NO AFTER-SALES SERVICE - Rolex ticked off over collectors who buy modified watches..

[HL65]

I definitely agree with you on that. For this reason I never would use RSC myself with the exception of Bexley in UK who serviced my Comex 5514 and Milsub. Other than that Bob Ridley does my work. I have seen so many people's watches ruined with replacement parts by RSC over the years- such a shame!

[Singslinger]

Thanks for posting Hunz. I saw that article in the papers over the weekend and thought it had some interesting info which TRF members might find useful.

Yes I agree with everyone here that Rolex shouldn't have to honour the warranty on any heavily modified Rolex, but I think it's interesting that Rolex will service a modified Rolex as long as the parts used are all original.

I have a friend who used parts from different Lady Datejusts to make a model that Rolex doesn't offer but since everything is original Rolex, she's had no problems getting it serviced by Rolex.

[Patrick Lim]

I agree with Rolex on this.
Once opened and modified, warranty is off

If I am a manufacturer, I would not want to clean up for a mess created by an unauthorised third-party provider.

[mjm800]

We've known this all along nice to see it in print.

[drdenn]

Has anybody ever hear of a Harley-Davidson? Harley's are the most customized vehicles in the world, and no matter what you do to it, it's a Harley right? I don't (nor do I intend to) own a PVD'd watch, but the refusal to service the Movement due to aesthetic customaztion is silly. Of course they should void Warrany if the case has been opened, but beyond that they should service the movement if somebody is paying the for that.

An erlier post said that some blow-hard big wig stated that once you do these types of customizations, that it's no longer a Rolex. Weird, because if you paint a Mercedes Benz w/ a custom color...it's not a mercedes? To reference changing to a color date wheel or red second hand - If you put Red Mercedes Seats in a Benz that started out w/ black seats, is Mercedes going to refuse to work on it? or again, it's not a Benz anymore? As well, clearly their is a market for the Blackout Sub's, some of which I have seen a pretty Cool looking on a Nato Strap, So maybe, just maybe, Rolex should catch up on this idea! I will post pics of some examples later.

[Runnin' Rebel]

Well, that pretty much said everything, very nice post there, drdenn.

Paint it black
Sincerly,
The Rolling Stones

[bkandj2000]

Originally Posted by drdenn

Has anybody ever hear of a Harley-Davidson? Harley's are the most customized vehicles in the world, and no matter what you do to it, it's a Harley right? I don't (nor do I intend to) own a PVD'd watch, but the refusal to service the Movement due to aesthetic customaztion is silly. Of course they should void Warrany if the case has been opened, but beyond that they should service the movement if somebody is paying the for that.

An erlier post said that some blow-hard big wig stated that once you do these types of customizations, that it's no longer a Rolex. Weird, because if you paint a Mercedes Benz w/ a custom color...it's not a mercedes? To reference changing to a color date wheel or red second hand - If you put Red Mercedes Seats in a Benz that started out w/ black seats, is Mercedes going to refuse to work on it? or again, it's not a Benz anymore? As well, clearly their is a market for the Blackout Sub's, some of which I have seen a pretty Cool looking on a Nato Strap, So maybe, just maybe, Rolex should catch up on this idea! I will post pics of some examples later.

Yes, those items too, are no longer considered original with the modifications you list. And, no, Harley does not consider their motorcycles still to be Harleys no matter what you do to them. Certain modifications render Harley to take the same viewpoint as Rolex.

[drdenn]

Originally Posted by bkandj2000

Yes, those items too, are no longer considered original with the modifications you list. And, no, Harley does not consider their motorcycles still to be Harleys no matter what you do to them. Certain modifications render Harley to take the same viewpoint as Rolex.

On what planet? Please don't make statements on subjects you clearly have know true experience in. I have built custom Harley after custom harley and not once...and I repeat...not once has HD ever told me they couldn't work on my bike because of a change aesthetically! By the way, I was wearing my Sub "A" series all the while!

