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eric325ci · 29 August 2021, 05:29 AM

Hi guys,

I recently purchased a new old stock Rolex Milgauss White Dial 116400 with stickers, box and papers. The watch has never been worn. However, it has an engraving on the case back. I called the Rolex Service Center in New York to discuss the process of replacing the case back with a new one. I spoke to a very nice lady who advised me that this specific part (Part Number: 311-2380) can be ordered and installed by any Rolex Authorized Dealer and that the cost of the part is $115. She also specified that Rolex Authorized Dealers have certified technicians and can facilitate this on-premise without having to send the watch in.

When I brought the watch to my local Authorized Dealer, they advised me that the part cannot be ordered and the watch will have to be sent back to Rolex for the case back replacement and possibly an overhaul if Rolex deems it necessary. However, at this time I am ONLY interested in replacing the case back and I am baffled as to why the authorized dealer is telling me something different than what the service center has already told me.

Though I understand the engraving can be removed by a professional watch detailer, I prefer to order a new case back and keep the original, without further modifying it.

Any advice for a fellow watch lover?

sportsfan0704 · 29 August 2021, 05:46 AM

I see your location is New York. If you’re in the city or can drive, bring it right to the Rolex service center. They will take care of it and you won’t have to go through AD. It’s possible that the AD doesn’t have their own on site repairs and thus is not familiar with ordering parts. In nyc for example, Wempe which has service on site and watchmakers looked up a part for me and would have done the repair. Watches of Switzerland on the other hand had no idea what I was referring to and didn’t seem to know there was a place to look up and order parts. Mind you this involved a simple link…

eric325ci · 29 August 2021, 05:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sportsfan0704

I see your location is New York. If you’re in the city or can drive, bring it right to the Rolex service center. They will take care of it and you won’t have to go through AD. It’s possible that the AD doesn’t have their own on site repairs and thus is not familiar with ordering parts. In nyc for example, Wempe which has service on site and watchmakers looked up a part for me and would have done the repair. Watches of Switzerland on the other hand had no idea what I was referring to and didn’t seem to know there was a place to look up and order parts. Mind you this involved a simple link…

Thanks so much for the reply. I can definitely identify with this! I am actually located in Florida (I need to change the location in my profile). Your answer does give me some hope!

CharlesN · 29 August 2021, 06:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sportsfan0704

I see your location is New York. If you’re in the city or can drive, bring it right to the Rolex service center. They will take care of it and you won’t have to go through AD. It’s possible that the AD doesn’t have their own on site repairs and thus is not familiar with ordering parts. In nyc for example, Wempe which has service on site and watchmakers looked up a part for me and would have done the repair. Watches of Switzerland on the other hand had no idea what I was referring to and didn’t seem to know there was a place to look up and order parts. Mind you this involved a simple link…

I think the OP is in Florida. He only called the RSC in NY

I think what is needed is a Rolex AD who has an on-site Rolex watchmaker with a Rolex parts account.

Then it should be simple.

brandrea · 29 August 2021, 06:04 AM

NOS with an engraved caseback

Never heard of that one before.

eric325ci · 29 August 2021, 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brandrea

NOS with an engraved caseback

Never heard of that one before.

Maybe NOS wouldn't be the most accurate term.. It is unworn, stickers, box and papers. However, the watch was engraved from the factory.

eric325ci · 29 August 2021, 06:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlesN

I think the OP is in Florida. He only called the RSC in NY

I think what is needed is a Rolex AD who has an on-site Rolex watchmaker with a Rolex parts account.

Then it should be simple.

Thank you! I will look out for an AD with an on-site watchmaker!

eric325ci · 29 August 2021, 06:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sportsfan0704

I see your location is New York. If you’re in the city or can drive, bring it right to the Rolex service center. They will take care of it and you won’t have to go through AD. It’s possible that the AD doesn’t have their own on site repairs and thus is not familiar with ordering parts. In nyc for example, Wempe which has service on site and watchmakers looked up a part for me and would have done the repair. Watches of Switzerland on the other hand had no idea what I was referring to and didn’t seem to know there was a place to look up and order parts. Mind you this involved a simple link…

I appreciate your reply and can certainly identify with your situation. I am actually located in Florida and just changed the location in my profile to reflect that. I will have to look for an AD that has a Rolex watchmaker. Otherwise, I will take it to the NYC location during my next visit to New York.

