Rolex Vintage Service Policy - Horrible

[timewarped80]

I continue to be surprised at Rolex's policy towards servicing their own vintage watches. They do not service unless they can restore a watch to "fully functioning specifications." In the case of a dive watch, they will not service unless pearl, hands and markers all glow. As an example I brought in my 16660 sea dweller for movement service and water testing. It has a perfect bluish/grey insert and the tritium has all aged to a beautiful golden hue. Overall the watch is simply stunning. Any watchmaster would be staring w/love having the chance to hold this in their hand.

The NYC service center on 5th ave WOULD NOT perform a service unless they could replace all the tritium components with superluminova parts. So essentially replacing all the original parts that made a Paul Newman Daytona auction for $20M!! That is ridiculous!! I do not understand how they can have so little respect for / give so little consideration to the collector market. To me, this is absurd.

[rolexinfl]

It's a byproduct of streamlining, efficiency, and brand maintenance.

I agree, it's stupid. But I dont think Rolex 'needs' to cater to the vintage market (setup additional policies/assembly lines/knowledge bases/etc) as small as it is, and they know that too. They're busy enough servicing new models, and busy enough with their current service policy. Unfortunate as that is

[rogerlu]

There are many reputable watchmakers who will be more than happy to service your watch.

[Ignace Worang]

I think you need to send it directly to Geneve vintage dept.....for sure they will perform service and will only replace parts with your consent.

[capote]

Originally Posted by Ignace Worang

I think you need to send it directly to Geneve vintage dept.....for sure they will perform service and will only replace parts with your consent.

First time I ever heard of a special vintage department in Geneva...

[Rashid.bk]

Originally Posted by capote

First time I ever heard of a special vintage department in Geneva...

I don't know of a special vintage dept but I have heard of people sending in Rolexes there without dials and such being changed out.
I think it's hit or miss depending on what uptight person is working the counter. Op, I would try and call the other RSCs to see, if not there are several reputable watchmakers than can do your service, do not massacre your watch.

[Fleetlord]

Originally Posted by timewarped80

I continue to be surprised at Rolex's policy towards servicing their own vintage watches. They do not service unless they can restore a watch to "fully functioning specifications." In the case of a dive watch, they will not service unless pearl, hands and markers all glow. As an example I brought in my 16660 sea dweller for movement service and water testing. It has a perfect bluish/grey insert and the tritium has all aged to a beautiful golden hue. Overall the watch is simply stunning. Any watchmaster would be staring w/love having the chance to hold this in their hand.

The NYC service center on 5th ave WOULD NOT perform a service unless they could replace all the tritium components with superluminova parts. So essentially replacing all the original parts that made a Paul Newman Daytona auction for $20M!! That is ridiculous!! I do not understand how they can have so little respect for / give so little consideration to the collector market. To me, this is absurd.

Why did you send it to RSC?

What were you expecting to happen?

[timewarped80]

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

Why did you send it to RSC?

What were you expecting to happen?

I was expecting them to service the movement and ensure waterproofing, and provide paperwork for the service.

[tyler1980]

You need Patek or AP for heirlooms. Rolex isn’t that. It’s nice that they will service any watch they have ever made which Rolex won’t and they even make correct parts if none exist anymore. Rolex apparently has some application only sort of vintage service in Geneva but they won’t do just any watch.

Sending a vintage watch to a third party independent watchmaker isn’t an acceptable alternative to me


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[037]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

Sending a vintage watch to a third party independent watchmaker isn’t an acceptable alternative to me

Out of curiosity, why not? Many independents are Rolex trained and/or certified, and have active parts accounts to order genuine movement parts, crystals, seals, tubes and crowns if needed. Many are required to purchase the exact same tools and service equipment used at an RSC. Any independent worth his salt also respects the rarity and value of a vintage piece.

Watchmakers at an RSC are humans just like independents. The difference is that independents don't have to follow Rolex's rules on vintage.

Or, do you mean something different by "third-party" and someone who isn't Rolex trained/certified?

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by 037

Out of curiosity, why not? Many independents are Rolex trained and/or certified, and have active parts accounts to order genuine movement parts, crystals, seals, tubes and crowns if needed. Many are required to purchase the exact same tools and service equipment used at an RSC. Any independent worth his salt also respects the rarity and value of a vintage piece.

Watchmakers at an RSC are humans just like independents. The difference is that independents don't have to follow Rolex's rules on vintage.

Or, do you mean something different by "third-party" and someone who isn't Rolex trained/certified?

If they are not employees of the company who made my watch I will never use them regardless. I only service anything like cars or whatever that way too.

It bothers me that it’s even necessary with older Rolex watches as you really have no real choice


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[Finslayer83]

Vintage should go to Rikki at TimeCare Inc.

