Does Rolex actually laser weld?

[FL2024]

It seems impossible to get a straight answer on this topic. Myself and other users do not know what to believe. Some people strongly claim they do not, while others swear they do.

I heard someone say RSC NY does, but that claim was refuted by another user.

What is the truth? Laser weld or only polish?

[Pepperjack]

When I first toured the NY facility a number of years ago, Rolex had the means to laser weld. I believe there were two on staff at the time. The NY service center has since become the location where warranty pieces are serviced; as such, there appears to be a decrease in refinishers and laser welding is no longer offered (as of my most recent tour earlier this year).

If i remember correctly, PA does not laser weld. I believe but cannot confirm that Dallas is able to.

[omar-rye]

I asked the head watchmaker at RSC Toronto, Canada two months ago, and the answer was no (for that location).

[OG1982]

RSC in London does.

[THC]

Paging Bas…..

[Chefinspecteur]

RSC in Geneva does it as well

[londondude]

Originally Posted by OG1982

RSC in London does.

That's very interesting. I went to RSC in St. James's a few months and was told by someone at reception they don't do laser welding, Harrods RSC also told me the same thing, I was massively disappointed. They told me they would polish to the best of their abilities and so on.

Is it something they do but don't want to disclose? I know Steven WR Hale do it but they are not officially RSC although they are Rolex accredited.

[OG1982]

Originally Posted by londondude

That's very interesting. I went to RSC in St. James's a few months and was told by someone at reception they don't do laser welding, Harrods RSC also told me the same thing, I was massively disappointed. They told me they would polish to the best of their abilities and so on.

Is it something they do but don't want to disclose? I know Steven WR Hale do it but they are not officially RSC although they are Rolex accredited.

Maybe that’s a recent change, as they laser welded an Exp II for me back in 2020.


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[brandrea]

Originally Posted by omar-rye

I asked the head watchmaker at RSC Toronto, Canada two months ago, and the answer was no (for that location).

Raphael?

[londondude]

Originally Posted by OG1982

Maybe that’s a recent change, as they laser welded an Exp II for me back in 2020.


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I take you were happy with the job they did. I will pop in again and press them on the subject. If they had the machine to do it then they should be able to do it now as well. Thanks for letting me know!

[MRBolton]

I was recently told by a manager that RSC NY does no laser welding.

[omar-rye]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Raphael?

Yup, he’s a solid guy

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by omar-rye

Yup, he’s a solid guy

He assisted me with authorization on a 5513 years ago. Great guy indeed


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[cascadez71]

Originally Posted by Pepperjack

The NY service center has since become the location where warranty pieces are serviced; as such, there appears to be a decrease in refinishers and laser welding is no longer offered (as of my most recent tour earlier this year).

Warranty work is now also conducted at RSC Dallas, just sent and received a watch back this week from them. I specifically asked if I had to send to NY and they did not acknowledge that, just provided instructions for RSC Dallas.

I had a separate watch with a different warranty consideration (dust on date wheel) sent into Dallas in 2021 and they did handled it there as well.

[Tools]

I don't believe the RSC has ever done cosmetic laser welding in concert with a service.

Welding has been used for decades for actual repairs of broken parts, but laser welding and using it as cosmetic fill is a relatively new process for watches. It is labor intensive and not cost effective for a mainstream Service Center

File Photo

laser lug.jpg

[Hollie_Rollie]

So many good independents who can laser weld with spectacular results. RSC being able to provide this service is never a thought for most


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[FL2024]

Originally Posted by Hollie_Rollie

So many good independents who can laser weld with spectacular results. RSC being able to provide this service is never a thought for most


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Like who?

[Hollie_Rollie]

Originally Posted by FL2024

Like who?

LAWW, Rolliworks, ZWC to name a few


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[sportsfan0704]

Not sure, but I suspect it’s something they won’t tell you explicitly. Even recently when I called Rolex service center New York, I got a different answer about something then when I walked in and asked them in person. Then I got a different answer a third time in person. I asked AP if they weld and they said no, but other users said AP welded their watches so…

Also, as others have said, there are independents who weld and do a great job. Zimmerman in particular has a parts account that I know of. I believe rollieworks as well. If they can do it, I would just go that route.

[SpeedyTuomas]

if not, they should. I dont want the whole watch polished to oblivion just because of one scratch or dent.

Edit: One source said that only ALS does that within the branch service but who knows?

[Daytonaman799]

I wish they did

[FL2024]

Originally Posted by sportsfan0704

Not sure, but I suspect it’s something they won’t tell you explicitly. Even recently when I called Rolex service center New York, I got a different answer about something then when I walked in and asked them in person. Then I got a different answer a third time in person. I asked AP if they weld and they said no, but other users said AP welded their watches so…

Also, as others have said, there are independents who weld and do a great job. Zimmerman in particular has a parts account that I know of. I believe rollieworks as well. If they can do it, I would just go that route.

Someone else mentioned that. From a marketing and sales perspective, it wouldn’t make sense to gatekeep it. So idk..