Service cost over the top

[Ghost46]

I bought a GMT in 1972 while serving in Nam. Paid under $500 as bought through Navy Ex. Sent watch to Dallas office for repairs, received estimate of: required repairs $2500, recommended repairs over $6000. 42year old watch. Does anyone have idea as to what office I might plead a case for a lower penalty?

[btinl]

try an independent watchmaker that has access to Rolex parts

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Ghost46

I bought a GMT in 1972 while serving in Nam. Paid under $500 as bought through Navy Ex. Sent watch to Dallas office for repairs, received estimate of: required repairs $2500, recommended repairs over $6000. 42year old watch. Does anyone have idea as to what office I might plead a case for a lower penalty?

You're not really giving us enough information to respond properly..

[Brandon(phila)]

If it has never been serviced before....I'm sure it needs everything...but both of those quotes seem a little excessive b/c for $6000 you can just buy a almost new GMT.

I know that's not the point but for 6 grand what the heck are they doing?

[pacific17]

Office? Penalty?

[Wesley Crusher]

RSC probably wants to replace everything. Dial, hands, bezel, case, bracelet, crystal, internal parts, etc... Didn't they give you a breakdown of what they suggest to replace and the cost for each item?

[iamthewalrus]

It would help to see a breakdown of these quotes, $2500 seems possibly a 'tad' too much, for 'essential' work, but then again, not unimaginable, more info please, and would love to see some pictures of your watch! :)

[GradyPhilpott]

At least you didn't get a letter saying that it was unfixable, which does sometimes occur.

You might do well to contact Bob Ridley who has an excellent reputation with restorations.

Robert Ridley
Certified Horologist Since 1977
[email protected]

2807 Blackwood Drive
Arlington, TX 76013
Phone: 817.276.1400
Fax: 817.275.2466

http://www.watchmakers.com/www/servicesRolex.html

[Dvenus11]

Whats wrong with the watch? If you know someone In LA you can ship the watch to them and have them bring it to my office. I am sure my watchmaker would be able to make the repairs depending on whats wrong with the watch.

[Explorador]

There is a lady watchmaker in this forum, I forgot her name, but she seems to have magic hands and this might be an interesting challenge for her. Maybe you two should have a talk.
Other members might remember her name. Another member posted a lot of pics of how she repairs his watch not long ago. Hope this might help.

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by Dvenus11

Whats wrong with the watch? If you know someone In LA you can ship the watch to them and have them bring it to my office. I am sure my watchmaker would be able to make the repairs depending on whats wrong with the watch.

[pacific17]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

[Dvenus11]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

I just re read what I posted and it makes no sense. Sorry about that. I am in the watch business and deal with all types of high end watches to vintage watches. I have a office in Los Angeles and have in house watch makers. So i am pretty sure I can get you a better deal then most of the people out there. Just need some more details of the watch and the problems its having.

[bighaole]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

At least you didn't get a letter saying that it was unfixable, which does sometimes occur.

You might do well to contact Bob Ridley who has an excellent reputation with restorations.

+1 I had a great experience working with Bob.

[Robday]

Originally Posted by Explorador

There is a lady watchmaker in this forum, I forgot her name, but she seems to have magic hands and this might be an interesting challenge for her. Maybe you two should have a talk.
Other members might remember her name. Another member posted a lot of pics of how she repairs his watch not long ago. Hope this might help.

I was certainly impressed. Here is the link:

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=365839

[adamlea]

You might also want to check out the Rolex WatchTech section. Just a thought.

[redsubby]

show us scans of your watch and the estimate that way maybe we can give you some ideas at that time.

[superdog]

Do it the right way.

Pay the penalty.

It will restore an icon to magnificence.

You will be the single owner of a perfect piece if history.

Do it right.

[SeaAndSky]

Ghost, when was it last serviced? I'm curious. I'm also interested in seeing a breakdown of what's suggested and a cost per item.

[HogwldFLTR]

Rolex will bring the watch to like new condition if allowed which doesn't do much for it as a vintage piece. There are a number of watchmakers on the forum who would take better care to maintain the vintage watch as such.

[Michael T]

Has it been serviced before? If you had a 1972 car that had little routine service would a high bill surprise you? As mentioned earlier it would be helpful to see the estimate to get some substantiative advise.

[Sunny Arizona]

Originally Posted by Ghost46

I bought a GMT in 1972 while serving in Nam. Paid under $500 as bought through Navy Ex. Sent watch to Dallas office for repairs, received estimate of: required repairs $2500, recommended repairs over $6000. 42year old watch. Does anyone have idea as to what office I might plead a case for a lower penalty?

The more serious members may not see the humor in your post. You have officially received a Rolex sponsored wallet biopsy. Send it to Vanessa. Do as little as required. There are some well renowned vintage repair specialists but your watch will be gone a long time

[azguy]

To heck with the $6k service, I'm dying to know what the "required" $2.5k service is...Please scan and post the estimate.

BTW, Ridley is far from cheap or inexpensive, FWIW...

[RollieVerde]

Originally Posted by superdog

Do it the right way.

Pay the penalty.

It will restore an icon to magnificence.

You will be the single owner of a perfect piece if history.

Do it right.

I heartily agree. To make a 42-year-old Rolex new again, it's not too much to ask. Unlike other such expenditures, this one will last for decades.

[joli160]

2.5K I wouldn't care, but 6K I would feel robbed.

[handsfull]

Send it to Rik D

[DCheeta]

Seems really high. I brought my 40 year-old Sub to RSC NY and paid around $800 for the service. But it was in fairly good condition already, so maybe therein lies the disparity.

[regnant]

According to watch mags I read ,if you neglect the maintenance namely mechanical watch movements when their service is due you could pay thousands of dollars to get them fixed .I first thought it was BS though

[SMD]

I am always amazed when someone starts a thread like this as never returns or responds. What's the point?

[Chaching]

unreal..