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c-dub · 24 February 2012, 01:10 AM

I sent my TT Blue-face 16013 Datejust for authorized service and its been a while. I have worn the watch for 23years, and last service was about 8 years ago. They quoted $2,100 and it needs a new case due to water damage?! I dont swim, shower, or really get it wet, but I understand seals can dry out, etc. The movement is in good condition. It has lots of sentimental value - now I am unsure if I put it away in my safe or bring back to life like new with this full service. Is there options to restore the water damage without replacement? Anyone have this issue? I would post pics, but I didnt expect this to happen~

Thanks in advance for opinions

Beelzy · 24 February 2012, 01:29 AM

RSC has no respect for Vintage pieces......send it to Bob Ridley in Texas, he knows what a Vintage Rolex is.

Keeperoftime · 24 February 2012, 01:35 AM

That is a bit extreme.
While, I won't say the RSC (Rolex Service Center) has no respect for vintage pieces, I will say they are overpriced.

An independent watchmaker, such as Bob Ridley would be a great choice.

dysondiver · 24 February 2012, 01:50 AM

wasnt there a laser weld thread a wee while ago ,,,,

HRPinDC · 24 February 2012, 06:41 AM

Wait, you don't shower????

I'd send it to Bob, but then again what do I know.....I'm new.

c-dub · 25 February 2012, 12:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HRPinDC

Wait, you don't shower????

I'd send it to Bob, but then again what do I know.....I'm new.

Guess I better read before posting, huh? :) thanks for the referral, I am looking to get it fixed soon, then get another - maybe milgauss or an updated datejust... dont want to bury this one in the safe if I can get a more reasonable service quote. They said the case has corrosion? I feel like a need a second opinion on replacement if I intend to use as more of a backup.

dddrees · 25 February 2012, 12:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by c-dub

Guess I better read before posting, huh? :) thanks for the referral, I am looking to get it fixed soon, then get another - maybe milgauss or an updated datejust... dont want to bury this one in the safe if I can get a more reasonable service quote. They said the case has corrosion? I feel like a need a second opinion on replacement if I intend to use as more of a backup.

Sounds like Bob Ridley would be your man then for a good second opinion.

http://www.watchmakers.com/

slcbbrown · 25 February 2012, 01:52 AM

I'd find a good local watch tech who can work on Rolex, and ask for another opinion. $2,100 is huge for a service with parts. Did they suggest replacing dial and hands? Also, 23 years on a Rolex is not all that old.

c-dub · 25 February 2012, 02:02 AM

The biggest part was a case replacement @$1,500 in addition to the usual suspects of synthetic crystal, gaskets, etc... they recommend hands and face too... it may be almost $3k for a complete update, but it would esstentially be a new watch.

zeuloa · 25 February 2012, 02:15 AM

Did RSC do the service 8 years ago?

Transcon · 25 February 2012, 02:19 AM

I would go with what the others are saying and go through one of the well know independent watchmakers. I sent my 1675 to Rik Dietel and was very pleased with his work, great guy to deal with. His website is below in case you wanted to check it out

http://www.timecareinc.com/

c-dub · 25 February 2012, 02:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zeuloa

Did RSC do the service 8 years ago?

Yes - doesnt look like that really helped me though~

Scary Hat · 25 February 2012, 03:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beelzy

RSC has no respect for Vintage pieces......send it to Bob Ridley in Texas, he knows what a Vintage Rolex is.

Agreed! A craftsman.

zeuloa · 25 February 2012, 05:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by c-dub

Yes - doesnt look like that really helped me though~

And no sign of rust back then huh?

The reason I ask is because usually when I read about rust there is no service history or a bad service done by someone inexperienced that probably did not change the gaskets... I remember one about an SD not too long ago.

c-dub · 25 February 2012, 11:40 PM

Yes, I now keep thinking of when I sent it out, came back crisp - now a little heart broken. I am getting it back and sending elsewhere... time to put a hurting on my bank account. I just purchased another Rolex for my upcoming birthday - yeah! It can't be bad to have 2 right?!?! Thanks to my wonderful wife!!!

