RSC question - vintage dials

[NB93]

Hi there,

Can anybody confirm that if a vintage Rolex (in this case 18038/t Swiss made t) is sent in for service and receives a dial replacement that the dial is replaced like for like e.g the new dial still displaying ‘t Swiss made t’. I contacted my RSC via phone today and they refused to answer the question over the phone saying I had to bring the watch in first.

Cheers everybody!

[Hub6152]

Originally Posted by NB93

Hi there,

Can anybody confirm that if a vintage Rolex (in this case 18038/t Swiss made t) is sent in for service and receives a dial replacement that the dial is replaced like for like e.g the new dial still displaying ‘t Swiss made t’. I contacted my RSC via phone today and they refused to answer the question over the phone saying I had to bring the watch in first.

Cheers everybody!

It will not have T Swiss T - it will say Swiss Made and will have modern luminous material. DO NOT LET RSC TOUCH IT!!

[offrdmania]

Correct Hub, and they only have a few limited basic colors left like gold and silver. If you have an exotic color dial or a jubilee dial, etc then they will only replace it with one of the basic dials that they do have.

[saxo3]

Originally Posted by NB93

Hi there,

Can anybody confirm that if a vintage Rolex (in this case 18038/t Swiss made t) is sent in for service and receives a dial replacement that the dial is replaced like for like e.g the new dial still displaying ‘t Swiss made t’. I contacted my RSC via phone today and they refused to answer the question over the phone saying I had to bring the watch in first.

Cheers everybody!

As said before, you will not receive a "T SWISS MADE T" replacement dial.

Do you want a service of your watch WITHOUT changing the dial?

Or, do you explicitly ask for a service that INCLUDES a dial change?

Some photos of your watch and the dial?

[Mk2rick]

Curious question, when we send it into RSC, can we specifically instruct them not to touch the dial and hands?

[Hub6152]

Originally Posted by Mk2rick

Curious question, when we send it into RSC, can we specifically instruct them not to touch the dial and hands?

You can ask them and maybe if the condition is already near enough like new they’ll retain them. The danger is if any of the lume cracks or falls out of the hands when they’re removed - that’s an immediate replacement, or any dial plots are missing or discoloured they will also be replaced. If the hands/dial have any signs of corrosion that’s also replaced. This can all be discussed before any servicing takes place and some RSC’s are more sympathetic than others but some have been known to ignore requests despite having agreed initially. It’s risky!!

[saxo3]

Originally Posted by Mk2rick

Curious question, when we send it into RSC, can we specifically instruct them not to touch the dial and hands?

Clear answer: yes
But, you must do all your specific requests in writing.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by NB93

Hi there,

Can anybody confirm that if a vintage Rolex (in this case 18038/t Swiss made t) is sent in for service and receives a dial replacement that the dial is replaced like for like e.g the new dial still displaying ‘t Swiss made t’. I contacted my RSC via phone today and they refused to answer the question over the phone saying I had to bring the watch in first.

Cheers everybody!

They don't just replace dials on a whim, you need to approve of, select, and pay for any dial change.

They have not used Tritium dials since the late 90's, so, no, you will not get a T Swiss T dial, it will be a modern Luminova dial.

If the dial is flaking or severely damaged, they may insist that you purchase and have installed, a new dial before service to preserve their new warranty. This is likely why they wanted to see the watch in question.

[NB93]

Hey everyone,

Thanks a lot for your responses. It makes sense. It’s a pity they won’t manufacture like for like even for aesthetic purposes, but I guess I understand why.

I tried uploading some pics off my phone but it’s proving too hard. Effectively the watch is near mint in all aspects (1979 according to serial)

However due to the age of the watch the lume markers have begun to crack ever so lightly, you would only notice under magnification but it has left a tiny little bit of floating debris around the dial that I only notice on occasion when it covers the text. Otherwise all other parts of the watch are fantastic. I guess when it comes service time I’ll have to take to an independent.

Thanks again all, greatly appreciate your responses.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Tools

If the dial is flaking or severely damaged, they may insist that you purchase and have installed, a new dial before service to preserve their new warranty. This is likely why they wanted to see the watch in question.

Right. You can request, but it might not be granted. Go with a sympathetic independent restorer for vintage, not the RSC.

We've all heard horror stories about miscommunications in the customer - AD - RSC chain resulting in disastrous results with vintage watches.

Be sure to interact directly with the party working on the watch, rather than with some AD middleman who was probably selling insurance last week.