Submariner PM Service Costs?

[scubadiver6]

Hello All -

First post... Looking to purchase my first Rolex (Submariner Date) and I have a few questions about PM service...

This watch will be my "one-and-only" and I will wear it 7-days/week, 16 hrs/day - I'm not a collector. I swim, boat, camp, snowmobile, atv, etc. So it will definitely be exposed to the elements.

It will also be my first mechanical watch. (Current watch is an Omega Seamaster 300m Quartz)

First of all, I understand (based on wear/use, etc) that you should have the watch serviced every 4-years or so.... Is this correct?

Secondly, if I took the watch to a Rolex AD, how much could I expect to pay for factory preventative maintenance-type service?

I ask because every sub I have looked at has zero service history.... So, I'd like to compare the costs of a used sub ($6k to $7k range) plus a PM, to a brand-new one.

And, if location matters for costs, I live in Chicago...

Thank you - all info you can share is appreciated....


Bob

[ingoodtime]

My first sub was preowned and 4 years old. 5 years later i sent it to Rolex for service as i was having a mechsnicsl issue. That was in 2013 and the cost was about 750. My 7 year old gmt runs fine and has never been serviced.ithink every 10 years is fine although hou might wish to have it pressure tested more regularly.

[Etschell]

every 5 years on newer rolex. but then again many members just go by if it aint broke dont fix it. also if you buy a new rolex you get a 5 year warranty. if you buy a used one that was sold through and AD and you have the warranty card then the 5 year warranty from the date on the card is intact.

the the service cost wouldnt change between SS and PM unless PM parts needed to be replaced such as bezel, crown or link. the movements on the subc date SS and subc date PM are the same.

[watchwatcher]

I would think 4 years would be at the low end of the service interval scale.

I think you're overthinking it...just get the watch you like. Everything else will take care of itself.

[Al1969]

I had my YG GMT serviced by RSC back in October. Cost was $700 for full service.

[AK797]

4 years is too soon if it is working well, at least weight 7 years which is about the average, altho now Rolex expects you not to have issues for 10 years.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by Al1969

I had my YG GMT serviced by RSC back in October. Cost was $700 for full service.

I think OP has PM mean pre-maintenance. Price seems pretty much the same for Precious metal and SS.

[Chiboy]

I believe OP is using PM to mean Preventative Maintenance (service) rather than a Precious Metals (gold or platinum) watch.

[Chiboy]

Whoops, I was to slow on the trigger.

[The Libertine]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

I would think 4 years would be at the low end of the service interval scale.

I think you're overthinking it...just get the watch you like. Everything else will take care of itself.

I agree. The less a watch is opened the better. A good indication of the need for service is if accuracy starts to deteriorate, or has a low power reserve even with a full wind, or makes a strange sound; otherwise, you could look to every 7-10 years.

[Rolex addict]

I have mine serviced every 8-10 years. I just had my 116619 serviced and it was ~$1100 with a new crystal. If you don't need that, subtract about $125. Also, I requested no polish and they honored that.

[socalwatchcollector]

Bob, you can probably find a newer model Sub C in mint condition on here from a trusted seller for around $7500-8000 I am guessing with warranty. My subs usually run around $700-$1000 for service but it also depends on how much of a beating you give the watch. If you are wearing it that often to do those activities you may have to service sooner IMO.

Congrats when you do find the one! It really is a spectacular watch.

[Al1969]

Originally Posted by AK797

I think OP has PM mean pre-maintenance. Price seems pretty much the same for Precious metal and SS.

I see. Guess the first thing that ‘popped’ in my mind was PM(Precious Metal).
I blame TRF

[prozac51]

If the price of pre-owned + RSC service is not much more than a pre-owned in slightly better condition with a 'claimed' recent service, I'd go for the former.

At least RSC will release the watch to you in tip top condition with a real Rolex warranty. And FWIW you get a nice Rolex leather pouch with polishing cloth.

Sent from my HTC_2Q4D100 using Tapatalk

[mjclark32]

Don’t over think it, the sub and it’s 3135 movement are work horses. I’ve had my 16610 for seven years. I bought it gently used and have been beating it up since. It’s probably only stopped running a handful or less of times. It’s awesome, keeps time about +5 per day.
Strap it on and get after it. When time comes for a service figure it’ll cost around a grand and you’ll be fine.
Best if luck