RSC Service Surprise

[BillA]

So I called the RSC in NYC to send me a shipping kit (box) for my Explorer II 16570. My watch does not have the bracelet that it originally came with. I explained to the representative that the watch has a rubber strap on it and asked if I should remove it first before shipping it to them. His was response was that it did not matter whether I removed the strap or not, that in order for them to do the full service on the watch I would need to buy a bracelet from the RSC for them to complete the service. There are a few variations of the bracelet for the watch over time, but the most expensive version would cost me $1350.
I guess their rationale is that they charge a set fee to service the watch head and bracelet and that they cannot pro-rate the basic service charge for just the head only. I was a little surprised, now I will have to find a 3rd party to do just the service on the head only.

[Speed]

Wow.

That's a new one on me.

I guess you have no interest in the original bracelet? (realize that's not the point of your post...but it's a pretty nice bracelet and you'll be getting the real deal.)

[Pauln]

Good to know you can pick up a 16570 bracelet from RSC for only $1300 max. Quite a few head-only come up for sale. Thanks.

[Colin G]

So you buy a new Mercedes. A year or two later you buy new rims.

Mercedes says they can't service your car and you'll have to buy new wheels like originally were fitted to the vehicle so they can perform service. Lol.


WTF?!

I think the OP must have gotten a new employee on the phone. I can't tell you how many times people have just sent in the watch head and no strap for servicing.

BS.

[Solo118]

That is crazy! I had dropped off one of my Daytonas at RSC NY "head only" for service while I got my bracelet cleaned up/lightly polished before a sale. They did not say a word about the bracelet.

I have also serviced my Daytona on rubber strap (116515) and they did not care if it had the original leather or not.

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by Colin G

So you buy a new Mercedes. A year or two later you buy new rims.

Mercedes says they can't service your car and you'll have to buy new wheels like originally were fitted to the vehicle so they can perform service. Lol.


WTF?!

I think the OP must have gotten a new employee on the phone. I can't tell you how many times people have just sent in the watch head and no strap for servicing.

BS.

too right! Well put

[BillA]

I was surprised also, the rep put me on hold and checked, and came back and said I had to buy the bracelet in order to service the piece.

[toolr]

[QUOTE=Colin G;9684207]So you buy a new Mercedes. A year or two later you buy new rims.

Mercedes says they can't service your car and you'll have to buy new wheels like originally were fitted to the vehicle so they can perform service. Lol./QUOTE]

Probably not, but apparently it is the case with RSC. I guess you could ask them to check with Mercedes...

[piratfisk]

That seems insane. If you're in the city, do you think you'd get a different response if you go in with the watch on your wrist (with the aftermarket strap) & drop it off for service? Do you think that (maybe another RSC rep?) wouldn't say a word about the strap?

[smym18]

Can't you just say you took the bracelet off because you don't want it refinished or scratched?

[116710er]

The Service Rep is full of it. I sent it my 14060 to RSC in BH with a aftermarket leather strap because I didn't want the bracelet to be "accidentally" polished. They didn't say anything about it. If I were you, I'd just send the watch on a rubber strap and just not say anything. There's no reason they can't service the watch without a bracelet.

[zjd168]

the policy sucks, but $1300 for a full bracelet is not bad and good to know

[Likestheshiny]

If you're shipping the watch anyway, why not try a different RSC? The NYC office doesn't have an amazing reputation for customer service, but everyone seems to love Dallas.

[droptopman]

I did a 16570 at RSC Dallas last year. I wore mine on a jubilee or sub bracelet. For the quote I told them I was sending head only and wanted price on a 98790A bracelet. It was listed as an option on the quote with crystal, crown and bezel. All optional items. Maybe try RSC Dallas.
OPTIONAL SERVICE ITEM(S) All prices exclude additional sales taxes, shipping and handling charges. l Replace
Install crystal........................................... .................................................. .................................................. .................. 0.00
Replace bezel............................................. .................................................. .................................................. ................... 0.00
Install new bracelet.......................................... .................................................. .................................................. ............. 0.00
SAPPHIRE CRYSTAL D29.5 1.8 CYCLOPS ANTI-REFL &GASK............................................. ............................... 180.00 l
BEZEL 16570 24H ST................................................ .................................................. .................................................. . 255.00
BRACELET 78790A 20/16 801 13 LINKS ST................................................ .................................................. ............. 1,350.00

[77T]

Originally Posted by BillA

So I called the RSC in NYC to send me a shipping kit (box) for my Explorer II 16570. My watch does not have the bracelet that it originally came with. I explained to the representative that the watch has a rubber strap on it and asked if I should remove it first before shipping it to them. His was response was that it did not matter whether I removed the strap or not, that in order for them to do the full service on the watch I would need to buy a bracelet from the RSC for them to complete the service. There are a few variations of the bracelet for the watch over time, but the most expensive version would cost me $1350.

