RSC Cost and Timetable for Vintage

[Rolex.Journey]

Was wondering what servicing on vintage pieces typically cost on older pieces. Have 2 pieces from the 80s that will probably need bracelet work, servicing, and maybe new crystals although I prefer to just have the originals polished.

AD couldn’t give me an exact cost, but did say 2-3 months. Not sure if they bank any money on servicing, but would be helpful if this was added into my spend history with them.

Please share some of your experiences!


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[Newt]

I had a 1957 gold OP, took about 5 months. They had to find "parts-watches" to get it fully back to snuff. cost was about $2K. I had a 1971 GMT about the same time and cost. I had new acrylics on both, no polishing to cases though.

Both came back looking brilliant.

[Speedbird-1]

When, do Rolex start considering a watch, vintage?

[Spoonage]

Another option could be independent watchmakers. There are a few in California that seem to have great reviews unless you're looking specifically for the RSC to take care of it.

Also check the vintage sub-forum there may be others that can chime in with more feedback faster.

[EWY]

I noticed that your location is California. If you are in Los Angeles area, I would suggest heading to Rolex Service Center in Beverly Hills. I have been using that RSC. I recently took a DD and a GMT 2 there for service. I am happy with the work done.

I dropped off my watches on September 9 2022. Received estimates a few days later. After I authorized the work. I took about 4 weeks for RSC to notify me that my watches were ready for pickup. The service time quoted was 4 to 8 weeks. This is the norm for RSC BH.

I think the watchmaker/watchmakers could service/overhaul watches relatively fast. The extra time is for the watches to be regulated and tested for some set-time. This is to ensure that the watches would meet the accuracy requirement.

When you drop off the watch, you could specify what you want to be done. RSC will send you an estimate and you need to authorize the work. RSC would not work on your watch without your authorization.

The price for service and parts are reasonable. All parts replaced were not returned. This sort of make sense in my case, as the crown on my watch was replaced. Since it a gold piece, the old crown was retained. The cost of the new crown is $133.40.

This is my second time that I used RSC BH. The work done is excellent. All the seals were replaced and 2-year Service Warranty is included.

I have a post on RSC BH and you can check it out. Take a look at the pictures and see for yourself the work done.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=877410

[Grapenut]

Used my AD to send in my late 70s 1675 for service in fall of 2021. Unable to find the receipt currently, but believe it was $1000 for the service and $1,250 for a new band (purchased an oyster to accompany the current jubilee). I sent it in without a band, but was told a band would be required for full service. Fine with me since I wanted the oyster.

Service was more expensive due to replacement parts (crown, crystal, dial), so likely cheaper if strictly mechanical. Took about 8 weeks through the Dallas RSC which was a faster timeline than expected. Completely happy with how it turned out.

FWIW I wasn't the least bit worried about resell value as this is my father's watch. No intention of ever selling so replacement parts not an issue for me.

[Oystersteel92]

Originally Posted by Newt

I had a 1957 gold OP, took about 5 months. They had to find "parts-watches" to get it fully back to snuff. cost was about $2K. I had a 1971 GMT about the same time and cost. I had new acrylics on both, no polishing to cases though.

Both came back looking brilliant.

I had a 1968 DJ serviced and it was a little over $1000, but it had been maintained by a previous owner and already had a service dial and bracelet.

A 1995 ladies OP cost me $2000, but it had never been serviced and required quite a few parts as well as an additional TT link as my wife has large wrists. I view it as saving a Rolex from oblivion, and my wife likes it and other women comment on it all the time (which she definitely likes).

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Rolex.Journey

Was wondering what servicing on vintage pieces typically cost on older pieces. Have 2 pieces from the 80s that will probably need bracelet work, servicing, and maybe new crystals although I prefer to just have the originals polished.

AD couldn’t give me an exact cost, but did say 2-3 months. Not sure if they bank any money on servicing, but would be helpful if this was added into my spend history with them.

Please share some of your experiences!


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If any Rolex has say a acrylic crystal they are always replaced as part of service,and service time depends on how busy the RSC when put in for service but average time a few months.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by padi56

If any Rolex has say a acrylic crystal they are always replaced as part of service,and service time depends on how busy the RSC when put in for service but average time a few months.

This, in a nutshell