swish77 · 26 February 2012, 01:30 AM

I had a similar issue with a late '70s Datejust. I got a super high repair estimate from RSC that included a new case because of corrosion where the case meets the caseback, preventing a water-tight seal. I sent it to Bob Ridley, who did a great service on it. He has options depending on the level of corrosion, and can do repairs that RSC is not willing to do. Bob also might be able to source a used case for you, if that's what was needed, and that would be a lot cheaper than a brand new one from Rolex. Also, keep in mind that a replacement case from Rolex, although new, can affect the value of vintage pieces. It'll have a serial number that will forever be known as a replacement case. Not sure if that's an issue with your watch, but something to think about. Good luck.

c-dub · 26 February 2012, 05:13 AM

Thanks swish77-that's exactly what I needed to know, asking for it to be returned to be so I can send to a craftsman. Really appreciate your post!

azguy · 26 February 2012, 05:41 AM

You obviously love that watch

I would get it back, send it to Bob and wear the heck out of it again for another 8-10 years

tucsonrick · 26 February 2012, 01:36 PM

I had my 1968 Datejust serviced at RSC Dallas. They identified water damage among other issues. Would do a full service. In addition they suggested replacement of dial, hands, case, and bracelet (the bracelet was in worse than terible shape.) In the end, I did not replace the case, and that did not effect the warranty they gave me. I think they suggest case replacement when the existing case is a little beat up but it may not be required for warranty and water proofing; at least it wasn't in my case. You may want to make sure you know what they mean when they suggest case replacement - necessary vs nice to have.

joe100 · 26 February 2012, 02:36 PM

I agree with the guys here. I'd make sure the case replacement is vital before having it done.

c-dub · 27 February 2012, 11:35 PM

Thanks for the responses, I definitely prefer to not replace the case unless really needed. The quote from NY says "necessary", not "recommended" - but I am going to get a second opinion at this point. They did recommend face/hands... If I do the case, the only parts not replaced would end up being the movement at this point. I did the bracelet in 1994 and still looks great.

azguy · 28 February 2012, 12:27 AM

Keep us posted

tucsonrick · 28 February 2012, 09:30 AM

Call them and talk to them. Don't rely on trying to understand the written notes you get.

c-dub · 7 March 2012, 09:02 AM

Got it back - here is a picture of a before, now will be sending out for service and will post updates for after shots

24 February 2012, 01:10 AM	#1
c-dub Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Real Name: Craig Location: Delaware Posts: 123	Service Advice Please! I sent my TT Blue-face 16013 Datejust for authorized service and its been a while. I have worn the watch for 23years, and last service was about 8 years ago. They quoted $2,100 and it needs a new case due to water damage?! I dont swim, shower, or really get it wet, but I understand seals can dry out, etc. The movement is in good condition. It has lots of sentimental value - now I am unsure if I put it away in my safe or bring back to life like new with this full service. Is there options to restore the water damage without replacement? Anyone have this issue? I would post pics, but I didnt expect this to happen~ Thanks in advance for opinions

24 February 2012, 01:35 AM	#3
Keeperoftime "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Real Name: Jeremy Location: Louisiana Watch: Rolex Posts: 2,732	That is a bit extreme. While, I won't say the RSC (Rolex Service Center) has no respect for vintage pieces, I will say they are overpriced. An independent watchmaker, such as Bob Ridley would be a great choice. __________________ As a man is, so he sees. As the eye is formed, such are its powers. William Blake

7 March 2012, 09:02 AM	#24
c-dub Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Real Name: Craig Location: Delaware Posts: 123	Got it back - here is a picture of a before, now will be sending out for service and will post updates for after shots Attached Images

24 February 2012, 01:29 AM	#2
Beelzy "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Real Name: Chris Location: Cen-Cal Watch: 16610 Posts: 869	RSC has no respect for Vintage pieces......send it to Bob Ridley in Texas, he knows what a Vintage Rolex is.

24 February 2012, 01:50 AM	#4
dysondiver "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: tom Location: northern ireland Watch: my fins Posts: 10,063	wasnt there a laser weld thread a wee while ago ,,,,

24 February 2012, 06:41 AM	#5
HRPinDC "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 152	Wait, you don't shower???? I'd send it to Bob, but then again what do I know.....I'm new.

