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Titan1979 · 8 March 2010, 02:38 PM

When a watch is overhauled at an AD is it as good as the day it was made?

sakuraba · 8 March 2010, 02:41 PM

Yes. The watch comes back looking and feeling as new.

PeteNYC13 · 8 March 2010, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Titan1979

When a watch is overhauled at an AD is it as good as the day it was made?

__________________________________________________ ____________
Better, you get to enjoy it all over again!

-Pete

Titan1979 · 8 March 2010, 02:44 PM

But is the movement as good as new?

Boopie · 8 March 2010, 02:57 PM

I would have to defer to a watchmaker to answer that one. Not all of the movement parts are replaced in a service.

Singslinger · 8 March 2010, 03:24 PM

I'm not sure if it's as good as it was when it left the factory or when it was first sold because when it's brand new, you get a 2 year warranty versus one year after a service.

sakuraba · 8 March 2010, 03:43 PM

From what I know, the expendables replaced in an RSC service are:
great wheel, pallet and jewels, mainspring, and the rotor axle, as well as all the gaskets. On top of this, they will polish your case and bracelet unless you specifically ask them not to.

So yes, I believe the movement will be as close to new as it can possibly get.

Hope this helps.

Tylden Reed · 9 March 2010, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Titan1979

But is the movement as good as new?

Yes and no. A modern movement can be serviced 'as good as new' because all material is available to make the movement 'as good as new'. However, with older style movements compromise is to be expected as some are obsolete and therefore all parts are not available. The watchmaker may re-silver the plated parts that have suffered with age and mis-use and polish pivots, make screws etc but I defy anyone to claim the movement is as it was when it came out of the factory. Tylden. Watchmaker and cornet player in the TRF Brass Band!

ParisDakarBmw · 8 March 2010, 03:52 PM

The jewels, and gears are where the friction occurs. If the movement has the jewels inspected, and oiled, and the gears replaces as needed it will be fine. The only factor I can think of is some sort of corrosion to the metal. All of the springs are fresh, and should run another 250 years if serviced regularly. A poorly maintained watch will show it's age inside, and may be past repair. For the average watch I wouldn't see why it wouldn't be close to new.

onkyo · 8 March 2010, 04:27 PM

I would say the movement is very very very close to new.....

nch209 · 8 March 2010, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Titan1979

When a watch is overhauled at an AD is it as good as the day it was made?

I'll go against the grain, and say NO. Most often they come back nice, but I question if they ever are as good as day one. This has been my experience- though I've seen pics on here from people like Dalton who may force me to put my foot in my mouth!

jdc · 8 March 2010, 06:18 PM

its pretty damn close to being good as new, at least in the UK

Colnago · 8 March 2010, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdc

its pretty damn close to being good as new, at least in the UK

I second that.....just got my Explorer II (2004 model) back from Bexley and it is immaculate now....my local ex-AD whom I have dealt with for half my life have a local watchmaker with a Rolex parts account, normally I use him because he does just as good a job and is twice as quick, however there are some models he cannot service (or should I say polish)....the Explorer II being one of them (he has done my DJ's and my DD before).....apparently there is some special aparatus for finishing the unique bezel on the Explorer II and only Bexley have it.......needless to say my bezel went from marked to pristine.....it took three months to get it back but well worth the wait......I would say 99.9% as good as new exterior and possibly 100% interior in the UK.

Jackxv · 8 March 2010, 07:59 PM

The watch is returned to specifications.

The movements needs a little play to work in, if some bearings have to much friction or space they will be changed out.

If there is rust in the movement they will try to change out all parts. If there is rust on the ebauche the movement might be changed.

Jack

Singslinger · 8 March 2010, 06:46 PM

On reflection, I guess much depends on how one defines "as good as the day it was made''.

When I sent my S/S YM in for a service last year, Rolex didn't replace the scratched platinum bezel (presumably because of the high cost involved) so although the movement was undoubtedly fully serviced and runs like new, the appearance of the watch wasn't as good as the day it was made.

Similarly, when I serviced my GMT II ref 16760 that was bought more than 20 years ago, they didn't change the dial or hands even though the number markers have aged and yellowed. Maybe they assumed that owners of such old watches would prefer to try and retain a vintage look.

So I'd say if we're referring to the movement only then yes, the service might render it as good as the day it was made, but not necessarily if we're referring to the appearance.

I wonder about waterproofing though. Can anyone provide enlightenment? If a 25-year old Sub was sent in for a service, would it be as waterproof as the day it was made?

sakuraba · 9 March 2010, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Singslinger

I wonder about waterproofing though. Can anyone provide enlightenment? If a 25-year old Sub was sent in for a service, would it be as waterproof as the day it was made?

The RSC service includes a change in all gaskets as well as a pressure test which is the reason why SDs can only be tested at RSCs. So yes, a 25 year old sub should be as waterproof as its original specification suggests.

Hope this helps.

Singslinger · 9 March 2010, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sakuraba

The RSC service includes a change in all gaskets as well as a pressure test which is the reason why SDs can only be tested at RSCs. So yes, a 25 year old sub should be as waterproof as its original specification suggests.

