Rolex Service declined due to "Corroded & Mod 93160A SEL"

[Explorer2polar]

This has to be the most bizarre reason ever that I'm aware that Rolex UK have declined to service my 16600 from 2006 unless I pay £1145 for a new bracelet. Why because they say the bracelet is "Corroded & Modified" and deemed an Essential replacement. In the last few months I elected to have the original bracelet refurbed by a specialist to keep my watch as original as possible.

To rub salt in an open wound they say they will not return the old bracelet, if I agree and buy new !

The original bracelet has had a some new pins fitted by one of the UK's top Rolex bracelet restorers and not only works perfectly it looks amazing with little to zero stretch and in No way likely to fail or become disconnected from my wrist.

As far as corrosion is concerned I think this is BS and so does the Bracelet restorer I used.

Has any body been in a similar situation with Rolex UK service centre at Kent ?

I cannot even use an Independent UK Rolex Authorised Service centre as they cannot get the parts for the Sea Dweller service from Rolex UK as this is one of the few models that they are not allowed to service and purchase spare parts for. It also has to do with pressure testing it.

Any advice..........other than let Rolex charge me for the cost of a new bracelet !

[cdmorenot]

Rolex will do what Rolex wants to do... I have heard of similar stories at other RSC.

Looks like they're going to make you pay up for a new bracelet regardless. I'd pull the watch, wait a bit, send it back with no bracelet. Things get lost...

Sell the new bracelet.

[Explorer2polar]

Originally Posted by cdmorenot

Rolex will do what Rolex wants to do... I have heard of similar stories at other RSC.

Looks like they're going to make you pay up for a new bracelet regardless. I'd pull the watch, wait a bit, send it back with no bracelet. Things get lost...

Sell the new bracelet.

I can do what you have suggested but will Rolex actually agree and proceed to service it and fit a new bracelet ????? I'm not sure.

I honestly think they are getting totally outrageous in there treatment of customers.

[Chute]

I would decline service, get the watch back, then Send it in again head only and see if that works

[enjoythemusic]

Have a feeling Rolex wants 100% original when exiting servicing to ensure of the product they are warrantying for two years. In a sense, it also ensures if you sell it as 'just serviced by RSC' the buyer can assume 100% Rolex parts.

[nonkool]

Is the £1145 on top of the service/full overhaul fee? Not too many options left for you I'm afraid if it is RSC service you are after. They are probably not happy with non-RSC refurbishment done previously.

You could try RSC at St. James' but unlikely to have a different outcome.

[Explorer2polar]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

Have a feeling Rolex wants 100% original when exiting servicing to ensure of the product they are warrantying for two years. In a sense, it also ensures if you sell it as 'just serviced by RSC' the buyer can assume 100% Rolex parts.

I agree about the cagey 2 yr warranty, but honestly some of my watches barely get worn.

Its the first time in the past 8 years I have had any problems with Rolex UK, I usually send in 1 watch a year for service and they are usually so good to deal with proper customer focused. But now I feel its a whole new ball game lets rinse as much as we can out of these punters.

[winst]

I have been told previously they will only service a watch with an original bracelet on. Otherwise you must buy a new bracelet which you were quoted £1145 (Inc VAT hopefully?). I would get it back, then send it in without a bracelet on. Pay for the new bracelet at service then sell the refurbed bracelet but with the new clasp on it. I know it’s crazy, but that way you have a new original bracelet with your original correct date clasp on that they shouldn’t have any problem with servicing in the future. Yes, I know it’s crazy!

[Explorer2polar]

Originally Posted by nonkool

Is the £1145 on top of the service/full overhaul fee? Not too many options left for you I'm afraid if it is RSC service you are after. They are probably not happy with non-RSC refurbishment done previously.

You could try RSC at St. James' but unlikely to have a different outcome.

Total estimate was;

Complete service £730
Replacement bracelet £1145
Replacement glass £130
Replacement disc for bezel £55
Replacement oscillating weight £90

I have no problem with all the other items on the list.

Sea Dweller service from what I have learned today is RSC only as UK Authorised service centres cannot order the parts any more for this model
if you want genuine parts and pressure test.

