Best place to restore a Rolex in Europe

[adrianff7]

I always read about ABC and LAWW being the best places to take our Rolex watches for restauration. So far, I'm decided to have the sevice on my 1680 made by ABC, but I live in Brazil and I don't trust our mail service, delivery services, customs and nothing related to the government, so I'll have to take it there (and back) personally. The problem is that Los Angeles is so against the grain for me (I'm not sure if this expression is correct, I hope you understand what I mean). Europe would be easier and cheaper for me. So my question is if someone does know a place in Europe with a similar reputation as ABC and LAWW? Thanks!

[joli160]

I just read a post of the official RSC in London now servicing classics with respect for originality. That would be my first choice.
I can't find that post anymore or would haven entered a link to it.

You don't want to use the RSC in Koln or Brussel, they most likely will change out dial and hands.
A good independent in Holland is Wesselink Vreeker in Alkmaar, a small city just North of Amsterdam.

[adrianff7]

Originally Posted by joli160

I just read a post of the official RSC in London now servicing classics with respect for originality. That would be my first choice.
I can't find that post anymore or would haven entered a link to it.

You don't want to use the RSC in Koln or Brussel, they most likely will change out dial and hands.
A good independent in Holland is Wesselink Vreeker in Alkmaar, a small city just North of Amsterdam.

Thanks joli160! My dream is a RSC that respects classics like Patek does.

[thomaspp]

Or fly to Miami and send it fedex to LAWW or whoever here in the US

[eton97]

I've just had my 1675 serviced at rsc in London and I have to say they were incredible. They totally respected the fact that it was a vintage piece and assured me that unlike modern watches that get passed from department to department, their vintages pieces are serviced by one person from start to finish. Polishing is also done seperatly by somebody who has experience with vintage pieces.
They respected all my requests regarding not changing dial, hands, date dial, crown etc with no pushback whatsoever.

All in all a superb experience and for me, one that I'd happily recommend. They also did my drsd with equally perfect results.

Plus, it's always nice to have the Rolex service card

[adrianff7]

Originally Posted by eton97

I've just had my 1675 serviced at rsc in London and I have to say they were incredible. They totally respected the fact that it was a vintage piece and assured me that unlike modern watches that get passed from department to department, their vintages pieces are serviced by one person from start to finish. Polishing is also done seperatly by somebody who has experience with vintage pieces.
They respected all my requests regarding not changing dial, hands, date dial, crown etc with no pushback whatsoever.

All in all a superb experience and for me, one that I'd happily recommend. They also did my drsd with equally perfect results.

Plus, it's always nice to have the Rolex service card

It sounds great. About the case, do you know if they do lapping, straightening, chamfers re-cut, factory finish, laser welding and all this things that ABC and LAWW do?

[eton97]

Originally Posted by adrianff7

It sounds great. About the case, do you know if they do lapping, straightening, chamfers re-cut, factory finish, laser welding and all this things that ABC and LAWW do?

I know they will do eveything they can to get your case back to as close to original as possible. I'm not sure about laser welding as I've never asked and have not needed anything like that. I would assume they don't.
But lapping, chamfers, factory finish etc they definitely do.

chamfer pic post its service;

[adrianff7]

Originally Posted by eton97

I know they will do eveything they can to get your case back to as close to original as possible. I'm not sure about laser welding as I've never asked and have not needed anything like that. I would assume they don't.
But lapping, chamfers, factory finish etc they definitely do.

chamfer pic post its service;

Thanks eton97! Your GMT looks fantastic!

The RSC London you refer is the one at St. James's Square, right?

[eton97]

Originally Posted by adrianff7

Thanks eton97! Your GMT looks fantastic!

The RSC London you refer is the one at St. James's Square, right?

Correct - St James. And Thank you!

Here she is;

[adrianff7]

Originally Posted by eton97

Correct - St James. And Thank you!

Here she is;

Beautiful. I hope to soon see my 1680 shining like this.

[joli160]

Originally Posted by eton97

Correct - St James. And Thank you!

Here she is;

Well done by the St James guys, beautiful chamfers

[scooba]

That is amazing ,I have been in StJames three times this month . I heard them recommend Steve Hale watchrestoration to a client with a 50 yr old Rolex.

[rootbeer7]

I pick up my Mk1 1675 from St James tomorrow. Let's hope the work is consistent! eton97 that looks amazing.

[eton97]

Originally Posted by scooba

That is amazing ,I have been in StJames three times this month . I heard them recommend Steve Hale watchrestoration to a client with a 50 yr old Rolex.

Very strange....

I was in there today talking to Paul (one of the very friendly and helpful service managers who looked after my gmt when I brought it in) and asked if they'd work on an very early 60's gilt gmt and he said absolutely no problem.

And honestly, they did a really exceptional job on the case work on my 1675. It's hard to photo quite how good it is.

[Vincent65]

Originally Posted by thomaspp

Or fly to Miami and send it fedex to LAWW or whoever here in the US

[eton97]

Originally Posted by rootbeer7

I pick up my Mk1 1675 from St James tomorrow. Let's hope the work is consistent! eton97 that looks amazing.

Cheers buddy
Let me know how it works out. It's a nerve racking wait, but I'm sure it will be perfect will be perfect.

[KarlFr]

Originally Posted by scooba

That is amazing ,I have been in StJames three times this month . I heard them recommend Steve Hale watchrestoration to a client with a 50 yr old Rolex.

I have a gilt 5513 at Steven Hale, London right now for full restoration.
It´s being evaluated (been sitting there a week now) and I´ve been promised everything is done in-house there. Can update this thread as soon as I hear from them and maybe they even send some pictures of progress?

[Vincent65]

Originally Posted by eton97

And honestly, they did a really exceptional job on the case work on my 1675. It's hard to photo quite how good it is.

Sweet!

[watchlovr]

Steven Hale looks after my Milsub, I'd recommend him wholeheartedly.