UK Kings Hill RSC

[chidcp1]

I just wanted to give a big thumbs up to the Kings Hill RSC.

I managed to 'whack' my Explorer I on the edge of a granite worktop, putting a big gouge in the bezel and a hairline subsurface 'chip' on the edge of the crystal.

It's a Mk1 214270 from 2016 - last of the Mk1 dial/hands. Fortunately, I live about 30 mins from the Kings Hill RSC, so popped along.

They inspected the watch while I waited and confirmed the damage. They won't do a 'parts' repair on a watch outside of warranty without it having a full service at the same time - I expected that was the case, so left it with them. Within 48 hours I had the official quote for full service and new crystal, with an estimated 10 weeks turnaround.

Exactly 4 weeks since leaving it with them, I got the email that it was ready for collection!

Picked it up yesterday and it really does look like a 'new watch'. The finishing - polishing and brushing - I would say are exceptional. The new crystal is now AG and does make the dial 'pop' more.

I had read 'stories' that they might change the Mk1 dial/hands for Mk2 as part of a full service, but that did not happen. I asked the technician dealing with the handover, if that ever occurred? Absolutely not, he said. The serial number is intrinsically to the Mk1 dial/hands and the parts software would always pull the same as the original dial/hands if they needed replacing. Even then, he said no parts would ever be changed without the customer's prior confirmation. One of the 'quality' checks is a final visual comparison of the completed watch with a photograph from before they started the work, just to check 'nothing obvious' had changed/occurred!

So I now have 'a new' looking Explorer I with a 2 year warranty . I'm on a list for a Sub and I planned to sell the Explorer if/when the Sub turns up, but I'm now in two minds not to worry about the Sub if offered. The Explorer I looks great and flies under the radar nicely and I've never got bored with it in nearly 6 years as a daily wearer! A decision for the future maybe?

But I'd whole heartedly recommend the Kings Hill RSC.

[AmirudinAbduk]

The AG crystal , is it ar coating?

[chidcp1]

Yes, I meant AR, not AG!

It's AR on the underside of the crystal only, but it makes a noticeable difference to the overall clarity.

[AmirudinAbduk]

Ooo thats interesting to know. I have a 214270 and i believe it doesn’t have AR coating, i wonder if it will get an AR crystal if i send it for service.

[chidcp1]

They won't replace the crystal as part of the regular service - mine was chipped, so had to be replaced.

Replacing the crystal only added £68+VAT to the cost of the full service, so you could always ask for a replacement crystal?

The quotation is listed as:

Replace crystal
- sapphire crystal d31.8 1.8 anti-refl & gasket. 68.00

[AmirudinAbduk]

Thanks :)