Send Sub Date to RSC or Not?

[TruthBalance]

I have a five-digit Sub Date that I purchased new in 2009. It’s run flawless all these years so has not been sent to RSC for maintenance. I had kept it on a Wolf watch winder. Recently, after being on the winder for a few weeks straight, noted that the watch stopped running. When I gently shake the watch, I hear what I would describe as a mechanical unwinding sound (mainspring?). The watch functions okay otherwise, winding, setting and running. It just does not work on the winder anymore and there’s the unwinding sound, obviously, related.

Given that Dallas RSC has partially opened back up, does the TRF brain trust think I should send it in for service? Just want to make sure if I opt to not send it in now, I don’t damage it. Thanks in advance for your thoughts. Regards, TB

[macrowatch]

Only to Dallas IMO not to NY right now to avoid any issues.

[N2theCAPE]

I believe it was Shakespeare who went through this same exact conundrum.

No issues going through my AD in NJ when I sent in my pre-2000s Sub for servicing.

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[Spoonage]

You can always go to a trusted independent as well if they're doors are open. There are many options to choose from and many on this forum have nothing but good things to say about many. I feel like the stories I read about the RSC are a mixed bag. Personally I would probably only send to RSC if under warranty otherwise any service could likely be done faster and more cost effective elsewhere so long as that Rolex warranty card isn't a big factor of the reasoning for using the RSC.

[enjoythemusic]

RSC Dallas visit is in your future. Just sent them a piece last week to repair under warranty. Added benefit, you get 2 year warranty after repair.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by TruthBalance

I have a five-digit Sub Date that I purchased new in 2009. It’s run flawless all these years so has not been sent to RSC for maintenance. I had kept it on a Wolf watch winder. Recently, after being on the winder for a few weeks straight, noted that the watch stopped running. When I gently shake the watch, I hear what I would describe as a mechanical unwinding sound (mainspring?). The watch functions okay otherwise, winding, setting and running. It just does not work on the winder anymore and there’s the unwinding sound, obviously, related.

Given that Dallas RSC has partially opened back up, does the TRF brain trust think I should send it in for service? Just want to make sure if I opt to not send it in now, I don’t damage it. Thanks in advance for your thoughts. Regards, TB

Expect it was your watch crying for be left on one of these inanimate machine things, instead of being on the best winder in the world called wrists.

[AndyWright]

RSC is definitely the best move for this one.

[RHIII]

Originally Posted by Spoonage

You can always go to a trusted independent as well if they're doors are open. There are many options to choose from and many on this forum have nothing but good things to say about many. I feel like the stories I read about the RSC are a mixed bag. Personally I would probably only send to RSC if under warranty otherwise any service could likely be done faster and more cost effective elsewhere so long as that Rolex warranty card isn't a big factor of the reasoning for using the RSC.

You are spot on. People forget that there are certified watchmakers out there and certified master watchmakers out there that can do EXACTLY the same work that RSC will do - as well as have access to source genuine parts. That is always the route I would go as well - unless it’s warranty work.


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[goodolejr]

Originally Posted by RHIII

You are spot on. People forget that there are certified watchmakers out there and certified master watchmakers out there that can do EXACTLY the same work that RSC will do - as well as have access to source genuine parts. That is always the route I would go as well - unless it’s warranty work.


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Just curious, is there a running list --perhaps a TRF thread or external site--of indies with an active Rolex parts accounts?

[Deep18]

RolliWorks would be my choice.

[Tools]

Sounds to me like a winder issue, not a watch issue.

If the winder no longer turns it enough to keep it at a steady state of wind or more, the watch will eventually run down and stop - right on the winder.

[Event Horizon]

can't go wrong w/ RSC Dallas or Rolliworks.

[Event Horizon]

Originally Posted by goodolejr

Just curious, is there a running list --perhaps a TRF thread or external site--of indies with an active Rolex parts accounts?

Would love to know this as well.

[honkymf]

I have a Panerai sitting in Dallas right now. It’s been there almost a month now, and strangely enough, the mainspring on mine was broken.

I think you should send it in. They are super great at staying in touch and communicating. They could easily let you know what you’re looking at.


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[kscarandwatchguy]

I used Rik Dietel from Time care inc.(fast and friendly ). got mine back yesterday after I think 2 weeks

[77T]

The sound you hear wouldn’t be the mainspring - maybe the rotor - but not the mainspring.

