Independent Rolex service Vs (London) Rolex Service

[khalifam]

Hi all,

Was hoping I could be a bit educated with pros and cons of going to an independent Rolex accredited watch maker for a service rather than RSC in London.

I know price is one, but are there any other pros/cons?

Also, there are people who are Rolex accredited but do not show up on the Rolex website, does anyone know a good independent near the Midlands?

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[fskywalker]

Private watchmen service cost will likely be cheaper and be done faster than RSC. Also a private watchmen will be more willing to do things differently versus the stricter Rolex rules (like not enforcing replacing old hands or an old dial, for example if they are deteriorated).


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[jas55]

You should receive a 2 year warranty if you have Rolex service the watch. I think Rolex would be more meticulous with their service. You will likely pay more however.

[Harry-57]

Watchworks in Bristol have a good reputation. I haven't used them but they would be my first choice of independent if I was so inclined. There must be articles and reviews of all the better indies all over the web.

[joli160]

The only reason not to use a RSC I can think of is if you own a rare classic model.

Any independent may very well be qualified but can ge get the parts which a RSC replaces standard during service i.e. main spring ?
Are you sure they follow Rolex guidelines ? QC ?

I only use RSC, works best for me.

[SeaDweller50]

As long as you do your due diligence and ensure they’re a Rolex Accredited UK Service Centre, you shouldn’t have any issues. The last thing you want is to have aftermarket parts replaced in the movement.

[Number3]

There are some independents such as Watchworks in Bristol and Steven Hale in London who claim to be Rolex accredited. Does this mean they have a parts account with Rolex?

[SeaDweller50]

Originally Posted by Number3

There are some independents such as Watchworks in Bristol and Steven Hale in London who claim to be Rolex accredited. Does this mean they have a parts account with Rolex?

Indeed.

[CharlesN]

There are Pros and Cons but the Pros vastly outweigh the Cons IMHO

I once made the mistake of sending a Rolex Datejust to an independent watchmaker for a simple service.

I said "Simple" ... It ended up being far from simple.

The watchmaker (I use that term loosely) did a service and changed a few parts in my watch that he said needed attention. The problem was that he used parts from a source other than Rolex themselves so my watch was no longer 100% authentic.

Prior to doing the work i asked if he would only use Rolex parts ... he said he would.

He lied ! None of the replacement parts were genuine Rolex parts. I only found that out after about a year when i wanted my watch regulated. I went to the RSC in Central London who were happy to do it for me. but, They opened the watch and saw NON genuine parts.

They politely refused to do a regulation unless I had the watch stripped and reserviced and all genuine parts replaced. I was not exactly happy (Thats an understatement) with the watchmaker I originally used.

I went to see the watchmaker, He said all the parts were genuine Rolex for my repair. he even told me where he got them, a well known watch parts supplier in London who carried 3rd part parts for Rolex watches but NO genuine parts. I explained to the watchmaker the difference between GENUINE and 3RD PARTY but he didnt give a damn. He had been paid and to my certain knowledge he is still in business and still doing exactly the same to unsuspecting clients as he did to me.

My watch eventually cost almost double a normal Rolex service costs as I had the Rubbish service cost plus Rolex and parts from both of the repairs.

IMHO .. ONLY go to the RSC or a Rolex authorised watch maker with a full parts acciount.

[Tools]

There is nothing wrong with having a good independent watchmaker service your watch. The trick is finding a good one, so it's best to check qualifications.

There is also nothing wrong with aftermarket parts (not counterfeit parts), they are as sturdy and work as well as Rolex branded parts. It is true that Rolex will always want to change out non-branded parts if the watch is sent to them, but Rolex controls their own service network, so many good shops can't buy from the Mother-ship.

Many, many Rolex watches have survived for decades and never seen the inside of a Rolex Service Center.

The watchmaker shops to steer clear of are those that quote a price, then nickel and dime you for every part that should be included. You also want to avoid shops that only tear the watch down to major sub-assemblies and sonic clean them. Frequently these partial tear downs are much cheaper, but you really want everything checked and cleaned or replaced.

[khalifam]

Originally Posted by Tools

There is nothing wrong with having a good independent watchmaker service your watch. The trick is finding a good one, so it's best to check qualifications.



