Not sure what to do

[Evil-Twin]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I sent my 16800 in for service. Its the fifth time in 30 years. Sent it to Rolex NY, just like the other four times.
I got an estimate for repairs to the tune of 5350 dollars for a watch I bought new for 1175.
I just received the watch back with a complete overhaul for 600 dollars
they said I needed a new case back because the case back was corroded. My question is how does a stainless steel case back get corroded, especially when the bracelet shows no signs of corrosion.
they said the crystal was cracked. I passed on the crystal because I checked it out with a 10X lobe prior to sending it in.
I rechecked is again today to see if I missed it. and no there is not chips or cracks anywhere.
I did not receive any of the parts back, so after having them tell me I needed a new crystal how am I suppose to believe anything they said.
they replaced the case back and the hands and the bezel and with shipping it was 1081 dollars. when I got the watch back only one side of the bracelet was polished, the other side and the clasp was clean but had all the scratches it had when I sent it in.
I'm 68 years old, retired and living on a fixed income and feel as if Rolex told me I needed extra parts but only cleaned them. Formerly I have recieveed replaced parts from Rolex and I still have them with every receipt and piece of paper they sent me since my initial purchase.
The only thing positive is I got my watch back. I have a very bad taste in my mouth and while I do have a 2 year warranty, I do not trust their need for me to do replacement parts. they wanted to charge me 90.00 dollars for a crystal that does not need replacement.
They charged me 139 dollars for case back that is stainless steel and impervious to corrosion. But said it needed to be replaced.
they charged me 100 dollars for the hour and minute and second hand. There was nothing wrong with the hands when I sent it in. If they sent me the old parts like they have in the past, I could inspect them. Without the old parts I question their honesty. I use to think the world of Rolex but now, I question ever using them again.
What to do now.? I do not want to send it back to them and wait another six weeks, I also do not trust them. It would be easy for them to chip my crystal because I caught them padding the estimate. Anyone else experience anything like this?
Thanks for any help
Bill aka ET

[LordNinja]

You don't suppose the crystal could of been cracked on the side do you? Where it grips the case? I have seen this before. Often missed with the bezel attached.

Sorry to hear about your bad experience. I've only used Rikki for service or done it myself. :/

[swils8610]

Try using Rikki in the future.

[Evil-Twin]

Originally Posted by swils8610

Try using Rikki in the future.

Im sorry, I do not know who RIKKI is. I'm very new to this forum.
IM trying to figure what to do next.. as far as the bracelet goes, I'm going to send it to Michael Young.
But right now, I'm out 1100 dollars for a repair that was so poor, I would be embarrassed to show the results.. What does that say for RCS NY's quality control and final inspection. How does world class service turn into halfassed service?

I'm 68 years old, a retired automotive engineer

Thank you for your reply.

Bill

[jolimont]

Hi Bill
there have been complaints about RSC changing out valuable vintage parts in the past
Maybe someone will chip on soon enough

[Mystro]

Give Rikki a call and avoid RSC.

http://http://www.timecareinc.com/index.html

Originally Posted by Evil-Twin

Im sorry, I do not know who RIKKI is. I'm very new to this forum.
IM trying to figure what to do next.. as far as the bracelet goes, I'm going to send it to Michael Young.
But right now, I'm out 1100 dollars for a repair that was so poor, I would be embarrassed to show the results.. What does that say for RCS NY's quality control and final inspection. How does world class service turn into halfassed service?

I'm 68 years old, a retired automotive engineer

Thank you for your reply.

Bill

[HL65]

Crystal isn't a big deal and many of the original ones develop tiny cracks at bottom which can effect seal integrity and thus let moisture in etc over years. Maintaining integrity of watch is important with vintage watches especially when it comes to dial, hands, case, etc. Replacing crystal, crown and tube etc. quite common. Again maintaining seal integrity critical to overall health of dial and hands in long term.

PS. Rikki has serviced many of my vintage watches and has always been able to source me NOS crystals for replacements. I also always keep my original ones once watch comes back to me.

