Does it matter which AD one uses for servicing? (UK)

[PeteWales]

I have a daydate in need of servicing. I live regionally but visit London often. I actually have two AD's in my city but wondered if there was any difference between AD's and service prices or lead times etc?

[dannyp]

Are you asking AD watchmaker to service or sending to RSC? If the former, makes all the difference in the world (such as whether it’s a Rolex plaque service center or not), but if the later it doesn’t matter at all.

[PeteWales]

I did not realise AD's had watchmakers in house. I assumed all watches were sent away for servicing. I am almost certain the AD's in my City are showrooms only but I could be wrong. Perhaps London AD's would have in house watchmakers?

Do Rolex Plaque service centres exist in the UK ?

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by PeteWales

I did not realise AD's had watchmakers in house. I assumed all watches were sent away for servicing. I am almost certain the AD's in my City are showrooms only but I could be wrong. Perhaps London AD's would have in house watchmakers?

Do Rolex Plaque service centres exist in the UK ?

Not sure, but worth asking. Most ADs will have some kind of watchmaker on-site to do things like sizing, strap replacements, batteries (for other brands' quartz watches). However, whether it's a Rolex-certified watchmaker allowed to do warranty work is another question.

Couldn't tell you whether that's a "thing" in the UK, I just know that it exists in the US and is nice for smaller markets/those not near RSC.

[joli160]

My experience with AD owned service centre despite working under Rolex flag is rather poor to put it mildly, bunch of plumbers and more expensive as well.
The biggest AD in Holland even refuses to ship your watch to the real deal but insist on using their own work shop.

Since I use exclusively Rolex owned service centre. Never disappointed me and clear communication directly with me.

Surely there must be working some decent watchmakers at AD’s and I don’t think my experience is the norm.

[jaySL350]

Originally Posted by dannyp

Are you asking AD watchmaker to service or sending to RSC? If the former, makes all the difference in the world (such as whether it’s a Rolex plaque service center or not), but if the later it doesn’t matter at all.

The above plus if you come to London regular then you can use Rolex service in St James W1 but I’m not sure if there still open,,hope someone will confirm ,,,
otherwise you could send or take the watch into another Rolex service centre in West Malling ,Kent ,,,
either of those options would be preferable to ADs,,,,

[Wobbly]

Originally Posted by jaySL350

The above plus if you come to London regular then you can use Rolex service in St James W1 but I’m not sure if there still open,,hope someone will confirm ,,,

I can confirm St James’s is open, I was there about a month ago.

Great service as always there.

[njlam]

Separate question: does using an AD for servicing existing Rolexes count towards buying history for rare models?

[PeteWales]

Thank you all. I will head to St.James this week.