There is also nothing wrong with aftermarket parts (not counterfeit parts), they are as sturdy and work as well as Rolex branded parts. It is true that Rolex will always want to change out non-branded parts it the watch is sent to them, but Rolex controls their own service network, so many good shops can't buy from the Mother-ship.



Many, many Rolex watches have survived for decades and never seen the inside of a Rolex Service Center.



The watchmaker shops to steer clear of are those that quote a price, then nickel and dime you for every part that should be included. You also want to avoid shops that only tear the watch down to major sub-assemblies and sonic clean them. Frequently these partial tear downs are much cheaper, but you really want everything checked and cleaned or replaced.

Thanks, I have found a watch maker who is very reputable and states that his service charge is £xxx but then states that if some parts need changing he will have to charge for that... But isn't that what roelx do too? Charge for a service and then make money on certain parts?

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[joli160]

Originally Posted by khalifam

Thanks, I have found a watch maker who is very reputable and states that his service charge is £xxx but then states that if some parts need changing he will have to charge for that... But isn't that what roelx do too? Charge for a service and then make money on certain parts?

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They will tell you before in their quote

[Tools]

Originally Posted by khalifam

Thanks, I have found a watch maker who is very reputable and states that his service charge is £xxx but then states that if some parts need changing he will have to charge for that... But isn't that what roelx do too? Charge for a service and then make money on certain parts?

The Rolex basic service quote includes all internal movement parts that wear, including gears (wheels), bushings and jewels, mainsprings and seals/gaskets.

They charge for exterior parts that get bumped, banged and bruised, like crystals and winding crowns, or dials and hands if you choose to replace them.

This is quite different from those who do disassemble and clean everything, but put the old parts back in unless they absolutely need replacing - and charge you for those parts that should be part of the movement service.

[khalifam]

Originally Posted by Tools

The Rolex basic service quote includes all internal movement parts that wear, including gears (wheels), bushings and jewels, mainsprings and seals/gaskets.



They charge for exterior parts that get bumped, banged and bruised, like crystals and winding crowns, or dials and hands if you choose to replace them.



This is quite different from those who do disassemble and clean everything, but put the old parts back in unless they absolutely need replacing - and charge you for those parts that should be part of the movement service.

Thanks, I'm a novice when it comes to servicing. Does this sound okay tools? Screenshot_20210203-185721_Gmail.jpg

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[rootbeer7]

In my experience, for high value watches (Big Block, Mk1 1675, 16610LV) RSC St James every time. Movement service only, and returned with up to date guarantee. Lower end, 1601 etc then independent.

[Number3]

Originally Posted by CharlesN

There are Pros and Cons but the Pros vastly outweigh the Cons IMHO

I once made the mistake of sending a Rolex Datejust to an independent watchmaker for a simple service.

I said "Simple" ... It ended up being far from simple.

The watchmaker (I use that term loosely) did a service and changed a few parts in my watch that he said needed attention. The problem was that he used parts from a source other than Rolex themselves so my watch was no longer 100% authentic.

Prior to doing the work i asked if he would only use Rolex parts ... he said he would.

He lied ! None of the replacement parts were genuine Rolex parts. I only found that out after about a year when i wanted my watch regulated. I went to the RSC in Central London who were happy to do it for me. but, They opened the watch and saw NON genuine parts.

They politely refused to do a regulation unless I had the watch stripped and reserviced and all genuine parts replaced. I was not exactly happy (Thats an understatement) with the watchmaker I originally used.

I went to see the watchmaker, He said all the parts were genuine Rolex for my repair. he even told me where he got them, a well known watch parts supplier in London who carried 3rd part parts for Rolex watches but NO genuine parts. I explained to the watchmaker the difference between GENUINE and 3RD PARTY but he didnt give a damn. He had been paid and to my certain knowledge he is still in business and still doing exactly the same to unsuspecting clients as he did to me.

My watch eventually cost almost double a normal Rolex service costs as I had the Rubbish service cost plus Rolex and parts from both of the repairs.

IMHO .. ONLY go to the RSC or a Rolex authorised watch maker with a full parts acciount.

Who was this?

[Cambo]

I’ve only had RSC service my watches. Great service/parts provenance and 2 year warrantee coming out. Never questioned.
But that’s me.

[CharlesN]

Originally Posted by Number3

Who was this?

I don’t think it is right to mention a watchmakers name here, but, they were located in Ealing, West London.

