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GeorgeK · 27 July 2011, 04:17 AM

I have this beautiful 16800 with great yellow patina on the hands, indices and date wheel, along with the oh-so nice open 6es.

I bought it without papers and it was in need of a service. As I am in Switzerland, I gave it to the local Rolex AD, and we filled out a form stipulating that I wanted *only* a service, no visible parts changed and no polish.

You can guess where this is going.....

Got it back today. Official Rolex Geneva factory papers, unpolished case, matte dial....

A FREAKING BRAND NEW DATE WHEEL, WHITE AS TOOTHPASTE AND WITH CLOSED SIXES!!!!!

The watch is on its way back to Rolex with an unambiguous note as to what they can do with it, and how long they have to do it.

The arrogance of these people boggles the mind.

A pictures of times past, most likely lost forever:

Clay · 27 July 2011, 04:31 AM

Sorry to hear that but you should consider yourself lucky. I have heard stories of Rolex changing original dials, hands, etc., it goes on and on....
They are something.....

GeorgeK · 27 July 2011, 04:35 AM

Now to put a value on the financial prejudice...

I still hope they will put my date wheel back on. It has been stipulated that they don't send it back unless complete. I will be out for blood this time.

Newportkrieger · 27 July 2011, 04:45 AM

At least you are close enough to them to go in person to voice your complaint

Good luck sir and let us know how it goes....

nocrown · 27 July 2011, 04:48 AM

Terrible! Sorry to read that! I am now completely convinced that I will NEVER send anything to Rolex, ever. Too many horror stories of late and it's at very best a crap shoot if Rolex reads let alone honors the client's explicit service order request.

There are plenty of excellent repair persons that can do as good and probably better job on vintage and new.

onkyo · 27 July 2011, 04:49 AM

I too would be upset....

I think there is a chance the part is was not tossed yet.

Let us know what happens.

montecristo4 · 27 July 2011, 05:05 AM

Very sorry to hear what happened to you... But fortunately it is only a datewheel. I have seen a lot worse...

Jagatai · 27 July 2011, 05:14 AM

I am so sorry this happened to you. I hope you get this matter sorted out to your favor.

DiamondJack · 27 July 2011, 05:27 AM

Rolex must do something with all these "useless" discarded dials and parts.....

Their staff will clearly know the true market value of the bits they replace.....

Maybe it's an unwritten perk of the job and redistributed to the rest of us via preferred third parties for a share of the bounty.

Certainly would not surprise me ....

Anyone ever work for RSC and care to share a secret....

greekbum · 27 July 2011, 06:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DiamondJack

Rolex must do something with all these "useless" discarded dials and parts.....
Their staff will clearly know the true market value of the bits they replace.....
Maybe it's an unwritten perk of the job and redistributed to the rest of us via preferred third parties for a share of the bounty.
Certainly would not surprise me ....
Anyone ever work for RSC and care to share a secret....

I have often thought that certain sellers that have an endless supply of dials get them from RSC watchmakers. Where else would they get an endless supply? Just my opinion

tattooedfagin · 27 July 2011, 06:46 AM

i had worries when i passed over my Red 1680 to RSC UK, i stressed several times what i wanted & what i didn't want...i even phoned several weeks later when i received the estimate & again went over with them what i wanted to the point where the service tech sounded hacked off with me....quite happy trusting my watch with RSC, just get everything requested down in writing on the official receipt.

DiamondJack · 27 July 2011, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greekbum

I have often thought that certain sellers that have an endless supply of dials get them from RSC watchmakers. Where else would they get an endless supply? Just my opinion

I think we're pretty close to the truth here but nobody's ever going to admit it

montecristo4 · 27 July 2011, 07:02 AM

We heard indeed many rumors these past years...

SubKing · 27 July 2011, 07:26 AM

Rolex dallas tx service did that to me 2 years ago on my 1680.. changed parts I didn't want changed after I already told them to leave it be.

not only did i make them send me my silver date disc back, but i also made them give me half my money back that I spent on the service.

Rolex service can kiss my you know what.. I would never send anything back to them again.

SubKing · 27 July 2011, 07:34 AM

BTW, I also know of a story that a well respected vintage watch maker told me, but i will not name names..

he told me he had a client that sent his double red seadweller in for service and rolex damaged his mint condition dial.. he had made such a stink, rolex put in a special order from swiss and got another NOS dial to replace it with.

So rolex deff holds on to rare parts.. This is for a fact, as for the watchmakers them selves, I could never imagine rolex allowing their watch makers leaving with parts.

