Rolex Service Question

[dafuture]

I recently picked up a Polar Explorer II 16570 from a trusted seller. However, it's running +26.3 sec. a day, so it's obviously in need of a service.

My office is just a few blocks from RSC NY, but I've heard some mixed things about there work. I've heard some good things about RSC Dallas, but I don't love the idea of shipping.

Any suggestions/recommendations would be much appreciated.

For the record, I've considered working with some of the independent shops recommended on here, but I'm a bit concerned by the lack of communication/accountability.

[flyingtiger85]

drop it at NY RSC. Maybe you can score a few freebies while there. I much prefer face to face interactions as opposed to mailing a watch in.

[Chute]

I’d take it to NY RSC, that way you’ll have papers in your name tied to the watch once you get it back. If in doubt you can ask them not to polish it

[faimag]

OP mentioned RSC’s work, suggesting he or she is concerned about the overall quality. I don’t think polishing is his or her main concern.

My suggestion is to take it to RSC NY and tell them exactly what you want done. They will honor your request. As for the quality of their work, it’s RSC. Doesn’t get much better than that for a 16570. Don’t listen to horror stories

[Beckster]

Did you check with the seller if the piece has been serviced recently? It could be case where maybe the watch just needs to be regulated. Or maybe been magnetized. Mine was suddenly running 15s/day fast. After a few days I realized I’ve been passing it near my new Tumi travel case that has a pretty strong magnet to close its hidden phone slot. So brought it down to RSC to check. They regulated it and it's now around -1s/day.

I guess I’m saying maybe it doesn’t necessarily mean it needs a servicing.

[Rrpdc]

Originally Posted by dafuture

I recently picked up a Polar Explorer II 16570 from a trusted seller. However, it's running +26.3 sec. a day, so it's obviously in need of a service.

My office is just a few blocks from RSC NY, but I've heard some mixed things about there work. I've heard some good things about RSC Dallas, but I don't love the idea of shipping.

Any suggestions/recommendations would be much appreciated.

For the record, I've considered working with some of the independent shops recommended on here, but I'm a bit concerned by the lack of communication/accountability.

Sounds like it’s magnetized.

[RichM]

Take it to the NYC RSC. They’re a PITA on some warranty issues but the quality of their work is as good as it gets.

[powerfunk]

Originally Posted by dafuture

My office is just a few blocks from RSC NY

I'll echo the other responses and say go to RSC NY. I've sent them several watches with great results. I know people here love to recommend Dallas, but I think paying/waiting extra to send a watch halfway across America when you're a few blocks away from a perfectly good RSC is a bit silly.

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by Rrpdc

Sounds like it’s magnetized.

Possible but unlikely, when magnetised it usually runs much much faster than that.

[Psijason]

Originally Posted by SearChart

Possible but unlikely, when magnetised it usually runs much much faster than that.

Agreed!! Let us know how it goes. Hopefully it's just a simple time regulation. Might be a hairspring that just needs to be tickled. I'm no expert by any means but your quantity of seconds fast meets the tickle fix based on what I've read on forums. Good luck with it!

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by Psijason

Agreed!! Let us know how it goes. Hopefully it's just a simple time regulation. Might be a hairspring that just needs to be tickled. I'm no expert by any means but your quantity of seconds fast meets the tickle fix based on what I've read on forums. Good luck with it!

Yup, could be slightly decentered which is easily fixed with some tickling

[Psijason]

Originally Posted by SearChart

Yup, could be slightly decentered which is easily fixed with some tickling

God I hope that means I might be learning something. 🤪 Call me newbie sponge.

Is there a difference in the quantity of seconds fast when it's resting vs wearing it?

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by Psijason

God I hope that means I might be learning something. 🤪 Call me newbie sponge.

Is there a difference in the quantity of seconds fast when it's resting vs wearing it?

Different positions have different timekeeping rates.
The 31×× caliber is allowed a 12sec delta, which means it can run -6 to +6 in two different positions, as long as the average rate is within the allowed -2/+2 and maximum difference (delta) is 12sec between two positions.