"Ignorance shines brightest when spoken with the arrogance of confidence!"

[drdenn]

Originally Posted by drdenn

Has anybody ever hear of a Harley-Davidson? Harley's are the most customized vehicles in the world, and no matter what you do to it, it's a Harley right? I don't (nor do I intend to) own a PVD'd watch, but the refusal to service the Movement due to aesthetic customaztion is silly. Of course they should void Warrany if the case has been opened, but beyond that they should service the movement if somebody is paying the for that.

An erlier post said that some blow-hard big wig stated that once you do these types of customizations, that it's no longer a Rolex. Weird, because if you paint a Mercedes Benz w/ a custom color...it's not a mercedes? To reference changing to a color date wheel or red second hand - If you put Red Mercedes Seats in a Benz that started out w/ black seats, is Mercedes going to refuse to work on it? or again, it's not a Benz anymore? As well, clearly their is a market for the Blackout Sub's, some of which I have seen a pretty Cool looking on a Nato Strap, So maybe, just maybe, Rolex should catch up on this idea! I will post pics of some examples later.

As stated in previous post, I would provide some Pics of cool "unauthorized" Mods.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_04kZGR_ltm...riner-book.jpg

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_04kZGR_ltm...niel-Craig.jpg Daniel Craigs Project X Sub 1660 w/ no Crown Guards

http://www.projectxdesigns.com/admin...1305103047.jpg

http://www.projectxdesigns.com/admin...1305103601.jpg
No Crown Guards, No Cyclops, PVD etc.

http://www.rolexforums.com/attachmen...6&d=1294697820

Still appears to be a rolex to me? I think further anylization of the steel, crystal, and movement would verify that it is all Rolex!

[GeorgeK]

Originally Posted by Singslinger

Yes I agree with everyone here that Rolex shouldn't have to honour the warranty on any heavily modified Rolex, but I think it's interesting that Rolex will service a modified Rolex as long as the parts used are all original.

I have a friend who used parts from different Lady Datejusts to make a model that Rolex doesn't offer but since everything is original Rolex, she's had no problems getting it serviced by Rolex.

Not the case nowadays. I called them for my Daytona, that has been converted using parts provided *by Rolex themselves*, and they point blank refused to touch my watch unless I paid them first to bring it back to the configuration matching the serial number.

The mods were all done with original parts by a master watchmaker, but they did not care.

That is the reason I'll never buy a Rolex again.

And I am shivering now waiting to see what they have done to my patinated 16800 that I sent in for service, even though the service note states that they service the movement only without touching anything else...

[LunetteVerde]

Nothing new about this article but it will kill your Monday blues I think

Cheers from Sunny Tropical Hot Singapore

[Runnin' Rebel]

I'm really starting to like the black out look, time to check into this

[Patrick Lim]

I guess it's a matter of a trade-off if one prefers to purchase a modified Rolex.
This trade-off though is not necessarily painful since Rolexes can be easily serviced by a third party watchmaker

Since this is already a known policy for years, it's a case of deciding whether the modified piece would still be more attractive given the lack of direct servicing from Rolex.

No point arguing whether it's right/wrong of Rolex to impose such rules or waiting for them to make an u-turn on its policy

[kkwn98]

Originally Posted by drdenn

Has anybody ever hear of a Harley-Davidson? Harley's are the most customized vehicles in the world, and no matter what you do to it, it's a Harley right? I don't (nor do I intend to) own a PVD'd watch, but the refusal to service the Movement due to aesthetic customaztion is silly. Of course they should void Warrany if the case has been opened, but beyond that they should service the movement if somebody is paying the for that.

An erlier post said that some blow-hard big wig stated that once you do these types of customizations, that it's no longer a Rolex. Weird, because if you paint a Mercedes Benz w/ a custom color...it's not a mercedes? To reference changing to a color date wheel or red second hand - If you put Red Mercedes Seats in a Benz that started out w/ black seats, is Mercedes going to refuse to work on it? or again, it's not a Benz anymore? As well, clearly their is a market for the Blackout Sub's, some of which I have seen a pretty Cool looking on a Nato Strap, So maybe, just maybe, Rolex should catch up on this idea! I will post pics of some examples later.

