Servicing vintage at RSC

[mikhaelj]

I bought this 16000 1981 vintage DJ. Thinking of sending it to RSC.
I dont want to replace the hour/min hands, date wheel or dial and acrylic. I'd like to keep the watch in its most vintage looks as much as possible. Do I have a choice or will RSC ignore my requests and once submitted for full service they do as they please?

Please let me know what to expect dealing with RSC on vintage or shall I go with Rolliwork or Giovanni?

[interestedwatcher]

I'd go with Rolliworks or similar. You can ask Rolex - but in the end they'll do whatever they want.

[MorningTundra]

Plenty of respected independents can be found on these forums that can do the job for you.

[Andad]

What did the RSC list on the service quote?

[zapokee]

RSCs are a crapshoot.

Some will do whatever you want, some will do certain things but not others, some will refuse to take requests at all, and some will do stuff that hasn't been requested.

Go independent.

[1William]

I would not use RSC on this vintage piece. I would go with someone that has the skill and expertise to service the watch but not update it. There are several that other TRF members speak highly of.

[brandrea]

Beautiful DJ Joey

I’d go with a respectable independent vintage watch guru

[mikhaelj]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Beautiful DJ Joey

I’d go with a respectable independent vintage watch guru

Hey Brandrea. Thank you! been hunting for this birthdate year 81 for years in this dial color


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[drockadam]

That’s a gorgeous DJ! Would love to see it stay in it’s original condition, as you would like as well.

[mikhaelj]

Hey team. Thank you, just as I thought independent it is. Can I get the vintage gurus advice on a few things here please?

1- do you think the case needs work, welding? I figured since it’s going in why not get it all done. Anything you notice?
2- any chance the dial lumes will get damaged during service?
3- What glass/acrylic I should have rolli use?

Any other advice or input you think I should I consider since it’s going in? I appreciate everyone’s help. Here are more shots:







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[swish77]

Very nice DJ! I disagree with the comments above. An RSC will not just do whatever they want. Those concerns are very exaggerated. I’ve used the RSC in NYC several times on my vintage Rolexes and never had a problem.

Just insist on a movement-only service and make sure the paperwork says that you don’t want the dial/hands changed and nothing polished. The only things that most likely will be mandatory are a new crown and crystal for water resistance. If that’s an issue for you, walk away.

They won’t change anything that’s not agreed to in advance by the customer. Why? Because it costs money to buy additional parts and those would need to be included on the estimate and approved in advance. RSCs are not in the habit of giving away free dials and hands.

I’m convinced that the rare horror stories online about RSCs gutting vintage Rolexes are because customers or ADs were not clear about what customers wanted.

[Nick9]

I don’t see anything about the look of your watch that needs work, except for a crystal polish. It’s a beauty. Personally I’d leave the case as it is.

So for me it would just be a movement service — and I also say “trusted independent”. Less bureaucracy and fuss.

You might consider getting the bracelet restored; it looks quite stretched. I had one done ar Rolliworks earlier this year and was very happy with the result.

[shaunylw]

I sent a 16570 and asked them not to polish it, watch got sent back to me hacked up and heavily polished. I sold it immediately.


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[Ljh1991]

I can only echo what others are saying. When it comes to a vintage Rolex, do not send it to them for servicing etc.
I nearly learnt this the hard way with my vintage 5513 1960s sub. Luckily I cancels before it went off.
I sent it to a local watch shop that deals with Rolex’s daily, cost around £1000 or so and came back exactly (in terms of atheistic) as how it left. But it came back running perfectly!

[swish77]

Originally Posted by shaunylw

I sent a 16570 and asked them not to polish it, watch got sent back to me hacked up and heavily polished. I sold it immediately.


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So, your RSC paperwork stated NOT to polish your Rolex and they did anyway? Which RSC?

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by swish77

So, your RSC paperwork stated NOT to polish your Rolex and they did anyway? Which RSC?

I always wonder if these horror stories really involve direct communication with an RSC, or if they go through ADs. Polishing is a bit easier to believe, since the cost would be included with a service anyway IIRC. I'm really skeptical when parts were replaced supposedly without approval.

[swaini3]

My experience was good with an RSC (not an AD). They did exactly what was requested only.

[Hollypoint]

I’ve used NY RSC every 10 years since 1980. Last time 2020. They have always made recommendations before commencing work, and always done only what I asked. On one occasion they talked me out of something because they thought it would harm the aesthetic. Other than the ridiculous cost they charge you should have no worries about your watch going there.

[rootbeer7]

I’ve used RSC St James in London on many vintage/neo vintage inc flat 4 LV and MK.1 1675. Explained service only and instructed polish on a couple of occasions. Totally satisfied and never lost the valuable parts!!

[mikhaelj]

Thanks again for the input I will go with rolliwork as I do want them to tighten the bracelet.
My Smurf is almost 6 years so that will go to RSC when the DJ is back. Can’t be away from both kids at the same time lol lol


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[1watch]

You may want to look for a different source to do the work. Do not have them touch the case, yes lume plots can be damaged if in the wrong hands, they are known to polish when asked not to do so.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by mikhaelj

My Smurf is almost 6 years so that will go to RSC when the DJ is back.

The Smurf is awesome. Do modern Rolexes need a service after only 6 years? I've had my SubC for 10 years, and it still purrs like a kitten...

[joli160]

Originally Posted by zapokee

The Smurf is awesome. Do modern Rolexes need a service after only 6 years? I've had my SubC for 10 years, and it still purrs like a kitten...

Normally not, even older ones don’t.
I have some already running two decades trouble free

[sleepydoc]

Forgive my ignorance but the concerns with polishing - people just want to avoid losing a thin layer of metal?

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by sleepydoc

Forgive my ignorance but the concerns with polishing - people just want to avoid losing a thin layer of metal?

The main concern is losing the original shape of the case, e.g. the sharp edges, chamfers, facets, and thickness of the lugs and crown guards. If you start paying attention to these details, you'll soon get a feel for it.

[mikhaelj]

Thought i'd revive this post. As promised, got the watch back from Mike at Rolliworks after 2.5 months. He did a superb job on this 16000 1981. Fully serviced and bracelet tightened with a light polish. I ended up swapping the smooth bezel with a WG fluted. Mike is amazing and highly recommended.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by mikhaelj

Thought i'd revive this post. As promised, got the watch back from Mike at Rolliworks after 2.5 months. He did a superb job on this 16000 1981. Fully serviced and bracelet tightened with a light polish. I ended up swapping the smooth bezel with a WG fluted. Mike is amazing and highly recommended.

Congrats, and glad to hear that they are making their way through their workload, since I think I saw they are moving soon-ish.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by mikhaelj

Thought i'd revive this post. As promised, got the watch back from Mike at Rolliworks after 2.5 months. He did a superb job on this 16000 1981. Fully serviced and bracelet tightened with a light polish. I ended up swapping the smooth bezel with a WG fluted. Mike is amazing and highly recommended.

Looks awesome!

Personally I prefer the correct smooth bezel, but each to his own - the fluted is a good look too. BTW, isn't the "50" bracelet for a GMT?

Merry Christmas!

[HarryLime]

They swapped the bezel? You requested that?

Also, what did they charge for everything, if you don't mind me asking.

[shaunylw]

Originally Posted by swish77

So, your RSC paperwork stated NOT to polish your Rolex and they did anyway? Which RSC?

Yes, i want to say it was Dallas. I sold it immediately when it came back. Lesson learned l, nothing else goes to RSC. they can handle the modern stuff. The watch came back looking great, but they really over polished it.