Tools · 29 August 2021, 06:18 AM

Perhaps you are talking to an AD who does not have a watchmaker on staff, or a parts account.

While some do have these, others do not.

dannyp · 29 August 2021, 06:48 AM

You do realize that the Milgauss is supposed to have an engraved case back, right? Just want to make sure you’re not looking at that and thinking it wasn’t supposed to be there.

eric325ci · 29 August 2021, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannyp

You do realize that the Milgauss is supposed to have an engraved case back, right? Just want to make sure you’re not looking at that and thinking it wasn’t supposed to be there.

Pretty sure a person's name isn't supposed to be on the case back ;)

Benzsiam · 29 August 2021, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eric325ci

Maybe NOS wouldn't be the most accurate term.. It is unworn, stickers, box and papers. However, the watch was engraved from the factory.

If the watch was engraved from the factory, why do you want to change it?

HideMyWalletPlease · 29 August 2021, 07:10 AM

Change your name. Problem solved.

dannyp · 29 August 2021, 07:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eric325ci

Pretty sure a person's name isn't supposed to be on the case back ;)

Touché

sportsfan0704 · 29 August 2021, 07:36 AM

I've actually seen a few NOS watches with engraved case backs for sale. These pieces often are engraved for long time employees and given as gifts. I've seen quite a few with "Schlumburger" engraved on the back for sale, new with AD card.

eric325ci · 29 August 2021, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HideMyWalletPlease

Change your name. Problem solved.

dannyp · 29 August 2021, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eric325ci

Pretty sure a person's name isn't supposed to be on the case back ;)

Quote:

Originally Posted by sportsfan0704

I've actually seen a few NOS watches with engraved case backs for sale. These pieces often are engraved for long time employees and given as gifts. I've seen quite a few with "Schlumburger" engraved on the back for sale, new with AD card.

eric325ci · 29 August 2021, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sportsfan0704

I've actually seen a few NOS watches with engraved case backs for sale. These pieces often are engraved for long time employees and given as gifts. I've seen quite a few with "Schlumburger" engraved on the back for sale, new with AD card.

Yes! This was a watch that was gifted to a tenured Rolex employee.

eric325ci · 29 August 2021, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benzsiam

If the watch was engraved from the factory, why do you want to change it?

Though I love the watch, having a factory engraving with another person’s name does not appeal to me. How about you?

Since this is a part that can easily be swapped, it did not impact my decision to purchase it.

sportsfan0704 · 29 August 2021, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eric325ci

Though I love the watch, having a factory engraving with another person’s name does not appeal to me. How about you?

Since this is a part that can easily be swapped, it did not impact my decision to purchase it.

Did you ever consider just polishing it off? I’ve seen dealers offer to do this for free on previously engraved watches.

eric325ci · 29 August 2021, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sportsfan0704

Did you ever consider just polishing it off? I’ve seen dealers offer to do this for free on previously engraved watches.

If the cost of the case back that I was quoted by the RSC is accurate ($115), I would prefer to just buy a brand new case back instead of removing metal from the original (which I would stow away in the box).

Bridge_01 · 28 October 2022, 05:17 AM

Just catching up on this thread. Did RSC end up replacing the caseback, if so do you mind specifying total cost? Thinking of doing so on one of my watches. Thanks!

Stan Cooper · 28 October 2022, 06:16 AM

The New York RSC replaced my caseback (buggered serrations) with a new one when I had my GMT II 16710 serviced in April. They charged $115 for the new caseback.

SS Oyster · 28 October 2022, 06:16 AM

Nobody’s name was done at Rolex, so it’s not factory.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Stan Cooper · 28 October 2022, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SS Oyster

Nobody’s name was done at Rolex, so it’s not factory.

Maybe engraved by the AD who was selling it and then the deal fell through?

train-time · 28 October 2022, 12:21 PM

I believe Rolex engraves AD employee purchases. Some time ago I purchased a 16710 that still had all the stickers on it and it was engraved with a corporate logo and an employee name. Don't know who engraved it but I had it removed by Dalton at LA Watchworks.

