RSC Service vs Independent

[Probert]

Originally Posted by 77T

The answer for you, in my humble opinion, is take the watch to the Rolex Service Center in London - or send it there since the trip from Wales is long.

I think that you may be happier with the 2-year warranty - and would have no lingering questions if saving the cost of a hotel room was worth skipping the Rolex route.

Just my 2¢


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I think you're right and this is the route I'm thinking of taking.

I'm certain anyway that the extra £200ish that a Rolex service costs would probably reflect in the resale value/and or make it more desirable should I want to sell it.

Thanks for everyone's advice!

[Probert]

Well I visited my local AD this afternoon and left my Submariner Date with them for servicing. There was a £30 charge for shipping down to RSC in Kent, but I think this is fair considering it's fully insured etc.

The problem I'm having with the watch is apparently due to a loose rotor, and I was actually advised that I shouldn't even be wearing it in case of further damage. I was still in two-minds up to that point about independent vs RSC, but once I was told that, I decided immediately it should go back to Rolex.

[lazywisher]

Originally Posted by jps3b

If I was looking to buy a preowned watch. And I knew that someone other than RSC serviced or worked on the said timepiece, it would be a deal breaker for me. So in a sense, I believe it does add value. Not saying everyone is as picky as me, but I personally would not make that purchase.

that has gotta be the most ridiculous thing i've read on this forum..

[jps3b]

Originally Posted by lazywisher

that has gotta be the most ridiculous thing i've read on this forum..

G’day Mate. With well over 100k invested in watches, I’m not having some hack so much as look at any of my time pieces. Of all the ridiculous statements on this forum, this is the one that wastes your time? How about you buy from who you want and I’ll do the same. G’day Mate

[Paul7]

I've heard of very good non-RSC watch outfits, and I've heard complaints from the NYC RSC.

[Brookbond]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Agreed and the 2 year warranty

I’ve owned my bluesy since new. Now 19 years. Never had a service and worn every day. Keeps as good time today as day I bought it.
Just saying...

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Brookbond

I’ve owned my bluesy since new. Now 19 years. Never had a service and worn every day. Keeps as good time today as day I bought it.
Just saying...

That's great, I'm happy for you
I have no idea why you quoted me or what this has to do with the OP

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[037]

Originally Posted by brandrea

That's great, I'm happy for you
I have no idea why you quoted me or what this has to do with the OP

He's probably saying that he thinks the two-year warranty is unnecessary given how long his watch has gone without service.

I somewhat see it the same way since if a watch were to have issues that were the result of a recent service, they would show up in less then a year if not right away. I'm surprised Rolex doesn't give five-year warranties with an RSC service on watches originally sold with a five-year warranty. If two is so great then why not five?

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by 037

He's probably saying that he thinks the two-year warranty is unnecessary given how long his watch has gone without service.

I somewhat see it the same way since if a watch were to have issues that were the result of a recent service, they would show up in less then a year if not right away. I'm surprised Rolex doesn't give five-year warranties with an RSC service on watches originally sold with a five-year warranty. If two is so great then why not five?

Got it and understood. Its be interesting to hear from Bas on the warranty timeline.

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[Wedders]

I’ve learned in life. “IF IT AIN’T BROKE DON’T FIX IT”

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by 037

He's probably saying that he thinks the two-year warranty is unnecessary given how long his watch has gone without service.

I somewhat see it the same way since if a watch were to have issues that were the result of a recent service, they would show up in less then a year if not right away. I'm surprised Rolex doesn't give five-year warranties with an RSC service on watches originally sold with a five-year warranty. If two is so great then why not five?

I suppose the other way to look at it is what is the warranty from the independent and is the extra $225 worth it to have the Rolex RSC warranty

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by subtona

complete disassembly and replacement of worn parts is not my experience with RSCNY.

Nor mine with RSC Dallas; watch came back with the same problem it left with and they tried to blame my wife for dropping it, $1500 later.

[hbombkid]

Originally Posted by Probert

Well I visited my local AD this afternoon and left my Submariner Date with them for servicing. There was a £30 charge for shipping down to RSC in Kent, but I think this is fair considering it's fully insured etc.



