Rolex Sub service?

[wjsesq]

I own an x seriel sub that has not been serviced in about 15 years. It keeps good time for its age and am wondering if I’m over due for a look. Thanks!

[TBS]

If it runs fine, I would seriously consider leaving a good thing alone. If it is out of spec for keeping time, then a service might be in order.

[0nly5iv3Digits]

Whether to service or not depends on a few factors. If it hasn’t been worn much, leave it alone. If it’s your daily wear, yes. Service it.

[SOG DIVER]

If you are wearing it regularly, as noted, a full service is warranted after 15 years.

Keep in mind that delayed service too long may result in wear to caliber parts that
may mount up. Each watch is an individual reference, but few do well without cleaning and
lubrication over time. A CW-21 Rolex specialist or an RSC, your choice.

[Tools]

If it's running fine, that's great.

How are the seals? Any corrosion at the case-back? Has the crown and tube taken a knock over the years and leaking? Power reserve still at optimum?

There is more to maintenance than just keeping time.

[Dendi]

I would personally get it serviced, just to be on the safe side. Every 10 years is not too much to ask for to make sure your watch is properly lubed, regulated etc.

[swiss_seth]

The whole leaving it alone until there is a problem is not a good idea from my personal experience. I didnt that with my 16610 D and eventually it developed rotor rub from a worn pinion. If I had serviced the watch around every 8 years that probably would not have happened.

I have my X 16233 in for service now. Just bought it and bracelet is mint but I noticed the crown and tube were pretty worn plus the crystal was after market and date magnification was off although it was a nice crystal.

I was quoted around 1150 for

New date wheel
New crown and tube
New hands
New Crystal
and whatever inside unless there is bigger problem which I doubt.

I passed on the polish since the watch looks great as is which the watchmaker says saves 150 so that will drop it to 1000.

He said basic service is 800 and with no polish is 650. This is from a local Rolex boutique with in house RSC certified and trained at Lititz, PA LWT technician.


Now peace of mind for waterproofness and another 8-10 years.


Definitely go with a service and I would always say use a RSC or official boutique watchmaker.

[brandrea]

I’d leave it be, but there’s really no right or wrong. This question is sort of similar to “do you think a watch winder is good?” There are basically two camps

[RotorSelfWinding]

A service is an investment in the future. If you plan on wearing your watch a lot in the future, get I serviced. If not, pass on it.

[martygene]

Originally Posted by swiss_seth

The whole leaving it alone until there is a problem is not a good idea from my personal experience. I didnt that with my 16610 D and eventually it developed rotor rub from a worn pinion. If I had serviced the watch around every 8 years that probably would not have happened.

I have my X 16233 in for service now. Just bought it and bracelet is mint but I noticed the crown and tube were pretty worn plus the crystal was after market and date magnification was off although it was a nice crystal.

I was quoted around 1150 for

New date wheel
New crown and tube
New hands
New Crystal
and whatever inside unless there is bigger problem which I doubt.

I passed on the polish since the watch looks great as is which the watchmaker says saves 150 so that will drop it to 1000.

He said basic service is 800 and with no polish is 650. This is from a local Rolex boutique with in house RSC certified and trained at Lititz, PA LWT technician.


Now peace of mind for waterproofness and another 8-10 years.


Definitely go with a service and I would always say use a RSC or official boutique watchmaker.

they don't strip the movement down and completely service it for that cost do they?

[Pepperjack]

Originally Posted by martygene

they don't strip the movement down and completely service it for that cost do they?

A service for a modern professional model starts at $850. This includes disassembly of the movement and case. Some models' base price are more, some are less

[swiss_seth]

Originally Posted by martygene

they don't strip the movement down and completely service it for that cost do they?

Yes they do full disassembly

[Ron P]

Asked many times before here. If you love your sub, have it serviced, if only for the seals and gaskets alone already. They are not good anymore after 15 years for sure.
Ask yourself also would you drive your car without any service for 15 years, do you never go to the dentist of GP for a checkup on your blood.

Now ask yourself again: How about a long overdue check of your watch. If the watchmaker after examining the inside tells you, all good, leave it and come back 5 hears later, else do the service.

And why not not, you could afford 5k or 10k dollars when you bought the watch and now a stepping away for 1000 dollars to have him perfect again. I miss the logic here from many off the responders to the OP’s question.

If it was a Seiko, I would not mind, I buy a cheap one when I go on vacation and dump them in bin when back on the airport. Nothing lost here, but for a beautifull Rolex you should take care well of him.

[007Sub]

Originally Posted by Ron P

Asked many times before here. If you love your sub, have it serviced, if only for the seals and gaskets alone already. They are not good anymore after 15 years for sure.
Ask yourself also would you drive your car without any service for 15 years, do you never go to the dentist of GP for a checkup on your blood.

Now ask yourself again: How about a long overdue check of your watch. If the watchmaker after examining the inside tells you, all good, leave it and come back 5 hears later, else do the service.

And why not not, you could afford 5k or 10k dollars when you bought the watch and now a stepping away for 1000 dollars to have him perfect again. I miss the logic here from many off the responders to the OP’s question.

If it was a Seiko, I would not mind, I buy a cheap one when I go on vacation and dump them in bin when back on the airport. Nothing lost here, but for a beautifull Rolex you should take care well of him.

Well said Ron!

Agreed 100% with that sentiment. To add, even if a watch sits unworn for 15 years the shelf life of the lubricants is only about 6 years even for the synthetic oils. Gaskets dry up as well after some time. If you value your watch, take care of it and get it serviced at regular intervals and then you will avoid more costly overhauls down the road needing to replace parts that have been worn beyond repair due to long standing lack of proper lubrication and service.

[tzwick]

Yes, after 15 years, it's definitely time for a service. Regular maintenance ensures your Rolex stays in top condition. Better safe than sorry!