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Old 21 November 2010, 10:05 AM   #1
DG123
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3-5 year service is $800

I do not yet own a Rolex, however from reading this forum it seems current "routine maintenance" service prices are approximately $700 to $900.
If this is true, wouldn't the cost alone minimize the price difference between buying brand new versus a 4 year old watch ?
In other words, if I buy a brand new watch I don't have service costs for 4 years. If I buy a 4 year old pre-owned watch I immediately will have service cost of about $800.
Agree, disagree ? Please correct me if my assumptions are wrong.
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Old 21 November 2010, 10:11 AM   #2
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The most quoted figure for a routine service of a Rolex is around $500 and the time frame most often cited is 5-7 years.

Of course there are plenty of folks around who've been wearing Rolex watches for decades without service and who live by the motto, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Those here who buy used watches often speak of using the service of a watch as a bargaining chip. If the watch has not been serviced and will need it then the buyer will go for a lower price, conversely, if the watch has been recently serviced the seller will go for a higher price.

You'll probably get plenty of opinions about this.
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Old 21 November 2010, 10:19 AM   #3
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Is a routine maintnance service cleaning, lubrication, polishing ?

Quote:
Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott View Post
The most quoted figure for a routine service of a Rolex is around $500 and the time frame most often cited is 5-7 years.

Of course there are plenty of folks around who've been wearing Rolex watches for decades without service and who live by the motto, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Those here who buy used watches often speak of using the service of a watch as a bargaining chip. If the watch has not been serviced and will need it then the buyer will go for a lower price, conversely, if the watch has been recently serviced the seller will go for a higher price.

You'll probably get plenty of opinions about this.
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Old 21 November 2010, 11:07 AM   #4
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Is a routine maintnance service cleaning, lubrication, polishing ?
That's part of it but someone more expert in these matter can give you the complete run down.

As I understand it, the watch is completely disassembled and cleaned then reassembled and oiled, some worn parts, such as the jewels, may be replaced for a price.

The crown, stem, tube and gaskets are usually replaced and the case is polished.

What you get back is essentially a new Rolex watch that carries a one year warranty.

It' not really new. It's your old watch, but it's as good as new and looks new, too.

I'm sure you'll get a better answer soon.

You might browse through this search of the board while you're waiting.

http://www.rolexforums.com/search.php?searchid=3089803
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Old 21 November 2010, 11:09 AM   #5
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Is a routine maintnance service cleaning, lubrication, polishing ?
And replacement of gaskets. Also, any parts that might have been showing wear. Just as a reference I had a Sub serviced this year at an AD who has a watchmaker on staff. My Sub was serviced and the crystal, bezel and winding crown replaced. The total was $500. You can go longer than 5 years but lubricants can dry out and gaskets can start to break down.
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Old 21 November 2010, 10:36 AM   #6
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You could go ten years and nobody will be mad at you. I like to observe the performance first before considering service as that is usually a pretty good indicator.
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Old 21 November 2010, 01:19 PM   #7
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You could go ten years and nobody will be mad at you. I like to observe the performance first before considering service as that is usually a pretty good indicator.
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Old 21 November 2010, 02:34 PM   #8
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Imagine telling someone unfamiliar with Rolex service costs that I now pay $500 to have my watch serviced....and that I originally payed $390 for that watch, brand new, in 1983 (a 5513).
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Old 21 November 2010, 02:36 PM   #9
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You could go ten years and nobody will be mad at you. I like to observe the performance first before considering service as that is usually a pretty good indicator.

Well said.....I agree 100%
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Old 21 November 2010, 05:09 PM   #10
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You could go ten years and nobody will be mad at you. I like to observe the performance first before considering service as that is usually a pretty good indicator.
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Old 21 November 2010, 05:11 PM   #11
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dbl post
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Old 21 November 2010, 11:12 AM   #12
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I've been told by an two AD's recently that the basic service for a professional model is $599 (via Rolex). Crystal, crown, stem, etc. are extra. That includes completely stripping the movement apart, cleaning, lubricrating, and reassembly. Also, I've been told that Rolex now includes a two year warranty with a servicing.
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Old 21 November 2010, 11:44 AM   #13
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^ where did you hear that? My sub-c came with a two year warranty but im not sure about the servicing. or does it cover that? nice to know!

when you purchase your first rolex, there is a mini booklet that breaks down the service that Rolex does to your watch. It's a nice short read, i was truly amazed!

Basically Rolex says once your watch gets returned from being serviced "it will look brand new"
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Old 21 November 2010, 11:46 AM   #14
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I heard it from two AD's. I'm considering sending one of mine in, so I've been asking around. It's been a one year warranty for a while, but they recently increased it to two years.
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Old 21 November 2010, 11:47 AM   #15
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I think most regular service is around $500 unless it's a Daytona which, as I was quoted from an AD on Thursday, is $750. uggg.
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Old 21 November 2010, 12:33 PM   #16
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I just had my DJ serviced by Dallas RSC.......very satisfied with the result.
Movement Service $550 + Winding Crown( Monobloc) $ 81 + Tax= $682.86
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Old 21 November 2010, 12:53 PM   #17
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Things of beauty & quality are oh so expensive to maintain. Personally, if I didn't plan on selling, I would let it go beyond the 5 years mark if it's keeping good time AND you are not exposing the watch to water (as many of us don't go diving or swimming with our Rolex's.....well, I'm too chicken to find out what might happen).