[Explorer2polar]

Originally Posted by winst

I have been told previously they will only service a watch with an original bracelet on. Otherwise you must buy a new bracelet which you were quoted £1145 (Inc VAT hopefully?). I would get it back, then send it in without a bracelet on. Pay for the new bracelet at service then sell the refurbed bracelet but with the new clasp on it. I know it’s crazy, but that way you have a new original bracelet with your original correct date clasp on that they shouldn’t have any problem with servicing in the future. Yes, I know it’s crazy!

Isn't it mad ! Good grief .............

[piratfisk]

A similar situation happened to me & my 16233. It was my father's, given to me before my wedding. He got it in the early 90s & it had been serviced local to him at an AD throughout its life. At some time, the dial pips were re-lumed, likely (I assume) by an in-house watchmaker at this AD. I brought the watch to RSC in Los Angeles, wanting a full service so I could start my ownership with the watch off with a solid baseline. They refused service, citing "a counterfeit dial." My jaw dropped when they said this & I asked for clarification. The person brought out a loupe & showed me that the lume pips were not absolute perfect spheres & were slightly "smooshed" or "smeared." They are imperceptible to the naked eye. He said in order to go through with the service, they'd have to order a replacement dial & would keep the original. I refused, wanting to preserve the watch that had been gifted to me & all of its memories, & got it serviced by a reputable independent locally. I get the sense that as Rolex has grown exponentially in popularity, their servicing has become much more stringent.

[nonkool]

Originally Posted by Explorer2polar

Total estimate was;

Complete service £730
Replacement bracelet £1145
Replacement glass £130
Replacement disc for bezel £55
Replacement oscillating weight £90

I have no problem with all the other items on the list.

Sea Dweller service from what I have learned today is RSC only as UK Authorised service centres cannot order the parts any more for this model
if you want genuine parts and pressure test.

Yes, the rest are all fair enough. Looks like you may need to pay for the bracelet in any case, the best option is as Winst stated above - still never know if it will sell.

[Explorer2polar]

I seem to remember a Block exemption case brought against Rolex back in 2000 or 2004, about restrictions in parts supply to what Rolex deemed unauthorised service centres.

Wonder if they still hide behind that restricted access to parts ?

[Sunny Arizona]

I think that is a trade-in quote for the bracelet.

Originally Posted by winst

I have been told previously they will only service a watch with an original bracelet on. Otherwise you must buy a new bracelet which you were quoted £1145 (Inc VAT hopefully?). I would get it back, then send it in without a bracelet on. Pay for the new bracelet at service then sell the refurbed bracelet but with the new clasp on it. I know it’s crazy, but that way you have a new original bracelet with your original correct date clasp on that they shouldn’t have any problem with servicing in the future. Yes, I know it’s crazy!

[rootbeer7]

Take it directly to RSC St James on a nato. They’ll service it.

[Tomas Eriksson]

Unfortunately refurbing and keeping original don't mix. This is getting a more and more common issue with these third party companies doing all types of modifications.

Who did you use for the bracelet restoration? A good restoration shouldn't be visible noticeable, did they install pins with other dimensions than original or use non 904 steel?

[thesharkfactor]

Originally Posted by Explorer2polar

Total estimate was;

Complete service £730
Replacement bracelet £1145
Replacement glass £130
Replacement disc for bezel £55
Replacement oscillating weight £90

I have no problem with all the other items on the list.

Sea Dweller service from what I have learned today is RSC only as UK Authorised service centres cannot order the parts any more for this model
if you want genuine parts and pressure test.

That's not far off the new price of a 16600 in 2006.

As above, they will probably want to warranty the watch and service and they can't so that with aftermarket parts on it. Best send it back in later without the bracelet as already suggested.

[Explorer2polar]

Originally Posted by Tomas Eriksson

Unfortunately refurbing and keeping original don't mix. This is getting a more and more common issue with these third party companies doing all types of modifications.

Who did you use for the bracelet restoration? A good restoration shouldn't be visible noticeable, did they install pins with other dimensions than original or use non 904 steel?

The Bracelet refurb is better than when the bracelet was new IMHO,

I do believe the Case is 904L steel but the Bracelet is 316L Steel, can anyone confirm that ?

