My 1999 Exp 2 : Back Good as New from RSC, Bombay

[Stetson]

Rolex Watch Co Pvt Ltd, Bombay said four weeks when I gave it in. But the watch was ready in two weeks, no parts had to be changed other than those included in the basic service. Collected the watch only yesterday and was pleased as punch with the results, case and bracelet, buffed, burnished, polished, looking like new.

I was also chuffed that, though the watch had stopped working and lain in the cupboard for some time, there were no additional parts required other than the ones anyway included in the basic service.

Was also given a little booklet, the Rolex "Idiots Guide" to how they service a watch. Will post Jpegs of the booklet sometime later in this thread.

Meanwhile, two "before" pics which, I am afraid, are poor res wrist shots. The numerous scratches on bracelet and bezel are not visible in these. Then follow several post service shots.


A few words about RSC, Bombay (the Rolex Watch Company Pvt Ltd). Rolex established this in Bombay in 1955, at the same time as RSC's were opened in London, New York, Paris and other cities. Although Rolex 9and other) imports were not allowed since the end of the 1950's and until about 2000, Rolex kept this unit going as a service to customers in India. The staff and technicians were retained and sent regularly to Geneva for training (and because spares imports were also restricted, some of the staff employed then have said to me that they used to bring essential spares in their persoanl baggage).

Meticulous records have also been maintained. I found out to my surprise yesterday when, after taking dlivery of the Expy 2, I gave in my old veteran, a 1986 16030 bought new in Singapore, for servicing. The watchmaker technician fiddled about with his PC and told me "we have serviced this watch in 1999". True indeed!

Now, RSC not only continues to function as a service centre without having to endure the restrictions of the pre 2000 years but they also monitor sales and collections and so on, a control function.

Came across these historical nuggets at RSC, Bombay whilst waiting for my watch to be packed. This Rolex is the second one gifted to Nehru, I think, as he (and the President of India, Rajendra Prasad0 were given one each in 1950, to commemorate India's Republic Day. A picture of that 1950 watch in pink gold (auctioned at Sotheby's, London) first.


Now the photo of a photo, recalling the gift of a further Rolex to Nehru. This was obviously when he visited the Swiss Republic, as the date line shows Berne.

The order of the pics is :

First two : wrist shots pre service

Next several : the post service shots

Next : the 1950 Rolex gifted to the PM and to the President of India

Last two : the photos I found in the RSC reception.

[Stetson]

Slightly off topic but still on the subject of service.

Gave in my Rolex 16030, SS with Engine turned SS bezel 1986 vintage, to RSC for service yesterday. The Jubilee on it is badly stretched thanks to my habit of wearing it to bed (since stopped, I now wear a cheap quartz in bed). I wanted it changed. In RSC's opinion the bracelet is "completely worn out", i.e totalled. No matter because I wanted to replace it anyway.

The e-mail quote arrived before noon today, surprisingly quick as I had given the watch in only by 3 PM the previous day. Firstly, and gratifyingly, the watch needs only two additional parts 9after 26 years plus) a Barel bridge and an Oscillating weight. The two together cost only an additional US $ 100 on top of the basic service charge of about US $ 500. Amazing ruggedness!

Now my question as RSC have confirmed by email that both the Oyster and the Jubilee were standard on the 16030 and I could have whichever one I want (they have quoted for both).

AS I said, my watch hasa Jubilee (in those days I had not come to appreciate the Oyster as much as I do now).

Should I keep it "stock", i.e as originally purchased and go for a Jubilee (which I don't mind doing as I will no longer wear the watch in bed!). Or can I go for the Oyster which I really prefer?

Opinions and views needed please, a.s.a.p. I should respond to RSC soonest. Many thanks.

[kcmo]

Great job on the servicing! As far as which bracelet to go with on your DJ, that's totally up to you. The jubilee is quite fitting and it's nice to have one of each (since your Exp has the oyster), but if your taste has changed and you much prefer the oyster, go that route.

Looking forward to your next set of photos!

[warren G.]

I'm usually an oyster guy. But I really like the jubilee on the DJ, I also had that exact same DJ on the jubilee.

[Brushpup]

Great post, great story about your experience and nicely told! I enjoyed all of it, especially the historical info. Very interesting indeed.

I am curious about the Explorer II before service. Was any of the black coloring of the bezel makers missing at all? If not did they "re-touch" them with new black anyway?