The problem I'm having with the watch is apparently due to a loose rotor, and I was actually advised that I shouldn't even be wearing it in case of further damage. I was still in two-minds up to that point about independent vs RSC, but once I was told that, I decided immediately it should go back to Rolex.

Glad you are getting serviced but who at the AD told you it was a loose rotor? How would they know? This is exactly why you deal with RSC yourself no reason to have an AD in the middle.

On RSC vs Independent really comes down to situation.

If I bought a preowned no cards first service would be RSC just to get some type of paperwork.

I think future would be independent. If you can find someone high quality / highly recommended go with the small business owner. I am thinking your customer service will be a little more personal. Not that RSC won’t do a good job but that individual watchmaker will appreciate the business more.

I just picked up a 2005 omega for a great deal and knew at some point it would need a service as the trusted seller did not know service history, but thought it was serviced a few years back.

At worst I wanted to do a pressure test. I found a local independent who is certified has the parts account etc. A 10 minute drive is always nice, met with the guy extremely nice good references. Well it was running a little slow (outside spec) and now going to do a full service. I have no concern using him also gives a 2 year warranty and the 10 min drive is a major plus vs shipping. He said about 3 weeks for it to be done.

My point I could have easily sent to Omega but I have all the original cards so I would rather give my business to the local guy. I also got to sit in his shop talk watches and learned a little. That is worth my business right there. I know not everyone is that lucky.

[Probert]

Originally Posted by hbombkid

Glad you are getting serviced but who at the AD told you it was a loose rotor? How would they know? This is exactly why you deal with RSC yourself no reason to have an AD in the middle.

There is what can only be described as a whirring noise when the watch is moved from side to side.

I don't particularly care if he was right in his assumption about the rotor being loose, although I think it's a realistic conclusion. Either way the watch isn't right or holding power.

I've no problem going through the AD for an RSC service. Ultimately it's still going to end up in the hands of Rolex and the £30 extra they charged me is only what I would have to pay myself to ship the watch down to RSC in Kent. It also takes the hassle of packaging and finding suitable insurance away from me.

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[77T]

Originally Posted by Probert

I've no problem going through the AD for an RSC service. Ultimately it's still going to end up in the hands of Rolex and the £30 extra they charged me is only what I would have to pay myself to ship the watch down to RSC in Kent. It also takes the hassle of packaging and finding suitable insurance away from me.

I’ve always done my own shipping but you are right about saving the hassles - especially when the watch is shipped back. Now your AD can hold it for you if you’re out of town or otherwise busy when RSC ships it back.

Hope a regular service is all it needs.


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[037]

Originally Posted by brandrea

I suppose the other way to look at it is what is the warranty from the independent and is the extra $225 worth it to have the Rolex RSC warranty

True. Some Rolex-certified indies in the US offer a two-year warranty on their service at no extra cost. I suspect it's to better compete with RSCs.

[Kinnakeeter]

I have old 18038 that was in need of service. I was recommended a local guy to work on it. He had a kind of a neutral reputation here. The service he performed was less that adequate. His thing was trying to save me money. I can appreciate that someone wants to save me money but sometimes saving someone money is a second cousin to cutting corners.
Long story, short, after much hand wringing I took it to a a local AD who sent it off to Rolex for me. It was sent to the Rolex watchmaker school in Pennsylvania. They did a full service. The result for me was stunning. When I wound the watch for the first time it was as smooth as glass. They replaced everything that was necessary. I also let them replace what was optional. The feel is completely different.
The point for me is, while I am positive here on this board there are highly skilled craftsmen, my one experience has shown me using Rolex Service may be the better choice.

[Hkspwrsche]

Originally Posted by Kinnakeeter

I have old 18038 that was in need of service. I was recommended a local guy to work on it. He had a kind of a neutral reputation here. The service he performed was less that adequate. His thing was trying to save me money. I can appreciate that someone wants to save me money but sometimes saving someone money is a second cousin to cutting corners.
Long story, short, after much hand wringing I took it to a a local AD who sent it off to Rolex for me. It was sent to the Rolex watchmaker school in Pennsylvania. They did a full service. The result for me was stunning. When I wound the watch for the first time it was as smooth as glass. They replaced everything that was necessary. I also let them replace what was optional. The feel is completely different.
The point for me is, while I am positive here on this board there are highly skilled craftsmen, my one experience has shown me using Rolex Service may be the better choice.

