London Servicing

[silas]

Hi all, Can anyone recommend a London service centre? Should I automatically go to an AD? I have a Rolex Explorer 1, purchased new in 2008. It hasn't had a service yet. If I take note of the recommended intervals, 3-5yrs, looks like it's long overdue. It does lose time (+3mins), but has done so for quite a while. Was too lazy to sort out under warranty. Should I go directly to AD, or are there reputable independents in London worth checking out. Asking mainly because of potential servicing cost. But guess, to get quality care, have to bite the bullet?

Shailesh

[sub LV 443]

The recommended interval is 10 years now.. This applies to all Rolexes not just watches sold since the warranty increased

[Petay]

As has been said the recommended service interval is 10 years now so unlikely you will need a full service. Interestingly when speaking to the lady in the Bond Street Rolex boutique today she said the reason the warranty went to 5 years with the full service interval moving to 10 was because they were getting so many back after 4-5 years for a full service that only really needed a small adjustment and a polish that they decided to up the warranty so the accuracy adjustments could be done under warranty and prevent the need for a un-needed service.

Independents are a mixed bag in London in my experience and usually out to make a few quid in whatever way they can. I would say avoid the well known pre owned dealer in Greys antique market... Looked at a 16600 there over the weekend that had apparently been serviced when they got it like all there watches are apparently.... didn't really have an answer for me when i pointed out the bezel was turning freely without clicking and could be moved in both directions.

I do believe there is a watch maker on site at the Rolex branded boutique at No1 Hyde Park corner so if its just an adjustment to regain better accuracy then they may be able to do it without the delay and expense of a full service.

That aside I have had some good experiences with Watch Religion in Brighton who are always polite and do have an on site watch maker I would also saythey are good if you ever want to sell or trade a watch as i have always had the best prices from them (or a couple of other dealers outside of London) as i am not being hit for the cost of their fancy Burlington address.

good luck and hope you get it sorted.

[GMT Aviator]

Take it to the RSC in West Malling. A beautiful facility befitting of the brand and your watch will come back to you like the day it left the factory.
Yes, you'll have to bite the bullet, but the investment in your watch is worth it.

[The Joker]

Take to Rolex service centre, St James Park.

It loses 3minutes, a day, week month?

[silas]

Not as attentive as most of you Rolex addicts; loses 3-5 minutes per week. Is that bad? The 10 yr interval is interesting, but I doubt i'll leave it that long. Thanks for the quick responses. Will defo checkout the recommendations.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by silas

Not as attentive as most of you Rolex addicts; loses 3-5 minutes per week. Is that bad? The 10 yr interval is interesting, but I doubt i'll leave it that long. Thanks for the quick responses. Will defo checkout the recommendations.

Yes, over a minute and I would take it in to RSC in St James.

[rootbeer7]

RSC St James very good

[lee fowler]

You could try Graham at Superlative Time, he is in W5 and is Rolex accredited.

[brettpaul]

RSC St James is top notch for sure as members have stated...not sure you need a service maybe just a regulation and a pressure test and you should be fine.

If you don't go to the RSC both David Duggan and Russell Tallerman have outstanding Rolex-certified technicians....used Russell myself for my Daytona.

[silas]

Thanks a lot everyone. Very helpful. I think checking the regulation might be the way to go. St James, here I come!

[manman_h17]

How did it go at RSC St James? I've only been to Superlative Time so I would love some feedback on other places I can go to.

[Trazor]

Originally Posted by sub LV 443

The recommended interval is 10 years now.. This applies to all Rolexes not just watches sold since the warranty increased

Nowhere does Rolex say that.

[chris duggan]

10 years is crazy time to leave a watch without service as the oils will be well dry and cause wear on parts 3/5 is the norm even if the watch is running fine the watch needs to be stripped down cleaned oiled and lubricated ,,

[JnmEaton]

I'm sure Padi will chime in but Rolex has said the average time a person services is 10 yrs. that is not recommended time.

[Mirx]

Another vote for St.James. They have been fantastic on EVERY occasion in the last 10 years.

[CaveDweller]

There have been times where my 16030 has needed a service in less than three years - and times (like now) where it has happily survived 12 years without one - (currently undergoing a service, opened up for preliminary inspection, and pronounced A1)

Depends how you use it, how often you drop it 15 ft onto concrete and blow the shocks, or whether it leads a somewhat "sedentary" lifestyle.