Well, you don't have to like it, but Rolex isn't changing their policy just because you or others don't like it. Simple really.

[RJK]

Originally Posted by kkwn98

Well, you don't have to like it, but Rolex isn't changing their policy just because you or others don't like it. Simple really.

True, but than what's the point in talking about most of the subjects on a forum?

I think it's interesting to read other members views on the matter.

[STEELINOX]

[R.G]

Originally Posted by RJK

In the US that's not the case (for vehicle warranties)....at least not automatically. The dealer has to prove that the warranty issue was caused by the after market piece. If they can, than the dealership does not have to honor the warranty.

For example, if a drive train issue is the warranty claim and the vehicle has had suspension modifications, than the dealership has to prove one had a direct effect on the other, otherwise the dealership/manufacturer has to honor the warranty.

With that said, I totally agree with subtona's statements.

Yeah sorry I should have expanded a little more on my comment. That sounds very much like over here in the UK - Most dealers would have to prove that a fault or damage to a vehicle under warranty was to do with a modification.

Without looking right in to the techinicalites of what it is you're doing to the thing, my point was that most companies (not all) don't want you modifying a product beyond thier specification...

[rolexertion]

I have a couple of watches that are PVD coated, but they were made that way by the (non-Rolex), manufacturers. The dial and bracelet or strap were designed to go with the color and style of the case, and the PVD coating is specifically a very hard substance, like Titanium Carbide, which is almost impervious to scratches and nicks. In my case, the entire watch in each instance cost roughly $1000 complete including tax. Thus the idea of paying multiple thousands just for the coating, (which could be almost anything including soot), is completely ludicrous, especially if it voids the warranty and obviates any possibility of future factory service.

I'm with Rolex. If they didn't do it, the resulting watch is a joke, not a Rolex.


As an aside, I have now accumulated several watches that are essentially scratchproof, either coated with a super-hard substance or made of something like Tungsten Carbide, and I can tell you it's very freeing to know that if you accidentally clank your watch against a metal door-frame, or even brush it against a brick wall, you don't even have to look at it because it will show no ill effects whatever. Rolex should think about some of this stuff, maybe combat the 'modifiers' directly by having some of their own models made in that mode.

[bkandj2000]

Originally Posted by bkandj2000

Yes, those items too, are no longer considered original with the modifications you list. And, no, Harley does not consider their motorcycles still to be Harleys no matter what you do to them. Certain modifications render Harley to take the same viewpoint as Rolex.

Originally Posted by drdenn

On what planet? Please don't make statements on subjects you clearly have know true experience in. I have built custom Harley after custom harley and not once...and I repeat...not once has HD ever told me they couldn't work on my bike because of a change aesthetically! By the way, I was wearing my Sub "A" series all the while!

"Ignorance shines brightest when spoken with the arrogance of confidence!"

Re-read my post before you go berzerk again.

I never stated you have been told Harley would not work on your bikes because of an aesthetic change, as you call it.

I stated there are certain modifications that, when made to a Harley, Harley will no longer consider the bike a "Harley". Rolex takes the same postition.

[drdenn]

Originally Posted by bkandj2000

Re-read my post before you go berzerk again.

I never stated you have been told Harley would not work on your bikes because of an aesthetic change, as you call it.

I stated there are certain modifications that, when made to a Harley, Harley will no longer consider the bike a "Harley". Rolex takes the same postition.

No, but you did state that that "there are certain modifications that, when made to a Harley, Harley will no longer consider the bike a "Harley".

Unless, you are no longer using the frame of a HD (this would be the equivalent of using a non Rolex case) It's considered an HD! Custom yes, but HD none the less.

