Service only at AD?

[Vdub1776]

Hey guys my Batman is due for servicing. Does using an authorized AD the ONLY way to go? What are your thoughts? Anyone used another shop besides an AD with great results? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[MRBolton]

I would send it in to Rolex Service Center directly. Call them for instructions. (833) 765-3900

[CarlOver]

Some AD have Rolex trained watchmakers so that might be an option for you.

[MRBolton]

Originally Posted by CarlOver

Some AD have Rolex trained watchmakers so that might be an option for you.

If it's like my local AD for the OP, then I'd steer clear personally. I've had one watch serviced by my local AD. The SA (who was the assistant manager at the time) removed the watch's bracelet to get the serial number. I think a half trained child could've done a better job than her. She scratched the back of the lugs and bracelet all up. Then she was about to throw it all into a plastic bag together.
The work the watchmaker did was alright, but I think RSC could've done a bit better job polishing the watch.
The thing about the RSC is that they have it almost like an assembly line approach. The person who does polishing, for example, does that all day every day, whereas the AD probably has one guy/gal doing the entire watch. The assembly line approach allows more expertise.

Most importantly, if something goes wrong with the service, you don't have to worry about souring your relationship with the AD.

[123Blueface]

I always ship directly to Rolex via Registered Mail.

[joli160]

Anecdotal but my experience with a Rolex AD was very poor. Since than I use only official Rolex owned RSC’s.
There should be no difference but at least with a RSC you are sure procedures etc. are in place. Their only business is to service Rolex watches.

If your BLNR runs fine you may not need a service at all and save you the hassle for another few years

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Vdub1776

Hey guys my Batman is due for servicing. Does using an authorized AD the ONLY way to go? What are your thoughts? Anyone used another shop besides an AD with great results? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Never thought comics like the batman need service,but if you mean your Rolex 116710BLNR then use any authorised RSC.

[1William]

My AD can service most Rolex watches through an authorized Tech they have on staff. Same as sending it to RSC. They will only do this for watches that are out of warranty though. I have utilized the RSC both in NY and Dallas and have consistently had good results. My only grip is how long it takes but I don't know if it was ready tomorrow I would still want it sooner. I have sent watches directly to the RSC before but now I just let my AD handle it. Takes longer to get the watch out to the RSC and back but everything else falls on the AD.

[brandrea]

I’d have them send it to Dallas via your AD

[Tools]

There are plenty of excellent watchmakers in the world, a Rolex does not have to go to a Dealer or the RSC for service, it's just a choice.

[996marty]

Originally Posted by Tools

There are plenty of excellent watchmakers in the world, a Rolex does not have to go to a Dealer or the RSC for service, it's just a choice.

This is really good advice. It all comes down to who you are comfortable working on your watch

[7enderbender]

One of the benefits of owing a Rolex is that you don’t have to deal with “ADs” for service but can communicate and send to an RSC directly. I’d recommend Dallas if you’re US based.

[klenboy]

There are Rolex AD's that have an in-house Rolex authorized service center in addition to Dallas, NY, & PA. Their service is the same where they use same Rolex tooling, genuine parts and can give you 2-year Rolex service warranty card. You even get the service watch pouch similar to what the the main RSC locations do. I would go about my search in this priority:-

1) Look for an AD with in-house Rolex authorized service
2) Find an AD that can send the watch to any main RSC for you
3) Send it to any of the main RSC locations

I wouldn't look for a local watchmaker to service a modern Rolex such as yours. Rolex will do a great job on it and give you an after-service warranty directly from them.

[S’portEye]

There are good watchmakers out there. If you are out of warranty, I would use an independent. I have used Rolliworks and had a nice experience with them. I have heard nice things about Philip Ridley, but have not used him.

[MrMercedes]

Only Rolex 4 my watches!

[tradeworks]

I had RSC Beverly Hills fully service my 16570 explorer II last year. Fantastic job.

Independents can be hit or miss - just do your homework and try seeing some examples of their work.

[thomlad54]

Last Tuesday I brought my Sub into Rolex NYC. They gave me an estimated repair time of 3 weeks.

Thom

[dublrnutn1]

I brought my Sub to an authorized Rolex dealer in the Chicagoland area for an in-house servicing and light polish. Completely satisfied, in fact keeps better time then when it was new. So there are some good watchmakers in-house.