Went into a respected watch repair shop today

[Mickey®]

Went into a respected watch repair shop today that has "Rolex parts account" and inquired about a new bezel insert for my LV. I posted previously on how I got a "spot" on it from some chemical (gas, weed killer????)

Anyway I was told told "inserts are about $75.00 usually but why don't you let me see that watch and I'll call Rolex right now". Sure I said and handed it over....

About 5 minutes later he informed me that Rolex did indeed confirm that mine was an Anniversary Edition ( that part was kinda funny but it was good to hear that my LV wasn't a figure of my imagination) and since it was a LV it HAD to got back to Rolex to have the bezel insert replaced. A bunch of talk about how they had to control parts especially dials and inserts etc on this Anniversary Edition watch....

Anyone ever heard of this????

[supertrooper]

Originally Posted by Mickey®

Anyone ever heard of this????

Nope. But I wouldn't be surprised if it's true. Lately, Rolex has been anal in controlling the supply chain for its watch parts, especially where these parts end up in, in a bid, I suppose, to minimize frankens and fakes. Good for them, but most times, not too good to us ordinary watch collectors.

[caryyee]

In Australia, Rolex made a policy decision a few months ago to not supply any independent watchmakers with Rolex parts, see http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news...-1226368723296

And for more info, see http://save-the-time.org/press/

I won't be surprised if Rolex start to implement this policy in other countries at some stage.

[DJJon]

I don't like the uber-control that Rolex is showing.

[supertrooper]

Originally Posted by caryyee

I won't be surprised if Rolex start to implement this policy in other countries at some stage.

Yup, me too. Sooner or later, other countries will follow suit if Rolex SA had its way.

It is just like their current RSC policy that :

"REPLACED PARTS WILL NOT BE RETURNED (to owner)".

I know that that policy has been the norm in the USA for the past decade or more now, but here in Asia was only implemented quite recently.

<SIGH>, I miss the old Rolex ways of doing things already. <SIGH>

[The GMT Master]

Yep, the LV insert is the only aluminium insert you can't get readily. Seems like overkill, but I can understand their argument for parts control, even if I don't fully agree with it

[padi56]

Originally Posted by The GMT Master

Yep, the LV insert is the only aluminium insert you can't get readily. Seems like overkill, but I can understand their argument for parts control, even if I don't fully agree with it

Well the main problem with the LV is that its was quite easy to change a 16610 Sub into a LV. And I am sure if the LV goes up in price mainly generated by the internet hype, we will see many so called LV that were just black insert subs. As without the bit of plastic or warranty paper to confirm, but even they can be easily faked so it will a ring to Rolex to confirm a genuine LV.

[greekbum]

Its been this way for a while with the LV inserts.

[Rikki]

As a parts account holder it's been this way since the model came out factory only repair as it is with ceramic bezels no matter what color. The life we live. Rik

[karmatp]

Basically all I need to do is take my 16610 over to my buddies house and change out the insert, dial and hand with his LV, now I have a LV Sub.

Rolex is just trying to prevent people changing their base subs into LV's, which would be so easy to do.

[RACER_X]

Originally Posted by supertrooper

Yup, me too. Sooner or later, other countries will follow suit if Rolex SA had its way.

It is just like their current RSC policy that :

"REPLACED PARTS WILL NOT BE RETURNED (to owner)".

I know that that policy has been the norm in the USA for the past decade or more now, but here in Asia was only implemented quite recently.

<SIGH>, I miss the old Rolex ways of doing things already. <SIGH>

Sounds like iTunes, you really don't own the watch, your just paying rent.

Since they get to keep the parts and you have to buy a new one.

[rob]

I called a respected watch repair center, they told me the same, but that the bezel was going to cost $300.00 to swap out by Rolex. $75.00 is great, go for it!!!

[padi56]

Originally Posted by rob

I called a respected watch repair center, they told me the same, but that the bezel was going to cost $300.00 to swap out by Rolex. $75.00 is great, go for it!!!

No if its changed by Rolex themselves there is no reason for it cost any more than any other aluminum insert.Its on the black/grey market that some although they got the inserts at retail price.They want to charge ridiculous money for them to those willing to pay the crazy price.

[build4boost]

I'm on the fence with the whole "send it back for service" deal. Rolex use to have training to let repairmen working at ADs become authorized, but from my knowledge Rolex discontinued this a while ago. I like the fact that if you send your watch back to Rolex, your guaranteed to have OE parts. You never really know what the independent repair place might install. You spend thousands on a watch, I want it to remain the same quality.

[theken]

Earlier this year I brought my Sub LV, (16610V) to the RSC in NYC.
I asked to purchase a replacement insert.
The price I was quoted was $300.

[build4boost]

I couldn't see it being only $75. I have a old Sub that is my daily wearer, the bezel is all scratched up. I don't know why I haven't replaced it yet, every time I'm in my AD they beg me to drop it off. They quoted me around $300.

[Brushpup]

Originally Posted by padi56

Well the main problem with the LV is that its was quite easy to change a 16610 Sub into a LV. And I am sure if the LV goes up in price mainly generated by the internet hype, we will see many so called LV that were just black insert subs. As without the bit of plastic or warranty paper to confirm, but even they can be easily faked so it will a ring to Rolex to confirm a genuine LV.

Perhaps I am not understanding you Peter. I would think a 16610 with a green insert would be obvious because of hands and markers being the wrong size.