RSC NY did a terrible job.

[mgsooner]

I seriously doubt I'll ever send a Rolex to a RSC for service - particularly as someone who does not (yet) own one with one of the new 32xx series movements. Plenty of capable people out there who can service the 31xx movements and will take much greater care in doing so.

[David5807]

Originally Posted by mgsooner

I seriously doubt I'll ever send a Rolex to a RSC for service - particularly as someone who does not (yet) own one with one of the new 32xx series movements. Plenty of capable people out there who can service the 31xx movements and will take much greater care in doing so.

Wonder what independent shop does the best work and is the most careful.

[rpstrimple]

Yea, if it has a 3135 it's never going to RSC. Sorry. Other shops will actually listen to the customer.

[SeaDweller50]

I love Rolex watches but hate Rolex as an Organisation. Never would I use an Authorised Service Centre. Like others have said… do your due diligence, choose wisely, have a face 2 face meet up with the watchmaker, come to a clear understanding before handing over your watch.

[karleone]

Originally Posted by PhilippeD

It seems you requested a polish and disregarded warnings from this forum about the risk of RSC being heavy handed. In the end, you are not satisfied with the polishing job.

Really not trying to be a d*ck, but you've kinda made your bed...

Exactly. I’ve warned OP that he bought an unpolished watch and there was a big risk the polishing job would look bad and specifically ask not to polish the watch. And there were all the polishing lovers telling not to worry about lol

[amh]

Originally Posted by karleone

Exactly. I’ve warned OP that he bought an unpolished watch and there was a big risk the polishing job would look bad and specifically ask not to polish the watch. And there were all the polishing lovers telling not to worry about lol

Yes you did indeed warn OP:

It is now unpolished and with scratches but sharp and strong case and chamfers still there. If you polish it you won’t have the scratches anymore but there is a chance your watch doesn’t have the same aesthetics as before. Everyone saying to polish your watch hasn’t had an experience from a bad polish or not enough knowledgeable about sharp case, chamfers, V brushing on lugs etc

Count me as a "polishing lover" - but only at an RSC! Any kind of in-house polishing done by a Grey dealer in particular tends to end poorly:
- Brushed surfaces have obvious deep brain ("Brillo pad" finish)
- Polished surfaces show heavy pressure and sacrifice adjacent edges

I would never trust a polish other than the RSC. They throw in a 2yr warranty with a proper service and all the upcoming CPO watches will be given the same treatment. I expect the watches to be in "as new" condition, indistinguishable from the BNIB units at the AD.

Now OP's watch is a special case. In addition to the usual surface scratches this one had multiple deep dings requiring a lot of material to be removed. This is the first thread I remember seeing with clear before & after pics of an aggressive polish from RSC.

[Calatrava r]

What you should have done, immediately upon receipt, is send the watch back to them with your list of issues enclosed.

[77T]

My guess by now is this thread has opened some eyes for members who own a 5 digit or 4 digit model, who like a polishing with their movement service, and who expect that no metal would be removed.

The OP’s experience is fair portent - not sure how this could be avoided except for a “no polish” directive.

As for the bridges - how can one blame RSC when the movement Service doesn’t include refinishing or replacing bridges because of prior disservice?

PS: I noticed the “after” pic in re: RSC ruining the coronet on the clasp by over polishing isn’t there. Would be good if @Bustelo could show that a fuller documentation.

[karleone]

Originally Posted by amh

Yes you did indeed warn OP:


Count me as a "polishing lover" - but only at an RSC! Any kind of in-house polishing done by a Grey dealer in particular tends to end poorly:
- Brushed surfaces have obvious deep brain ("Brillo pad" finish)
- Polished surfaces show heavy pressure and sacrifice adjacent edges

I would never trust a polish other than the RSC. They throw in a 2yr warranty with a proper service and all the upcoming CPO watches will be given the same treatment. I expect the watches to be in "as new" condition, indistinguishable from the BNIB units at the AD.

Now OP's watch is a special case. In addition to the usual surface scratches this one had multiple deep dings requiring a lot of material to be removed. This is the first thread I remember seeing with clear before & after pics of an aggressive polish from RSC.

I have had two bad polish from two different RSC. Never any polishing ever!

[kegan]

My case on my 16710 is a disaster compared to original after a rsc polish and it’s not their fault. I wore this watch carelessly and hard for years and sent it off for service including refinishing. Basically I asked them to change the original case shape to make it smooth and shiny and they did just that. A worn watch can come back brushed and polished or the same general size and shape as original but it can’t be both.

[rushca01]

I would send it to someone like rollieworks or LAW Watch or Zimmerman watch to make it right. They can likely also replate the worn parts inside. I have positive experience with both LAW and Zimmerman on 5 digit watches that were sent to them for correction.