Besides, I was on the phone with rolex dallas parts just 2 months ago and the parts guy argued with me that rolex never made brass alloy bezels for the vintage subs, they were always stainless he says... I was so pissed off, I called his manager and left a message saying how could you have such stupid people running your parts dep..

obviously i never got a call back.

so if this guy doesnt even know something as simple as that, then maybe they don't really know the true value of most of these parts?

fusionstorm · 27 July 2011, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SubKing

BTW, I also know of a story that a well respected vintage watch maker told me, but i will not name names..

he told me he had a client that sent his double red seadweller in for service and rolex damaged his mint condition dial.. he had made such a stink, rolex put in a special order from swiss and got another NOS dial to replace it with.

So rolex deff holds on to rare parts.. This is for a fact, as for the watchmakers them selves, I could never imagine rolex allowing their watch makers leaving with parts.

Besides, I was on the phone with rolex dallas parts just 2 months ago and the parts guy argued with me that rolex never made brass alloy bezels for the vintage subs, they were always stainless he says... I was so pissed off, I called his manager and left a message saying how could you have such stupid people running your parts dep..

obviously i never got a call back.

so if this guy doesnt even know something as simple as that, then maybe they don't really know the true value of most of these parts?

NOS tritium dial??

CaveDiver · 27 July 2011, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SubKing

I was so pissed off, I called his manager and left a message saying how could you have such stupid people running your parts dep..

obviously i never got a call back.
so if this guy doesnt even know something as simple as that, then maybe they don't really know the true value of most of these parts?

If you would have left a professional message, the manager would have called you back.
Value, these guys see dials and watches that are worth much more than a double red on the regular.

HL65 · 27 July 2011, 07:53 AM

What a shame..For you good thing you can find another period correct date wheel. Imagine if they replaced dial and hands!! Sorry though and this is reason I use Mr. Bob Ridley myself. However for many in Europe- your RSC better than ours here so I am surprised this happened in Switzerland. As for NOS dials and parts in existence at RSC- I also know others with similar stories.

skyedog · 27 July 2011, 08:44 AM

So sorry! It's suck big time!

Clay · 27 July 2011, 11:51 AM

I use to send all of my watches to Rolex of Beverly Hills before they closed....

They always treated my right and did a fabulous job.....

But since they've closed I would not send a vintage watch to Rolex....At least not here in the USA...

Mores the pity.....

cruvon · 27 July 2011, 11:52 AM

While it's nice to have an RSC service the watch once in a while to keep provenance in the way of service certificates, it would sure be upsetting when something like this happens, hope you get the date wheel back!!

rolexpawn · 27 July 2011, 12:17 PM

You know after thinking about this, the date wheel could have been worn and was not working correctly to Rolex specifications. If so, most likely you could source another one of that vintage year with Steve M. No matter what they should have contacted you first before making any changes to the watch.

SWIMPRUF · 27 July 2011, 12:57 PM

cruvon · 27 July 2011, 01:02 PM

well guys, is true but I reckon in most cases unless ones a diplomat or a politician that's exactly how one would respond in frustration. Either way they need to provide a good explanation since the customer is always right and in this case sure is:).

GeorgeK · 27 July 2011, 07:20 PM

Update:
Rolex Geneva say they do no longer have the correct datewheel, nor the original one, which was "not working properly". Worked perfectly for me...

I'm preparing to fight.

dieseldragon · 27 July 2011, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeorgeK

Update:
Rolex Geneva say they do no longer have the correct datewheel, nor the original one, which was "not working properly". Worked perfectly for me...

I'm preparing to fight.

The omega in my avatar had to have parts replaced, including the date wheel. The old date wheel was returned to me, it was cracked around where the teeth are on the inside track, they are only made from very thin brittle plastic, so it may have been worn or broken, whilst the watch is working, this would not be a problem, but once dissasembled it may have fallen to bits..

If they respected your wishes with dial and hands etc, why would they ignore the date wheel?

Grissom · 28 July 2011, 03:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeorgeK

Update:
Rolex Geneva say they do no longer have the correct datewheel, nor the original one, which was "not working properly". Worked perfectly for me...

I'm preparing to fight.

What rights do you have in Switzerland, in a situation like this? Are there any consumer protection agencies that will work for you on your behalf. Do the laws there allow you to seek actual damages, punitive damages.....

Such a sorry reflection of their poor customer service, and evidence of their real lack of respect for the customer. Mistakes aside, as they do happen, on occasion, it is not the mistake as much as the lack of accountability that would upset me.