When they open it up, will they fix it - or make it worse - and at 500 quid a pop, can you afford to get it done at the "recommended service intervals".

Watches are individual things, and should be treated as such - if it's misbehaving, get it serviced - if it's fine, you could probably wait a while.

2008 - yeah - about due, as the time keeping is telling you already - three to five is crazy - it's not a Lamborghini, it's a Rolex (and built to be a lot tougher) .....

[rbiggs]

Woah, 10 years? Thats a mighty long time. Like alot of people are saying my vote is for St. James. Impeccable service the times I've been.

[PJ S]

As I’ve pointed out in another thread, not long after the initial announcement of the 5 year warranty, only the first service recommendation is 10 years. That’s the only service interval which has changed.
All subsequent services are still recommended as before – every 5 years.

[Danwealth]

Originally Posted by chris duggan

10 years is crazy time to leave a watch without service as the oils will be well dry and cause wear on parts 3/5 is the norm even if the watch is running fine the watch needs to be stripped down cleaned oiled and lubricated ,,

I have a rolex dj bought in mid 1970s, sent it for first service in 2009..it is still running within cosc spec

[padi56]

Originally Posted by sub LV 443

The recommended interval is 10 years now.. This applies to all Rolexes not just watches sold since the warranty increased

This is not true Rolex themselves do not set any specific service period and they have never suggested a ten year period. This internet story came from a complete misreading of a Rolex statement.This is what it actually said that today the average Rolex owner have chosen around a ten year service interval before sending watches to be serviced,and its not that Rolex themselves recommended such a period.If you doubt what I state, try and find an official Rolex statement which mentions any specific time period because there is not one. My own preference depending on how the watch is used just use common sense around every 5- 8 years, sooner if accuracy dramatically changes.

[HogwldFLTR]

London Servicing? Glad it wasn't what I thought it was.

[jaySL350]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

London Servicing? Glad it wasn't what I thought it was.

ha,ha,, or Servicing London,,,,
that would be a big ask lol,,,jay

[tamiya]

Originally Posted by jaySL350

ha,ha,, or Servicing London

Regular like a Routemaster!

[waXology]

Good thread, as i'm looking for someone in London too. However I just need my cyclops dome changed to a t38 i've bought. Was bent of a barrel there so wondering if you have to do the full works at RSC or can you just take it in for a plex change?

[Blingtone]

All watches handed in to ROLEX St. James for servicing automatically get sent to the RSC in West Malling (their main work shop), minor issues (strap change, bracelet adjustments etc.) can be done on site at St. James.... just so you know ;)

Nowadays all of our families' watches go to a ROLEX certified watch repairer (with a ROLEX spares account - only genuine parts) in St. Austell, Cornwall great chap, superb work 12 weeks turn around and generally half the cost.

[moorery2001]

How did it go at St. James? Did you need it to be serviced? Or just a normal regulation?

[Peter99]

I note some posts are suggesting sending your Rolex for serving to an independent rather than a Rolex Service Centre.e.g. it's half the price etc!
Well, having spent thousands of pounds sterling on a Rolex I just would not dream of sending to anywhere other than RSC, just to save a couple of hundred!
Sounds crazy to me!
Reminds me somewhat of the chap who spends thousands on a BMW then as soon as servicing is required can't get it fast enough to an independent for servicing!
Should have bought a Ford!

[Blingtone]

Originally Posted by Peter99

I note some posts are suggesting sending your Rolex for serving to an independent rather than a Rolex Service Centre.e.g. it's half the price etc!
Well, having spent thousands of pounds sterling on a Rolex I just would not dream of sending to anywhere other than RSC, just to save a couple of hundred!
Sounds crazy to me!
Reminds me somewhat of the chap who spends thousands on a BMW then as soon as servicing is required can't get it fast enough to an independent for servicing!
Should have bought a Ford!

Hello! Rolex accredited is as good as sending to RSC - which is why it's Rolex accredited!
My guy worked for and was trained by ROLEX, before going solo - you would not believe the standards he has to meet to get that acceditation, it's not the money for me, it's the 6 - 8 week wait.
Be dismissive if you like but I'm comfortable knowing our 8 watches are in good hands (pardon the pun!)