How to service a rolex?

[ck867]

I been trying to do some research on servicing the rolex and i see different opinions on sending the rolex to a RSC center or taking it to an AD.

It seems the RSC gets better reviews but more pricey.

If i wanted a RSC to service my rolex, what exact steps do i take to do this?

I read little stuff on how people prefer different centers over others and that you are suppose to send the watch in but I would like more clear detailed step on what to do. Any help appreciated!

Also, I am located in Sacramento, CA and if was wondering if anyone had any experiences around that area with RSC or AD.

Thanks

[Arturo]

My jeweler, AD, in little old Grants Pass Oregon at Harts Jewelers has working for him a real live decorated former RSC watchmaker. He has all the stuff to de everything, including the full service. Rolex in fact has a guy from Switzerland who audits these folks to make sure that actual Rolex eqiopment is used. He is a heck of a guy and I understand somewhat cheaper than RSC. His work, however, is considered warranty work etc. I am sure that there a number of people like this around the world.

[padi56]

Yes would agree the service part is the easy part a Rolex watch is no harder to service that most other watches.The main problem is parts as long as that watchmaker has a rolex account he could service it with out a problem,But when it comes to case bracelet polishing,the best results I have seen have come from a RSC.And if you ever find a good watchmaker treat him like a brother,he always will look after you.

[ck867]

thanks for the responses but what would be the detail steps on how to get the watch to a RSC?

[padi56]

Originally Posted by ck867

thanks for the responses but what would be the detail steps on how to get the watch to a RSC?

Well you can take it to a RSC yourself,or take it to your nearest AD. Now most ADs will then take details from watch,and yourself, give you a receipt.Then post or take it to the RSC unless they have there own in-store service watchmaker.They will then contact you if any parts are needed and the cost.And when watch is ready for collection, or to be posted back to you, all fully covered by there insurance.

[ck867]

Originally Posted by padi56

Well you can take it to a RSC yourself,or take it to your nearest AD. Now most ADs will then take details from watch,and yourself, give you a receipt.Then post or take it to the RSC unless they have there own in-store service watchmaker.They will then contact you if any parts are needed and the cost.And when watch is ready for collection, or to be posted back to you, all fully covered by there insurance.

my closest AD would be ben bridge...would it be advisable to take it to them and have them send it to RSC then? Is this what you meant?

[padi56]

Originally Posted by ck867

my closest AD would be ben bridge...would it be advisable to take it to them and have them send it to RSC then? Is this what you meant?

Well depending how far you got to travel,but look at it this way.Once you hand your watch into the AD he gives you a receipt for it.Then its his responsibility and should be fully covered should it get lost etc.But if its roughly the same distance myself would go direct to RSC.

[ck867]

Originally Posted by padi56

Well depending how far you got to travel,but look at it this way.Once you hand your watch into the AD he gives you a receipt for it.Then its his responsibility and should be fully covered should it get lost etc.But if its roughly the same distance myself would go direct to RSC.

thanks for your help and response, and from what i have researched, my closest RSC center is 7 hours away so i will have to deal with the AD.
Thank you

[mike]

Hey ck,

You have a couple options,

1. Simply take your watch to your AD and they will send it for you. They will fill out a job ticket(you'll get a copy) and off it goes. Once Rolex receives the watch, they will inspect it and contact the dealer who will contact you with what needs to be done and the price.
Once you give the OK work will commence and you will get your watch back in about 3 1/2 (depending) in as new condition.

2. Contact your nearest RSC(in your case Beverly Hills--excellent service!!) and they will give you detailed instructions on how to ship your watch. Be sure to include a detailed description of what is to be done. A standard service includes several things, crown, tube, polish, internal, etc.....

Nobody does finish work like RSC.

Depending on the vintage of your watch Rolex may suggest a dial or hand replacement. You can accept or decline. They can also refuse service if they feel the new parts are warranted.

If through a dealer, make sure you get the paperwork associated with the work. Depending on vintage can add a bit to the value of the piece.

Here's one that was done by RSCBH,







Paperwork,



Good luck!!

[ck867]

thanks mike for the great detailed instructions! I have one more thing to ask though, is one option more expensive than the other? If i take it to an AD, will they charge more for being the middle man or If i personally ship it to RSC, will i incur an extra shipping charge?

[OysterDavid]

Originally Posted by ck867

thanks mike for the great detailed instructions! I have one more thing to ask though, is one option more expensive than the other? If i take it to an AD, will they charge more for being the middle man or If i personally ship it to RSC, will i incur an extra shipping charge?

If you've had an ongoing relationship with an AD, then they might absorb part or all of the shipping costs associated with getting the package to and from an RSC.

If this is your first visit to an AD, AND they don't have an 'in house' watchmaker, then the AD might, and I might add reasonably so, charge you for the time and expense of getting the watch to an RSC and back, along with whatever markup they deem appropriate to keep them in business.

It's probably just a whole lot cleaner, if you're inclined to go the RSC route, to pack and ship yourself. If you call an RSC, they will be able to FAX you a detailed instruction sheet on how to properly pack the watch and send it USPS registered mail. That's the safest way to do it in the US. And at least a couple of months ago, an RSC was even able to sent you a box and packing material to get the watch to them...you might want to ask if you're calling an RSC for instructions.

Because you're in Sacramento, figure on two days mail time for Beverly Hills, 3 days to either NY or Dallas, depending on what you decide. Then count on a three or four day delay for the RSC to inspect your watch, and fax or mail you their findings and estimate. Just last week, I received a courtesy call from the RSC telling me they has received my watch, so you might even get yet another call from them. It's all very reassuring when it's your watch accumulating the frequent flier miles without the benefit of being on your wrist.

If you like what the estimate says, then plan on about 4 weeks plus shipping time back to you via USPS registered mail. For watchheads like ourselves, a registered package from Rolex is like waking up on X-mas morning and finding the best present possible to be unwrapped.

If you're really obsessive-compulsive about this hobby, then you'll be taking and posting pictures here of the unopened box, then showing the unpacking, then the green service box, then the watch still wrapped in the green foam, then the watch by itself, then the watch on your wrist...and so on. Naturally, you'll be saving the entire package to caress and fondle for years to come. You'll be buying a loupe to examine every pore in the green foam, wondering either aloud or on this forum if the foam is made up of some secret ingredient known only to the Gnomes in the Swiss Alps that preserves and protects the stainless steel of Rolex design while it sits in custody of the Postal system...wait, I need a drink and it's only morning here in California.

Well, you get the idea....

Good luck.

[watchnut]

I asked this question recently and never got a definitive answer on whether the AD adds something for handling. I had a bad experience going through an AD once (not my current AD) where they more or less lost the watch in their store for a while and delayed the whole process. After that I began to send it myself to RSC. Very simple, box watch up with plenty of styrofoam or other material, take to Post Office and mail. Send first class, insured with a letter inside describing what you want or any problems. They will reply with an estimate asking for your OK to proceed. Once you reply, in a short time you will receive back what essencially looks and performs like a new watch!

[ck867]

thank you everyone for the clear instructions on what to do. I'll give RSC in beverly hills a call and get the process started.
thanks again!