[up2nogood]

As annoying as it might have been, the crystal has to be replaced - even if it shows no signs of cracking.
The hands can not be guaranteed not to flake, so to give an unconditional guarantee they have painted both you and them into a corner.
The case back can corrode on the face between the case and the case back. So can the case. The stainless steel used is corrosion resistant, not corrosion proof.
Anyways, would suggest similar to the others. NEVER send a vintage piece to Rolex for repair or service.

[Evil-Twin]

Originally Posted by up2nogood

As annoying as it might have been, the crystal has to be replaced - even if it shows no signs of cracking.
The hands can not be guaranteed not to flake, so to give an unconditional guarantee they have painted both you and them into a corner.
The case back can corrode on the face between the case and the case back. So can the case. The stainless steel used is corrosion resistant, not corrosion proof.
Anyways, would suggest similar to the others. NEVER send a vintage piece to Rolex for repair or service.

The only thing that was absolutely necessary, they said was case back and the crown. The crystal was just a recommendation. as were the case, hands, face plate bracelet bezel. in other words every part of my 1983 16800. But the movement. I've sent this watch in 5 times for service.
If they replaced the parts and did not steal them from me, where are my old parts that I said I wanted returned? The old parts is the only guarantee that they replaced anything. without them its just the word of some guy on the line, that he replaced anything.
IM still going to dispute this repair. They failed to deliver to my specifications. and they never polished anything.

They did give me a 2 year warranty so the watch has to have air tight integrity.

[RC2]

Rolex keeps the old parts


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Evil-Twin]

Originally Posted by RC2

Rolex keeps the old parts


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I have old parts that RSC NY sent me from previous repairs. I was specific about them sending me any replaced parts. They could have refused my request. when they sent me the options estimate.

They also forgot to polish my Bracelet.. what does that say about their final inspection and quality control

this is how I got my watch back yesterday. Cost 1085.00 dollars

[up2nogood]

Sorry, forgot to mention. The increase in Franken watches means Rolex has become paranoid about releasing parts as a result. It's their way of protecting us against ourselves, I guess.
At least they didn't force you to change all the other bits. And yes, I do agree it's annoying - but I also know this is the way they work these days.

As for why re finishing the bracelet wasn't done, that does seem odd. You would be wise to raise a complaint with them.

[Evil-Twin]

Originally Posted by up2nogood

Sorry, forgot to mention. The increase in Franken watches means Rolex has become paranoid about releasing parts as a result. It's their way of protecting us against ourselves, I guess.
At least they didn't force you to change all the other bits. And yes, I do agree it's annoying - but I also know this is the way they work these days.

As for why re finishing the bracelet wasn't done, that does seem odd. You would be wise to raise a complaint with them.

I have old parts as I said, but they destroy the parts in such a way that they can not be used..... at least it verifies they are not keeping good parts. Is this an opportunity for some people inside Rolex repair to sell off these parts as vintage parts. If Us the customer suspect fowl play then they need to address it. I told them I wanted my old parts back so in effect they stole my parts.
I've already sent a strong email and IM disputing the charges with my credit card company on Monday. This bracelet issue typifies my displeasure with their service. who know what else they didn't do inside.. seals, oil. the correct oil. etc.

With this level of dis-service I will never send my watch back to them again.. IM sure they will say send it back.. even if they promise fast service and pay both ways ( which I doubt ) They wont be seeing my watch again.

[crowncollection]

I would send it back as that band is clearly not polished and refinished. They will keep parts nowadays.good luck.

[Wesley Crusher]

As far as getting your old parts back, I don't think that's going to happen. I do think you should call Rolex and ask them why your bracelet wasn't polished. Sounds like a mistake that should be fixed (at their expense, of course).

[Evil-Twin]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

As far as getting your old parts back, I don't think that's going to happen. I do think you should call Rolex and ask them why your bracelet wasn't polished. Sounds like a mistake that should be fixed (at their expense, of course).

They will never see my watch again. I do not need a third bad experience from them. I will be making lots of noise about this though. I would hate to see anyone else go through this type of service.

If you go online and see the video about the paints taking polishing that goes into a repair and the specially trained techs who do this job on state of the art polishing machines.

