Rolex ... Service ... Center in Chicago?

[delldeaton]

Is anyone aware of a Rolex Service Center in Chicago?

Are they "official," a'la the Service Centers I've known for Rolex USA in New York, Texas, and California? If not, how are they different? Or, for that matter, not the same as any other shop that "knows," is "experienced with Rolex," and "has access to genuine Rolex parts"?

Anyone have experience w/ these folks?

They're a day-trip away from me here in Southeast Michigan, so I might be considering a visit in the not-too-distant-future.

Thanks!

[Tools]

Yes...

They are an Official Rolex Service Center..

It is just that this Center, and the one in San Fran, are not owned by Rolex USA

.............

[submariner16610]

howard frum jewelers. 5 south wabash

[delldeaton]

Anyone have personal experience w/ these guys?

PS: Do they have a website and/or does someone have contact information for them?

[SUB4Me]

Howard Frum is a non Rolex sanctioned Gray Market independent but VERY GOOD and well known. Remember Google is your friend.

[coddger]

The ONLY Official Rolex Service Centers in the U.S. are New York, Dallas, and Beverly Hills, the later closing by the end of the month. However, there's a Rolex Independent Authorized Service Center in Chicago and San Francisco. Here is Chicago:

Rolex Authorized Service Center
55 E Washington Street #311
Chicago, IL 60602

(312) 782-7768

[Tools]

In Chicago,

Sutters Watch Repair...Is an Authorized Rolex Service Center
30 N Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60602

(312) 782-7768‎
http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&rl...50826213201123

[Vanessa CW21]

FYI: there is also an official RSC in Pennsylvania!

[delldeaton]

Setting aside gray market for now, what is the difference between an "independent" Service Center and one owned by Rolex?

Are the ones listed for East Washington and North Michigan of the same caliber, or are there differences between the two?

Thanks for letting me follow up and your help in sorting this out.

[SUB4Me]

You know CD Peacock in Oak Brook Center has an in house Rolex trained service guy also.

[SUB4Me]

Originally Posted by delldeaton

Setting aside gray market for now, what is the difference between an "independent" Service Center and one owned by Rolex?

Are the ones listed for East Washington and North Michigan of the same caliber, or are there differences between the two?

Thanks for letting me follow up and your help in sorting this out.

Its just that. They are Rolex approved centers but not operated or owned by Rolex.

[coddger]

It really depends on what you need and how old the watch is. The Official Rolex Service Centers are no longer accepting pre-30** caliber watches and manual-wind Daytonas for service, or for that matter, repairs because of parts availability. For Vintage Rolex, the independent authorized centers in San Francisco and Chicago will accept older caliber 1030 from the 1950s but due to age of watch may not warranty water proofness and offer a limited warranty so to speak. Manual-wind Daytonas and 1960s and newer models should not be a problem. Your watchmaker on-site at an AD may or may not be capable of a high quality Rolex makeover and may not have access to genuine Rolex factory parts but are generally cheaper and may not come with a written warranty. For newer Rolex, I will always send them to an RSC, for complete service and a makeover. My experience with an independent center is that the service prices tend to be more expensive than the official centers as they are free to charge what they want; they are authorized by Rolex USA and use only Rolex factory parts, but not governed by Rolex Repair price structures. If your AD employs a Rolex experienced watchmaker, go for it if you do not want to send it to an Official RSC.

[fusebuddy]

What do you need as far as the service? I just sent my GMTII to Dallas due to a drop and then it stopped. If you're just getting a touch up or some lighter servicing, maybe you don't need the official RSC.