I guess their rationale is that they charge a set fee to service the watch head and bracelet and that they cannot pro-rate the basic service charge for just the head only. I was a little surprised, now I will have to find a 3rd party to do just the service on the head only.

This is not the Rolex policy.

Don’t know how the wrong info was rendered or why. But you can simply send the watch with or without a bracelet. You may get a recommendation for a new bracelet but it is not a prerequisite for a movement overhaul.

You will pay the full cost for the overhaul but that is customary when a watch comes in with a bracelet and the owner states “no polishing of case or bracelet”.




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[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by BillA

So I called the RSC in NYC to send me a shipping kit (box) for my Explorer II 16570. My watch does not have the bracelet that it originally came with. I explained to the representative that the watch has a rubber strap on it and asked if I should remove it first before shipping it to them. His was response was that it did not matter whether I removed the strap or not, that in order for them to do the full service on the watch I would need to buy a bracelet from the RSC for them to complete the service. There are a few variations of the bracelet for the watch over time, but the most expensive version would cost me $1350.
I guess their rationale is that they charge a set fee to service the watch head and bracelet and that they cannot pro-rate the basic service charge for just the head only. I was a little surprised, now I will have to find a 3rd party to do just the service on the head only.

RSC NYC is a joke. Try RSC Dallas or for an indy Rik@ Time Care Inc.

[BillA]

I really just want a regulation if possible, may take it to a local AD

[nikesupremedunk]

That sounds insane but totally believable. I recently needed to purchase a 1.25 link for my wife’s DJ31. RSC wouldn’t let me “buy” one unless I physically bring in the watch and have them install it. And before that they wouldn’t let me buy a super jubilee bracelet for my DJ36 unless I traded in my oyster bracelet and ~$1500 cash for a new one.

Rolex is insane.

[strafer_kid]

Have never heard this one before - always thought you could just leave watch head in if you wished? However right now, nothing from Rolex surprises me anymore!

[ras47]

About a year ago I sent my 16710 for service. After investigating RSCs - NY vs. Dallas, I chose Dallas. Too many stories like this one about the NYC RSC. And I live in New Jersey!

[Finslayer83]

There is a thread on ARFCOM (watch section) at the moment where a member sent his Tudor BB into the RSC for service in Dallas.

They refused to service cause it had the non rivet bracelet (off ETA model) unless he bought a new one and told him they would not return the bracelet once the new one was on.

That is theft and they can get bent with a rusty screwdriver.

Every day something happens that makes Rolex/Tudor ownership less fun - all created by the crown itself.

[Litflynt912]

That info isn’t correct. At least not with the Dallas RSC.
They will offer you a bracelet as an option but service cost will be for the movement.
I sent in 3 watches over the last four years to them. Usually head only

[BillA]

Originally Posted by Litflynt912

That info isn’t correct. At least not with the Dallas RSC.
They will offer you a bracelet as an option but service cost will be for the movement.
I sent in 3 watches over the last four years to them. Usually head only

Please correct me if I am wrong but the problem with sending in just the watch head, you are not getting a lower price on the service than if you sent it in with the bracelet. Rolex seems to have one price for the whole kit and caboodle. Not a price for just the caboodle!

[Litflynt912]

Bill
Totally correct. The service isn’t prorated. You’re paying $650-800 for the movement service regardless of sending it in head only or not. Which is fine because unless you want a polish they won’t do much with a bracelet except recommend new links/clasps/etc...

We had a watch maker locally work on my wife’s OP which was a head only and the price was about $100 less than RSC would have charged so a part of t is having that 2 year Rolex guarantee.

[1911dude]

I don't how Rolex can get away with policies like that and I don't know why people still frequent the brand. They treat owners like sh*t and owners keep smiling and asking for more of it.

[77T]

Originally Posted by BillA

Please correct me if I am wrong but the problem with sending in just the watch head, you are not getting a lower price on the service than if you sent it in with the bracelet. Rolex seems to have one price for the whole kit and caboodle. Not a price for just the caboodle!

Yes the overhaul is a single price including full polish of case, bezel, bracelet, etc.

They do not reduce that price if you state “no polishing”. Or if you send it in without the bracelet as the OP plans.




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