New mainspring during light service

[AlpeDHuez]

I‘m moving towards buying my first 5-digit Rolex purchase and am eyeing a 16570. My preference would be one from the 2000-02 timeframe with a holes case and box and papers.

Found one that fits the bill, but am somewhat puzzled by the description, pictures pasted below. The seller (a reputable dealer) states a partial service had been performed during which new gaskets were put in, the case was lightly polished, and the mainspring got replaced. Price is a hair under 8k USD

Seeking advice from the experts: what questions would you ask? Based on pictures, the polish looks good, but I’ve never encountered a partial service that replaced the main spring. I’m fully ok to pass and wait for the next one, they do seem to come around frequently, but wanted to get a perspective.

Thanks!

[Dan S]

Perspective about what? A mainspring?

I don't know what "partial service" means, but mainsprings are commonly replaced during a service. Why would you be concerned or puzzled by the mainspring being replaced? Who cares? I would just ignore the whole "partial service" business, that's just dealer BS. Look at the photos and the price and make your decision.

And if you want any type of meaningful feedback, the information you have provided is useless. Start over. Post photos and the asking price.

[AlpeDHuez]

Pictures I received. I appreciate y‘all‘s feedback!

[omar-rye]

If I had to guess, the mainspring was broken, so they replaced it along with the seals while they were at it. Assume the watch will need a service, and factor that into your purchase cost. These high contrast photos don’t reveal much.

[AlpeDHuez]

Originally Posted by omar-rye

If I had to guess, the mainspring was broken, so they replaced it along with the seals while they were at it. Assume the watch will need a service, and factor that into your purchase cost. These high contrast photos don’t reveal much.

Thanks! Chamfers look fine to me, no obvious asymmetry of the crown guards, and the case holes don’t point inwards - those were my takeaways. Plan on a FaceTime call anyway. Anything else you’d particularly pay attention to/inquire?

[Tools]

Originally Posted by AlpeDHuez

Thanks! Chamfers look fine to me, no obvious asymmetry of the crown guards, and the case holes don’t point inwards - those were my takeaways. Plan on a FaceTime call anyway. Anything else you’d particularly pay attention to/inquire?

It's a good looking watch keeping in mind that it has a few decades on it. Mainspring replacement wouldn't bother me, but if there isn't paperwork that specifies the work I would consider the information irrelevant.

If you like it, and the price suits you, go for it, they are beautiful watches.

[joli160]

I’d never buy based on overexposed and filtered pictures. To me it feels dealers using these type have something to hide instead of revealing the true condition.

[77T]

Originally Posted by omar-rye

If I had to guess, the mainspring was broken, so they replaced it along with the seals while they were at it. Assume the watch will need a service, and factor that into your purchase cost. These high contrast photos don’t reveal much.

This is what I would guess, too.
And x2 on presuming watch needs a full service to clean all the parts in the movement.


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[77T]

Originally Posted by AlpeDHuez

Pictures I received. I appreciate y‘all‘s feedback!

Looks like an A s/n 1999-ish model and never saw an RSC since original purchase.

Basing that solely on the mainspring replacement and only a partial service.


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[0nly5iv3Digits]

What is a "light" service?

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by 0nly5iv3Digits

What is a "light" service?

Apparently it's a "partial service."

[Mark020]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Apparently it's a "partial service."

So: what is a partial service? A drip of oil?

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by Mark020

So: what is a partial service?

Exactly ... what is it?

I'm thinking it's dealer BS, plain and simple. Somebody opened the case and tinkered with the watch to get it running well enough to sell.

[77T]

Originally Posted by Mark020

So: what is a partial service? A drip of oil?

Originally Posted by Dan S

Exactly ... what is it?

I'm thinking it's dealer BS, plain and simple. Somebody opened the case and tinkered with the watch to get it running well enough to sell.

Fair questions - I think it's worth describing the differences for newer members on TRF.

In watchmaking, a full service and a partial service differ primarily in the extent of maintenance performed on the watch.

Full Service:
1. Disassembly: The watch is completely disassembled, allowing access to all components.
2. Cleaning: All parts are cleaned using ultrasonic cleaners to remove dirt, oil, and grime.
3. Lubrication: Fresh lubricants are applied to the movement to ensure smooth operation.
4. Inspection: Each component is closely inspected for wear and damage, and necessary parts are replaced.
5. Regulation: The movement is regulated for accurate timekeeping.
6. Reassembly and Testing: The watch is reassembled and subjected to tests for water resistance, accuracy, and overall function.

Partial Service:
1. Limited Disassembly: Only specific components may be disassembled focusing on areas of concern and maybe an individual part replaced like the mainspring.
2. Surface Cleaning: The watch may be cleaned externally, but without a thorough cleaning of the movement.
3. Lubrication: Only applied to certain areas deemed necessary, rather than a complete overhaul.
4. Basic Inspection: Usually only focusing on obvious issues rather than a detailed examination.
5. Minimal Regulation: Timekeeping adjustments may be made, but not with the thoroughness of a full service.
6. Testing: Basic pressure testing may occur, but extensive testing is not performed.

In essence, a full service is comprehensive and aims to restore the watch to optimal performance.

A partial service is more about addressing a specific issue without a complete overhaul.


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[tekno]

I’m pretty sure you can get a much more crisp explorer for that $.


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[Mark020]

I’ve probably had over 100 watches serviced but I did not know and - to be honest - would never want anything less than a full service

[AlpeDHuez]

Originally Posted by Mark020

I’ve probably had over 100 watches serviced but I did not know and - to be honest - would never want anything less than a full service

Thanks for all the thoughts.

Mark020 - I sit with you. I own several Omega and JLC (finally came around to look at Rolex) that I had serviced before and never was I asked if I wanted a „partial service“, hence my question. But then again, Nesbit‘s in Seattle is my go-to…

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by Mark020

I’ve probably had over 100 watches serviced but I did not know and - to be honest - would never want anything less than a full service

Because you are not trying to flip a watch and maximize your profit.

[Mark020]

True but even then. What would be the price difference? USD 100-200?

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by Mark020

True but even then. What would be the price difference? USD 100-200?

Yup. And that tells you something about these dealers. It's all about the money.

[offrdmania]

Originally Posted by Mark020

True but even then. What would be the price difference? USD 100-200?

Watches are on pretty thin margins right now, thats the difference between eating the shipping cost or not.