I never thought it would be this difficult....

[Route 66]

Originally Posted by Tools

Old wives tale... Modern synthetic lubricants will not dry out the way the older fossil fuels used to..........

Larry, do you know or have a guess as to how long Rolex has been using these synthetic lubricants?

Does this mean that there is no real advantage to looking for a later production model?

Also, does this mean that that regardless of the production date, the watch shouldn't require routine service for 5 or so years from when it was purchased?

[Dan Pierce]

David,
I can't believe Rolex would think they could keep the original oyster bracelet.
Glad you have your GMT back though.
When buying a black/ burgundy insert at Rolex St James a few years back I told the technician that I have both bracelet styles and all inserts to change the look whenever I feel the need. His reply was that he thought every GMT owner should do the same.
dP

[Route 66]

Mistake

[ObscureLight]

Originally Posted by Quicksilver

Why on earth do Rolex think they can keep my Oyster bracelet? That's my property, bought and paid for and there will come a time when I want to put the Oyster back on for a change. Bizarre! I hope there will not be a problem and Rolex have lost or binned my Oyster! If there is I will be requesting a new replacement.

Thats horrible I know that they keep the dials when you replace them but first time i've heard of a place trying to keep your old bracelet when you bought a whole new bracelet. (Crooks)

[Quicksilver]

Thanks Dan, Stevarn and ObscureLight.

I have had RSC Bexley and RSC London running around like blue arse flies this afternoon, sorting this out.

Both denied any knowledge of my Oyster bracelet and both accused the other of hording it. 10 minutes ago I received a call from an apologetic red faced lady (at least she sounded red faced over the phone) in Bexley saying that they had it after all, and they would polish it and return it to me over the next week.

So it sounds like a mistake. Initially I thought it was some outrageous new Rolex policy to keep old bracelets to prevent them being sold on the second hand market. Perhaps that was the idea? I would not put it past them.

[Paracentesis]

Hi,

My Sub went away to Bexley three weeks ago, I have been told 16 weeks. I'm really missing it.

[Mr. Greene]

This is the perfect reason to have multiple Rolies

[Boopie]

I know the feeling...I sent my perfect-running Yachtmaster in to the RSC for service at the 6 1/2 year mark. I had taken it swimming in the ocean, etc. so for that reason I wanted to make sure that all the seals, etc. were still working and water-tight. Knowing what I know now, I will probably wait a bit longer between services.

As for the oils...I've posted this before, so for the short version...my husband received a BNIB 10-year old Submariner from his father as a present two years ago. My father in law had received it as a gift 10 years earlier, but literally never wore it, kept the tags on, and stuck it in a safe. After hearing about the potentially dried oils, etc., we took the 10-year old BNIB watch to the then-open Beverly Hills RSC, to have them check out the watch before my husband wore it. They took it behind their counter, and after several minutes they brought it out and said that he should wear it and enjoy it...no "pre-wearing" service needed. They had wound it, and adjusted the band for him.