25 February 2012, 01:52 AM	#8
slcbbrown "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Real Name: steve Location: dallas area Watch: 50's TT t-bird Posts: 3,689	I'd find a good local watch tech who can work on Rolex, and ask for another opinion. $2,100 is huge for a service with parts. Did they suggest replacing dial and hands? Also, 23 years on a Rolex is not all that old.

25 February 2012, 02:02 AM	#9
c-dub Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Real Name: Craig Location: Delaware Posts: 123	The biggest part was a case replacement @$1,500 in addition to the usual suspects of synthetic crystal, gaskets, etc... they recommend hands and face too... it may be almost $3k for a complete update, but it would esstentially be a new watch.

25 February 2012, 02:15 AM	#10
zeuloa "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Jose Location: Here Watch: SEA-DWELLER Posts: 2,232	Did RSC do the service 8 years ago?

25 February 2012, 02:19 AM	#11
Transcon "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: SoCal Watch: 1675/126710 Posts: 272	I would go with what the others are saying and go through one of the well know independent watchmakers. I sent my 1675 to Rik Dietel and was very pleased with his work, great guy to deal with. His website is below in case you wanted to check it out http://www.timecareinc.com/

25 February 2012, 11:40 PM	#15
c-dub Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Real Name: Craig Location: Delaware Posts: 123	Yes, I now keep thinking of when I sent it out, came back crisp - now a little heart broken. I am getting it back and sending elsewhere... time to put a hurting on my bank account. I just purchased another Rolex for my upcoming birthday - yeah! It can't be bad to have 2 right?!?! Thanks to my wonderful wife!!!

26 February 2012, 01:30 AM	#16
swish77 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Aaron Location: CT/NYC Watch: ing the time! Posts: 6,999	I had a similar issue with a late '70s Datejust. I got a super high repair estimate from RSC that included a new case because of corrosion where the case meets the caseback, preventing a water-tight seal. I sent it to Bob Ridley, who did a great service on it. He has options depending on the level of corrosion, and can do repairs that RSC is not willing to do. Bob also might be able to source a used case for you, if that's what was needed, and that would be a lot cheaper than a brand new one from Rolex. Also, keep in mind that a replacement case from Rolex, although new, can affect the value of vintage pieces. It'll have a serial number that will forever be known as a replacement case. Not sure if that's an issue with your watch, but something to think about. Good luck.

26 February 2012, 05:13 AM	#17
c-dub Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Real Name: Craig Location: Delaware Posts: 123	Thanks swish77-that's exactly what I needed to know, asking for it to be returned to be so I can send to a craftsman. Really appreciate your post!

26 February 2012, 05:41 AM	#18
azguy Banned Join Date: Sep 2011 Real Name: ------- Location: ------- Watch: --------- Posts: 12,609	You obviously love that watch I would get it back, send it to Bob and wear the heck out of it again for another 8-10 years

26 February 2012, 01:36 PM	#19
tucsonrick "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Arizona Posts: 106	I had my 1968 Datejust serviced at RSC Dallas. They identified water damage among other issues. Would do a full service. In addition they suggested replacement of dial, hands, case, and bracelet (the bracelet was in worse than terible shape.) In the end, I did not replace the case, and that did not effect the warranty they gave me. I think they suggest case replacement when the existing case is a little beat up but it may not be required for warranty and water proofing; at least it wasn't in my case. You may want to make sure you know what they mean when they suggest case replacement - necessary vs nice to have.

26 February 2012, 02:36 PM	#20
joe100 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Real Name: Joe Location: New Mexico Watch: Explorer Posts: 12,840	I agree with the guys here. I'd make sure the case replacement is vital before having it done.

27 February 2012, 11:35 PM	#21
c-dub Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Real Name: Craig Location: Delaware Posts: 123	Thanks for the responses, I definitely prefer to not replace the case unless really needed. The quote from NY says "necessary", not "recommended" - but I am going to get a second opinion at this point. They did recommend face/hands... If I do the case, the only parts not replaced would end up being the movement at this point. I did the bracelet in 1994 and still looks great.

28 February 2012, 12:27 AM	#22
azguy Banned Join Date: Sep 2011 Real Name: ------- Location: ------- Watch: --------- Posts: 12,609	Keep us posted

28 February 2012, 09:30 AM	#23
tucsonrick "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Arizona Posts: 106	Call them and talk to them. Don't rely on trying to understand the written notes you get.

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