Rolex Service: What exactly will happen?

[Kingface66]

I know this has been a much-discussed topic, but there's one question for which I can't seem to find a definitive answer: What might be changed on my watch, whether I asked for it or not?
I have a 1966 gilt 5513 that is running fast. If I were to bring it to Rolex for servicing, and tell them that the timing issue is ALL I want corrected, is that all they will do? Cosmetically, t's in fantastic shape, though the bezel insert has faded to a to a deep blueish grey (which is pretty cool, to me). Is there any possibility that they might say "This looks bad, and old, and wrong, we're putting in a new, black one and keeping your old one"?

As always, thanks so much, gang.

[Vincent65]

Not if you tell them not to - be very specific and particular, and emphatic! Good luck - should be fine.

[SubKing]

Nothing will be done to your watch until you confirm the work order.

Rolex will get your watch, asses the service, then send you an invoice. Some will be service recommendations which you can decline, some will be mandatory.

If your watch is not currently under Rolex factory 2 year warranty, They will not touch it unless you pay for a movement service 1000%. Also, it has happened to me personally where rolex Dallas has serviced a 1680 of mine, I requested all parts are not to be replaced and guess what? They replaced them... there are many stories of this happening.

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by SubKing

Nothing will be done to your watch until you confirm the work order.

Rolex will get your watch, asses the service, then send you an invoice. Some will be service recommendations which you can decline, some will be mandatory.

If your watch is not currently under Rolex factory 2 year warranty, They will not touch it unless you pay for a movement service 1000%. Also, it has happened to me personally where rolex Dallas has serviced a 1680 of mine, I requested all parts are not to be replaced and guess what? They replaced them... there are many stories of this happening.

Yeah, it's the "guess what...they replaced them" stories that make me nervous. I just wasn't sure about their policy, especially with things like inserts

[g-boac]

Not only that, but my understanding is that unlike Omega, which return removed/replaced parts to you (albeit haphazardly packed in a plastic bag), Rolex retains and disposes of removed parts.

To be clear, I don't have service center experience with Rolex; I do have service center experience with Omega.

Your best best is to work with an independent watch maker. If in the US, I've seen positive feedback on here posted for Bob Ridley, in Texas. You may also want to put up a quick post and solicit feedback/references from others for their independent watchmaker of choice.

[powerfunk]

Originally Posted by SubKing

Nothing will be done to your watch until you confirm the work order.

Rolex will get your watch, asses the service, then send you an invoice. Some will be service recommendations which you can decline, some will be mandatory.

This. You have complete control. If you request a movement-only service, they'll do it. Just be specific if you don't want the date wheel changed, as it is considered a functional part of the movement.

Sent from my SPH-D710VMUB using Tapatalk 2

[swish77]

They will tell you the recommendations, which you can decline in most cases. A couple exceptions: crystal, corrosion on caseback that might jeopardize water resistance (new case needed) and crumbling tritium on a dial/hands that might be deemed a threat to the movement (new dial/hands). Those would be mandatory. However, they will tell you in advance, because you need to approve and PAY for these changes. You can always say no thanks and take your business elsewhere. Good luck.

[Kingface66]

Thanks so much, guys. Always appreciated!

[LandLawMan]

Originally Posted by SubKing

Nothing will be done to your watch until you confirm the work order.

Rolex will get your watch, asses the service, then send you an invoice. .

I gave my '96 Dayton (Zenith movement) to my local AD. They sent it to Dallas. I got a call with a price quote and an itemization of the proposed work, but I did not pay a penny until the watch was back at my AD, and placed in my hands for my inspection and my approval. All this occurred just a few weeks ago.

Is prepayment only necessary when you deal directly with the RSC, bypassing the AD? Or perhaps my specific AD does things differently than other ADs? Or perhaps is was my boyish charm and manly good looks?

[SubKing]

Originally Posted by powerfunk

This. You have complete control. If you request a movement-only service, they'll do it. Just be specific if you don't want the date wheel changed, as it is considered a functional part of the movement.

Sent from my SPH-D710VMUB using Tapatalk 2

I'm sorry but You are wrong on that one. I specified to rolex, keep all original parts including date indicator along with hands, dial etc. They never listened..

They replaced the date indicator against my wishes. They saw the mistake and after a lot of complaining they returned the original date indicator to me. Had to pay a local watch maker to install it back.

I have not sent a vintage rolex to RSC since.

Bob Ridley all the way.

[Vanquish1551]

Since you are in NY, you might check out Central Watch located in Grand Central Station. They have a rep for good work on vintage watches and not replacing original components when instructed to keep originality intact.

[Paul]

Originally Posted by Vanquish1551

Since you are in NY, you might check out Central Watch located in Grand Central Station. They have a rep for good work on vintage watches and not replacing original components when instructed to keep originality intact.

Even down here at the bottom of the world, we still have independent watchmakers with great skill and respect for vintage watches.
Sad to say though, we have some absolute cowboys too.

I say track down an independent whose reputation precedes them, take some time to clearly determine the work you want done, and all should be good :thumbsup

[GeoGio Greece]

Take the bezel off.
Keep it at home.
Tell them you lost it.
Let them place a new one ( around $ 50 ?? )
So you have a spare and the one you like.
They are happy, you are happy, and mainly, you avoid ALL mistakes

[Darlinboy]

Originally Posted by SubKing

I'm sorry but You are wrong on that one. I specified to rolex, keep all original parts including date indicator along with hands, dial etc. They never listened..

They replaced the date indicator against my wishes. They saw the mistake and after a lot of complaining they returned the original date indicator to me. Had to pay a local watch maker to install it back.

I have not sent a vintage rolex to RSC since.

Bob Ridley all the way.

A vintage specialist like BR or ABC Watchwerks would be my choice for vintage too.

[powerfunk]

Originally Posted by SubKing

I'm sorry but You are wrong on that one. I specified to rolex, keep all original parts including date indicator along with hands, dial etc. They never listened..

They replaced the date indicator against my wishes.

That's why I mentioned the date wheel specifically; they've changed date wheels without notice on me before, too. Another time, RSC NY did give me notice; they wouldn't even service my Air-King-Date without replacing its date wheel (I was lucky enough to get an open-6 service replacement somehow).

Anyway, most recently when I sent in an old OP Date and I specifically mentioned leaving the date wheel original (along with the insert/hands/dial, and no polishing) they respected it. Hopefully they're coming around. Or maybe I'm just lucky. Glad you got your original date wheel back, anyway!

[southtexas]

Send it to Rik in Florida and sleep well knowing it's in great hands.

[cfw]

Originally Posted by GeoGio Greece

Take the bezel off.
Keep it at home.
Tell them you lost it.
Let them place a new one ( around $ 50 ?? )
So you have a spare and the one you like.
They are happy, you are happy, and mainly, you avoid ALL mistakes

Thats the way to go, u dont argue with them if they do wrong and u wont loss ur temper either. They changed a dial on my Airking once, very uncooperative over the phone, funny how they changed there tune when I knocked on there door with a 2x4 :)