RSC strange behavior: what to do?

[Sammk]

So as some of you may know I am heading to a beach vacation, where there will be lots of water activities including scuba diving.... so after my last thread I decided to take along my sub 116613...

It's a 5 year old watch, but everything including timekeeping is excellent so I didn't want to get it serviced.... however I wanted to get it checked for water resistance, since it's 5 year old and seals might need to be replaced.

I called RSC London, Uk on st James street.... they refused to check for water resistance, until I get the entire watch serviced....so basically they won't even tell you if water resistance is good to go or not (let alone replacing the seals) unless I send my watch for a complete service.

The little knowledge that I have about watches is that you should get it pressure tested or water resistance tested/ seals replaced every 3 years (especially if you use it in water activities)...... however service of a watch might not be needed for about 7 years or more

So what to do if I want to take it along on my water filled vacation?

[Blue_Lume]

my personal opinion is that you're being overly cautious.

i feel this way from living in a tropical climate which puts me in the ocean or pool every day and i've never had any issues over 30 years of ownership.

actually - you know when i had an issue? after someone opened the watch to overhaul it and it was not properly sealed.

did anyone open your watch? if not - move forward.

[SeaDweller50]

Are they not up to date with Rolex servicing schedules nowadays? What a joke.

[Sammk]

No my watch has never been opened.... but I'm not only going to be in the pool or shallow waters.... I plan to take it with me for scuba diving, which means there is going to be a significant amount of water pressure

Originally Posted by Blue_Lume

my personal opinion is that you're being overly cautious.

i feel this way from living in a tropical climate which puts me in the ocean or pool every day and i've never had any issues over 30 years of ownership.

actually - you know when i had an issue? after someone opened the watch to overhaul it and it was not properly sealed.

did anyone open your watch? if not - move forward.

[Etschell]

after 5 years if your subc isnt water resistant id be shocked.

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by Sammk

So what to do if I want to take it along on my water filled vacation?

Find an independent and have it pressure tested.

[Cryten]

Is RSC that desperate for business that they won't even preform a pressure test without a service now?

Any watch maker can do a simple pressure test for you, just call someone local and ask.

[AK797]

I would write a strong letter saying as the service is now recommend at 10 years insisting on a full service now is unreasonable and is turning you off the brand etc. See what happens. I'm sure Rolex UK are starting to get used to annoyed customers for a variety of reasons so maybe they will be more acquiescent.

[Snow-Dweller]

Originally Posted by Blue_Lume

my personal opinion is that you're being overly cautious.

i feel this way from living in a tropical climate which puts me in the ocean or pool every day and i've never had any issues over 30 years of ownership.

actually - you know when i had an issue? after someone opened the watch to overhaul it and it was not properly sealed.

did anyone open your watch? if not - move forward.

I agree with every word, including the same issue when Rolex's own Geneva service centre managed to not properly close up my now 30 year old Sub after a service.

Relax....enjoy your vacation, and your watch.

[mjclark32]

Surprised they didn't offer to take it and test it...
Go to an AD and get it tested, usually complimentary, maybe a few bucks. Worth the peace of mind if you're worried.
The Rolex way or the highway...

[kilyung]

Do what I did and buy your own tester. Granted I have both the wet and dry testers but you can get a cheap wet tester online.

[padi56]

Any simple high street test to 100m watch will be fine for most all water activities if passes.

[Cryten]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Do what I did and buy your own tester. Granted I have both the wet and dry testers but you can get a cheap wet tester online.

Not a bad option either. You can get a basic 6 atmosphere tester on eBay for around $130

[Sammk]

While I will find an alternative like everyone has mentioned, but I would really want to do this...but I am unable to find an email address that I can write to... can anyone help?

Originally Posted by AK797

I would write a strong letter saying as the service is now recommend at 10 years insisting on a full service now is unreasonable and is turning you off the brand etc. See what happens. I'm sure Rolex UK are starting to get used to annoyed customers for a variety of reasons so maybe they will be more acquiescent.

[sco]

A pressure test is such a common an noninvasive test, that I would (and have) felt very comfortable letting an independent watchmaker test all of my pieces.

[cda555]

Originally Posted by Sammk

While I will find an alternative like everyone has mentioned, but I would really want to do this...but I am unable to find an email address that I can write to... can anyone help?

I think you have to actually send a letter in the mail.

[ruaanaudi]

I just had my watches pressure checked for free at mappin and web on fenchurch street in the city, they are very friendly and might even offer you a Diet Coke.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by cda555

I think you have to actually send a letter in the mail.

Yes, no email, an actual letter.

[Chiboy]

Originally Posted by AK797

Yes, no email, an actual letter.

I believe it has to be delivered by horse or they will reject it like a Registered Package with plastic tape.

[NothingToSeeHere]

My chronomat evolution is from 2006 and has never been serviced. It's still extremely water tight

[Chadridv]

Same thing happened to me at RSC NY. I was told they can't do a pressure test there and it would have to be sent away. Watch is and was under warranty. I said so it's under warranty, so if there's a water issue, you'll just fix it under warranty, and that's the only way to tell. They said yes, we'll fix it if it breaks. What a joke.

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by Sammk

No my watch has never been opened.... but I'm not only going to be in the pool or shallow waters.... I plan to take it with me for scuba diving, which means there is going to be a significant amount of water pressure

If you're going to dive it, I'd have it tested. An independent can reliably do that for you.

There's literature somewhere that recommends annual pressure testing for diving.

[TickTockChuck]

I think any decently qualified can run a dry vacuum pressure test on your watch for a small fee, maybe even free. It will give a reasonable indication of whether your seals are good. See also interesting TRF thread below on pressure testing. Cheers!

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=107313

[Investr]

Oh brother, just wear the watch! It's made for the water

[Dr.Smellody]

I'd jump in the water and splash about without worry. ... if you take on a micron of water and condensation developes... get it serviced.

[Abdullah71601]

Here's a thread with the annual testing advice https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...ressure+diving

[Sammk]

Originally Posted by Chiboy

I believe it has to be delivered by horse or they will reject it like a Registered Package with plastic tape.

I was just thinking the same

[Hotrod297]

Originally Posted by Investr

Oh brother, just wear the watch! It's made for the water

Agreed! Go and enjoy your Holiday! Let that watch do, what it's supposed to do!

If does leak, you'll then have a reason to take it to the RSC...LOL!