RSC in Hollywood, CA

[dsimon9]

Hello:

Just sent out my GMT 16750 off to California for its' 5 year (more like 10 year) service. Wondering, what kind of experience have people had with this location? I have read a few things about the centers in New York and Dallas, but not much about the one in California.

Basically asked to do the routine maintenance, but not to replace the dial. Now I have a 6 to 8 week wait.

Hmmm.... are we there yet?
Are we there yet?
Are we there yet?

Dex

[SPACE-DWELLER]

I am sure you will be amazed when you get your GMT back. It will look like new!

Do you have any "before service" pics you could share?

Please post some "after service" pics when you get it back.

[Beef]

I bought two vintage Rolexes that came with service papers from L.A. RSC and they looked brand new. I think that you will be pleased.

[dsimon9]

Hello:

I took these pictures a couple of weeks ago while trying to decide whether to have the watch serviced. In particular, whether to replace the dial due to the spiderweb cracks in it. Based on the advice of members in this forum, I decided to have the watch serviced, but with specific instructions NOT to replace the dial. We shall see what happens.

Let me know what you think:

[SPACE-DWELLER]

That's a stunning GMT!

Good call you chose to not have a new dial added on it.

Actually, the case and band seem to be in very good condition. Very sharp lugs!

Apart from having the seals and gaskets exchanged and the movement cleaned, oiled and adjusted, I'd just have the watch cleaned, not polished. It does not seem to need it, imho.

[azmmza]

Originally Posted by dsimon9

Hello:

Just sent out my GMT 16750 off to California for its' 5 year (more like 10 year) service. Wondering, what kind of experience have people had with this location? I have read a few things about the centers in New York and Dallas, but not much about the one in California.

Basically asked to do the routine maintenance, but not to replace the dial. Now I have a 6 to 8 week wait.

Hmmm.... are we there yet?
Are we there yet?
Are we there yet?

Dex

is the RSC in Beverly hills or Hollywood?

[koronet-kid]

agree with Bo. good call not to change the dial. spider webb dials are great and very collectable. some collectors pay a premium for those dials.

regards sean

[dsimon9]

Azmmza:

You are correct, they located in Beverly Hills. Thanks for the correction.

Dex

[evensteven]

Dex

I am a strong 1 iron from the RSC in B.H on the corner of Wilshire/Canon (thats a 5 iron for tiger but he wears a tag)

I have taken both my TT Sub Champaign Certi and my Model 1680/0 there with nothing but great results! Both watches came back like new, the packaging and paperwork is top notch with cool Rolex green watch holders and a written invoice for all work performed in a white couriers envelope.

If you get a chance the building is user friendly and you meet some pretty cool people in the lobby to say the least. After all it is Beverly Hills and it caters to Rolex owners but it's still a shocker to meet some of the people you only read about or see on the screen.

I just found a 4 year old ss black face Daytona and the lady wants 10K. I am tempted but I like the white face a lot better.

Wadda yall think?

[Tools]

Looks like it's been well kept. The BH RSC is top-notch.

If they think the dial may deteriorate further and damage the movement they may refuse to do the service unless you change the dial.

or, they may just suggest that you change the dial because it is not pristine.

If they refuse service, get back with us and we may have further suggestions for good watchmakers..

[mach330]

how much did u pay for the service? it's almost time to get mine serviced.

[dsimon9]

I have not been billed yet. I send it in, RSC evaluates it. Once evaluated, they let me know what needs to be done and how much it is going to cost. It is the first time I have sent it to an RSC, but I believe that is how it works.

Dex

[mike]

Normal service is around $500. Should the dial be changed add another $250 or so--they will change the hands also.

I've used all three RSCs and BH is my first choice. Their work is fantastic.

[dsimon9]

Hello:

Thanks all for the compliments and advice. I am glad to have stopped here and joined the forum. When first checking, an AD and an independent jeweler both advised replacing the dial. "It will make it look like new" and it won't decrease value of the watch. I almost pulled the trigger. I decided to then do more research.

A second AD recommended not changing the dial. Not sure why, intuition, I "felt" like the second AD was more knowledgeable. I then lurked and joined rolexforums and tz. Here as well as tz the advise was almost unanimous.

Thanks again.

Dex

[dsimon9]

One more thing, if they refuse service unless the dial is replaced, what would be my options? Are the ones listed below accurate?

1. Say yes, and they would replace my dial. The watch might look better, but I get the feeling I would be taking a hit on the value of the watch.
2. Go to an independent jewelry, who works on Rolex watches and uses authentic Rolex parts? The one I have visited here did not give me a warm fuzzy feeling. How would I go about finding other businesses, which work on Rolex watches? I know locally, Ben Bridge Jewelers do Rolex work.
3. Would trying to send the watch to the RSC in either Dallas or New York work? Could they potentially reach a different conclusion? Do they talk to each other, or at least keep a shared data file on my watch?

I realize I might be jumping the gun a bit, but I want to be prepared. A just in case.

Thanks,

Dex

[sombunya]

Originally Posted by dsimon9

How would I go about finding other businesses, which work on Rolex watches? I know locally, Ben Bridge Jewelers do Rolex work.

I just bought a Men's two-tone DJ from Ben Bridge in the Brea, CA mall and the sales lady said they do not remove the backs from any Rolex at that store.

She was also eager to have me let them send my wife's DJ to RSC in Beverly Hills for service. Not sure why, but as I live about 30 miles away I will be taking it there myself personally.

[mike]

Originally Posted by dsimon9

One more thing, if they refuse service unless the dial is replaced, what would be my options? Are the ones listed below accurate?

1. Say yes, and they would replace my dial. The watch might look better, but I get the feeling I would be taking a hit on the value of the watch.
2. Go to an independent jewelry, who works on Rolex watches and uses authentic Rolex parts? The one I have visited here did not give me a warm fuzzy feeling. How would I go about finding other businesses, which work on Rolex watches? I know locally, Ben Bridge Jewelers do Rolex work.
3. Would trying to send the watch to the RSC in either Dallas or New York work? Could they potentially reach a different conclusion? Do they talk to each other, or at least keep a shared data file on my watch?

I realize I might be jumping the gun a bit, but I want to be prepared. A just in case.

Thanks,

Dex

Dex,

I'll give you some of my thoughts, but they're only worth the price you paid. LOL!

In all probability if one RSC turns you down the others will follow suit. There have be exceptions to this, but generally that's the case.

Yes, an Independent watchmaker with a parts account will give you more latitude on what can and cannot be done.

Will you take a hit? In some sense yes. The real question is how much.
Two things come into play.

1. It appears your 16750 has a latter gloss dial with WG surrounds. If the dial is replaced, it will be replaced with a gloss dial with WG surrounds. It will be a LUMINOVA dial and marked "SWISS" as opposed to your tritium dial marked "SWISS T<25".
Not original, but a 100% functional service replacement dial. (In my view much better than a refinish.

You dial shows the "spider webbing" that occurs on dials of the era (not just GMTs) because of the paint mixture used at the time.
Some (collectors?) have dubbed this a "desirable" feature while others feel it's a flaw and should be viewed as such.
As the dial has to be removed to service, my fear would be the cracking could be made worse but not being a watchmaker that might not be the case.

For this reference, of this era, I might be tempted to get the dial replaced. You will still have the vintage look plus the advantage of 100% functionality without the risk of future degradation.

Just some thoughts.