Servicing of a 2004 LV Sub

[vambeck]

Hello All,

I have a 2004 LV Sub, all original with 'Flat 4' on Bezel. I have owned the watch for 10 years now and it needs it's first service (It was unworn when I bought it). I wish to give the watch to an AD for this service. However, I have a couple of concerns:

1. The bezel is in very good condition and given it is original to the watch with the 'Flat 4'. I do not wish for the bezel o be changed out during this service. Am I best removing the bezel and sending it in for the Service without it to ensure it is not replaced? I understand I will be paying for another bezel if I do this.

2. I do not wish for the watch to undergo any polishing whatsoever, will Rolex honour this request?

I would appreciate any feedback from anyone who has experience with this!

Many thanks in advance.

vambeck

[ccaballero]

RSC won’t replace bezel without your authorization as it has a $300 charge you have to agree to pay. RSC will honor request for no polishing.

[Gaijin]

Your concerns are legitimate.

I own two LVs and took one into the RSC for servicing ( a M serial. ) They stated that they would lightly polish it but that as my Rolex represented Rolex out in the public they would not let it leave without looking great. Ok...fair enough.

Now to your bezel. If they deem that it needs to be replaced they will replace it. They should not do this without your consent but who knows. If they do replace it I can near guarantee you that it will not be with a replacement Flat 4 but whatever they have in stock.

I would take off the bezel to be safe and have them groan and replace it with a non Flat 4 ( cuz this is likely what you will get.) I had my LV bezel replaced at my request as it was scratched and it was about $150 bucks. I'd then wear the heck out of that bezel and store your Flat 4 for the future.

Sounds a bit paranoid I know but your Flat 4 is irreplaceable.


Best of luck and congrats on a great Rolex.

[joli160]

Originally Posted by Gaijin

Your concerns are legitimate.

I own two LVs and took one into the RSC for servicing ( a M serial. ) They stated that they would lightly polish it but that as my Rolex represented Rolex out in the public they would not let it leave without looking great. Ok...fair enough.

Now to your bezel. If they deem that it needs to be replaced they will replace it. They should not do this without your consent but who knows. If they do replace it I can near guarantee you that it will not be with a replacement Flat 4 but whatever they have in stock.

I would take off the bezel to be safe and have them groan and replace it with a non Flat 4 ( cuz this is likely what you will get.) I had my LV bezel replaced at my request as it was scratched and it was about $150 bucks. I'd then wear the heck out of that bezel and store your Flat 4 for the future.

Sounds a bit paranoid I know but your Flat 4 is irreplaceable.


Best of luck and congrats on a great Rolex.

Sound advice, If I may add another, skip the AD and deal direct with the RSC to eliminate your wishes being wrongly communicated and to get the proper RSC service warranty card

[vambeck]

Originally Posted by Gaijin

Your concerns are legitimate.

I own two LVs and took one into the RSC for servicing ( a M serial. ) They stated that they would lightly polish it but that as my Rolex represented Rolex out in the public they would not let it leave without looking great. Ok...fair enough.

Now to your bezel. If they deem that it needs to be replaced they will replace it. They should not do this without your consent but who knows. If they do replace it I can near guarantee you that it will not be with a replacement Flat 4 but whatever they have in stock.

I would take off the bezel to be safe and have them groan and replace it with a non Flat 4 ( cuz this is likely what you will get.) I had my LV bezel replaced at my request as it was scratched and it was about $150 bucks. I'd then wear the heck out of that bezel and store your Flat 4 for the future.

Sounds a bit paranoid I know but your Flat 4 is irreplaceable.


Best of luck and congrats on a great Rolex.

Thanks for all the responses, I will definitely remove the entire bezel before service and will request no polishing! Many thanks again.

[SubMarine]

I would definitely remove the bezel at the very least.

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by SubMarine

I would definitely remove the bezel at the very least.