So for example:
Dial up +1s/day
Down +0s/day
Crown left -6s/day
Right +6s/day
Down +0s/day

Delta: 12 sec
Alpha: Average rate +0.2 sec a day.

[Psijason]

Originally Posted by SearChart

Different positions have different timekeeping rates.
The 31×× caliber is allowed a 12sec delta, which means it can run -6 to +6 in two different positions, as long as the average rate is within the allowed -2/+2 and maximum difference (delta) is 12sec between two positions.

So for example:
Dial up +1s/day
Down +0s/day
Crown left -6s/day
Right +6s/day
Down +0s/day

Delta: 12 sec
Alpha: Average rate +0.2 sec a day.

Great info thanks!!

[dafuture]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I'm definitely going to take it to RSC NY. I agree, Dallas sounded a little excessive given NY's proximity to me haha.

I knew ahead of time that there was no service history on the watch, so in no way am I blaming the seller. It would be great though if all it needed was a little bit of regulation due to being magnetized...

Even then, given that it's a 14 yr. old watch with no history, wouldn't it be prudent to have it serviced while I'm there anyhow? My thinking is that I'm on vacation for 10 days at the end of June, so I wouldn't miss having it as much in that 4-6 week interval.

[Chute]

Yes, I’d recommend a service. As to whether you should have it polished, well, that’s for you to decide

[dafuture]

Originally Posted by Chute

Yes, I’d recommend a service. As to whether you should have it polished, well, that’s for you to decide

That's kind of what I was thinking. No need for polishing on this one, it's in relatively good shape. I believe it's been lightly polished once in the past, but given that the original lug bevels are still intact, I'm ok with that.

Plus, I got it at a really great price. I knew going in it wasn't 100% perfect.

[toxicavenger]

Originally Posted by SearChart

Possible but unlikely, when magnetised it usually runs much much faster than that.

Not always the case. I had two watches magnetized is shipping by USPS and they were both running 35-60 seconds fast. They isn't a set amount they will run when magnetized.

[toxicavenger]

Originally Posted by dafuture

For the record, I've considered working with some of the independent shops recommended on here, but I'm a bit concerned by the lack of communication/accountability.

Sorry but a lot of indy's are better at communication that RSC. And accountability is also tough at RSC.

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by toxicavenger

Not always the case. I had two watches magnetized is shipping by USPS and they were both running 35-60 seconds fast. They isn't a set amount they will run when magnetized.

Oh definitely, but most of the times it is more erratic.

[Chute]

If the watch is in pretty good shape anyway, I’d have a Rolex polish it with the service. The service fee includes it and Rolex does not discount the service fee if you opt not to have them polish it.

[dafuture]

Originally Posted by toxicavenger

Sorry but a lot of indy's are better at communication that RSC. And accountability is also tough at RSC.

I think the difference for me is that not a single one of the Indy's are local. I've heard a few stories where you can't get anyone to give an update, and I'd have no ability to just go there and get my watch if something were wrong. Even if RSC isn't communicative, at least I know it's Rolex who have my watch. Unless it's fake or stolen (which I obviously don't think it is), it should be fine there.

Originally Posted by Chute

If the watch is in pretty good shape anyway, I’d have a Rolex polish it with the service. The service fee includes it and Rolex does not discount the service fee if you opt not to have them polish it.

I'm curious, why do you recommend a polish? Most members on here are vehemently against polishing.

[Speedbird-1]

Originally Posted by SearChart

Different positions have different timekeeping rates.
The 31×× caliber is allowed a 12sec delta, which means it can run -6 to +6 in two different positions, as long as the average rate is within the allowed -2/+2 and maximum difference (delta) is 12sec between two positions.

So for example:
Dial up +1s/day
Down +0s/day
Crown left -6s/day
Right +6s/day
Down +0s/day

Delta: 12 sec
Alpha: Average rate +0.2 sec a day.

The very essence of this great Forum!
Very useful info'.
Thanks Bas.