Watch back from AD service, have questions

[Vernal]

I bought a pre-loved old-model SEL sub, but it turned out that it was grinding when I wound it, and the crown had been overpolished. I took it in to an AD with a watchmaker I found, and wound up paying $670 for a new crown, tube and overhaul. My questions:

Does this sound like a reasonable price?

I brought it in at the end of Sept. and just got it back today. Does this seem excessive?

All I have from the AD is a credit-card receipt for the total, no mention as to why I gave them $670. Should I insist on some sort of detailed invoice to prove that the watch was serviced? Shouldn't this be standard practice? I was told there was a warranty from the jeweler when I dropped it off, but I was so chuffed about picking up my Hulk at the time I forgot my usual skepticism, especially since I had dropped almost 20k there in a very short period of time. Did I get suckered? I got carried away again when I picked it up, now they're closed for the day and my brain is finally working again.

All in all, I'm trying to decide what to do when I call them tomorrow, and whether I go back or not if I have any other issues (with other watches, as I'm tossing around buying another pre-loved one or two). Should I have sent it to the RSC instead?

They did bring a new Exp 2 42 out of the safe for me (which also kept me from asking logical questions at the time), first time I saw it in person. It's a nice watch but I don't think it qualifies as the "stealth Rolex" anymore. I liked the orange hand, but the dial really looked huge. I'm glad I picked up my 16570 when I did.

Thanks!

[skywag]

RSC would have probably been more.

[Jeffa32]

I would always insist on an itemized receipt for two reasons.

1. If you sell the watch, you have a detailed service record
2. Repairs should be guaranteed, therefore if an element of your repair subsequently becomes faulty, you have the documentation to discuss with the repairer.

[NYC6]

Originally Posted by Jeffa32

I would always insist on an itemized receipt for two reasons.

1. If you sell the watch, you have a detailed service record
2. Repairs should be guaranteed, therefore if an element of your repair subsequently becomes faulty, you have the documentation to discuss with the repairer.

[Runnin' Rebel]

Originally Posted by jeffa32

i would always insist on an itemized receipt for two reasons.

1. If you sell the watch, you have a detailed service record
2. Repairs should be guaranteed, therefore if an element of your repair subsequently becomes faulty, you have the documentation to discuss with the repairer.

+1

[paddy_crow]

The word "reasonable" should not be used in the same sentence as "Rolex" and "service."

[Vernal]

Originally Posted by paddy_crow

The word "reasonable" should not be used in the same sentence as "Rolex" and "service."

But as I think Einstein said, "Everything is relative."

[Tools]

The Dealer should make you feel comfortable with whatever they did and the warranty should be in writing...

However, to many watchmakers, a full service is exactly that, and unless they charge separately for parts, you don't usually see much else on the invoice..

[azguy]

Originally Posted by Jeffa32

I would always insist on an itemized receipt for two reasons.

1. If you sell the watch, you have a detailed service record
2. Repairs should be guaranteed, therefore if an element of your repair subsequently becomes faulty, you have the documentation to discuss with the repairer.

This

[Bugsy123]

I would definitely request an itemized invoice. it would definitely come in handy in the event something happen in the future.

[Vernal]

Thanks, all! I called today and they said they don't give out itemized bills because "customers lose them," but they keep them on their computer and were happy to send me a copy. I'm not sure this makes any sense, but at least I'm getting something from them.

Unfortunately, I brought the watch in for two reasons: to get it fixed and to get an appraisal. I had to call repeatedly before they actually moved forward to fix my watch, which took two months. When I asked about the appraisal today, thinking they would send that to me as well, they said they hadn't done it and I would have to bring it in again for an estimate from their "expert," who only comes in on occasion and I would have to make an appointment.

Wouldn't the jeweler who serviced the watch be able to appraise the watch? Is the appraiser going to open the back, and if so, does that mean that I have to get it pressure tested again?

This is all leaving a bad taste in my mouth, and even if the work is competent their counter staff may not be, and I'm leaning towards going elsewhere in the future. If this is the norm, however, I will suck it up because I don't really have a lot of choices around me. Any opinions?

[handsfull]

My opinion = I wouldn't go to that dealer again unless they pay YOU!

[gwozhog]

Rolex Service = Overpaying. Learn that equation and you will not be shocked next time. I remember when I took my benz in for and Oil and trannyfluid change. 50 bucks worth of fluid = 900 bucks. If you wanna play you gotta pay.

[Rags]

I also would find another watchmaker. That guy is not the only game in town.