Calling all watch servicing experts....please help

[Wkpas]

Hi all

Looking at a 2007 sub date and I have come across one at a reputable second hand dealer. The watch in question has service papers dated Jan 2020 from a RSC but it states they swapped out the bezel insert, sapphire crystal, hands and dial.

Why would a 2007 watch need those items replaced? Was it damaged? Should I steer clear?

Thoughts and comments welcome


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[Speed]

Water / other damage?

Perhaps the watch was dropped, sapphire cracked, dial/hands impacted as a result.

If the price is right, I would get it checked out.

[Oldfellow]

If RSC serviced it in January, whatever the issue was would have been sorted.
I think you should be pretty safe.

[Napoleon]

Sounds like it got run over by a bus. With all that work, is it even the same watch anymore? An existential question only you can answer I guess. I'd personally steer clear.

[Dirt]

There should(in theory) be no issues with the watch if it's been dealt with by Rolex.
It seems there was no expense spared as well, which is a good sign.

The only unknown is how long before the previous owner had it repaired after sustaining the damage to the watch if it was water damaged.
It would also seem that it may have been dropped

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by Napoleon

Sounds like it got run over by a bus. With all that work, is it even the same watch anymore? An existential question only you can answer I guess. I'd personally steer clear.

Can't have been run over by a bus as the Mid-case would've been badly damaged.

[jimcarver]

RSC wouldn't have released it if there were still problems. If the price is right then go for it. Even more so if you don't plan on selling in the future.

[bleighs]

I guess the question is how will its performance hold up 3-5 years from now...

[ToyotaMoe]

What’s the asking price and can you post some pics?

[Rocket_Man]

The RSC typically wants to return the watch to like new condition unless they are told otherwise. So there may have been some damage for some reason, who knows, and you probably don't really need to worry. You are essentially getting a new watch for a used watch price.

You should look at the case and bracelet for signs of excessive polish which may indicate some major trauma. Baring that I can't see why this would hold me back. It is not like they replaced a vintage gilt dial for a service dial.

[Acidstain]

Possibly dropped face first. Shattered crystal upon impact, resulted in bent hands and scratched dial.


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[padi56]

Originally Posted by Napoleon

Sounds like it got run over by a bus. With all that work, is it even the same watch anymore? An existential question only you can answer I guess. I'd personally steer clear.

Complete nonsense things like crystals inserts plus many others are often replaced at normal routine service if showing the slightest signs of wear or marking.And after service watch will have a two year warranty and I am sure Rolex would not release any watch if it was not up to 100% working spec.Plus the fact than any watch thats 13 years old could show slight chips on crystals wear on hands marks on dial etc.Many of the replies in this thread are purely beyond believe and mostly scaremongering nonsense.

[Ian Macdermott]

So your thinking of buying a 2007 watch that has been fully serviced by RSC and has a two year warranty. I would say you should have no worries.

Good grief don't over think things RSC will change everything they can to bring the watch back to new condition.

[SearChart]

I wouldn't worry about it. If it's a good deal, go for it.

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by padi56

Complete nonsense things like crystals inserts plus many others are often replaced at normal routine service if showing the slightest signs of wear or marking.And after service watch will have a two year warranty and I am sure Rolex would not release any watch if it was not up to 100% working spec.Plus the fact than any watch thats 13 years old could show slight chips on crystals wear on hands marks on dial etc.Many of the replies in this thread are purely beyond believe and mostly scaremongering nonsense.

100000000% correct. Maybe a sub-genre of TRF'ers are the one who never to rarely wear their timepieces so expect full original everything on a 13 year old timepiece. That's a big bummer, as these wonderful timepieces are meant to be worn, not to be safe queens.

Guess that's the difference between enthusiasts who love and regularly wear their timepieces.... and collectors who only care about resale value and condition.

Please, pretty please Padi, can TRF start a sub-board for pricing and collectors versus true enthusiasts who wear their timepieces. Pleeeeeeeeeease.

PS: And yes i know this request from many of us here falls on totally deaf ears here on TRF. Bummer.

PPS: Perhaps TRF needs to start an auction house

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by padi56

Complete nonsense things like crystals inserts plus many others are often replaced at normal routine service if showing the slightest signs of wear or marking.And after service watch will have a two year warranty and I am sure Rolex would not release any watch if it was not up to 100% working spec.Plus the fact than any watch thats 13 years old could show slight chips on crystals wear on hands marks on dial etc.Many of the replies in this thread are purely beyond believe and mostly scaremongering nonsense.

Maybe Rolex needs a disposable product line