[007_Omega]

Rolex for better or worse does not support the vintage market. The last thing they want is to be known for their excellent vintage market support as that would only encourage people to go vintage rather than modern.

I've heard stories where people have specifically told the service center/AD to make sure the parts stay original or certain things do not get touched only for the request to be ignored.

Even the modern Rolex watches are built to be able to take multiple polishes and stay looking brand new for a long time.

[Fujiman]

Thank God I'm not a collector. If I send one of my watches in for service, I want it coming back looking as close to new as possible. I would never own or let any of my watches become junkers like most of the vintage watches look like in the online secondary market. My almost 30 year old 16233 looks incredible for its age.

But as I say, I'm not a collector; I just have some nice watches I like to wear. If keeping an old watch looking old is your motivation, find a service facility that does that sort of work. Rolex doesn't.

[subtona]

Originally Posted by timewarped80

Rolex Vintage Service Policy - Horrible

UNDERSTATEMENT


What RSCNY does is criminal, they directly cause depreciation in watches and go against the customers wishes. they polish when it is not requested and they are as careless as can be in 100% of my experiences with them.

they should be held accountable.

[donq]

Rolex's biggest competitor is vintage Rolex.
They would rather sell you a new watch than service your old one.

[bmrisko]

Originally Posted by donq

Rolex's biggest competitor is vintage Rolex.
They would rather sell you a new watch than service your old one.

Ding, ding, ding... We have a winner!

[Redtele58]

Originally Posted by donq

Rolex's biggest competitor is vintage Rolex.
They would rather sell you a new watch than service your old one.

Nope. Fixed it for you...

Rolex's biggest competitor is vintage Rolex.
They would rather have you wait in line for years to try and buy a new watch you want than service your old one.

[Ranger67]

Originally Posted by donq

Rolex's biggest competitor is vintage Rolex.
They would rather sell you a new watch than service your old one.

Can they sell me a new one?

[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by timewarped80

I continue to be surprised at Rolex's policy towards servicing their own vintage watches. They do not service unless they can restore a watch to "fully functioning specifications." In the case of a dive watch, they will not service unless pearl, hands and markers all glow. As an example I brought in my 16660 sea dweller for movement service and water testing. It has a perfect bluish/grey insert and the tritium has all aged to a beautiful golden hue. Overall the watch is simply stunning. Any watchmaster would be staring w/love having the chance to hold this in their hand.

The NYC service center on 5th ave WOULD NOT perform a service unless they could replace all the tritium components with superluminova parts. So essentially replacing all the original parts that made a Paul Newman Daytona auction for $20M!! That is ridiculous!! I do not understand how they can have so little respect for / give so little consideration to the collector market. To me, this is absurd.

This is why you always use an independent CW21 with a parts account for vintage watches! Only use RSC for modern. If you need a referral for a good independent, many here can steer you in the right direction. They will service the movement at a minimum, and only perform what you wish done to the watch after that.

BTW, I would not use the NYC RSC for any of my watches, period. They only go to Dallas, even if I resided in NYC. Not worth the drama and issues with that place.

[BabyHuey]

Originally Posted by Bigblu10

This is why you always use an independent CW21 with a parts account for vintage watches! Only use RSC for modern.

^^^^^ This is the best answer/response.

[Lilly88]

Hi folks! Hi Greg! I have a bit of a conundrum with my dad’s vintage Rolex and I am seeking Rolex experts to give me some advice, and so I thought I’d reach out in the off chance you know the answer! I have my dad’s gold daydate, bought from Tiffany’s at the galleria in Houston sometime in the 80’s (it’s a well known luxury mall). It’s beautiful and in great condition as he didn’t wear it all that often. The watch is double stamped with Tiffany and co, and upon doing some research I learned that that’s now considered an extra special feature of the watch.

I took the watch to a Ben Bridge (an AD) to have them send it off to Rolex for servicing (just for a checkup- the watch is running perfectly). Ben Bridge just told me that the Rolex site it was sent to declined service on the watch because they stated the dial was not Rolex manufactured. They actually used the term counterfeit.

I am new to the Rolex world and initially when they said it was not Rolex manufactured, I thought they must mean because some element was Tiffany manufactured or something to that effect.

My issue is, this watch was absolutely purchased from Tiffany’s. I can’t figure out how it could possibly be counterfeit. Is it possible the Rolex site that my watch was sent to was wrong? Do you have any recommendations? For context, I am not trying to sell it, I want to wear it, but I care very much that it is what I believe it to be (fully authentic, bought new from an AD).

The other thing is, my dad bought it with a leather strap, and I have been planning on replacing this with a gold president bracelet, but obviously concerned about making any investment like that if the watch isn’t authentic.

Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated!!

