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Old 30 April 2019, 11:11 AM   #1
the1maestro
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Vintage Rolex - Servicing

Hi All,

I'm drooling over a 1977 vintage 1680 see here:https://shop.analogshift.com/collect...ubmariner-date

My question is - If I buy it, and eventually will need service, will a RSC insist on changing the dial and hands? I recently took my old Seamaster into an Omega boutique for service and they insisted on changing the dial (which had patinated nicely). I'm just wondering if RSCs will insist on the same treatment...

Thanks In advance!
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Old 30 April 2019, 11:15 AM   #2
kzm40
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Quote:
Originally Posted by the1maestro View Post
Hi All,

I'm drooling over a 1977 vintage 1680 see here:https://shop.analogshift.com/collect...ubmariner-date

My question is - If I buy it, and eventually will need service, will a RSC insist on changing the dial and hands? I recently took my old Seamaster into an Omega boutique for service and they insisted on changing the dial (which had patinated nicely). I'm just wondering if RSCs will insist on the same treatment...

Thanks In advance!
In the UK they don't but if you take it to a RSC make sure you put that in writing, or use a trusted independent repairer.
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Old 30 April 2019, 11:38 AM   #3
the1maestro
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Originally Posted by kzm40 View Post
In the UK they don't but if you take it to a RSC make sure you put that in writing, or use a trusted independent repairer.
Thanks! Would love the watch in all its patina, but just scared that the servicing would ruin it!
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Old 30 April 2019, 11:59 AM   #4
Tools
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If you are concerned, don't take it to the RSC.

They won't change dial and hands unless you give them the go-ahead and pay for it.
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Old 30 April 2019, 01:39 PM   #5
Cold904L
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RSC now has a specialized vintage department. They won’t throw out parts but pricing starts in the mid $2k’s (about 2.5x regular service fees).
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Old 30 April 2019, 02:15 PM   #6
Styles Bitchley
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Not my experience with RSC. They will only change what you agree to. Nice watch. Those dark hands might bug me though.


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Old 30 April 2019, 03:42 PM   #7
HarryLime
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I'd never take a vintage watch to RSC. Send it to an independent like Phillip Ridley. There are plenty of great independent watchmakers around.
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Old 30 April 2019, 04:07 PM   #8
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RSCs seem to differ between cities and some RSCs are more sensitive to retaining the vintage and originality of the watch, than others. There are plenty of threads on TRF about the different RSCs around the world and people's experience with them.

Sometimes there can be advantages to going to the RSC, for example, getting the service papers (which can be useful if you ever want to sell it down the track because it can prove the watch's authenticity and that it has been serviced).

When I've taken my vintage pieces to the RSC, I've generally requested a movement service only and no polishing of the case. The RSC won't generally replace a part unless you consent to it and they believe it needs to be replaced because it is damaged or it affects the working order of the watch.

An RSC service is usually more expensive than a service by one of the independents.
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