29 August 2021, 05:29 AM	#1
eric325ci "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Florida Posts: 10	Rolex Service Center and Authorized Dealer Saying Two Different Things Hi guys, I recently purchased a new old stock Rolex Milgauss White Dial 116400 with stickers, box and papers. The watch has never been worn. However, it has an engraving on the case back. I called the Rolex Service Center in New York to discuss the process of replacing the case back with a new one. I spoke to a very nice lady who advised me that this specific part (Part Number: 311-2380) can be ordered and installed by any Rolex Authorized Dealer and that the cost of the part is $115. She also specified that Rolex Authorized Dealers have certified technicians and can facilitate this on-premise without having to send the watch in. When I brought the watch to my local Authorized Dealer, they advised me that the part cannot be ordered and the watch will have to be sent back to Rolex for the case back replacement and possibly an overhaul if Rolex deems it necessary. However, at this time I am ONLY interested in replacing the case back and I am baffled as to why the authorized dealer is telling me something different than what the service center has already told me. Though I understand the engraving can be removed by a professional watch detailer, I prefer to order a new case back and keep the original, without further modifying it. Any advice for a fellow watch lover?

29 August 2021, 06:18 AM	#9
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,514	Perhaps you are talking to an AD who does not have a watchmaker on staff, or a parts account. While some do have these, others do not. __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

28 October 2022, 06:16 AM	#23
Stan Cooper 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Aug 2020 Real Name: Stan Cooper Location: Sonoma County, CA Watch: GMT-Master II Posts: 2,889	The New York RSC replaced my caseback (buggered serrations) with a new one when I had my GMT II 16710 serviced in April. They charged $115 for the new caseback. Attached Images __________________ ♛16710 GMT-Master II, ♛1915 Rolex WW1 Trench Watch, Zelos Thresher 500m GMT Meteorite, Zelos Swordfish 40 200m Ti Blood Moon Meteorite, Hamilton Pilot Chronograph, Ball Roadmaster Pilot GMT COSC Chronometer, Zelos Mako 300M Traveler GMT Meteorite, Seiko SSC813 quartz solar powered chronograph It's weird being the same age as old people. - Stan

29 August 2021, 05:46 AM	#2
sportsfan0704 "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2021 Location: New York Posts: 876	I see your location is New York. If you’re in the city or can drive, bring it right to the Rolex service center. They will take care of it and you won’t have to go through AD. It’s possible that the AD doesn’t have their own on site repairs and thus is not familiar with ordering parts. In nyc for example, Wempe which has service on site and watchmakers looked up a part for me and would have done the repair. Watches of Switzerland on the other hand had no idea what I was referring to and didn’t seem to know there was a place to look up and order parts. Mind you this involved a simple link…

29 August 2021, 06:04 AM	#5
brandrea 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Real Name: Brian (TBone) Location: canada Watch: es make me smile Posts: 78,106	NOS with an engraved caseback Never heard of that one before.

29 August 2021, 06:48 AM	#10
dannyp Banned Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: usa Posts: 6,765	You do realize that the Milgauss is supposed to have an engraved case back, right? Just want to make sure you’re not looking at that and thinking it wasn’t supposed to be there.

29 August 2021, 07:10 AM	#13
HideMyWalletPlease "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: Houston Posts: 1,090	Change your name. Problem solved.

29 August 2021, 07:36 AM	#15
sportsfan0704 "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2021 Location: New York Posts: 876	I've actually seen a few NOS watches with engraved case backs for sale. These pieces often are engraved for long time employees and given as gifts. I've seen quite a few with "Schlumburger" engraved on the back for sale, new with AD card.

28 October 2022, 05:17 AM	#22
Bridge_01 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2020 Location: UK Posts: 9	Just catching up on this thread. Did RSC end up replacing the caseback, if so do you mind specifying total cost? Thinking of doing so on one of my watches. Thanks!

28 October 2022, 06:16 AM	#24
SS Oyster 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: USA Posts: 9,218	Nobody’s name was done at Rolex, so it’s not factory. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

28 October 2022, 12:21 PM	#26
train-time 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: Plankton Location: US Watch: less Posts: 4,161	I believe Rolex engraves AD employee purchases. Some time ago I purchased a 16710 that still had all the stickers on it and it was engraved with a corporate logo and an employee name. Don't know who engraved it but I had it removed by Dalton at LA Watchworks.

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