Good luck!!

GeorgeK · 28 July 2011, 03:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grissom

What rights do you have in Switzerland, in a situation like this? Are there any consumer protection agencies that will work for you on your behalf. Do the laws there allow you to seek actual damages, punitive damages.....

Such a sorry reflection of their poor customer service, and evidence of their real lack of respect for the customer. Mistakes aside, as they do happen, on occasion, it is not the mistake as much as the lack of accountability that would upset me.

Good luck!!

As far as rights, I am investigating this with a lawyer.
As far as business practice, it is nothing short of suicide on their part.
As far as human relations, it is the utmost arrogance I have ever seen.

The ball is in their camp. Let's hope they make it right.

STEELINOX · 28 July 2011, 04:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeorgeK

Update:
Rolex Geneva say they do no longer have the correct datewheel, nor the original one, which was "not working properly". Worked perfectly for me...

I'm preparing to fight.

I think "tweeting ROLEX" into submission is in order now that we have that power too...

GeorgeK · 28 July 2011, 04:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STEELINOX

I think "tweeting ROLEX" into submission is in order now that we have that power too...

I'm all for it if they don't give me my date wheel back. How does one do that?

27 July 2011, 04:17 AM	#1
GeorgeK "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: The Alps Posts: 408	How to destroy a matte dialed watch's value: give it to Rolex I have this beautiful 16800 with great yellow patina on the hands, indices and date wheel, along with the oh-so nice open 6es. I bought it without papers and it was in need of a service. As I am in Switzerland, I gave it to the local Rolex AD, and we filled out a form stipulating that I wanted only a service, no visible parts changed and no polish. You can guess where this is going..... Got it back today. Official Rolex Geneva factory papers, unpolished case, matte dial.... A FREAKING BRAND NEW DATE WHEEL, WHITE AS TOOTHPASTE AND WITH CLOSED SIXES!!!!! The watch is on its way back to Rolex with an unambiguous note as to what they can do with it, and how long they have to do it. The arrogance of these people boggles the mind. A pictures of times past, most likely lost forever:

27 July 2011, 06:46 AM	#11
tattooedfagin "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: Chad Location: the neighbourhood Watch: 1680 Red Posts: 2,262	i had worries when i passed over my Red 1680 to RSC UK, i stressed several times what i wanted & what i didn't want...i even phoned several weeks later when i received the estimate & again went over with them what i wanted to the point where the service tech sounded hacked off with me....quite happy trusting my watch with RSC, just get everything requested down in writing on the official receipt. __________________ SS Sub Date (F) DSSD (V) Red Sub (Mk4) TRF Hall of Fame

27 July 2011, 07:53 AM	#18
HL65 TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Ken Location: SW Florida Watch: One on my wrist. Posts: 64,006	What a shame..For you good thing you can find another period correct date wheel. Imagine if they replaced dial and hands!! Sorry though and this is reason I use Mr. Bob Ridley myself. However for many in Europe- your RSC better than ours here so I am surprised this happened in Switzerland. As for NOS dials and parts in existence at RSC- I also know others with similar stories. __________________ *SPEM SUCCESSUS ALIT*

27 July 2011, 11:52 AM	#21
cruvon "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Australia Posts: 4,689	While it's nice to have an RSC service the watch once in a while to keep provenance in the way of service certificates, it would sure be upsetting when something like this happens, hope you get the date wheel back!! __________________ Last thing I remember, I was Running outta sight I had to find the passage back,To the place I was before. ’Relax,’ said this Rolex place,We are programmed to receive. You can checkout any time you like, But you can never leave!

27 July 2011, 12:57 PM	#23
SWIMPRUF "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: * Posts: 2,323	__________________ Member# 52,675 Est. 3/2011

27 July 2011, 04:31 AM	#2
Clay Banned Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Up a tree Posts: 4,001	Sorry to hear that but you should consider yourself lucky. I have heard stories of Rolex changing original dials, hands, etc., it goes on and on.... They are something.....

27 July 2011, 04:35 AM	#3
GeorgeK "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: The Alps Posts: 408	Now to put a value on the financial prejudice... I still hope they will put my date wheel back on. It has been stipulated that they don't send it back unless complete. I will be out for blood this time.

27 July 2011, 04:45 AM	#4
Newportkrieger Banned Join Date: Nov 2009 Real Name: Steve Location: Newport Beach, CA Watch: GMT Master Pepsi Posts: 1,243	At least you are close enough to them to go in person to voice your complaint Good luck sir and let us know how it goes....