And buy a new one as backup

[GB-man]

I just sent my flat four f serial in to rsc ny for movement service only. They did not polish or replace bezel. They did however strongly suggest I replace the crown, which I okayed because they have NOS examples so no big deal.

If doing it again, I’d prolly remove the bezel and grab a back up at service.

[You]

I would remove the bezel just to be safe.

[Johny]

Hi op

Don't try to remove your insert, remove your complete bezel assembly and get a new replacement complete assembly.

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by Johny

Hi op

Don't try to remove your insert, remove your complete bezel assembly and get a new replacement complete assembly.

Not a bad idea since the steel bezel is not super expensive

[Alternative_Facts]

Originally Posted by SearChart

Not a bad idea since the steel bezel is not super expensive

$1200 for a sub replacement bezel.

[rootbeer7]

I took a mk1 flat 4 to RSC St James London prior to a sale. I asked for original bezel to be retained, as well as dial, hands etc, but on advice I had it polished. This was confirmed in their receipt. Naturally, it came back all intact and with the lightest of polishes, indistinguishable from brand new. I've also used them for a Mk1 GMT, Tudor Big Block, Datejust and Yachtmaster. The only problem I've had was regulation of one of the pieces (Y or D I cant remember which) which needed a second a visit.

[Dusko.Popov]

Unless you’re concerned with flipping it in the future, why not just have them give you a new bezel and enjoy a refreshed piece.

It’s seriously just the font on one number on the bezel.

I’m about as purist and originalist as it gets but what am I missing? If your concern is not “how much can I flip this for in the future” then then the date of manufacture and the letter series won’t change just because you updated the scratched bezel.

Again, what am I missing?

[marcotagudelo]

Originally Posted by Dusko.Popov

Unless you’re concerned with flipping it in the future, why not just have them give you a new bezel and enjoy a refreshed piece.

It’s seriously just the font on one number on the bezel.

I’m about as purist and originalist as it gets but what am I missing? If your concern is not “how much can I flip this for in the future” then then the date of manufacture and the letter series won’t change just because you updated the scratched bezel.

Again, what am I missing?

Flat 4 bezels are not being made anymore only pointed 4 bezels.
flat 4 bezels are "rare" as in low numbers, lime green bezels as well.

[Dusko.Popov]

Originally Posted by marcotagudelo

Flat 4 bezels are not being made anymore only pointed 4 bezels.
flat 4 bezels are "rare" as in low numbers, lime green bezels as well.

I know. I have one. Original purchaser. All box and papers. F-serial. Purchased December, 2003 the same day I admitted to the bar.

It has many scratches and knocks consistent with a lot of wear. I had it serviced a few years ago and they didn’t change the bezel. I wouldn’t have cared if they did. And I’m wondering for those who are keeping as compared to those who are looking to possibly put it in an auction in twenty years, why do you care if you have the provenance showing the watch to be an earlier issue? If the bezel is ate up, why not get a new one. It’s still oem. I’m just confused why those who wear the watch even care. Obviously if the bezel is in the condition that op mentioned then it’s being worn. And he’s ok with polishing so refreshing isn’t an issue for him. Why not just get a new bezel too?

Not being contrarian. I’m trying to understand conceptually what the issue is outside of the echo chamber that says “that’s just what you do.” This is a serious question ...

[DocHorton]

double post

[DocHorton]

Originally Posted by Dusko.Popov

I know. I have one. Original purchaser. All box and papers. F-serial. Purchased December, 2003 the same day I admitted to the bar.

It has many scratches and knocks consistent with a lot of wear. I had it serviced a few years ago and they didn’t change the bezel. I wouldn’t have cared if they did. And I’m wondering for those who are keeping as compared to those who are looking to possibly put it in an auction in twenty years, why do you care if you have the provenance showing the watch to be an earlier issue? If the bezel is ate up, why not get a new one. It’s still oem. I’m just confused why those who wear the watch even care. Obviously if the bezel is in the condition that op mentioned then it’s being worn. And he’s ok with polishing so refreshing isn’t an issue for him. Why not just get a new bezel too?