Hope this helps.

Good to know - thanks!

Jackxv · 9 March 2010, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RollieNZ

It's an oxymoron to say that a reconditioned watch is 'as
good as new'.

Can't be - unless every single part is replaced!

Read this, its true. Every worn part get's changed if needed. Everything. Normally there's no wear on the baseplate so everything is interchangeble and can be restored within specs.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Earl Camembert

If Rolex USA honors one with service they will insist on replacing any part that is not or can not be made as new. So yes your watch will be as new even if it costs more than a new watch.

BASSETHOUNDS · 8 March 2010, 06:57 PM

If you think they will fix the bracelet stretch .... forget it . Otherwise it is quite impressive what they archive ! Well worth the money !

HL65 · 8 March 2010, 09:10 PM

As good as new yet broken in!!!

clarencek · 8 March 2010, 10:24 PM

I just had my 14060 returned from RSC after a month.
Before sending it in, the crown would not wind smoothly, and it was gaining about 10 seconds a day.

They replaced the winding tube, and serviced the movement. After 1 week it's exactly dead-on with the atomic clock and winds like butter.

I'm not an expert so I don't know what they did, but I'm very happy with the results.

InVision · 8 March 2010, 11:09 PM

Watch brought back to standards and you only have to pay a small portion of it's new cost.

Mike

ersnyder · 9 March 2010, 10:19 AM

Pretty much! Got my Exp II back and they even put on a new bezel! They really did a great job.

Perdu · 9 March 2010, 10:55 AM

It's a good as the watchmaker who serviced it.

TurboWatch · 9 March 2010, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Perdu

It's a good as the watchmaker who serviced it.

++

The GMT Master · 9 March 2010, 11:18 AM

The service centre at Bexley is possibly one of the best in the world, they've done some incredible work during my time at the shop. Literally turned watches that were completely wrecked back into something very, very close to what you'd find in a cabinet of brand new watches

The only downside is the wait at the moment

RollieNZ · 9 March 2010, 11:24 AM

It's an oxymoron to say that a reconditioned watch is 'as
good as new'.

Can't be - unless every single part is replaced!

clubsta · 9 March 2010, 04:34 PM

Good for you!

Earl Camembert · 9 March 2010, 04:35 PM

If Rolex USA honors one with service they will insist on replacing any part that is not or can not be made as new. So yes your watch will be as new even if it costs more than a new watch.

JimC · 9 March 2010, 05:21 PM

I'm getting ready to send my F serial Explorer II in for service. I've notice the bridle (or slipping clutch, or something) is making noise when I manually wind the watch. This happens around 30 winds, so doesn't allow me to fully wind the watch. I also notice the watch runs about six hours less than the others when left to rundown.

So, I will get a full service, and a new finish. Can't wait to see the "new" watch when it returns.

8 March 2010, 02:38 PM	#1
Titan1979 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: canada Posts: 89	Overhaul=Good as new? When a watch is overhauled at an AD is it as good as the day it was made?

8 March 2010, 02:41 PM	#2
sakuraba "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Real Name: Jib Location: SJ, California Watch: sun dial Posts: 8,189	Yes. The watch comes back looking and feeling as new. __________________ F 14000 AirKing black F 16710 GMT Pepsi F 16570 Explorer II white T 16600 SD D 16610 LV "fine quality is remembered long after the pain of spending money" -Steve Mulholland

8 March 2010, 03:43 PM	#7
sakuraba "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Real Name: Jib Location: SJ, California Watch: sun dial Posts: 8,189	From what I know, the expendables replaced in an RSC service are: great wheel, pallet and jewels, mainspring, and the rotor axle, as well as all the gaskets. On top of this, they will polish your case and bracelet unless you specifically ask them not to. So yes, I believe the movement will be as close to new as it can possibly get. Hope this helps. __________________ F 14000 AirKing black F 16710 GMT Pepsi F 16570 Explorer II white T 16600 SD D 16610 LV "fine quality is remembered long after the pain of spending money" -Steve Mulholland

8 March 2010, 07:59 PM	#14
Jackxv "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Netherlands Posts: 969	Movement friction The watch is returned to specifications. The movements needs a little play to work in, if some bearings have to much friction or space they will be changed out. If there is rust in the movement they will try to change out all parts. If there is rust on the ebauche the movement might be changed. Jack

8 March 2010, 09:10 PM	#20
HL65 TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Ken Location: SW Florida Watch: One on my wrist. Posts: 63,993	As good as new yet broken in!!! __________________ *SPEM SUCCESSUS ALIT*

8 March 2010, 02:44 PM	#4
Titan1979 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: canada Posts: 89	But is the movement as good as new?

8 March 2010, 02:57 PM	#5
Boopie "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Beverly Hills, CA Watch: Yachtmaster Posts: 3,949	I would have to defer to a watchmaker to answer that one. Not all of the movement parts are replaced in a service.

8 March 2010, 03:24 PM	#6
Singslinger "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: singapore Posts: 6,424	I'm not sure if it's as good as it was when it left the factory or when it was first sold because when it's brand new, you get a 2 year warranty versus one year after a service.