[77T]

I’d do as another has suggested.
Decline the service quote, pay the fee, and keep the Rolex “as is”.

As long as it’s working fine, wait a year or so and re-submit to RSC as head only. Or on a regular leather strap.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Explorer2polar]

Originally Posted by 77T

I’d do as another has suggested.
Decline the service quote, pay the fee, and keep the Rolex “as is”.

As long as it’s working fine, wait a year or so and re-submit to RSC as head only. Or on a regular leather strap.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Yes seems the sensible option under the circumstances

[1William]

I would get the watch back and look for another RSC to submit the watch for service.

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by Explorer2polar

This has to be the most bizarre reason ever that I'm aware that Rolex UK have declined to service my 16600 from 2006 unless I pay £1145 for a new bracelet. Why because they say the bracelet is "Corroded & Modified" and deemed an Essential replacement. In the last few months I elected to have the original bracelet refurbed by a specialist to keep my watch as original as possible.

To rub salt in an open wound they say they will not return the old bracelet, if I agree and buy new !

The original bracelet has had a some new pins fitted by one of the UK's top Rolex bracelet restorers and not only works perfectly it looks amazing with little to zero stretch and in No way likely to fail or become disconnected from my wrist.

As far as corrosion is concerned I think this is BS and so does the Bracelet restorer I used.

Has any body been in a similar situation with Rolex UK service centre at Kent ?

I cannot even use an Independent UK Rolex Authorised Service centre as they cannot get the parts for the Sea Dweller service from Rolex UK as this is one of the few models that they are not allowed to service and purchase spare parts for. It also has to do with pressure testing it.

Any advice..........other than let Rolex charge me for the cost of a new bracelet !

Originally Posted by cdmorenot

Rolex will do what Rolex wants to do... I have heard of similar stories at other RSC.

Looks like they're going to make you pay up for a new bracelet regardless. I'd pull the watch, wait a bit, send it back with no bracelet. Things get lost...

Sell the new bracelet.

Just send the watch on a NATO or rubber band and decline the option of a new bracelet


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Woody]

Just so you are aware the RSC will inscribe the inside of the case back to indicate that they have declined to service the watch…..so asking for its return and then resubmitting at a later date is unlikely to resolve the issue for you.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Woody

Just so you are aware the RSC will inscribe the inside of the case back to indicate that they have declined to service the watch…..so asking for its return and then resubmitting at a later date is unlikely to resolve the issue for you.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Interesting, I didn’t know that.

[Explorer2polar]

Originally Posted by Woody

Just so you are aware the RSC will inscribe the inside of the case back to indicate that they have declined to service the watch…..so asking for its return and then resubmitting at a later date is unlikely to resolve the issue for you.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I don't think they can do that, deface the inside ? maybe put a note next to your serial number on there database for future reference.

Whats your experience has it happened to you ?

[Howie]

Resend it head only, I suspect they don't want to be liable if the bracelet falls off after servicing and you lose or damage your watch.

[Explorer2polar]

This is the Corrosion that Rolex say requires bezel renewal !

Corroded bezel 1.png

[worldofoyster]

Originally Posted by winst

I have been told previously they will only service a watch with an original bracelet on. Otherwise you must buy a new bracelet which you were quoted £1145 (Inc VAT hopefully?). I would get it back, then send it in without a bracelet on. Pay for the new bracelet at service then sell the refurbed bracelet but with the new clasp on it. I know it’s crazy, but that way you have a new original bracelet with your original correct date clasp on that they shouldn’t have any problem with servicing in the future. Yes, I know it’s crazy!

this is probably the best way to handle it.

[Osmin]

Originally Posted by Howie

Resend it head only, I suspect they don't want to be liable if the bracelet falls off after servicing and you lose or damage your watch.

And then he has to buy the bracelet. Rolex does not do service on heads only anymore.

[watchvert]

There is another way, but it's going to cost more. You can put that watch on a rubber strap, for instance, and say that you had misplaced the original bracelet. In this case Rolex will charge you the MSRP price of the new bracelet + 50% of it's cost (this is their procedure in cases when a bracelet is lost) and you can keep your "modified" bracelet too, if it is dear to your heart.