16700 Service Advice

[_fabian_]

Hello everyone
I’m fortunate to have been passed down a Rolex 16700 GMT-Master from the early 90s. It still runs well but I’m afraid it hasn’t been serviced in ages, if at all.. I want to wear it regularly and would like to bring it to a watchmaker for a service, but I have no experience with Rolex watch services. I’ve seen plenty warnings about sending the watch to Rolex for a service since they appear to have a tendency to swap out original parts with new parts. Is that right? What would be your recommendations on what I should do to ensure the watch receives a good maintenance and I can be happy wearing it for a long time? What would be a realistic budget for the service?
I live in Switzerland and when I recently enquired at Bucherer, they mentioned they would ship it to Rolex with a TAT of 12-15 weeks and ca 1500 CHF budget.
Looking forward to read your thoughts.


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[Tools]

Rolex, or any competent watchmaker, will change worn parts of the movement with new parts, this is the whole point of a service

Rolex does not have a tendency to change other parts, you have to approve and pay for those parts not included in the service.

Typically you want to keep the original dial and handset, but if they are damaged you need to decide if you want new or compromised parts.

[saxo3]

Don't ask Bucherer but either send your watch directly to Rolex HQ in Geneva or bring it there yourself. Ask for a service quote and you will receive an offer.

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by _fabian_

Hello everyone
I’m fortunate to have been passed down a Rolex 16700 GMT-Master from the early 90s. It still runs well but I’m afraid it hasn’t been serviced in ages, if at all.. I want to wear it regularly and would like to bring it to a watchmaker for a service, but I have no experience with Rolex watch services. I’ve seen plenty warnings about sending the watch to Rolex for a service since they appear to have a tendency to swap out original parts with new parts. Is that right? What would be your recommendations on what I should do to ensure the watch receives a good maintenance and I can be happy wearing it for a long time? What would be a realistic budget for the service?
I live in Switzerland and when I recently enquired at Bucherer, they mentioned they would ship it to Rolex with a TAT of 12-15 weeks and ca 1500 CHF budget.
Looking forward to read your thoughts.


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Rolex will not just replace anything, but they will replace parts that are damaged/worn out.

Generally during a regular service the following parts are replaced: Gaskets, tube, springbars, a couple of gears, mainspring and barrel, a screw or two, rotor axle.

If there's additional damage you will hear that before you accept the estimate. Usually these additional parts are things like a crystal and crown but can also be bridges or the rotor if they have rubbed for too long.

If the dial and hands are slightly damaged you will get these offered optionally, but usually you can decline this if the lume is not too damaged and at risk of falling out.

[rootbeer7]

Go directly to Rolex. You’ll get amazing service by their own experts, a new warranty card, Rolex service pouch and unless you agree to replacement parts and polish, it will come back as you sent it but working better!! In my opinion, whilst I wouldn’t necessarily want new dial, hands and bezel, I’d be happy to let them polish it.

[_fabian_]

Thank you all for the great comment. Reading the various inputs, I’m much more reassured going directly to Rolex for a service. I had some concerns from stories I’ve read across different forums. I definitely want to retain the dial, hands, bezel etc. the watch is in fantastic condition considering it was bought in 1996.
I won’t make it to Geneva any time soon, but I’ll see what options I have to get the watch there.


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