Vintage Rolex watch crystal needs repair

[lovejewelry]

The crystal on my Rolex Oyster Perpetual datejust cracked when it was dropped. It probably also needs complete servicing (or “overhaul” if that’s the proper term). I have questions for people who have had their watch repaired. Do I go to a local jeweler to have it sent to the Rolex Service Center in Dallas? Or do I ship it straight to the service center myself? Can anyone also share experiences on where to go, cost, satisfaction etc?

[Tools]

There are plenty of good watchmakers in the LA area, along with the Beverly Hills RSC.

Any AD will send it in for you, but then they become the RSC customer and you are at the mercy of whatever decisions they make - without you.

If you send it in yourself, you are the customer, and the initial assessment and cost estimate, including recommendations as well as requirements, are sent to you before the work is done, not a third party.

[lovejewelry]

What is AD?

[granttime]

Authorized Dealer.

[Dan S]

As noted above, take it or ship it to the service center. Don't get a middle-man involved, that can lead to miscommunication.

[lovejewelry]

Thank you. It took a load off my mind.

[lovejewelry]

Originally Posted by Tools

There are plenty of good watchmakers in the LA area, along with the Beverly Hills RSC.

Any AD will send it in for you, but then they become the RSC customer and you are at the mercy of whatever decisions they make - without you.

If you send it in yourself, you are the customer, and the initial assessment and cost estimate, including recommendations as well as requirements, are sent to you before the work is done, not a third party.

I appreciated your reply. I’ll have to ship it to either RSC Dallas or NY since the Beverly Hills location don’t accept mail in. I would have preferred Beverly Hills since they got stellar reviews for customer service. Direct to RSC (instead of AD route) is the way to go. Thank you.

[Dan S]

For me, it would be worth a trip to the Beverly Hills RSC to drop it off in person. Why take the risk of shipping?

[lovejewelry]

Originally Posted by Dan S

As noted above, take it or ship it to the service center. Don't get a middle-man involved, that can lead to miscommunication.

Yes, that is what I will do. Rolex has sent me mailing instructions just now. I feel so much better. Glad there is a forum like this for people to gather to learn more and share knowledge and stories about these amazing timepieces! Thank you for your help.

[lovejewelry]

Originally Posted by Dan S

For me, it would be worth a trip to the Beverly Hills RSC to drop it off in person. Why take the risk of shipping?

I didn’t see your reply when I replied previously. Actually I was thinking of flying there. The watch is in a fragile state with the cracked crystal. I’m good at packaging fragile things. Packed everything for a coast to coast move. Not a single damaged item.

I’m hoping the watch is repairable. It’s just a cracked crystal but it has never been serviced for maintenance before.

Your advice is appreciated. Thank you.

[Dan S]

Perhaps I misunderstood, but your profile says "Los Angeles", so I assumed it would be a relatively easy drive to Beverly Hills.

The cracked crystal really shouldn't be a major issue for shipping, or repairing.

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by lovejewelry

I didn’t see your reply when I replied previously. Actually I was thinking of flying there. The watch is in a fragile state with the cracked crystal. I’m good at packaging fragile things. Packed everything for a coast to coast move. Not a single damaged item.

I’m hoping the watch is repairable. It’s just a cracked crystal but it has never been serviced for maintenance before.

Your advice is appreciated. Thank you.

If it’s just a cracked crystal, it’s totally repairable. In fact, even if it suffered more than that, it’s repairable. They’re not one of a kind works of art. Things like crystals are replaced daily on vintage watches. Not a big deal.
Also, no need to fly anywhere for a job like this. I think you’re putting too much pressure on yourself (and the watch!) for a relatively easy fix.

[lovejewelry]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Perhaps I misunderstood, but your profile says "Los Angeles", so I assumed it would be a relatively easy drive to Beverly Hills.

The cracked crystal really shouldn't be a major issue for shipping, or repairing.

I’m 270 miles away from Los Angeles but I use LA as my default location because I consider it a major city compared to where I am. Relieved to hear that it would be repairable. Thanks.

[lovejewelry]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

If it’s just a cracked crystal, it’s totally repairable. In fact, even if it suffered more than that, it’s repairable. They’re not one of a kind works of art. Things like crystals are replaced daily on vintage watches. Not a big deal.
Also, no need to fly anywhere for a job like this. I think you’re putting too much pressure on yourself (and the watch!) for a relatively easy fix.

Was worried about rust, corrosion, etc. then worried about it being mishandled by Rolex. That’s what googling does. Bad gets magnified and good gets minimized.

It was kept in a safe deposit box. I can’t wait to get this over with. I’m prepared for the cost. I wish the Beverly Hills location accepted mail in but Dallas it is. Thanks.

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