8 March 2010, 03:52 PM	#9
ParisDakarBmw Banned Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Paul Location: New Haven, CT Watch: 116610 Sub-C Posts: 6,552	The jewels, and gears are where the friction occurs. If the movement has the jewels inspected, and oiled, and the gears replaces as needed it will be fine. The only factor I can think of is some sort of corrosion to the metal. All of the springs are fresh, and should run another 250 years if serviced regularly. A poorly maintained watch will show it's age inside, and may be past repair. For the average watch I wouldn't see why it wouldn't be close to new.

8 March 2010, 04:27 PM	#10
onkyo Banned Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: Pav Location: Manhattan Posts: 11,495	I would say the movement is very very very close to new.....

8 March 2010, 06:18 PM	#12
jdc "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Martin Location: UK Posts: 7,023	its pretty damn close to being good as new, at least in the UK

8 March 2010, 06:46 PM	#15
Singslinger "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: singapore Posts: 6,424	On reflection, I guess much depends on how one defines "as good as the day it was made''. When I sent my S/S YM in for a service last year, Rolex didn't replace the scratched platinum bezel (presumably because of the high cost involved) so although the movement was undoubtedly fully serviced and runs like new, the appearance of the watch wasn't as good as the day it was made. Similarly, when I serviced my GMT II ref 16760 that was bought more than 20 years ago, they didn't change the dial or hands even though the number markers have aged and yellowed. Maybe they assumed that owners of such old watches would prefer to try and retain a vintage look. So I'd say if we're referring to the movement only then yes, the service might render it as good as the day it was made, but not necessarily if we're referring to the appearance. I wonder about waterproofing though. Can anyone provide enlightenment? If a 25-year old Sub was sent in for a service, would it be as waterproof as the day it was made?

8 March 2010, 06:57 PM	#19
BASSETHOUNDS Banned Join Date: Oct 2009 Real Name: Tristan Location: GIRONA , SPAIN Watch: 116520/660/710/334 Posts: 7,147	If you think they will fix the bracelet stretch .... forget it . Otherwise it is quite impressive what they archive ! Well worth the money !

8 March 2010, 10:24 PM	#21
clarencek "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: New York Posts: 400	I just had my 14060 returned from RSC after a month. Before sending it in, the crown would not wind smoothly, and it was gaining about 10 seconds a day. They replaced the winding tube, and serviced the movement. After 1 week it's exactly dead-on with the atomic clock and winds like butter. I'm not an expert so I don't know what they did, but I'm very happy with the results.

8 March 2010, 11:09 PM	#22
InVision Banned Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: Mike Location: Destin, FL USA Watch: Outerspace DayDate Posts: 2,662	Watch brought back to standards and you only have to pay a small portion of it's new cost. Mike

9 March 2010, 10:19 AM	#23
ersnyder 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Real Name: Eric Location: Long Beach CA USA Watch: Rolex Explorer II Posts: 4,102	Pretty much! Got my Exp II back and they even put on a new bezel! They really did a great job.

9 March 2010, 10:55 AM	#24
Perdu "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Real Name: Gary Location: GMT-6 Watch: GMT Posts: 3,350	It's a good as the watchmaker who serviced it. __________________ Omega Seamaster 300M GMT Noire Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 8500 Benson 1937 Sterling Silver Hunter

9 March 2010, 11:18 AM	#26
The GMT Master "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Real Name: Chris Location: England Posts: 8,150	The service centre at Bexley is possibly one of the best in the world, they've done some incredible work during my time at the shop. Literally turned watches that were completely wrecked back into something very, very close to what you'd find in a cabinet of brand new watches The only downside is the wait at the moment

9 March 2010, 11:24 AM	#27
RollieNZ "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: Mark Location: Auckland, N.Z. Watch: Day Date YG Posts: 320	It's an oxymoron to say that a reconditioned watch is 'as good as new'. Can't be - unless every single part is replaced!

9 March 2010, 04:34 PM	#28
clubsta "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: John Location: New York Watch: Rolex Posts: 223	Good for you!

9 March 2010, 04:35 PM	#29
Earl Camembert Banned Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,858	If Rolex USA honors one with service they will insist on replacing any part that is not or can not be made as new. So yes your watch will be as new even if it costs more than a new watch.

9 March 2010, 05:21 PM	#30
JimC "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Real Name: Jim Location: Anchorage, Alaska Watch: Rolex Posts: 1,188	I'm getting ready to send my F serial Explorer II in for service. I've notice the bridle (or slipping clutch, or something) is making noise when I manually wind the watch. This happens around 30 winds, so doesn't allow me to fully wind the watch. I also notice the watch runs about six hours less than the others when left to rundown. So, I will get a full service, and a new finish. Can't wait to see the "new" watch when it returns. __________________ My collection, in order of acquisition: 16610 Sub (Z serial) 16710 GMT-Master II (Coke and Pepsi) (Z serial) 16570 Explorer II (White) (F serial) 116660 Deepsea (V serial) 79270 Tudor Tiger Chrono (red dial)

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