Blasphemy ? No RSC ever...?

[Tools]

I posted this in answer to another thread...But I thought it deserved it's own analysis...

Quote:
Originally Posted by SSD
Thanks! Would a qualified worker be able to tell me when a refurb. is in order? i would expect so...

SSD,
I'm going to commit blasphemy here....

You do not EVER need to send your Rolex into an RSC for refurbishment....that's right, I said it....not ever !

There are literally millions of precision time pieces out there that have never seen the inside of the manufacturers facilities once they have left it.

A periodic COA, and a light buff by your local watchmaker and your Rolex may - no, make that will - likely outlive you.

What the RSC will do is replace any damaged, worn, or deteriorated parts, and refinish the case and bracelet (or replace) and you will get what is essentially a "brand new watch" back. And they charge you handsomely for that.. But also, they will only do that for about 30 years....then you're on your own..

[Paulie]

Would another advantage of RSC be if you're going to sell? Is the premium for RSC refit/finish worth it to the seller, or would it be a wash?

Trying to decide if I should send my Y Series GMT II to RSC or to Chicago (where I live).

[Tools]

Paulie,
If you don't have paperwork and you know your Rolex is genuine...and you think it's worth the 500 bucks or so.....make a decision..

The RSC will provide, back to you, service paperwork that will have the serial number and reference of your watch, as well as an additional 1 year warranty on their work..and quite possibly a very nice service box.

If you got your Rolex for a dynamite price, this investment can pay off big for you on a re-sell. Or, maybe not...

If not, the buyer may want to include his own cost for an RSC service in negotiations with you.

Here's an example of when not to do this.. Say you have a ten year old DJ, but you bought it recently and want to maximise your return for that down payment on a TT Sub. You may not get much back other than your cost...or even less.. The RSC is a bad move here..
But.....Take it to a quality watchmaker in town, get a clean and lube, and a letter verfying a Rolex movement, and invoice of work done.

Here's the bottom line...If the buyer wants the watch, all he really wants is verification that it is authentic. There's more than one way to do this, and you might want to choose the one that is the least cost to you.

[timebroker]

Do you get the old parts back or not?
Only turned in one Rolex for a friend at an official AD for polishing and servicing.

[Paulie]

Originally Posted by Tools

Paulie,

[snip]

Here's the bottom line...If the buyer wants the watch, all he really wants is verification that it is authentic. There's more than one way to do this, and you might want to choose the one that is the least cost to you.

Thanks. I have paperwork in my name, bought it new. Though it does show it's "age" especially on the bracelet/clasp. So, for a standard maint service/oil, Chicago would be fine even if looking to sell. Good to know.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by timebroker

Do you get the old parts back or not?
Only turned in one Rolex for a friend at an official AD for polishing and servicing.

In the US, not from the RSC.

[Alcan]

Originally Posted by timebroker

Do you get the old parts back or not?
Only turned in one Rolex for a friend at an official AD for polishing and servicing.

Originally Posted by Tools

In the US, not from the RSC.

Not in Canada, either. Parts are replaced on an exchange basis only.

[Nick Hacko]

.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Nick Hacko

Hi Larry -

I read few of your posts here and have to say we are on same page however this time I must say that
days of small & independent Rolex repairer / watchmakers are counted down. ,,,,Even in case when the watch is functioning fine and just needs cleaning and oiling, occasionally things may go (and do go) wrong - like lost or broken parts during disassembly / reassembly. ...
Basically anything Rolex made post July 2007 / 2008. would have to go to Rolex SC. Small guys will live on breadcrumbs repairing current, vintage and discontinued models using either expensive genuine parts or equally expensive after market parts. The SMH (Omega) is already following Rolex steps, JLC, Cartier and IWC have been doing this for years.

Of course skilled repairman would be able to make living no matter what but days of specialization or sub-specialization within one brand are long gone. I have predicted this situation 10 years ago and was able to transform / adjust my dealings accordingly, but in 10 years time most skilled watchmakers are either going to retire or work for big brand names for peanuts.

Nick,

Thanks for putting this in the context of the new generation of watches coming out this year and in the future.....

I admit, I do not have any of the "new generation" watches and my experience/outlook is becoming dated. That makes it even more important that buyers are aware of what they are buying and it's future capability towards repair.

We could talk about the "conspiracy" of the big names to ensure no-one else can or will work on their products....

But that sounds like a new thread.....

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Originally Posted by Nick Hacko

Hi Larry -

I read few of your posts here and have to say we are on same page however this time I must say that
days of small & independent Rolex repairer / watchmakers are counted down. (not sure if I'm using correct phrase here, but you know what I mean). With new models coming out soon like YM II
and restriction of spares by Rolex it would be unfair to leave anyone here under impression that
small watch guys can do much good to your new Rolex watch.

Even in case when the watch is functioning fine and just needs cleaning and oiling, occasionally things may go (and do go) wrong - like lost or broken parts during disassembly / reassembly. In case of serious water related damage, your small guy is most likely going to replace only crucial parts that need to restore 'vital function' of the watch and not necessary replace all parts that may need replacement due to high cost of parts. On contrary, Rolex service centre spare no spares, which is expensive but required to restore watch to factory new condition. Case parts are even more problematic.

Basically anything Rolex made post July 2007 / 2008. would have to go to Rolex SC. Small guys will live on breadcrumbs repairing current, vintage and discontinued models using either expensive genuine parts or equally expensive after market parts. The SMH (Omega) is already following Rolex steps, JLC, Cartier and IWC have been doing this for years.

Of course skilled repairman would be able to make living no matter what but days of specialization or sub-specialization within one brand are long gone. I have predicted this situation 10 years ago and was able to transform / adjust my dealings accordingly, but in 10 years time most skilled watchmakers are either going to retire or work for big brand names for peanuts.

Sounds like a sad story, Nick

But I know you will prevail