Follow up on dads day date

[Lvcat2004]

So I posted about a day date from late 60s early 70s I got from my dad last month.

I sent it to Rolex service center through an AF to get it serviced and apparently the dial is fake and I have to get it replaced, and replace hands, Polish, etc and after it's said and done it will be $2100. Does that sound about right for the service and a new dial from a RSC?

[Mosbrook]

Does that price include repairs to the chipped gold plating?

[Velox]

But the bracelet is non rolex right?

And the dial fake fake, or original repsprayed fake?

I would take out the dial if "original" and possible. Still can get quite a few bucks for it even if refinished

[123Blueface]

They should have given you a detailed estimate itemized.
As to whether the price is right or not, that is not negotiable.
Only thing you can do is choose not to replace items.

All that said, I am SHOCKED to hear what you are saying.
I have never, ever heard of Rolex daring to touch a watch with anything that is not genuine Rolex parts on it. Did I mention Never?

[TempoKing]

If the bracelet was not Rolex the RSC would have told him,
like they told him about the aftermarket diamond dial.
The will polish the bracelet nicely... but I am really
surprised with the $2100 price tag.!!
This watch can be serviced with all the new parts needed for half the price.

[Lvcat2004]

I didn't send the bracelet as it was replica.

I was somewhat surprised about the dial as I have posted the pics here and pretty much everyone said the head is genuine.

As for the dial, they said it was not genuine but will replace with non diamond genuine dial and will return the old dial to me.

[crowncollection]

Show us the service estimate break down.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Velox]

Originally Posted by Lvcat2004

and will return the old dial to me.

Ah ok, I thought they would keep that dial

[BBL]

Why don't you contact Vanessa CW21 (TRF member) about this? Maybe she can help.

[freefly]

Originally Posted by BBL

Why don't you contact Vanessa CW21 (TRF member) about this? Maybe she can help.

+1

She finished up a Sub for me not too long ago. Excellent work and communication. I believe they (JOT) also have a few factory dials on hand, so they might have one for that reference available to install with the service.

[Lvcat2004]

Update on the situation. I asked for the breakdown of cost from RSC.
Service with polish $1050
New dial $900
Crown $130
Hands $65
They can't tell me if the dial is completely counterfeit or just modified with diamonds.

I have a feeling (unless anyone can tell me otherwise) that the dual is genuine with diamonds added, but didn't want to have that exchanges with a new one for $900 so I'm having it shipped back as I found someone who will service it without forcing me to get s new dial.

Sounds reasonable?

[back]

You should be able to get a service and polish from a quality independent watchmaker for $300ish. Glad you did not go and get fleeced by Rolex.

[freefly]

Originally Posted by Lvcat2004

I have a feeling (unless anyone can tell me otherwise) that the dual is genuine with diamonds added, but didn't want to have that exchanges with a new one for $900 so I'm having it shipped back as I found someone who will service it without forcing me to get s new dial.

Sounds reasonable?

Yep, sounds reasonable. If you ever did want to replace the dial, you should be able to source a factory (non-diamond) one for a lot less than $900 anyway.
Just be sure to do your homework on the shop you choose, especially if they are going to be polishing/refinishing the watch.

Buffing/polishing is an art-form IMO, and takes a lot of practice to do correctly.
To start, they should have the right equipment, and know how to use it correctly (specific compounds at specific RPMs for different tasks, not mixing compounds on the same wheel, etc.).
I've seen 18k watches nearly ruined by heavy-handed gorillas with a buffing wheel.

[freefly]

Originally Posted by back

You should be able to get a service and polish from a quality independent watchmaker for $300ish. Glad you did not go and get fleeced by Rolex.

I highly doubt that. Even if no replacement parts are needed (unlikely), you will still be looking at a lot more than $300 for a full service and polish. The average job will typically be more than double that amount from any reputable watchmaker. YMMV.

[back]

Originally Posted by freefly

I highly doubt that. Even if no replacement parts are needed (unlikely), you will still be looking at a lot more than $300 for a full service and polish. The average job will typically be more than double that amount from any reputable watchmaker. YMMV.

We have a great one here in Atlanta who handles mostly commercial accounts. $300 and very well respected. There are others throughout the land if you seek them out. Atlanta guy is Michael LaScala. With a little effort, one does not need to overpay for top notch service. I can't speak to what parts one may or may not need replaced, as that is just a guessing game. Ever wonder why a service on an ETA is like $150, when it is not really much less involved than service on a Rolex? Some guys price their work against Rolex's insane markup. Others price their work by what it really should be. I do not mind paying for quality....but I will never be a sucker led by the nose.


Anyway OP. Back on topic. I would just find a well respected indy in your area, or if not possible, send it off to one recommended at these forums. Just be really careful that you don't bring it to some random jewelry store who will be a crap shoot at best. Again, RF is your friend...do your homework here on who to use.

[freefly]

Originally Posted by back

We have a great one here in Atlanta who handles mostly commercial accounts. $300 and very well respected. There are others throughout the land if you seek them out.

Fair enough (if you have actual experience with them). I have just seen a good number of hatchet-jobs from "discount" service watchmakers.

So, if you can in fact get a complete service/overhaul (clean/oil/regulate/pressure test) to include any replacement parts, along with a full case and bracelet polish to factory specs, for "$300-ish" then good on you.

[Mr Kram]

just curious, why do the hands need to be replaced? also, what about the crystal? looks beat to hell.

[freefly]

Originally Posted by Mr Kram

just curious, why do the hands need to be replaced? also, what about the crystal? looks beat to hell.

That is per RSC. Even if the hands were in mint condition, they would require them to be replaced due to lack of lume. The crystal would be replaced as part of the service as well.

[Mr Kram]

Originally Posted by freefly

That is per RSC. Even if the hands were in mint condition, they would require them to be replaced due to lack of lume. The crystal would be replaced as part of the service as well.

got it on the hands. so the crystal price is included with standard service?

[Lvcat2004]

Yes, crystal replacement was included