Clearly, your in over your head on this discussion, as you've missed the entire point my original post. If you re-read my post, you will see the point of the entire post which reads: "the refusal to service the Movement due to aesthetic customaztion is silly!"

Again, we can go very slow if needed...changing the look of your rolex w/ custom dials, pvd etc should not stop them from servicing the movement if you are paying for a service!

Also, I am sorry if I went berzerk, I forget that some of the Celini crowd are a little more sesitive than others!

[2th Dr]

I'm with Rolex on this one as well. I do the same thing. I mean, if I make a denture for someone, and then they take it to another dentist and have it modified, like put a gold tooth on it, it is no longer my problem.

[2th Dr]

Originally Posted by STEELINOX

Get your hand out of my popcorn Sink-O!

[Chipmunk]

Of course it voids the warranty......duh!

[DolphinV8]

Originally Posted by esm

can you really blame Rolex for doing that?

its the same with a heavy modified vehicle (both engine and structure-wise)... a dealer service centre probably wont want to touch it anyway

As long as you pay for the service, they will be willing to work on it for sure. To void your vehicle's warranty, they also have to prove that the fault is caused by the aftermarket parts you installed.

[bkandj2000]

Originally Posted by drdenn

Has anybody ever hear of a Harley-Davidson? Harley's are the most customized vehicles in the world, and no matter what you do to it, it's a Harley right? I don't (nor do I intend to) own a PVD'd watch, but the refusal to service the Movement due to aesthetic customaztion is silly. Of course they should void Warrany if the case has been opened, but beyond that they should service the movement if somebody is paying the for that.

An erlier post said that some blow-hard big wig stated that once you do these types of customizations, that it's no longer a Rolex. Weird, because if you paint a Mercedes Benz w/ a custom color...it's not a mercedes? To reference changing to a color date wheel or red second hand - If you put Red Mercedes Seats in a Benz that started out w/ black seats, is Mercedes going to refuse to work on it? or again, it's not a Benz anymore? As well, clearly their is a market for the Blackout Sub's, some of which I have seen a pretty Cool looking on a Nato Strap, So maybe, just maybe, Rolex should catch up on this idea! I will post pics of some examples later.

Originally Posted by bkandj2000

Yes, those items too, are no longer considered original with the modifications you list. And, no, Harley does not consider their motorcycles still to be Harleys no matter what you do to them. Certain modifications render Harley to take the same viewpoint as Rolex.

Originally Posted by drdenn

No, but you did state that that "there are certain modifications that, when made to a Harley, Harley will no longer consider the bike a "Harley".

Unless, you are no longer using the frame of a HD (this would be the equivalent of using a non Rolex case) It's considered an HD! Custom yes, but HD none the less.

Clearly, your in over your head on this discussion, as you've missed the entire point my original post. If you re-read my post, you will see the point of the entire post which reads: "the refusal to service the Movement due to aesthetic customaztion is silly!"

Again, we can go very slow if needed...changing the look of your rolex w/ custom dials, pvd etc should not stop them from servicing the movement if you are paying for a service!

Also, I am sorry if I went berzerk, I forget that some of the Celini crowd are a little more sesitive than others!

Yes, I sure did read you original post in which you stated, "...and no matter what you do to it, it's a Harley right?" - that statement is wrong.

And, once again, my point is Rolex takes this same position.

This is my last post on this thread. No sense having to make the same point over and over.

[jzandf]

not a big issue, especially if Bamford is willing to do it.

I just don't think doing PVD is that expensive to justify the price premium

[subtona]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

I definitely agree with you on that. For this reason I never would use RSC myself with the exception of Bexley in UK who serviced my Comex 5514 and Milsub. Other than that Bob Ridley does my work. I have seen so many people's watches ruined with replacement parts by RSC over the years- such a shame!

"such a shame"

So True

[BarkMaster]

Can we disagree without the insults?

[herdinoh]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

Again- none of this is new news. For me- 3 words come to mind: Keep it Real!

exactly!!!!

[Traveler]

Good for Rolex. I support their decision.