[Marcjvr]

Originally Posted by Lilly88

Hi folks! Hi Greg! I have a bit of a conundrum with my dad’s vintage Rolex and I am seeking Rolex experts to give me some advice, and so I thought I’d reach out in the off chance you know the answer! I have my dad’s gold daydate, bought from Tiffany’s at the galleria in Houston sometime in the 80’s (it’s a well known luxury mall). It’s beautiful and in great condition as he didn’t wear it all that often. The watch is double stamped with Tiffany and co, and upon doing some research I learned that that’s now considered an extra special feature of the watch.

I took the watch to a Ben Bridge (an AD) to have them send it off to Rolex for servicing (just for a checkup- the watch is running perfectly). Ben Bridge just told me that the Rolex site it was sent to declined service on the watch because they stated the dial was not Rolex manufactured. They actually used the term counterfeit.

I am new to the Rolex world and initially when they said it was not Rolex manufactured, I thought they must mean because some element was Tiffany manufactured or something to that effect.

My issue is, this watch was absolutely purchased from Tiffany’s. I can’t figure out how it could possibly be counterfeit. Is it possible the Rolex site that my watch was sent to was wrong? Do you have any recommendations? For context, I am not trying to sell it, I want to wear it, but I care very much that it is what I believe it to be (fully authentic, bought new from an AD).

The other thing is, my dad bought it with a leather strap, and I have been planning on replacing this with a gold president bracelet, but obviously concerned about making any investment like that if the watch isn’t authentic.

Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated!!

Ask them which site it was sent to. Confirm they sent it to an RSC

If they did send it to an RSC you are likely out of luck as they are pretty thorough when it comes to vetting watches they receive

Unfortunately the more popular\rare a dial the more likely it is to be counterfeited

[77T]

Originally Posted by Lilly88

Hi folks! Hi Greg! I have a bit of a conundrum with my dad’s vintage Rolex and I am seeking Rolex experts to give me some advice, and so I thought I’d reach out in the off chance you know the answer! I have my dad’s gold daydate, bought from Tiffany’s at the galleria in Houston sometime in the 80’s (it’s a well known luxury mall). It’s beautiful and in great condition as he didn’t wear it all that often. The watch is double stamped with Tiffany and co, and upon doing some research I learned that that’s now considered an extra special feature of the watch.

I took the watch to a Ben Bridge (an AD) to have them send it off to Rolex for servicing (just for a checkup- the watch is running perfectly). Ben Bridge just told me that the Rolex site it was sent to declined service on the watch because they stated the dial was not Rolex manufactured. They actually used the term counterfeit.

I am new to the Rolex world and initially when they said it was not Rolex manufactured, I thought they must mean because some element was Tiffany manufactured or something to that effect.

My issue is, this watch was absolutely purchased from Tiffany’s. I can’t figure out how it could possibly be counterfeit. Is it possible the Rolex site that my watch was sent to was wrong? Do you have any recommendations? For context, I am not trying to sell it, I want to wear it, but I care very much that it is what I believe it to be (fully authentic, bought new from an AD).

The other thing is, my dad bought it with a leather strap, and I have been planning on replacing this with a gold president bracelet, but obviously concerned about making any investment like that if the watch isn’t authentic.

Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated!!

Lilly
Welcome to TRF
Do you have any good close-up photos of the watch with sharp focus on the dial?

That will get you some better input.

One thing you might consider is sending the serial number and pictures to Tiffany HQ for any verification they might offer.

Finally, there are some great independent vintage Rolex watchmakers you could use. The Ridley's for example. You can look at the stickies in the vintage section here for more resources.


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[Ravager135]

Rolex understands the value in the vintage market, but it has no practical need to cater to it. Rolex views themselves as a maker of tool watches, not a purveyor of subtle differences in dial font. I can almost understand why their policy is black and white in terms of what defines restoration. Even a "movement only" service could result in replacement parts thus devaluing a vintage piece. As a large company, I can understand the subtle discrimination in what a customer wants done versus what should be done to restore optimal working order will often times result in one or both parties upset with the outcome.

There probably is a middle ground, but as large as Rolex is, I doubt they want to work in that grey area. Restoration of vintage pieces is probably best left to true afficianados who operate on a smaller scale and likely understand the vintage market even better than Rolex themselves.

[DP63]

Hi Folks, I'm new to the forum and have a similar issue.

I got my local AD to send in my 16660 (1983) to Rolex to be serviced as they had checked the watch's pulse(?) and although it was fine, has had three services in the past and nothing was in need of dire attention, I wanted it to be stress free for another few years, so was ready to cough up the £500 ish for the service.

Rolex sent back their estimate and recommendations.

