Factory Warranty - How Often is it Used?

[thedarkcrystal]

Hello all,

I am on the verge of purchasing my first Rolex, a Datejust.

I'm torn between two watches for sale by highly regarded TRF forum members.

One is a NOS TT 116233 with Champaign dial which I really want because of the hidden clasp. Complete set but no longer under factory warranty. Basically brand new.

The other is an excellent 126233 TT with Champaign dial complete set dated AD sale of 10.2019 with full factory warranty. Literally 2 months old.

These watches are virtually the same price. Overall I really want the hidden clasp but I'm not sure if the clasp is worth sacrificing the factory warranty.

How often is the factory warranty used? I would appreciate any experience you may have.

[exador]

How lucky are you?

[PepsiBezel]

I used the warranty on a recent acquisition because it was outside the +/- 2 superlative chronometer standards. I also live near an RSC, so they regulated within a week.

The hidden clasp is aesthetically very nice, but I ended up moving my 116234 in large part because I couldn’t get a good fit with the super jubilee. I even tried the 1.25 link.

If I get another DJ36, it will be the 126XXX because of the easy link adjustable clasp, and also the thinner lugs and profile.

I’d go for the newer one if in your shoes.

Good luck!

[MikeyV]

I used the warranty on my new DJ41 when it started losing 9 spd. Then I got it back, working great. Now it looks like I'll be using it again, as the watch looks like it's doing the same crap.

Less than two years old.

[GGGMT]

Never used it. Get the watch you like and keep your fingers crossed as it’ll be with you a long time way past warranty.


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[Pantheon]

I don't think it'll matter as there is a possibility that rolex will void your warranty anyways buying from grey market

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[thedarkcrystal]

Thanks for the responses everyone. If I were to buy the NOS datejust should I assume I need to get it serviced fairly soon after I buy it?

[GGGMT]

if it is truly NOS, and not BSNOS, It should not need service for many years


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[Tools]

Warranty is seldom used.

Even if a watch completely fails in a couple of years though, it's only 700 bucks for a full service and an almost new watch.

I wouldn't buy a watch I don't really want, over one I do want, based on some future event that may never occur.

[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by Tools

Warranty is seldom used.



Even if a watch completely fails in a couple of years though, it's only 700 bucks for a full service and an almost new watch.



I wouldn't buy a watch I don't really want, over one I do want, based on some future event that may never occur.

The dude is exactly right.


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[NachoNeal]

If you know, or can find, a good private watch repair guy, I personally would not worry about a warranty. As an example, last time my sub was running fast and my seiko was running slow my local watch guy charged me just a few hundred dollars to get things running perfect.

I like to keep things simple and local. Not interested in dropping off my watch with some guy, that's going to mail it to another guy, in another State.

[enjoythemusic]

Only once due to being +7 sec a day when brand new... and think out of 8 that was the only one. I'd always opt for the watch that I truly want, as any modern Rolex can easily be fixed / re-regulated.

[Seibei]

Get the one you want.

[Calatrava r]

I have used the warranty twice. One thing about Rolex is they stand behind their products and their warranty service is above all others. These are mechanical devices and stuff can and will happen. No big deal with a company like Rolex.

[RJRJRJ]

Originally Posted by thedarkcrystal

Thanks for the responses everyone. If I were to buy the NOS datejust should I assume I need to get it serviced fairly soon after I buy it?

I would assume everything would be fine, but factor in the possibility of a service. If it's working fine when you receive it you should be good to go.

[Jimmy 1665]

My Sub ND (114060) had to go back under warranty as the bezel became bi-directional last year. The ball bearing mechanism had a hissy fit.
Came back a couple of weeks later all sorted. This maybe a production defect, as has happened to other owners.
As far as the timekeeping goes, no issues at all.

[myporsche]

Get the watch you want and like the most. Rolex is one of the most independently serviced watches on the planet, plenty and plenty of great independent watchmakers that can service a Rolex.

[British-GT]

I’m using the warranty at the moment due to a rotor failure, but it’s the first time in 30+ years of Rolex ownership I’ve need to!

[padi56]

Today the warranty is mainly used more since introduction of the new marketing -2+2 second spec, with many worrying over a couple of seconds out of 86400 in a day.But like all man/machine made mass produced items of around 900000 year, a very very tiny percentage may go wrong.

[thedarkcrystal]

Thank you everyone for your replies. After some consideration I went with my first choice and bought the NOS Datejust TT 116233 with Champaign dial complete set from forum member Justrolexes (SDwatches). It should arrive tomorrow (Wednesday) morning. This will be my first Rolex and needless to say I am rather excited.

Thanks again everyone. Fingers crossed.

[1William]

Good deal. Congratulations. Post pictures once you have the watch.

[TempoKing]

Never used the warranty
No need for service if it is new old stock

[Chiboy]

My slightly used Daytona had an issue where the chrono second hand would sometimes pause around 12 o'clock. Dropped it off at Rolex who gave it a complete service and it's been great ever since. Guessing that saved me $1,000 or so. But if the odds of needing a service under warrantee are 1 in 10 and the benefit is $1,000, I wouldn't pay more than $100 for that "insurance policy."

Sounds like you made the right choice.

[fsprow]

11 Rolexes over 20 years. One warranty service.

[vicsdca]

In today's world, anything that gains or loses any time at all cannot be considered a reliable timekeeping instrument. I rely on my phone when I need the time. This is why I'm done servicing watches unless they stop working completely and won't use the warranty if a watch deviates from COSC. As long as it winds, ticks and looks good on my wrist, I'm happy.

[thedarkcrystal]

Well it arrived today. I'll post pics in a few. The watch is in deed NOS and I'm thrilled.

[thedarkcrystal]

10th post.

[thedarkcrystal]

The NOS 116233 arrived this morning. Took it to the AD today and had it sized. This is my first rolex and I'm very happy with it. Cant wait for a sunny day so I can really see it shine. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences.

[thedarkcrystal]

[thedarkcrystal]

For some reason my URL photos dont seem to be showing.