RSC vs. ADSC service?

[ainterian]

Can anyone report on having had their watches serviced at a Rolex Service Center (e.g. Dallas, NYC, LA) versus a local Rolex plaque-authorized dealer, i.e. an AD with an authorized Rolex technician? I know they have the same equipment and have had to go through training, but am wondering if there is any appreciable difference. On the one hand, I like the idea of sending my watch to a place that has many watchmakers working together, who can share ideas and tips (i.e. an RSC), but I also like the idea of being able to have contact with a local Rolex-authorized watchmaker.

FWIW, I just dropped off my 14060M for service at Loring & Co. in Huntsville, AL, which is a Rolex plaque authorized service dealer. Most reviews/reports I have seen of Rolex service are from the big RSCs, not local AD service center (ADSC?), so I will report back!

[Jefferyasher]

I cannot comment on the quality, but i have found that local Rolex plaque-authorized dealers are a bit more expensive compared to RSC (i.e $1100 vs. $700).

[dannyp]

What matters most is the warranty:

1. Anything that plaque-authorized dealer might do that could void Rolex warranty?
2. What are they authorized by Rolex to do (since I understand there are different levels)
3. What warranty comes with the service?
4. Who backs the service warranty, the AD or Rolex (i.e. if local AD messes up, will RSC take over)?
5. Do they have full parts account (if anything unanticipated comes up)?

I'd first figure out exactly what AD authorized by Rolex to do. I'd certainly take one to most ADs' watchmaker for anything that doesn't require opening the watch (timing tests, demagnetization, bracelet lengthening/shortening/swapping, pressure testing). Outside of that, it would depend on the answers to the above, and how much faith I had in that particular watchmaker to regulate/repair.

[214270Explorer]

I have had no need < x fingers > to use RSC for warranty or service.
Warranty would always go to RSC, of course.
All my others (do) go to a local renown CW21 watchmaker for service needs.

[Incident]

The Rolex plaque-authorized dealers that provide service are exactly the same as the RSC as far as service is concerned. You will get the exact same little green pouch at the end of the service. Your watch service info is recorded in the same systems as those performed in Dallas (or pick your RSC). The two year warranty is honored at any other Rolex Service Center or any other Rolex plaque-authorized dealer for the duration of the two year warranty.

As far as price, unless there are some rogue shops that have gone off the reservation, the price is the exact same as that of Dallas (or pick your RSC).

With regard to wanting to send it to a place with lots of techs versus just one or two..that comes down to personal preference.

I am speaking from personal experience.

Hope this helps!!

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by 214270Explorer

I have had no need < x fingers > to use RSC for warranty or service.
Warranty would always go to RSC, of course.
All my others (do) go to a local renown CW21 watchmaker for service needs.

I did have a Rolex-certified/authorized watchmaker tell me that they can do certain service under warranty, such as simple movement regulations. He said that Rolex encourages it even, and it will be done under warranty. My guess is that in that situation, the AD watchmaker bills Rolex for the service, much the way it works with automobiles/dealers (even though nobody sends their car back to the factory for service). That said, I don't think anywhere near all of the AD watchmakers are able to do that.

[Stew7]

I recently had my watch serviced by the local AD who is an authorized service center. I prefer this over shipping it to Dallas or NY. Their watchmakers have the same training as the people at RSC.

I received the watch back with the same Rolex warranty card you get from RSC, the green Rolex pouch, and a Rolex service booklet describing the process. Cost was $750 for my 16600 which I believe is the same cost as RSC (not including the shipping costs).

[ainterian]

Originally Posted by dannyp

What matters most is the warranty:

1. Anything that plaque-authorized dealer might do that could void Rolex warranty?
2. What are they authorized by Rolex to do (since I understand there are different levels)
3. What warranty comes with the service?
4. Who backs the service warranty, the AD or Rolex (i.e. if local AD messes up, will RSC take over)?
5. Do they have full parts account (if anything unanticipated comes up)?

I'd first figure out exactly what AD authorized by Rolex to do. I'd certainly take one to most ADs' watchmaker for anything that doesn't require opening the watch (timing tests, demagnetization, bracelet lengthening/shortening/swapping, pressure testing). Outside of that, it would depend on the answers to the above, and how much faith I had in that particular watchmaker to regulate/repair.

Thanks for the questions. My understanding, as others have posted, is that the authorized AD service provides the same 2 year warranty backed by Rolex, have full parts account, same machines, etc.

I had my 14060M serviced by the local AD service center here - will let everyone know how it goes!

[Traveling]

Originally Posted by ainterian

I had my 14060M serviced by the local AD service center here - will let everyone know how it goes!

What city in FL if you don't mind sharing???

[cszy67]

Some time ago I was working in Dallas and figured I would stop by the RSC and have them provide an estimate for my 16613LB which I purchased new in the early 90s. I asked to have only the internals serviced and to leave the exterior as-is. Despite my request they provided me with an estimate of $3,500 which included replacement dial, bezel, etc. And yes, my watch would look and function as new again although I wanted to preserve all of it's original character so I declined.

Later the same year I was passing near Pittsburgh for work and stopped by the local AD where the watch was originally purchased. I asked again for an estimate on the internals along with a very light polish. My bill was around $850 and my watch is running like new. My vote for my particular case was the ADSC. For my 16710 with no personal history - I would send it to RSC or ADSC, whichever was more convenient at the time.

And I still have my original purple bezel, a few nicks, and all the memories...

[NYMike]

My experience is the RSC does a better job. It may not be the case today, but accuracy was better for longer with RSC over Tourneau. Also finishing seemed a little messy with Tourneau. What I mean was there was more glue and various things that seemed a bit messy.

[ainterian]

Originally Posted by Traveling

What city in FL if you don't mind sharing???

Saw your PM and wanted to respond here again for others. Sorry, but I am in Alabama now, and forgot to update my profile. I went with Loring & Co. in Huntsville, AL. If I remember correctly, the Rolex boutique in Miami (135 NE 39th St) is an ADSC.

[ainterian]

Originally Posted by cszy67

Some time ago I was working in Dallas and figured I would stop by the RSC and have them provide an estimate for my 16613LB which I purchased new in the early 90s. I asked to have only the internals serviced and to leave the exterior as-is. Despite my request they provided me with an estimate of $3,500 which included replacement dial, bezel, etc. And yes, my watch would look and function as new again although I wanted to preserve all of it's original character so I declined.

Later the same year I was passing near Pittsburgh for work and stopped by the local AD where the watch was originally purchased. I asked again for an estimate on the internals along with a very light polish. My bill was around $850 and my watch is running like new. My vote for my particular case was the ADSC. For my 16710 with no personal history - I would send it to RSC or ADSC, whichever was more convenient at the time.

And I still have my original purple bezel, a few nicks, and all the memories...

Looks great! Yes, the watchmaker here said that service required a new crown and provided some optional replacements, including hands and bezel insert, which I politely declined. He also said he could do a light polish to 'brighten up' the metal, but it would not remove any scratches. I did ask about having a permanent link removed from the 6 o'clock side, but he said that it would have to be sent to RSC for that, so I declined.