Replace dial as there is dulling and blotches
Replace hands as they are showing signs of corrosion
Replace bezel as it is marked
Replace crown as it is showing signs of wear
Replace crystal as there are a couple of chips (I cant see any chips)
Replace bracelet as it is extremely worn (nope, its fine)
Replace case back as it is worn
Replace case inner as it is showing signs of corrosion

All in all .... £5,484

Basically, I feel they are telling me my watch is worthless ..... and that the trade in value of it, plus their "recommended" service items is near as makes no difference to the price of a new one.

I'm just curious as to what others thoughts are when hearing this kind of news from Rolex. Like I said, the watch doesnt miss a beat, and its pulsed is spot on as per my local AD watch makers checks .....

[omitohud]

Originally Posted by DP63

Hi Folks, I'm new to the forum and have a similar issue.

I got my local AD to send in my 16660 (1983) to Rolex to be serviced as they had checked the watch's pulse(?) and although it was fine, has had three services in the past and nothing was in need of dire attention, I wanted it to be stress free for another few years, so was ready to cough up the £500 ish for the service.

Rolex sent back their estimate and recommendations.

Replace dial as there is dulling and blotches
Replace hands as they are showing signs of corrosion
Replace bezel as it is marked
Replace crown as it is showing signs of wear
Replace crystal as there are a couple of chips (I cant see any chips)
Replace bracelet as it is extremely worn (nope, its fine)
Replace case back as it is worn
Replace case inner as it is showing signs of corrosion

All in all .... £5,484

Basically, I feel they are telling me my watch is worthless ..... and that the trade in value of it, plus their "recommended" service items is near as makes no difference to the price of a new one.

I'm just curious as to what others thoughts are when hearing this kind of news from Rolex. Like I said, the watch doesnt miss a beat, and its pulsed is spot on as per my local AD watch makers checks .....

Ha ha ha. What’s left? The movement? I can’t stop laughing. For all those who wanted their watches to always look new and functional, there u go, a brand spanking new watch.

Sorry OP. I can’t help it. Bring it to an independent. U will save money n be happier.


I blame it on autoconnect.

[subtona]

Originally Posted by DP63

Hi Folks, I'm new to the forum and have a similar issue.

I got my local AD to send in my 16660 (1983) to Rolex to be serviced as they had checked the watch's pulse(?) and although it was fine, has had three services in the past and nothing was in need of dire attention, I wanted it to be stress free for another few years, so was ready to cough up the £500 ish for the service.

Rolex sent back their estimate and recommendations.

Replace dial as there is dulling and blotches
Replace hands as they are showing signs of corrosion
Replace bezel as it is marked
Replace crown as it is showing signs of wear
Replace crystal as there are a couple of chips (I cant see any chips)
Replace bracelet as it is extremely worn (nope, its fine)
Replace case back as it is worn
Replace case inner as it is showing signs of corrosion

All in all .... £5,484

Basically, I feel they are telling me my watch is worthless ..... and that the trade in value of it, plus their "recommended" service items is near as makes no difference to the price of a new one.

I'm just curious as to what others thoughts are when hearing this kind of news from Rolex. Like I said, the watch doesnt miss a beat, and its pulsed is spot on as per my local AD watch makers checks .....

Service Without conscience.

It would be a welcomed change if they spent as much energy fixing problems as they did identifying them... it would be especially refreshing for them to own those problems created when the watch is in their hands.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by timewarped80

I continue to be surprised at Rolex's policy towards servicing their own vintage watches. They do not service unless they can restore a watch to "fully functioning specifications." In the case of a dive watch, they will not service unless pearl, hands and markers all glow. As an example I brought in my 16660 sea dweller for movement service and water testing. It has a perfect bluish/grey insert and the tritium has all aged to a beautiful golden hue. Overall the watch is simply stunning. Any watchmaster would be staring w/love having the chance to hold this in their hand.

The NYC service center on 5th ave WOULD NOT perform a service unless they could replace all the tritium components with superluminova parts. So essentially replacing all the original parts that made a Paul Newman Daytona auction for $20M!! That is ridiculous!! I do not understand how they can have so little respect for / give so little consideration to the collector market. To me, this is absurd.

Well unless its changed Rolex has only ever given a recommendation first on what needs doing on service.And you have never had to go along 100% with there recommendations, you could just have movement serviced..

[subtona]

Originally Posted by padi56

Well unless its changed Rolex has only ever given a recommendation first on what needs doing on service.And you have never had to go along 100% with there recommendations, you could just have movement serviced..

many reports first hand and on the forum of members opting for no polishing during service and the watch coming back polished.

as far as electing for a movement service only, correct me if i am wrong but i believe rolex will often refuse service if dial or hand recommendations are not approved.

those original sometimes flaking dials and unpolished cases are the heart of vintage value.