

[JohnBoy]

Originally Posted by DaveInLA

To be honest, I'd love if they would keep my old clasp and replace it with a new one.

Yeah. The clasp can take a real beating - lots of cycles, many home adjusters (arrrggghhhh), grit/sweat/gunge in the joints, etc. If yours is worn very heavily, or deeply scarred up, it will probably be a lot cheaper to just replace. Problem is that working on watches is so labor intensive - the movement can't be shortchanged in the hands-on department, but the rest......slam/bam or what...who knows? I have rebuilt a couple of clasps for myself at home in the last six months. Its kinda satisfying, but time consuming, to be sure; wouldn't want to do it for a living with my 'thumbs of cast iron.'

As for having the rest of the watch on hand for them to investigate - its probably all part of Rolex's attempt to control the fake/aftermarket activities that cut so deeply into their business. "Prove you have a genuine watch and we will be happy to help you...otherwise...not!" Can't blame them! All JMHO, of course. HAG One (learned that yesterday)

[DaveInLA]

Originally Posted by JohnBoy

Yeah. The clasp can take a real beating - lots of cycles, many home adjusters (arrrggghhhh), grit/sweat/gunge in the joints, etc. If yours is worn very heavily, or deeply scarred up, it will probably be a lot cheaper to just replace. Problem is that working on watches is so labor intensive - the movement can't be shortchanged in the hands-on department, but the rest......slam/bam or what...who knows? I have rebuilt a couple of clasps for myself at home in the last six months. Its kinda satisfying, but time consuming, to be sure; wouldn't want to do it for a living with my 'thumbs of cast iron.'

As for having the rest of the watch on hand for them to investigate - its probably all part of Rolex's attempt to control the fake/aftermarket activities that cut so deeply into their business. "Prove you have a genuine watch and we will be happy to help you...otherwise...not!" Can't blame them! All JMHO, of course. HAG One (learned that yesterday)

Yeah but I'm willing to give up my old clasp so that I contribute nothing to the aftermarket or counterfeit market.