How did this get past final inspection, and quality control? Its fairly easy to see that their operation is slowly slipping away. Rolex service is not what it use to be.

[Andad]

Hi Bill,

Well I think you are right to dispute the CC charge and simply show them the bracelet.
As for the used parts am I right in saying that you asked them to give you the old parts back when you discussed the scope of work with them?
I would be stamping my feet pretty firmly about now.
This excercise looks like a complete stuff up by Rolex NY.

[Wesley Crusher]

Originally Posted by Evil-Twin

They will never see my watch again. I do not need a third bad experience from them. I will be making lots of noise about this though. I would hate to see anyone else go through this type of service.

If you go online and see the video about the paints taking polishing that goes into a repair and the specially trained techs who do this job on state of the art polishing machines.

How did this get past final inspection, and quality control? Its fairly easy to see that their operation is slowly slipping away. Rolex service is not what it use to be.

I've never dealt with RSC, but I feel your pain. Having said that, I don't think Rolex is in the business of stealing perfectly good parts from people. If they think that something should be replaced, they'll do it. When you send in your watch, they'll want to return it in like-new condition. If that means replacing some gears, the dial, hands, etc..., they'll do it. Obviously they dropped the ball by not polishing your bracelet. That is not acceptable, in my opinion. I still think that you need to call them and let them know what happened. At the very least, ask for a partial refund. If they are not willing to comply, kindly tell them that you will call your credit card company and open a claim. That should change their mind.

[Ru4scuba]

Send it back and demand a thorough polish...bracelet is unsat.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[SUBversive]

Have you complained to RSC? What did they say?

[E70x5]

I agree with what others have said. I would ask my CC for a charge back on the polishing and send it to rikki.

[Cc1966]

First step is to contact them...then go from there. I think you will find them accommodating. Good luck...

[Beelzy]

Wow!...yet another fine vintage timepiece ruined by Rolex RSC.

PS. That bracelet isn't ready for Mr. Young quite yet. IMO

[bayerische]

Stainless is not corrosion or rust proof.

Throw a Rolex in salt water and it will be gone completely at some point.

"Stainless" is really rust-resistive, but not rust/corrosion-proof.

[GeronimoEKIA]

You may have received your old parts during prior services, but Rolex has changed their policy in returning old parts. They no longer return old parts.

[Evil-Twin]

Thank you for all the words of empathy.
I just got the watch back on Friday. Ive already mail out the survey card and sent a very long email of dissatisfaction. No one is at Rolex until Monday, so I don't expect to hear anything for a day or two.
Thanks again.
Bill
BTW my bracelet and clasp looks worse now then when I sent it in.

[TempoKing]

Originally Posted by Evil-Twin

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I sent my 16800 in for service. Its the fifth time in 30 years. Sent it to Rolex NY, just like the other four times.
I got an estimate for repairs to the tune of 5350 dollars for a watch I bought new for 1175.
I just received the watch back with a complete overhaul for 600 dollars
they said I needed a new case back because the case back was corroded. My question is how does a stainless steel case back get corroded, especially when the bracelet shows no signs of corrosion.
they said the crystal was cracked. I passed on the crystal because I checked it out with a 10X lobe prior to sending it in.
I rechecked is again today to see if I missed it. and no there is not chips or cracks anywhere.
I did not receive any of the parts back, so after having them tell me I needed a new crystal how am I suppose to believe anything they said.
they replaced the case back and the hands and the bezel and with shipping it was 1081 dollars. when I got the watch back only one side of the bracelet was polished, the other side and the clasp was clean but had all the scratches it had when I sent it in.
I'm 68 years old, retired and living on a fixed income and feel as if Rolex told me I needed extra parts but only cleaned them. Formerly I have recieveed replaced parts from Rolex and I still have them with every receipt and piece of paper they sent me since my initial purchase.
The only thing positive is I got my watch back. I have a very bad taste in my mouth and while I do have a 2 year warranty, I do not trust their need for me to do replacement parts. they wanted to charge me 90.00 dollars for a crystal that does not need replacement.
They charged me 139 dollars for case back that is stainless steel and impervious to corrosion. But said it needed to be replaced.
they charged me 100 dollars for the hour and minute and second hand. There was nothing wrong with the hands when I sent it in. If they sent me the old parts like they have in the past, I could inspect them. Without the old parts I question their honesty. I use to think the world of Rolex but now, I question ever using them again.
What to do now.? I do not want to send it back to them and wait another six weeks, I also do not trust them. It would be easy for them to chip my crystal because I caught them padding the estimate. Anyone else experience anything like this?
Thanks for any help
Bill aka ET

