Supply Chain problems and Rolex?

[Griswald]

All,

I sent my 1998 Rolex 14000M to a very reputable watch service company that came highly recommended on TRF. I chose this person because I did not want anything replaced or polished by and RSC.
I sent the watch in at the end of December. They told me it was a 3-4 month wait for the work (overhaul) and once the case was opened there was some work needed. No problem. Now I have been waiting for over a month for their parts supplier to provide them with a few parts needed...They will use official Rolex parts-which is exactly what I want,

Here is the rub...they are not very responsive to my emails, and they are telling me they are working all of their channels for a parts supply, but drawing a blank.

This watch person has the CW21 and a bunch of other stuff...but I am feeling a bit empty by the lack of communication. I have already sent half payment (of a $2,600 estimate) but I am wondering if I should just cut my losses and have them send it back and then resend to an RSC?

What say you all?
Griswald

[GradyPhilpott]

I have no idea whom you are talking about, but there is a reputable watchmaker on this forum who can be slow to communicate, but, as far as I know, his reputation for quality service still stands.

Maybe we are talking about the same man.

[superdog]

Hold. This is typical.

You won’t get burned. It’s just taking longer then anticipated.

[Old Expat Beast]

$2.6k seems a heck of a lot for a 14000M service that Rolex would do for about $750. What needed replacing?

[csaltphoto]

Does this person have a Rolex parts account? $2600 is a pretty expensive service and if they don't have a parts account they may be trying to source the needed parts from the limited and expensive supplies of official Rolex parts that exist outside the official network. It would be helpful if you mentioned what work was needed for the that price.

[Oystersteel92]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

$2.6k seems a heck of a lot for a 14000M service that Rolex would do for about $750. What needed replacing?

That does seem VERY expensive. I spent $1950 to bring my wife's 26mm OP back from the dead. 25 years old and never serviced, so it required a LOT of work from RSC, plus an additional bracelet link and still under 2 grand.

[mountainjogger]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

$2.6k seems a heck of a lot for a 14000M service that Rolex would do for about $750. What needed replacing?

Good question.

[BillA]

Sounds like one of the reasons you chose a 3rd party to service your watch was price because when it comes to polishing the watch you could tell the RSC to either not polish or lightly polish, or polish areas you want.

With supply problems all over this planet you may have to wait a long time if you stay with this repair shop. I don’t know about you, but I want my watch back ASAP from repair because I want to wear it and enjoy it. So now you have a decision to fish or cut bait.

[1William]

I would get a number and call and have a conversation. If the watch is still going to be months away or if they can not give you a time frame I would get the watch sent back and ask for a refund. A lot of people give the RSC a hard time and they can make mistakes but they do great work and the time frames are what they say they are. They also have the parts. I would cut my loses if you do not get the answers you need to hear. I also would not wait for more months. Good luck and let us know what happens.