27 July 2011, 04:48 AM	#5
nocrown Banned Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: nyc Watch: 1680 ReD Posts: 116	Terrible! Sorry to read that! I am now completely convinced that I will NEVER send anything to Rolex, ever. Too many horror stories of late and it's at very best a crap shoot if Rolex reads let alone honors the client's explicit service order request. There are plenty of excellent repair persons that can do as good and probably better job on vintage and new.

27 July 2011, 04:49 AM	#6
onkyo Banned Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: Pav Location: Manhattan Posts: 11,495	I too would be upset.... I think there is a chance the part is was not tossed yet. Let us know what happens.

27 July 2011, 05:05 AM	#7
montecristo4 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: San Francisco Posts: 91	Very sorry to hear what happened to you... But fortunately it is only a datewheel. I have seen a lot worse...

27 July 2011, 05:14 AM	#8
Jagatai "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: Philip Location: NY Posts: 851	I am so sorry this happened to you. I hope you get this matter sorted out to your favor.

27 July 2011, 05:27 AM	#9
DiamondJack "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: London Watch: Quite a few Posts: 4,315	Rolex must do something with all these "useless" discarded dials and parts..... Their staff will clearly know the true market value of the bits they replace..... Maybe it's an unwritten perk of the job and redistributed to the rest of us via preferred third parties for a share of the bounty. Certainly would not surprise me .... Anyone ever work for RSC and care to share a secret....

27 July 2011, 07:02 AM	#13
montecristo4 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: San Francisco Posts: 91	We heard indeed many rumors these past years...

27 July 2011, 07:26 AM	#14
SubKing "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: USA Watch: where do i start?? Posts: 3,254	Rolex dallas tx service did that to me 2 years ago on my 1680.. changed parts I didn't want changed after I already told them to leave it be. not only did i make them send me my silver date disc back, but i also made them give me half my money back that I spent on the service. Rolex service can kiss my you know what.. I would never send anything back to them again.

27 July 2011, 07:34 AM	#15
SubKing "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: USA Watch: where do i start?? Posts: 3,254	BTW, I also know of a story that a well respected vintage watch maker told me, but i will not name names.. he told me he had a client that sent his double red seadweller in for service and rolex damaged his mint condition dial.. he had made such a stink, rolex put in a special order from swiss and got another NOS dial to replace it with. So rolex deff holds on to rare parts.. This is for a fact, as for the watchmakers them selves, I could never imagine rolex allowing their watch makers leaving with parts. Besides, I was on the phone with rolex dallas parts just 2 months ago and the parts guy argued with me that rolex never made brass alloy bezels for the vintage subs, they were always stainless he says... I was so pissed off, I called his manager and left a message saying how could you have such stupid people running your parts dep.. obviously i never got a call back. so if this guy doesnt even know something as simple as that, then maybe they don't really know the true value of most of these parts?

27 July 2011, 08:44 AM	#19
skyedog "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: Joey Location: around the Bay Watch: ing TRF Posts: 1,942	So sorry! It's suck big time!

27 July 2011, 11:51 AM	#20
Clay Banned Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Up a tree Posts: 4,001	I use to send all of my watches to Rolex of Beverly Hills before they closed.... They always treated my right and did a fabulous job..... But since they've closed I would not send a vintage watch to Rolex....At least not here in the USA... Mores the pity.....

27 July 2011, 12:17 PM	#22
rolexpawn Banned Join Date: Jun 2011 Real Name: Chester Location: Bolton UK Watch: my Rolex(s) Posts: 479	You know after thinking about this, the date wheel could have been worn and was not working correctly to Rolex specifications. If so, most likely you could source another one of that vintage year with Steve M. No matter what they should have contacted you first before making any changes to the watch.

27 July 2011, 01:02 PM	#24
cruvon "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Australia Posts: 4,689	well guys, is true but I reckon in most cases unless ones a diplomat or a politician that's exactly how one would respond in frustration. Either way they need to provide a good explanation since the customer is always right and in this case sure is:). __________________ Last thing I remember, I was Running outta sight I had to find the passage back,To the place I was before. ’Relax,’ said this Rolex place,We are programmed to receive. You can checkout any time you like, But you can never leave!

27 July 2011, 07:20 PM	#25
GeorgeK "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: The Alps Posts: 408	Update Update: Rolex Geneva say they do no longer have the correct datewheel, nor the original one, which was "not working properly". Worked perfectly for me... I'm preparing to fight.

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