Not being contrarian. I’m trying to understand conceptually what the issue is outside of the echo chamber that says “that’s just what you do.” This is a serious question ...

Because smart people generally don't like to piss away thousands of dollars, that's why. Who would be ignorant enough to replace a more rare and valuable bezel with a cheaper one?

[Dusko.Popov]

Originally Posted by DocHorton

Because smart people generally don't like to piss away thousands of dollars, that's why. Who would be ignorant enough to replace a more rare and valuable bezel with a cheaper one?

How about you keep your childish veiled insults to yourself. It’s ok to have a conversation and a differing opinion. I have one (as pictured above). So I like my ability to question why the bezel is so important if (and I was wrong here) the bezel condition was crap (which it turns out it wasn’t).

1. I think you’re speculating to even say that “thousands of dollars” would be pissed away when a bezel with a “4” having a different font is changed. Assuming that everything else from a provenance standpoint identifies the watch as an early issue 2003 example.

2. I don’t agree with you about the bezel being the valuable part of the equation. It just immediately identifies the watch as a 2003 or 2004 vintage. To be sure, buy a “flat 4” bezel (I’ve seen oem examples on eBay) and put it on a random serial or later letter series and see how that works out for you.

Maybe try again without all the personal attacks and histrionics, chief.

[c41006]

Originally Posted by Dusko.Popov

Obviously if the bezel is in the condition that op mentioned then it’s being worn. And he’s ok with polishing so refreshing isn’t an issue for him. Why not just get a new bezel too?

He said the bezel is in good condition and he does not want the watch polished at all.

I don’t think it matters if OP is planning on selling in the future or not. Why would he get rid of the relatively uncommon flat 4 bezel insert when he can take easy and inexpensive steps to ensure that he keeps it? I’m having a hard time understanding why you think he shouldn’t care to be honest.

[Dusko.Popov]

Originally Posted by c41006

He said the bezel is in good condition and he does not want the watch polished at all.

I don’t think it matters if OP is planning on selling in the future or not. Why would he get rid of the relatively uncommon flat 4 bezel insert when he can take easy and inexpensive steps to ensure that he keeps it? I’m having a hard time understanding why you think he shouldn’t care to be honest.

Funny enough, I conflated his post with Gaijin’s post and made an error on bezel condition.

[gt0279a]

Will the RSC give you a new green insert without exchanging the old one?

And by give I mean be allowed the privilege of buying one.

[faimag]

Remove the bezel before taking it in?! Come on! RSC doesn't change anything or polish unless it has your authorization and signature. They certainly won't replace the insert and won't polish if you tell them. There is only a certain number of parts which are mandatory and most are movement related. Exception can be the crown - if they are to guarantee waterproofness; or maybe the hands in vintage (if they are too corroded) - if they are to guarantee timing accuracy. But a decent looking insert? No, they won't even bother.

[DocHorton]

It wasn't a veiled insult or personal attack, I was being 100% serious and honest. Not sure why you can't see the obvious as to why someone would want to keep the watch as it came with the more valuable bezel insert, chief.

[Dusko.Popov]

Originally Posted by DocHorton

It wasn't a veiled insult or personal attack, I was being 100% serious and honest. Not sure why you can't see the obvious as to why someone would want to keep the watch as it came with the more valuable bezel insert, chief.

Hmmm, if you walk your words out to their logical conclusion, then anyone who didn’t pop a bezel off, prior to servicing, because of the font on one number is ignorant and dumb.

Yea, that’s personal. And the passive aggressive way you went about it made it “veiled.”

Chief.

[RJRJRJ]

Dusko.Popov is trying to get those flat fours off the streets so his goes up in value. LOL

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by RJRJRJ

Dusko.Popov is trying to get those flat fours off the streets so his goes up in value. LOL

Must be lol