RSC maintenance - worth it?

[Wishlist>$]

I would say it is worth it. I have had my 16570 serviced by RSC twice in the 17 years I have owned it. The first 15 years the watch was a one and only and was worn hard daily. Each time it has returned from RSC the watch looks like it did when I purchased new from AD. The bracelet/clasp is usually adjusted for a crisp snap close so it also feels like new. I have no reservations sending my pieces to RSC. I have ADs with Rolex certified watchmakers that can do the work, but I like the peace of mind sending my watch back to Rolex and the warranty card they supply with the completed service.

[WS9D]

Originally Posted by DarkPool

Hello fellow aficionados.

I'm the proud owner of an Explorer which I purchased from an AD and a 116660 Deep Sea I purchased a couple of weeks ago. Recently I tested the power reserve of the Explorer, which wasn't great at only 29 hours. Took it back to a RSC and the watchmaker gave it 50-60 winds, which yielded a less than impressive 32 hours this time.
I now winded it all the way to the clutch slip to see if I can get in in the low 40s, if not I will return it to have it tested. Since it's still under warranty there will be no costs involved. Different story with the 1166600. Since the availability of the Rolex tool watches is universally known, I decided to go for an 11-year old model in truly mint condition. Tested the power reserve and I got about 34 hours out of it. The thing is that after a full wind, I wear it for one day during 12 hours, the day after that, I wear it for say 8 hours and the morning after it usually will have stopped. Given the age, it just surpassed the recommended 10-year service window.

Since I don’t know the service history (the vintage dealer gives it a brief revision), I’m considering to go all out and have the full Rolex service which comes with a hefty price tag of course. The dealer I got it from also works with an independent watch maker at a lower cost and a quicker turnaround time.

What’s your experience with the RSC service? Worth it? The main reason for me would be to increase the power reserve and exclude any problem with the auto-winding mechanism.

I haven’t read through all of the comments, but unless it’s losing or gaining crazy time I wouldn’t bother. Something we “think” we’re giving it a full wind but are not. I was guilty of this years ago. I thought I was giving it 40 full winds but in reality I was giving 40 3/4 winds which yielding similar PR levels. Make sure u are giving full rotation winds and check it out. Your watch maker might have been short stroking it too.

[DarkPool]

Originally Posted by Ks6pd

I haven’t read through all of the comments, but unless it’s losing or gaining crazy time I wouldn’t bother. Something we “think” we’re giving it a full wind but are not. I was guilty of this years ago. I thought I was giving it 40 full winds but in reality I was giving 40 3/4 winds which yielding similar PR levels. Make sure u are giving full rotation winds and check it out. Your watch maker might have been short stroking it too.

I gave it 60+ winds and the Explorer just fell short of the listed 48 hours so all in all I'm quite happy. The DSSD performed better at the first try but I still need to give it a full wind to test the max power reserve. After a 'normal' 40 winds and 2 days on the wrist, it usually stops overnight. Could be due to limited wrist activity sat behind a desk. Not sure if it would warrant a full RSC maintenance given the steep cost. The watch keeps perfect time from what I've seen.

[DarkPool]

So to resume this thread: I took the DSSD to an AD for a checkup and he confirmed the mechanics were completely worn out and were long overdue for a Rolex Service.
I'm REALLY pissed off since they broker I purchased it from told me they always do a limited revision before putting it up for sale, so they must have knows the state of the watch. Just sent them an angry e-mail so I'm very curious about the follow-up.

[bmb15]

Originally Posted by DarkPool

So to resume this thread: I took the DSSD to an AD for a checkup and he confirmed the mechanics were completely worn out and were long overdue for a Rolex Service.
I'm REALLY pissed off since they broker I purchased it from told me they always do a limited revision before putting it up for sale, so they must have knows the state of the watch. Just sent them an angry e-mail so I'm very curious about the follow-up.

Sorry to hear that. Before buying any watch which is not new, I measure the movement with my timegrapher. Only this way you can probe the status of the caliber. You would have identified the worn out problem of your movement! It does not help you now, but maybe in the future. Your seller probably knew the bad status....

[DarkPool]

Originally Posted by bmb15

Sorry to hear that. Before buying any watch which is not new, I measure the movement with my timegrapher. Only this way you can probe the status of the caliber. You would have identified the worn out problem of your movement! It does not help you now, but maybe in the future. Your seller probably knew the bad status....

