Service History Interval

[vesnyder]

For you older Rolex owners that have had their watches for a while can you share your service history - intervals between service, symptoms/why you had it serviced, and your experience? I will start:

I have a Datejust 16013 that I purchased in 1984. My first service was in 1990. I had it done because the AD recommended it - bad idea - it was running fine. They sent it off to the Rolex service center and they polished the band so much that I could barely see the Rolex logo on the clasp. The second service was done in 2018 - 28 years - primarily because the watch was losing 20+ second/day and I know it was overdue. This time I used an independent service center - for half the price - and despite having to send it back for an issue (twice!) I would not hesitate to use him again. I in 2018 I had the band rebuilt which I would recommend - it solved my band flex issues.

[RaZCaL]

My father's 1992 TT Datejust 16233 passed down to me was never serviced. We did send it to an independent repair shop around 2005 for repair when I couldn't adjust the time. Received a light polish at the same time. Till this day it runs great!

[Mystro]

Generally, if the watch is keeping good time, don’t service it. I follow this rule and have gone over 15 years without service and even though my watch was keeping great time I sent it in for a routine service at the 15 year mark. The movement looked great and required no additional parts or additional service fees. This watch was worn daily or on a winder and ran constantly for the entire 15 years. They are tough watches. I am curious if the new 32 series movement with its much thinner mainspring will have the same durability???? Only time will tell.

[brandrea]

The only long term Rolex I owned was a 16600 SeaDweller from about. 1992-2007. I never serviced the watch and I wore it daily.

My newer 6 digit Rolex have never been serviced either, granted they are all too new by comparison

[mrricks]

From the RSC in Abu Dhabi:”If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it .”

[SeaDweller50]

Originally Posted by Mystro

Generally, if the watch is keeping good time, don’t service it. I follow this rule and have gone over 15 years without service and even though my watch was keeping great time I sent it in for a routine service at the 15 year mark. The movement looked great and required no additional parts or additional service fees. This watch was worn daily or on a winder and ran constantly for the entire 15 years. They are tough watches. I am curious if the new 32 series movement with its much thinner mainspring will have the same durability???? Only time will tell.

Amazing. Rolex movement I presume?

[ltmgeller]

I only send them if there is a problem.

[datejustrms]

Originally Posted by ltmgeller

I only send them if there is a problem.

This

[911991]

16800 submariner date purchased new in 1984, serviced twice basically every 10 years, so it is past do for the 3rd service, plan to do soon but its keeping good time, although only runs for about 16 hours off the wrist (so I keep
it on a winder) so needs a service...

[Meyrin]

My 14060 Sub has been serviced twice in-house by a Rolex AD, the first time after 13 years and again 10 years later in 2019. I only had it serviced in 2019 because it started running wonky, stopping and losing at least 20 to 30 secs. per day. I have never had it polished. I do, however, take it in once a year for a free pressure check...at least I did before these endless lockdowns here in Germany with retail closures started!

[Mystro]

Originally Posted by SeaDweller50

Amazing. Rolex movement I presume?

Yup, Classic Bluesy. Kept +4 seconds a day for 15 years non stop.

[DoctorsOrders]

A family friend of mine sent his bluesy and DD to RSC and they came back STUNNING, looked brand new not to mention they ran +1 and +0. After seeing their work I wouldn’t trust anyone but the RSC!

[SeaDweller50]

Originally Posted by Mystro

Yup, Classic Bluesy. Kept +4 seconds a day for 15 years non stop.

Incredible.

[Zsprings]

[QUOTE=vesnyder;11270365] They sent it off to the Rolex service center and they polished the band so much that I could barely see the Rolex logo on the clasp.

Happened to me once.
I get the idea that as polishing metal is a job that makes fingers grimy with polishing compound, the watches in for service, get sent to different departments, with the movement going to the guy who doesn't do any polishing?
Could be the watch/bracelet finishing workshop (if there is such) has staff who are over zealous
who just 'go for it' when removing light scratches on the clasp?
Best to order no polishing!

[azgr]

I have a datejust that was purchased in 2001 that has never been serviced. I haven't been wearing it much for the last 10-12 years, but have been wearing it more recently and it seems to run just fine