Apparently your AD can pressure check the seals for little or no cost.

I heard as well, that on the Deep Sea Models, that the watch may need to be servicing if you actually use it as intended (deep diving) and not just splashing in the pool.

I've heard it runs around $500 & up depending on extent of service required....but they do a nice job and will look like new again.

Good Luck
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Old 21 November 2010, 12:55 PM   #18
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That's the 3000 mile Jiffy Rube oil change of the watch world.

Synthetic lubricants in your car enable you to go much longer. Why not with watches?
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Old 21 November 2010, 05:38 PM   #19
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I've only had my Rolex a couple years but my Seamaster went 7 years before it stopped dead. It started to run slow, the self winder stopped working, and hand winding got really gritty and hard. I probably should have sent it in after 5 years, but I've had really bad luck with Omega service.
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Old 22 November 2010, 04:14 AM   #20
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I am a weekend warrior and have several watches in rotation. If I wear the rolex every three or four weeks for two days would that extend the time it will need to be serviced? I do not use a winder so they are idol between use.
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Old 22 November 2010, 05:05 AM   #21
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I am a weekend warrior and have several watches in rotation. If I wear the rolex every three or four weeks for two days would that extend the time it will need to be serviced? I do not use a winder so they are idol between use.
I dont think usage makes much difference since lubbrication and gaskets still age. It might be abit cheaper if the price for replacment parts arent fixed, but the service foundation still stands.
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Old 22 November 2010, 01:45 PM   #22
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I am a weekend warrior and have several watches in rotation. If I wear the rolex every three or four weeks for two days would that extend the time it will need to be serviced? I do not use a winder so they are idol between use.
Same question I had. Does anyone have an answer?
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Old 22 November 2010, 05:40 AM   #23
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I tend to wait about 10 years between servicing unless I notice a change in performance. My LV had been running off so I sent it to the RSC in Dallas. I paid $550 and was given a 1 year warranty.
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Old 22 November 2010, 05:45 AM   #24
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Rolex Dallas serviced my Sub in October for $550, and it came back w/ a two year warranty. Not sure why some receive a one year warranty, while others get the two year.
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Old 22 November 2010, 05:46 AM   #25
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Rolex Dallas serviced my Sub in October for $550, and it came back w/ a two year warranty. Not sure why some receive a one year warranty, while others get the two year.
I may have gotten a two year but I'll have to check the card which isnt here. My philosophy is that if the watch is going to fail after service, it will do so within the first few weeks. If it makes it past that, it will probably go another 8 years....
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Old 22 November 2010, 05:56 AM   #26
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I heard from various watchmakers that the aging of lubricants is for quite some years now not an issue anymore. Today, synthetic lubricants that do not dry out anymore are used in all the current movements.

Watchmakers that recommend a fixed service interval of 3-5 years without taking a closer look at the movement and the necessity of the service are after your $$, in my opinion.

As for the gaskets, they certainly should be changed every couple of years. In addition, when the watch is being exposed to the water, it should be pressure tested once a year.
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Old 22 November 2010, 06:19 AM   #27
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The full service should include a new crystal if it is acrylic. The crystal tends to develop tiny cracks where it mates with the case. The watch can not be warranted to be waterproof if the crystal is not replaced.
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Old 22 November 2010, 07:15 AM   #28
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Someone posted here that a "routine Rolex service is $500." I have no idea where they got that low ball figure. If you check withy Rolex NY or Dallas SC (the only official warranty Rolex SC's in existence in the US), you will receive a standard quote for $900 for a routine service on a DD (a Datejust may be a tad bit less). And, you can plan on the real price very possibly being north of $1,000, once you get the news about various parts replacements that fall outside of the "routine" overhaul charges. Good luck!
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Old 22 November 2010, 09:10 AM   #29
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Someone posted here that a "routine Rolex service is $500." I have no idea where they got that low ball figure. If you check withy Rolex NY or Dallas SC (the only official warranty Rolex SC's in existence in the US), you will receive a standard quote for $900 for a routine service on a DD (a Datejust may be a tad bit less). And, you can plan on the real price very possibly being north of $1,000, once you get the news about various parts replacements that fall outside of the "routine" overhaul charges. Good luck!
Rolex RSC Dallas did a routine service on my 16610 for $550...

Maybe the DD is more but I doubt it as the movement is basically the same. Maybe your watch needed additional parts. A good independent will do the same for under $400...
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Old 22 November 2010, 07:35 AM   #30
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unless you are putting your watch through the ringer, you should not be needing the service ... I have had my sub for 13yrs now .. bought it brand new .... still ticking like a newbie .... I doubt if in my lifetime I will ever be sending it for a service ....

If you are too anal about every second synched with an atmoic clock, then yes, I will need a service too .... but if you take good care of watches, don't treat them like crap, don't drop them ... you know, if you respect your watches, you don't need a service ... or at least one from Rolex .... ROLEX service is a big scam ...
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