Interesting! Did they give you the option? I would have assumed it would go straight to RSC NY? I have one I was about to either send or take to the local guy who has been working at the AD dealer.

[037]

Originally Posted by Kinnakeeter

Long story, short, after much hand wringing I took it to a a local AD who sent it off to Rolex for me. It was sent to the Rolex watchmaker school in Pennsylvania. They did a full service. The result for me was stunning.

Don't forget that some independent watchmakers graduated from that school!

And, as a side note, students there don't work on customer watches. There's a full RSC at the Lititz location. The school is a small part of the facility.

[Kinnakeeter]

Originally Posted by Hkspwrsche

Interesting! Did they give you the option? I would have assumed it would go straight to RSC NY? I have one I was about to either send or take to the local guy who has been working at the AD dealer.

No I wasn’t given a choice. I asked about sending it to Dallas or NYC and was told they only use Penn. I was very skeptical. I googled the school as I had not heard much about it. It turned up the school and the architect of the building. That was pretty interesting. Up until then I had only heard about Dallas or NYC, with Dallas taking the nod.

[Kinnakeeter]

Originally Posted by 037

Don't forget that some independent watchmakers graduated from that school!

And, as a side note, students there don't work on customer watches. There's a full RSC at the Lititz location. The school is a small part of the facility.

I really thank you for this. I learn so much here. I wonder why Dallas and NYC are always recommended?

[Kinnakeeter]

Originally Posted by 037

Don't forget that some independent watchmakers graduated from that school!

And, as a side note, students there don't work on customer watches. There's a full RSC at the Lititz location. The school is a small part of the facility.

I intended no disrespect to any of the independent watchmakers.


I really thank you for this. I learn so much here. I wonder why Dallas and NYC are always recommended?

[037]

Originally Posted by Kinnakeeter

I intended no disrespect to any of the independent watchmakers.

I really thank you for this. I learn so much here. I wonder why Dallas and NYC are always recommended?

No disrespect taken. I just didn't want to paint all independents as incompetent compared to an RSC. All are people and people can make mistakes.

Regarding the Lititz RSC, currently that's where almost all Daytona movements are serviced. It also handles overflow from the NYC RSC. It's not set up for direct interaction with customers and isn't listed on rolex.com as an option. ADs can send directly to them but typically they don't accept direct work. It's... umm... complicated.

[Frakis]

I prefer to service my watches at the RSC. I’m sure some independents are really good at what they do. Ymmv.

[214270Explorer]

Originally Posted by turboevo2

The proper way to service is to take out all the parts and clean. When parts are all removed then you can see if anything is broken. Unless your watch maker is really good and you trust I would bring it to RSC service because they have 2 year warranty and they will have most of parts in stock. Also if ever you sell it at least you have record that it was service by RSC. A lot of buyers maybe novice and would prefer it be service by RSC.

Yes. And I also think that it is not really possible to lube some of the components (jewels, etc.) unless the movement has been fully disassembled. Some lube locations are inaccessible otherwise.

[ReclinerTimer]

very simple. if someone has been proven capable of doing the job then go with them, if you can't find anyone and want to pay a little extra thats fine too. its funny to see some people get so worked up when giving their opinion either way because there is no true correct answer. its up to you, and if you find someone you trust that has a proven track record then odds are you'll be fine.

[Tangier11]

I strongly recommend Riki at Time Care http://www.timecareinc.com/ In my experience he is better than RSC New York

[77T]

Originally Posted by 037

Regarding the Lititz RSC, currently that's where almost all Daytona movements are serviced. It also handles overflow from the NYC RSC. It's not set up for direct interaction with customers and isn't listed on rolex.com as an option. ADs can send directly to them but typically they don't accept direct work. It's... umm... complicated.

Both NYC & Dallas can handle the 4130. The Zeniths do go to Lititz.

Rolex has also vectored the vintage work to Lititz since earlier last year.

The watchmakers aren’t the issue, I believe they are trying to centralize the inventory of older parts.




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[1WatchDawg]

I'm not positive but I've heard that ADs send their watches to Lititz exclusively.

[dwatcher]

I'll just find a reputable local independent shop to service the watch.