RSC Warranty Card vs. AD Appraisal

[prk154]

I have a couple watches in my collection without original papers. I'm lucky enough that my local AD has a Rolex certified watchmaker who can actually perform a full service and provide an official Rolex Service Warranty Card.

Neither of my watches actually need a service, but would it be worthwhile to have him perform the work to receive the cards?

He has also offered to appraise the watches for my records. During this, he will verify the movements, parts, and check all numbers on the Rolex database. The documentation will show this.

My main question is, would this appraisal paperwork from an AD be acceptable or should I just pay for a full service?

[Calatrava r]

This is the first time that I recall someone asking whether to have a service where one is not needed. Never open your watches unless it is needed. The last thing you want are service-related problems with a watch which was running perfectly before the service.

[prk154]

Thanks for the education. I was considering it more of preventive maintenance, as both watches are +8 years old.

I was also thinking I'd be happier to have some sort of documentation to go with the watches...I just didn't know which would be better, RSC card or appraisal from AD.

[rmwill]

I proactively serviced two of my watches that had no service history. They were running fine, but I wanted to make sure they were ready for swimming etc. Very pleased with the results.

[GGGMT]

Which watches are these? Vintage? Modern? I *always* buy with B&P because it’s critical to me and completes the integrity of the Watch and collection. But that’s just me. If common watches, sell and replace. Otherwise yeah I guess appraisal with Rolex branded documentation is better than a naked watch.


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[Little machines]

Paul
Getting a service card with an authorized service from Rolex is not a bad idea. Also checking with Rolex to make sure your watches are ok(appraisal) is smart also especially if they didn't come with papers. In the future it will make the resale or trade of these watches an easier process. Good luck!

[joli160]

Appraisal is more useful for insurance purposes.

A service by an AD has zero added value imho.

[prk154]

Thanks for all of the input. The watches are a 16570 Polar with the 3186 movement and a SD 4000 116600. I'm leaning towards the appraisal just to get some Rolex branded documentation to go with the watches, even though I have no intent to ever sell either of them.

Just a peace of mind thing for me. I would probably do nothing if I didn't have a Rolex certified watchmaker within ten minutes of my house.

[Snowballs]

Wasn't aware an AD based watchmaker could provide a Rolex Service card.

Great if they have that ability.

BTW - My last insurance appraisal was through an independent appraiser not associated with any brand.

[dannyp]

Why not just do the servicing if/when you elect to sell? That’s the only reason card would be useful anyways.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by prk154

. . .

My main question is, would this appraisal paperwork from an AD be acceptable or should I just pay for a full service?

Be acceptable for what?

It's your money, but if your watch doesn't need a service, leave it alone until it does. At that point you can decide if you want a Rolex Warranty card or not. Just doing it to get a card doesn't justify the cost or make your watch more valuable after factoring that cost.

[Wssszsss]

The paper may help the vintage watches, for modern ones, I’m not sure, I guess it won’t add any value

[jimcameron]

but would it be worthwhile to have him perform the work to receive the cards?

I'd wait until service is required. Having the cards is almost worthless if you don't have the original box, papers, etc.