RSC Stole My Date Wheel!

[Old Expat Beast]

I got my Oysterquartz back from RSC Hong Kong a couple of days ago, and was just setting it up for an incoming photoshoot...with the date set to 6 to show the open 6. To my horror, it is now a closed 6, with closed 9, 16, 19, 26 and 29.

RSC wanted to change the crown and caseback to make it 100% waterproof but I told them I wanted to keep it all original, so, according to the invoice they just performed "Overhaul, case clean, bracelet clean".

But they have also changed out the date wheel for a new one, without telling me. I'll be in there at 9am tomorrow (closed today), but if they have thrown the original away, there'll be trouble.

Why would they do this?

[jctrolex]

Did you have the instruction in writing? Please keep us posted.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by jctrolex

Did you have the instruction in writing? Please keep us posted.

No, it was all verbal, as usual. Had four other watches serviced there in recent months, never a problem before. Here are before and after pics.

[jctrolex]

At least you have documented photograph proof what you had. Hope it all works out for you, keep us posted.

[Laszlo]

That would drive me nuts. That's like changing out my roulette.

[polarinda]

give them hell mate!

[Rashid.bk]

Eww, that new one looks like crap...sorry that I'm not making the situation better.
Hopefully they will return the watch to the way it was. Funny how companies; especially Rolex harp on and refuse servicing if the watch is modified from original factory condition but if it suits there needs then it's okay to modify the watch.
..and hopefully it was an honest mistake and not some sticky fingered a-hole who'd then sell it in the vintage market.

Good luck.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Rashid.bk

Eww, that new one looks like crap...sorry that I'm not making the situation better.
Hopefully they will return the watch to the way it was. Funny how companies; especially Rolex harp on and refuse servicing if the watch is modified from original factory condition but if it suits there needs then it's okay to modify the watch.
..and hopefully it was an honest mistake and not some sticky fingered a-hole who'd then sell it in the vintage market.

Good luck.

You're absolutely right, it does look like crap. There's no way I'm leaving RSC tomorrow with that watch with that date wheel. First I will ask them why they changed it, then if they deny it, I'll show them the photos. Basically they've destroyed the value, not to mention the integrity and aesthetics, of the watch.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

You're absolutely right, it does look like crap. There's no way I'm leaving RSC tomorrow with that watch with that date wheel. First I will ask them why they changed it, then if they deny it, I'll show them the photos. Basically they've destroyed the value, not to mention the integrity and aesthetics, of the watch.

Would very much doubt if they have destroyed the value of your OQ, but agree it should not have been changed without letting you know.Perhaps there was a problem with the old date wheel that may have stopped the function of the watch in future.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by padi56

Would very much doubt if they have destroyed the value of your OQ, but agree it should not have been changed without letting you know.Perhaps there was a problem with the old date wheel that may have stopped the function of the watch in future.

Ok, agreed, not destroyed, but it's certainly taken a hit. And the datewheel was ticking over fine when I handed it in. Thanks Peter.

[Cru Jones]

sorry, man.....but, padi's comment "might" have something to do with it....no matter what, they should have first told you.

oh, and, btw, love the OQ. you have a really nice one, regardless of the date wheel.

Originally Posted by padi56

Would very much doubt if they have destroyed the value of your OQ, but agree it should not have been changed without letting you know.Perhaps there was a problem with the old date wheel that may have stopped the function of the watch in future.

[Rashid.bk]

Originally Posted by padi56

Perhaps there was a problem with the old date wheel that may have stopped the function of the watch in future.

I'm sure that's the "excuse" they'll come up with. The fact of the matter is that the watch in that regard functioned just fine before they put their hands on it, in addition to the fact that he didn't even request any upgrades nor was it specified as part of the work.
What if he had just put his watch up for a special occasion a few months from now and only then "discovered" this grave error.

They were wrong, period. And in my opinion though you personally may not think it effects value if you were purchasing it, in the vintage world that date wheel can now be a huge deal breaker.
I think this has gravely affected the value of the watch. Crap, there I go not making you feel better about the situation.

Man, I hope you get this sorted out.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[travisb]

I hope it gets sorted out and they still have the original date wheel.
Good luck!

[unclesallie]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

You're absolutely right, it does look like crap. There's no way I'm leaving RSC tomorrow with that watch with that date wheel. First I will ask them why they changed it, then if they deny it, I'll show them the photos. Basically they've destroyed the value, not to mention the integrity and aesthetics, of the watch.