On the DJ bracelet, I agree with kcmo. It would be nice to have two different ones for sure. I really lean with this choice. Plus, I like things returned to how they were to start. I think you will enjoy having two very different choices as time goes by. But, thats just me. Do let us know what you decide. Thanks again for sharing your experience.

PS: I meant to say...I am very impressed with the lume on your dial. Nice to see it holding out so well.

[Stetson]

Thanks everyone, for the suggestions, and Brushpup for your kind words about the post.

I have takne your advice and instructed RSC, Bombay to fit a new Jubilee. FYI, I have two already with the Oyster, the Exp 2 and also a DJ 2 TT Ivory dial which I bought new only last month in London. So your advice is spot on and I have decided to adopt it.

Brushpup, you can see in the top mpost picture in my post that the numerals on the bezel were all in place even before the service. Anyhow, I spoke to the Rolex watchmaker this morning and he said : i) no, he did not have to touch up the numerals on mine as they were OK ii) he cleaned it in plain water at room temp which is the procedure to remove dirt and so on from the numerals iii) the numerals are not paint but ceramic and iv) yes, if required the numerals can be touched up. Trust this clarifies. Many thanks again.

[travisb]

Good news all around.

[Puffy]

job well done

[ally]

Look Great Good to know they can get the bezel looking like new as well

[gregdolley]

I'd stick with the jubilee since it's the original. I think it'd be easier to sell, if you ever wanted to. However, afaik oysters don't have any stretch problem (at least my DD on the oyster bracelet hasn't stretched at all, and I sleep with it all the time).

If you did opt for the jubilee, would they give you the latest model jubilee (solid links), or the 1986 version of the jubilee which had hollow links?

[Psmith]

Good to hear, VN, and thanks for the interesting photos

Your watch looks great

[Stetson]

Hi! Greg : Thanks, I have already ordered the Jubilee, Lemme check with RSC about your question on the links and get back. All I can say at present is that they have quoted for the 62510 20/16 555 AC 20 MM 22 Links version. That is the one to fit this model (and I suspect, but will confirm one way or other, that the links might be hollow).

Yes, the Jubilee does stretch over time but now that I have stopped wearing the watch to bed and, especailly, as I will be rotating it evry 3 days with my other two (Exp 2 & DJ 2), I think it should be alright for a number of years. Moreover, like you say, we should aim to kep it "stock" although I do not intend to part with my Rolexes.

But my cogitations on the relative merits of a Milgauss GV and an Exp 1 39 mm will have to be suspended for the next several months. The service bill for this old 16030, incl the Jubilee, will be nearly US $ 2 K and I have to reckon with wifely criticism if I immediately up and get myself one of these. Why, she could even confiscate all my credit cards (by locking them up out of reach)!

But, one day early next year.

And Clice, thanks for your kind words about the serviced Exp 2.

[Stetson]

Uploads of the Service Booklet I was given follow. It is such a small booklet, tightly bound (and with many inner pages much smaller in size than the rest) that I had to use weights for the photos. Hope the weight I have used is appropriate.

[z32turbo]

Glad everyone is receiving great service from RSC.

I'd would have gone with the new Jubilee bracelet replacement as well Stetson.

[Brushpup]

Originally Posted by Stetson

Thanks everyone, for the suggestions, and Brushpup for your kind words about the post.

I have takne your advice and instructed RSC, Bombay to fit a new Jubilee. FYI, I have two already with the Oyster, the Exp 2 and also a DJ 2 TT Ivory dial which I bought new only last month in London. So your advice is spot on and I have decided to adopt it.

Brushpup, you can see in the top mpost picture in my post that the numerals on the bezel were all in place even before the service. Anyhow, I spoke to the Rolex watchmaker this morning and he said : i) no, he did not have to touch up the numerals on mine as they were OK ii) he cleaned it in plain water at room temp which is the procedure to remove dirt and so on from the numerals iii) the numerals are not paint but ceramic and iv) yes, if required the numerals can be touched up. Trust this clarifies. Many thanks again.

Quite welcome, and thanks for the update. I think you will be very very happy with the Jubilee back on the old watch. Love to hear you went that way.

[Billythekid]

One of my friend who has had several rolexes in his family told me the RSC in bombay is among the top 3 or 5 rsc's in the world

[sea-dweller]

Looks beautiful, thanks for sharing your story!