I almost had a heart attack when I saw... $5,350 - ?
That's not a watch service estimate...this is a down payment
for a vacation home in Holiday, Florida !!

The prices for the parts are correct and on the reasonable side
but even if they changed all they said they would - it does not add up
to $5,350 (?)

Without the unnecessary extras I could have had my local RSC do
a complete overhaul for 400 bucks tops, with the same 2 year
factory international warranty

[Ignorant1]

Originally Posted by Evil-Twin

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I sent my 16800 in for service. Its the fifth time in 30 years. Sent it to Rolex NY, just like the other four times.
I got an estimate for repairs to the tune of 5350 dollars for a watch I bought new for 1175.
I just received the watch back with a complete overhaul for 600 dollars
they said I needed a new case back because the case back was corroded. My question is how does a stainless steel case back get corroded, especially when the bracelet shows no signs of corrosion.
they said the crystal was cracked. I passed on the crystal because I checked it out with a 10X lobe prior to sending it in.
I rechecked is again today to see if I missed it. and no there is not chips or cracks anywhere.
I did not receive any of the parts back, so after having them tell me I needed a new crystal how am I suppose to believe anything they said.
they replaced the case back and the hands and the bezel and with shipping it was 1081 dollars. when I got the watch back only one side of the bracelet was polished, the other side and the clasp was clean but had all the scratches it had when I sent it in.
I'm 68 years old, retired and living on a fixed income and feel as if Rolex told me I needed extra parts but only cleaned them. Formerly I have recieveed replaced parts from Rolex and I still have them with every receipt and piece of paper they sent me since my initial purchase.
The only thing positive is I got my watch back. I have a very bad taste in my mouth and while I do have a 2 year warranty, I do not trust their need for me to do replacement parts. they wanted to charge me 90.00 dollars for a crystal that does not need replacement.
They charged me 139 dollars for case back that is stainless steel and impervious to corrosion. But said it needed to be replaced.
they charged me 100 dollars for the hour and minute and second hand. There was nothing wrong with the hands when I sent it in. If they sent me the old parts like they have in the past, I could inspect them. Without the old parts I question their honesty. I use to think the world of Rolex but now, I question ever using them again.
What to do now.? I do not want to send it back to them and wait another six weeks, I also do not trust them. It would be easy for them to chip my crystal because I caught them padding the estimate. Anyone else experience anything like this?
Thanks for any help
Bill aka ET

Just recently I had my ROLEX model 6605 restored by Bob Ridley - (Watchmakers International) 817-276-1400.

I almost had a freak'n heart attack myself when I got the quote from ROLEX NY. They want to do this and they want to do that.... yada yada.....

Never heard of anyone having this type of issue when having a Rolls Royce, Porsche or the like restored. "Oh, by the way Mister so-n-so the dash is old and we're going to change that out while we have your car here to paint."

RIGHT! ! ! ! !

After hearing too many of these issues of late I'm also afraid that I've bought my last ROLEX. Too many other quality timepieces available to put up with their "it's our way or the highway" business practice. Last time I looked it was my name on the credit card that was paying the bill.....

[Kaiser10]

Originally Posted by TempoKing

I almost had a heart attack when I saw... $5,350 - ?
That's not a watch service estimate...this is a down payment
for a vacation home in Holiday, Florida !!

The prices for the parts are correct and on the reasonable side
but even if they changed all they said they would - it does not add up
to $5,350 (?)

Without the unnecessary extras I could have had my local RSC do
a complete overhaul for 400 bucks tops, with the same 2 year
factory international warranty

What other services and replacement parts were recommended with the other $4000 in the estimate?

[Evil-Twin]