Rolex service for vintage piece

[Avidcollector]

Hi all- I’m about to buy a beautiful 1680 sub that has no papers. Now I know there’s the argument that provenance / papers don’t matter if I’m keeping it ( which is true) but I’d like some provenance and Rolex service papers to authenticate the piece as it’s going to be a piece to be passed down . It’s from a reputable seller, so I have no concerns re authenticity, but I’d like the Rolex service to be done.
My question is- if I send this piece to the RSC- will they force me to put new glass/ new bezel/ new dial etc even if I specify I don’t want ANYTHING changed, or will they just service and return with RSC card. Appreciate this is a “warranty” and they may want all older components changed, but I don’t want the beautiful patina dial messed about with, or the ghosted bezel( missing pip) changed.
Sorry that’s a long rambling post!!

[996marty]

I’d be sending it to a really good independent as I’m not sure Rolex will do what you want but an independent would but I could be wrong

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by 996marty

I’d be sending it to a really good independent as I’m not sure Rolex will do what you want but an independent would but I could be wrong

It sounds like the OP is primarily after Rolex signing off on it. Whether it’s a service paper or a warranty.
I have a 1680 that needed a pretty simple adjustment to the bezel (it was loose) and living in Manhattan at the time I went to Rolex. They did it while I waited, changed nothing, but most crucially, I now have a service paper from Rolex assuring me that everything on my watch is authentic.

[996marty]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

It sounds like the OP is primarily after Rolex signing off on it. Whether it’s a service paper or a warranty.
I have a 1680 that needed a pretty simple adjustment to the bezel (it was loose) and living in Manhattan at the time I went to Rolex. They did it while I waited, changed nothing, but most crucially, I now have a service paper from Rolex assuring me that everything on my watch is authentic.

I understand that bit but if you are asking for a service which the op is to get it authenticated aren’t Rolex themselves going to want to switch out parts that you would rather keep?

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by 996marty

I understand that bit but if you are asking for a service which the op is to get it authenticated aren’t Rolex themselves going to want to switch out parts that you would rather keep?

Not necessarily. I’ve heard the “horror stories” of Rolex changing everything they wanted, or they’d refuse to service it, to stories where customers were explicit in what they didn’t want changed, and Rolex accommodated them. I’m guessing that it’s a case by case, service center by service center situation. I could be mistaken, but I’ve heard many versions of what could happen at a service

[Dan S]

First off, an RSC may not accept a 1680 for service, that seems to be hit or miss these days. Second, they certainly might require changing of some parts, hands in particular. It's hard to predict. You can give it a try, and you can always decide not to proceed after getting the quote. I would only deal directly with the RSC though, not via an AD that could result in miscommunications.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Avidcollector

. . . .
My question is- if I send this piece to the RSC- will they force me to put new glass/ new bezel/ new dial etc even if I specify I don’t want ANYTHING changed, or will they just service and return with RSC card. Appreciate this is a “warranty” and they may want all older components changed, but I don’t want the beautiful patina dial messed about with, or the ghosted bezel( missing pip) changed.
Sorry that’s a long rambling post!!

They will likely require that the crystal be changed and so should you; it is part of the sealing system and an expendable.

As to the rest it may be hit or miss, though they might not let the insert pass.

Why not use a well versed independent who can keep it like you want. They will very likely provide you with provenance paperwork, it doesn't have to say Rolex at the top.

[IgCarr]

The RSC will insist on swapping parts that they find to be unsuitable to the functionality of the watch. I've sent several watches to the Dallas RSC and in two cases, 16800 and 14270, they insisted on swapping out the hands due to microscopic cracks in the lume. And there was no dissuading them. I ended up agreeing and was happy with the results of the 14270 not so much with the new hands on the 16800. I ended up having LA Watch Works color match the new hands' lume to the creamy markers. You'll have to weigh the value of having service papers versus original parts. You can always call them prior to sending in the watch to make sure they'll service your vintage piece and to see what they might swap. In my experience, they've always been very communicative and helpful. Good luck!

[Dan S]

If you're confident in the authenticity of the watch, I really don't see the value of the service papers.

[rootbeer7]

RSC London will do as requested. I’ve taken in various ‘vintage’ pieces. All returned as requested; serviced with no visible parts changed.

[TuRo]

Little tip I use if I'm not 100% assured on say the case engravings on a 60/70/80/90s watch I'm buying !

The 'Tip' came from John the owner of Vintage specialist Swiss Watch Company. Chiswick London about 20 yrs ago!

I pop into St.James's London RSC with said watch and I ask them for a replacement insert.

They take it off me for 2 hrs, then provide a new insert at circa £150 with an invoice - I ask them not to fit it as i want to do it and they accommodate this - they carefully check the engravings dials etc as part of providing the replacement. If it's 'off' they won't give it to me....and I don't buy watch !

They know what I'm doing (I'm pretty sure), but are happy to take my money. £150-200 for a check/appraisal is cheap in my eyes. I then sell the insert for £75-100 so only £75-100 in real terms !

[996marty]

Originally Posted by TuRo

Little tip I use if I'm not 100% assured on say the case engravings on a 60/70/80/90s watch I'm buying !

The 'Tip' came from John the owner of Vintage specialist Swiss Watch Company. Chiswick London about 20 yrs ago!

I pop into St.James's London RSC with said watch and I ask them for a replacement insert.

They take it off me for 2 hrs, then provide a new insert at circa £150 with an invoice - I ask them not to fit it as i want to do it and they accommodate this - they carefully check the engravings dials etc as part of providing the replacement. If it's 'off' they won't give it to me....and I don't buy watch !

They know what I'm doing (I'm pretty sure), but are happy to take my money. £150-200 for a check/appraisal is cheap in my eyes. I then sell the insert for £75-100 so only £75-100 in real terms !

Great idea Turo definitely worth doing for the cost involved