Service & repair

[seb78]

Dear Forum,

I recently was given a Rolex Submariner 116610LV, better known as the 'Hulk' by my father. The watch has been quite well worn in with some minor damage. Sadly no paper work but I have the box.

I took it to Watches of Switzerland Bond Street believing it to be the official Rolex store.

I have today heard from their workshop. The following work is deemed necessary to get my watch back into excellent working order:

Necessary Intervention(s):
1. Full service: £600.00
The Rolex service procedure is designed to ensure that every timepiece leaving our workshop complies with its original functional and aesthetic specifications. Each movement is completely overhauled and each case and bracelet is meticulously refinished to restore its lustre. Timekeeping accuracy and water-resistance are rigorously tested to guarantee the level of quality and reliability you naturally expect from a Rolex watch.
2. Crown, existing is dented: £38.00
3. Glass, existing is scratched: £107.00
4. Bezel insert, existing is scratched: £94.00

Total: £839.00

The length of time to complete this repair will be approximately 06 weeks from your notification to proceed. Please note, this time frame is subject to the availability of parts and passing final tests.

Parts supplied are on exchange basis and Rolex reserve the right to retain all parts exchanged.

Do you think I should take the watch to Rolex Official Service Centre in St James Square? Would it be cheaper?

Or should I just let Watches of Switzerland carry out the repair and service?

I would appreciate your opinion.

Many Thanks

Seb

[GMT Aviator]

I think they send it to RSC anyway. Why not just take it there yourself and cut out the middle man!

[seb78]

They told me they use their own person in house and Rolex would take longer.

I think you may be right though.

Thanks

Seb

[G3Z]

I’d be going to Rolex, personally. If it was just a movement service, fair enough. But RSC for repairs IMO.

You’ll also get a warranty card off them, which would become your ‘papers’ essentially then as proof.

[Harry-57]

I recommend going to the UK RSC which is in West Malling.

Some Rolex ADs have accredited workshops, technician(s) and a parts account that can can repair and service Rolex watches up to a point defined by Rolex, when the watch is in the original warranty period. Some of these will be fixed on the AD's premises, some will end up being sent to the RSC by the AD. After that, for a Rolex out of original warranty, an AD with accredited facilities will be able to do the work and will be happy to. My AD makes a good income from such facilities.

I don't think there will be a vast difference between what you will pay either way and in the first instance, where you don't have all the information on your watch, the RSC will send it back to you with a Rolex warranty and it will be authenticated in the process. You could even take it down there (by arrangement) if you fancy an afternoon out of the smoke.

[1William]

I would use the RSC. No issues there and you will get a warranty card for the service. Should be close to the same amount.

[knighty88]

RSC gets my vote too - ask them for a quote and vote with your feet.

[Tools]

I'm fine with independent service in many cases, most qualified watchmakers will do a good job.

Here, when you are restarting the clock, so-to-speak, I would seriously consider the RSC. You will get the benefit of their expertise, a Rolex warranty with their 2 year service warranty, and establish/associate you and this watch in their database.

It is unlikely that there will be savings, but under 1,000, for a watch worth many thousands, this is a good beginning.

[214270Explorer]

RSC for certain. And all the RSC-related posts, above.
Plus the costs sound reasonable.