[Goochy]

To my knowledge there are only two Rolex accredited watchmakers in the UK with a Rolex parts account, Steve Hale and William Rice. The price difference between these and RSC is small as they have a list of parts that must be replaced as part of the service to maintain their accreditation. I have heard that Rolex use Steve Hale to do their vintage pieces that don’t go back to Geneva but I can’t confirm that. I would be wary of people who say they’re Rolex accredited but provide no proof.

[khalifam]

Originally Posted by Goochy

To my knowledge there are only two Rolex accredited watchmakers in the UK with a Rolex parts account, Steve Hale and William Rice. The price difference between these and RSC is small as they have a list of parts that must be replaced as part of the service to maintain their accreditation. I have heard that Rolex use Steve Hale to do their vintage pieces that don’t go back to Geneva but I can’t confirm that. I would be wary of people who say they’re Rolex accredited but provide no proof.

What about watchworks and Michlmayr Clock & Watchmakers who claim to be Rolex approved?

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[CharlesN]

Originally Posted by khalifam

What about watchworks and Michlmayr Clock & Watchmakers who claim to be Rolex approved?

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From their own website ..........
“
We are a certified service centre for Certina, CK, Hamilton, Tissot, Mido, Balmain, Rado and Longines watches”

I can’t see Rolex in that list !!!!! I would have though that they would in law Rolex in their list.

Simple basic rule to follow ....... GO TO THE RSC

[khalifam]

Originally Posted by CharlesN

From their own website ..........

“

We are a certified service centre for Certina, CK, Hamilton, Tissot, Mido, Balmain, Rado and Longines watches”



I can’t see Rolex in that list !!!!! I would have though that they would in law Rolex in their list.



Simple basic rule to follow ....... GO TO THE RSC

They are also stating that they inform Rolex that they have serviced your watch.... Screenshot_20210204-134116_Samsung Internet.jpg

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[CharlesN]

That says the watchmaker is Rolex accredited. That means he has been trained etc by Rolex but does he have a parts account ?
I am sorry if I seem to be sceptical - But I am very much so.
I don’t understand why you are seemingly trying to avoid the RSC where you know you will be free of any problems at all.

[khalifam]

Originally Posted by CharlesN

That says the watchmaker is Rolex accredited. That means he has been trained etc by Rolex but does he have a parts account ?
I am sorry if I seem to be sceptical - But I am very much so.
I don’t understand why you are seemingly trying to avoid the RSC where you know you will be free of any problems at all.

THEY WILL TAKE MY HANDS AND DIAL!

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[CharlesN]

I may have missed it but are your hands and dial in poor condition ?
What model do you have and how old is it ?
If you are very anti RSC then the next best is Stephen Hale.
You can discuss with anybody to save your hands and dial.

[Golden Ellipse]

Originally Posted by jas55

I think Rolex would be more meticulous with their service.

Not my experience whatsoever. I have had some good service from RSC, and some truly abhorrent. But the trusted Indies always come through.

[Zsprings]

[QUOTE=khalifam;11245432]THEY WILL TAKE MY HANDS AND DIAL!

I have always (in the past before such high value was placed upon certain early dials and hands) had my servicing always done by RSC, but now while my watches are keeping time, I avoid having any service, for fear of the watch coming back with a different dial.

[Number3]

I asked Watchworks for a quote recently for some work on one of my pieces that has a bezel from a different model. Terri, the office manager, replied as follows;

“I am afraid this is not a job we can help with.

Our watchmaker is Rolex accredited so is forbidden to work on a modified Rolex watch.

I’m sorry we cannot help on this occasion.”

So they’re certainly playing by ‘Rolex rules’.

[Goochy]

Originally Posted by khalifam

What about watchworks and Michlmayr Clock & Watchmakers who claim to be Rolex approved?

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Why not just call the Rolex service department at Kings Hill, they will willingly tell you who is Rolex approved and who isn’t.

[Goochy]

Originally Posted by khalifam

THEY WILL TAKE MY HANDS AND DIAL!

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They will not take anything or replace anything unless you give them permission to do so. I recently had my Milgauss 1019 serviced at Kings Hill, they didn’t take my dial and they didn’t take my hands. If you are specific as to want you would like them to do they are very accommodating. They inspect the watch before sending you a quote, you can chose to have the work done or not. If you’re worried about your dial and hands just take lots of photos and let them know that you have photos, they’re not thieves.