Sorry this has happened to you. Really.
Strange that today at my favorite watchmaker's in Philly, the question of why a certain closed , secretive climate has developed over the years at Rolex.
And one of the items mentioned, was that in Lititz, Pa. (where Rolex has a state of the art closed facility for training, and watch repairs from other RSC's), Rolex used to have a store.
The reason the store closed(not the state of the art facility) according to this source, is there was a break-in with many watches being stolen. And this watchmaker pointed out the absolute horror of customers with vintage watches, who cannot be consoled, and who do not want a new watch to replace their "old one." (hah!!)


It's one thing, when Rolex is victimized, it's quite another when they victimize YOU, the customer.
I am pleased to read they're moving forward to make you whole.

[alubin]

Wow thats crappy. Best of luck. Hopefully you'll be able to find a solution that doesn't leave steaming.

[bmpwatch]

good luck and keep us posted

[1995akcoop]

open 6 really fits that watch better....man i hope things work out in your favor

[Old Expat Beast]

Thanks, I'll be looking for a partial refund as well, as I assume Rolex doesn't give away free date wheels, needed or otherwise.

[Hawk99]

Read a similar thread before, and it was found that the date wheel is considered a consumable part, and therefore usually replaced under the full movement service if wear is detected. The owner had similar panic when the change was discovered.
Good news was that the RSC found the original and replaced it immediately.
Good luck and let us know the results.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Hawk99

Read a similar thread before, and it was found that the date wheel is considered a consumable part, and therefore usually replaced under the full movement service if wear is detected. The owner had similar panic when the change was discovered.
Good news was that the RSC found the original and replaced it immediately.
Good luck and let us know the results.

Thanks, that's good to know. (And yes, panic is the right word!)

[Vincent65]

Originally Posted by Hawk99

Read a similar thread before, and it was found that the date wheel is considered a consumable part, and therefore usually replaced under the full movement service if wear is detected. The owner had similar panic when the change was discovered.
Good news was that the RSC found the original and replaced it immediately.
Good luck and let us know the results.

this - like VW replacing oil/air filters... They should have told/asked you first, though. Bummer - open 6 much better. I'm sure they still have it, and all will be well.

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by Vincent65

this - like VW replacing oil/air filters... They should have told/asked you first, though. Bummer - open 6 much better. I'm sure they still have it, and all will be well.

Karl, what makes you so sure they still have it?? Is there a procedure of keeping old parts from a specific watch serviced at RSC? I was under the impression that the old parts just got tossed into a collective bin and discarded.

[Vincent65]

Originally Posted by Jason71

Karl, what makes you so sure they still have it?? Is there a procedure of keeping old parts from a specific watch serviced at RSC? I was under the impression that the old parts just got tossed into a collective bin and discarded.

I'm not 'sure' of course - but he just picked it up, and he said they've been closed for a few days since, so he's in with a decent chance, I'd think...

[crowncollection]

Take it back ASAP. If they have it they may reinstall it. Good luck mate.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by crowncollection

Take it back ASAP. If they have it they may reinstall it. Good luck mate.

Thanks, I picked it up an hour before they closed for Chinese New Year last Thursday, and they re-open tomorrow. Everyone will have been off work since then. I'll be there when they open the doors tomorrow.

[crowncollection]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Thanks, I picked it up an hour before they closed for Chinese New Year last Thursday, and they re-open tomorrow. Everyone will have been off work since then. I'll be there as they open the doors tomorrow.

Good luck I hope you get it back it certainly looked better before IMHO.

[rmfnla]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Thanks, I picked it up an hour before they closed for Chinese New Year last Thursday, and they re-open tomorrow. Everyone will have been off work since then. I'll be there when they open the doors tomorrow.

Too bad you didn't notice it when you picked it up; would have saved you a stressful long weekend.

Glad it worked out in the end!

[Steve748]

I suspect the tech servicing the watch changed it because he knows there is a higher market value for an open 6/9 date wheel and they can sell it. He was hoping you wouldn't notice or didn't mind/care. I doubt that removed dials, hands, bezels and date wheels are thrown away when some can fetch a lot of money.

[Brenngun]

Originally Posted by Steve748

I suspect the tech servicing the watch changed it because he knows there is a higher market value for an open 6/9 date wheel and they can sell it. He was hoping you wouldn't notice or didn't mind/care. I doubt that removed dials, hands, bezels and date wheels are thrown away when some can fetch a lot of money.

Soooooo ....... you're theory is a Rolex employee, specifically a trained watchmaker who potentially spent thousands of dollars and countless hours obtaining that training, landed what would likely be a reasonably good paying job with a prestigious company in his or her's chosen field of profession, decided to risk all of that and potential future employment over a $200 date wheel ....... Oh I forgot to add that RSC Hong Kong also would have zero security or parts control ........

[U5512]

No bueno.....show up as soon as they open for business and demand to have the original open 6 date wheel back on the watch!!