Well the good news is they agreed to a full refund.
While at the AD today I purchased a very nice DJ 41mm Rolesor. I will use the refund to get another Rolex sports model in the future. Funnily enough the DSSD 126660 are not that hard to come by at the AD, waiting lists are OK. So I paid nearly list for a worn out 116660. They must have known. Will only purchase through an AD as of now.

[jamesbondOO7]

Well yes, you get chocolates!

[bmb15]

Originally Posted by jamesbondOO7

Well yes, you get chocolates!

Exactly this: keep calm, wear rolex, and eat their chocolates (btw the chocolate is good)
You are a funny Geneva guy from TBW, Ponti, Christen, Bucherer...?

[bmb15]

Congratulation!

[Nkun]

My preference is RSC.

[jamesbondOO7]

RSC Geneva. You can exclude polishing, dial replacement, etc...

[bmb15]

Originally Posted by jamesbondOO7

RSC Geneva. You can exclude polishing, dial replacement, etc...

Exactly this!
Likely from Rolex SA sav (service après-vente) in Geneva, Acacias. An important "detail" for me: I would not call them "RSC" because it's part of the Rolex SA headquarter and not the same as the many RSC's world-wide. You (Location: Geneva & Algarve) probably agree.

[Wigwag]

Originally Posted by bmb15

Exactly this!
Likely from Rolex SA sav (service après-vente) in Geneva, Acacias. An important "detail" for me: I would not call them "RSC" because it's part of the Rolex SA headquarter and not the same as the many RSC's world-wide. You (Location: Geneva & Algarve) probably agree.

The Geneva RSC is no different to any other RSC, other than the fact that it handles far lower volumes than the US, UK etc.

[bmb15]

Originally Posted by Wigwag

The Geneva RSC is no different to any other RSC, other than the fact that it handles far lower volumes than the US, UK etc.

Have to agree that you don't know the facts.

[Wigwag]

Originally Posted by bmb15

Have to agree that you don't know the facts.

Please, feel free to enlighten us on any differences we may be missing.

[jamesbondOO7]

Originally Posted by bmb15

Exactly this!
Likely from Rolex SA sav (service après-vente) in Geneva, Acacias. An important "detail" for me: I would not call them "RSC" because it's part of the Rolex SA headquarter and not the same as the many RSC's world-wide. You (Location: Geneva & Algarve) probably agree.

True, it is indeed called Rolex Service Après-Vente



SERVICE APRÈS-VENTE
Commercial - Service Mondial
ROLEX SA - Rue François-Dussaud, 3-5-7
1211 Genève 26 – Suisse

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by DarkPool

Hello fellow aficionados.

I'm the proud owner of an Explorer which I purchased from an AD and a 116660 Deep Sea I purchased a couple of weeks ago. Recently I tested the power reserve of the Explorer, which wasn't great at only 29 hours. Took it back to a RSC and the watchmaker gave it 50-60 winds, which yielded a less than impressive 32 hours this time.
I now winded it all the way to the clutch slip to see if I can get in in the low 40s, if not I will return it to have it tested. Since it's still under warranty there will be no costs involved. Different story with the 1166600. Since the availability of the Rolex tool watches is universally known, I decided to go for an 11-year old model in truly mint condition. Tested the power reserve and I got about 34 hours out of it. The thing is that after a full wind, I wear it for one day during 12 hours, the day after that, I wear it for say 8 hours and the morning after it usually will have stopped. Given the age, it just surpassed the recommended 10-year service window.

Since I don’t know the service history (the vintage dealer gives it a brief revision), I’m considering to go all out and have the full Rolex service which comes with a hefty price tag of course. The dealer I got it from also works with an independent watch maker at a lower cost and a quicker turnaround time.

What’s your experience with the RSC service? Worth it? The main reason for me would be to increase the power reserve and exclude any problem with the auto-winding mechanism.

What value is the power reserve to you, in particular. I tend not to worry about specs that don't impact me in normal usage. Examples include precision and power reserve. When watches sit unused for weeks at a time, the power reserve means nothing. When watches are only worn a few days at a time the accuracy and precision have no impact unless they are way off and then the watch does need servicing. We all look for different things in our watch collecting however it doesn't make much sense to go looking for trouble, imho!!!

[SearChart]

RSC only, unless you want a vintage watch serviced, then find a good watchmaker/AD with a parts account who will not want to replace dial & hands.