1655 service advice

[StuartM1970]

Hello folks

Happy Friday. Having purchased my lovely new to me 1655 full in the knowledge that it would need a service, I'm about to send it off to the RSC.

Now obviously I'm after a movement-only service here. But are there any tips fellow-forumers can offer on getting the best you can and exactly what you want from the RSCs. Should I have it pressure tested? What's the right way to ask for the right stuff.

And while I have you, how do the purists feel about a non-cyclops crystal?

Thanks as always.

Stuart

[mjclark32]

Congrats on the 1655
From what I've read you need to write them a letter telling them exactly what to do and tell them nothing more. Even then they may tell you what they want to do and if you don't agree they may refuse service and send back the watch, at least that's what I've read in the USA, that's why so many use bob Ridley. Others will be along with better advice.
As for the cyclops I say keep it on there

[Hawk99]

+1 on MJ's advice, although the cyclops question is purely a personal decision. It's whatever makes you happy. I didn't care for the cyclops on my 1680, so I had it changed, but I keep the original crystal just in case I change my mind.

[zeuloa]

If you include a letter explaining what you want done to RSC it shouldn't be a problem. If they open the case, which thy have to for service, then they have to pressure check. More than likely they will also change all gaskets, and possibly crown tube.

[RC2]

I would send to Bob Ridley since he is an expert in vintage service.

[RC2]

Oh ya. No cyclops!

[ecsub44]

RSC and valuable vintage watches don't go together very well. Consider any number of highly regarded vintage watch repairers.

I've heard horror stories on here with RSC devaluing watches significantly due to "standard" work, repairs, and replacements. "Vintage" means nothing to RSC. Beware!

[vintagewaferthin]

Originally Posted by ecsub44

RSC and valuable vintage watches don't go together very well. Consider any number of highly regarded vintage watch repairers.

I've heard horror stories on here with RSC devaluing watches significantly due to "standard" work, repairs, and replacements. "Vintage" means nothing to RSC. Beware!

agreed. you should only send a vintage rolex to independents such as bob ridley. people like mr. ridley know what it means to a vintage owner to retain all original exterior parts(dials, bezels, hands, and even datewheels), where as with a rsc they dont care about patina, or original hands, all they care about is making your watch look brand new.