Test the Sub yourself by fully winding it then wearing it for a week. Measure the accuracy at the end of the week and average the total gain or loss by # of full days observed.

I’m not saying an overhaul is a bad thing - but if the watch is performing well then your Wolf Winder was set wrong to keep the perpetual mechanism operating effectively.

If it was me, I’d wait until things at RSC return to normal. Also, even an indie watchmaker with a parts account relies on parts shipments that have been on hold for a while.


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[Amochosto]

My wife has an old lady DateJust that got to the point that the winding mechanism was gummed up to the extent that, based on a vibration that happened when hand winding, it seemed the rotor was spinning as hand winding occurred, and the automatic winding did not work. Sent to RSC and fixed within a month.

[TruthBalance]

Thank you all for your inputs thus far, good info, greatly appreciated. One thing is certain, I will definitely send the watch in for service. Where and when is still the open question.

[SearChart]

Rsc.

[RHIII]

Originally Posted by goodolejr

Just curious, is there a running list --perhaps a TRF thread or external site--of indies with an active Rolex parts accounts?

Not that I’m aware of. But would be good information for sure.


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[burneyr]

Originally Posted by kscarandwatchguy

I used Rik Dietel from Time care inc.(fast and friendly ). got mine back yesterday after I think 2 weeks

Rik over RSC for my collection -

[joli160]

RSC would be my first choice

[rajcuatrista]

I too had Rik service my timepiece, highly regarded watchmaker.

[gr74]

For me it has always been the RSC.


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[TruthBalance]

Update:

After a very pleasant conversation with Dallas RSC, I opted to send the Sub in for service. They sent me a mailing package which made it very easy to get the watch packed and sent off. They recommended a full service with a eight week timeline. Stay tuned.

[Sgooter]

Originally Posted by TruthBalance

Update:

After a very pleasant conversation with Dallas RSC, I opted to send the Sub in for service...

I believe you made the right decision. I sent my GMT to Dallas 2 years ago. It took 8 weeks, and they did a superb job.

[TruthBalance]

Update:

After eight weeks to the day, the Sub Date is back! Dallas RSC did a fantastic job, the watch looks new. Polish job is flawless. It’s like an incoming new watch day, guess it will be getting the majority of the wrist time. I’m extremely impressed with their entire level of service from beginning to end. They even through in a Rolex watch pouch. This was definitely the right decision for me and I would not hesitate to use them again if the need arises.

[101031-28]

Originally Posted by TruthBalance

Update:

After a very pleasant conversation with Dallas RSC, I opted to send the Sub in for service. They sent me a mailing package which made it very easy to get the watch packed and sent off. They recommended a full service with a eight week timeline. Stay tuned.

Excellent decision, keep us posted

[Me4u2night]

Originally Posted by TruthBalance

I have a five-digit Sub Date that I purchased new in 2009. It’s run flawless all these years so has not been sent to RSC for maintenance. I had kept it on a Wolf watch winder. Recently, after being on the winder for a few weeks straight, noted that the watch stopped running. When I gently shake the watch, I hear what I would describe as a mechanical unwinding sound (mainspring?). The watch functions okay otherwise, winding, setting and running. It just does not work on the winder anymore and there’s the unwinding sound, obviously, related.

Given that Dallas RSC has partially opened back up, does the TRF brain trust think I should send it in for service? Just want to make sure if I opt to not send it in now, I don’t damage it. Thanks in advance for your thoughts. Regards, TB

It's had a good run. Send that bad boy in for service!

[m j b]

Originally Posted by TruthBalance

Update:

After eight weeks to the day, the Sub Date is back! Dallas RSC did a fantastic job, the watch looks new. Polish job is flawless. It’s like an incoming new watch day, guess it will be getting the majority of the wrist time. I’m extremely impressed with their entire level of service from beginning to end. They even through in a Rolex watch pouch. This was definitely the right decision for me and I would not hesitate to use them again if the need arises.

Awesome! That's how it should be, and (I'd presume) how it is 98% of the time. It's the 2% unhappy campers who complain on forums and don't like something that the service center did, or didn't do.

I'm happy for you. Now, stop using that winder and just wear the thing!