Rolex red sub service advice

[redordead]

Hi

Im looking for some help pls?

If put my Submariner Red 1680 MkIV in for a service, is there anything i need to look out for , or mention to them? Or are they used to near 50 year old watches being put in.

Thanks

[MorningTundra]

Are you thinking RSC? Lots of threads on this - don’t do it until you’ve read most of them.

TLDR; many indy vintage specialists with good references to be found on this forum.


Sent from my cracked, broken hand wound phone. IG @morning_tundra

[redordead]

Im thinking a Rolex Service Centre yes.

Will they know not to remove/change any of the parts, or will i need to specify that you think?

thanks

[cpefy3]

I would highly suggest reading other threads on this topic. Other members have reported that RSC have changed out dials, hands, and bezel inserts or polishing (when there were clear instructions not to). All of theee can negatively affect the value of your watch. There are a few highly recommended independent certified watchmakers on here. Best of luck!!

[redordead]

ok thank you very much, this is why i checked, youre making me very wary!

[scooba]

Hi Chris,

I have never be brave enough to have anything vintage serviced , So many horror stories ,

May I suggest you speak with Mike Wood at the old watch shop Southport , Or Haywood Milton from Miltons

mechanical service should be ok , But I would walk in and have a chat and have the Job sheet expressly state DO NOT POLISH !. unless you want it polished .

It would seam the RSC like to make the watches like new

[Gliderguy]

I agree with "Scooba". I was brave enough and regreted it. There is always risk when you open a watch. The Hands can flake. The dial can get damaged etc and these things cant be solved. But then again if you want to use the watch there is no choice.

[rootbeer7]

I’ve had a different experience at RSC St James. I requested that nothing visible was changed on a mk1 Long E GMT. It was returned exactly as requested. Movement service and a light polish (also requested). The same experience occurred with a flat 4 LV, a Tudor Big Block (even though a hand had fallen off due to an accident). Also had 2 non-vintage pieces serviced and polished immaculately. Btw, I have no connection other than a satisfied customer.

[ianmcg]

Originally Posted by rootbeer7

I’ve had a different experience at RSC St James. I requested that nothing visible was changed on a mk1 Long E GMT. It was returned exactly as requested. Movement service and a light polish (also requested). The same experience occurred with a flat 4 LV, a Tudor Big Block (even though a hand had fallen off due to an accident). Also had 2 non-vintage pieces serviced and polished immaculately. Btw, I have no connection other than a satisfied customer.

Only had one DRSD done there but that was my experience too. They did exactly what I wanted which was a movement service and a new crystal only (it already had a service one anyway). They did not take offence at the ghost insert which in the past they would probably have binned!

Somebody has obviously realised that if they do what they’re told with vintage stuff they can get some work. Clearly a Rolex service certificate is a valuable addition to the watch provenance. I’m not sure they can do everything so I wouldn’t risk a vintage Daytona I think but I haven’t asked - I suspect they would have to go to Geneva at huge expense.

Whilst I know there are some good independents in the UK I won’t send any watches anywhere so I need to be able to take it in person and St James’s is quite convenient.

Ian

[rootbeer7]

Originally Posted by ianmcg

Only had one DRSD done there but that was my experience too. They did exactly what I wanted which was a movement service and a new crystal only (it already had a service one anyway). They did not take offence at the ghost insert which in the past they would probably have binned!

Somebody has obviously realised that if they do what they’re told with vintage stuff they can get some work. Clearly a Rolex service certificate is a valuable addition to the watch provenance. I’m not sure they can do everything so I wouldn’t risk a vintage Daytona I think but I haven’t asked - I suspect they would have to go to Geneva at huge expense.

Whilst I know there are some good independents in the UK I won’t send any watches anywhere so I need to be able to take it in person and St James’s is quite convenient.

Ian

I was told there that they have a specialist vintage section now where they cater for us and our foibles!!

[colpol]

Originally Posted by ianmcg

Only had one DRSD done there but that was my experience too. They did exactly what I wanted which was a movement service and a new crystal only (it already had a service one anyway). They did not take offence at the ghost insert which in the past they would probably have binned!

Somebody has obviously realised that if they do what they’re told with vintage stuff they can get some work. Clearly a Rolex service certificate is a valuable addition to the watch provenance. I’m not sure they can do everything so I wouldn’t risk a vintage Daytona I think but I haven’t asked - I suspect they would have to go to Geneva at huge expense.

Whilst I know there are some good independents in the UK I won’t send any watches anywhere so I need to be able to take it in person and St James’s is quite convenient.

Ian

Good to know & hear. I’ve a 1680 & a DRSD - both bought without papers although from a stellar seller. The RSC service papers I feel would go well with each if ever looking to sell. Probably look at getting at least one serviced next year

[redordead]

Thank you very much for all your help everyone. RSC St James is where i was thinking, so I will maybe speak with them and the old watch/Miltons first.

Thanks again

[Swearengen]

William Rice in Hull will do a very sympathetic vintage service. He has done several of mine

[redordead]

Originally Posted by Swearengen

William Rice in Hull will do a very sympathetic vintage service. He has done several of mine

thank you

[brandrea]

I could help you if you were in Canada

[redordead]

thanks for all your help and advice. Whhatever i am going to do, i am definitely going to tread carefully.

Its in working order, so im not sure im going to do anything until ive checked it all out properly.

[Styles Bitchley]

For what it's worth, I've used RSC in Toronto and Geneva for my Red 1680 and had a very positive experience. I'm not sure if the horror stories are from years gone by, but I have actually been advised by the watchsmiths at RSC not to change anything cosmetic on the watch because it will lose its value. Maybe an internal memo went out at some point... They still make some good coin servicing the movement and swapping out crystals.