Questions on Rolex servicing

[danipan]

I'm looking at purchasing a 2004 16710 and plan on taking it straight to RSC in Kent to get it serviced once in my hands.

One of my requirements would be a new bracelet, and a new case back, possibly a new crystal (regardless of whether the watch would need it or not).

Reason being is, I'd like the watch to be as new as possible, as not entirely keen on the thought of someone else's dead skin particles on mine
Since the bracelet and the case back are in direct contact with the wrist I'd like to get both brand new.

1. Can anyone confirm if Rolex are happy replacing parts on request (obviously at a cost) or do they only replace the part if it is damaged/faulty?

Secondly, in my search for a good example 16710, when inspecting closely, I sometimes see years of dirt inside the hard to get to crevices, ie the coin edge of the caseback or under the metal portion of the bezel.

2. How thorough is the cleaning process of the watch during a service?
Reading reviews, I always see how owners mention that it comes back looking like the day they bought it.

[darius359]

When providing a service, the movement is pulled, the bracelet is removed, crystal can be removed too, to if the gasket requires replacement, and they drop the case and bracelet into the ultrasonic tank for cleansing. There won't be any remnants of someone else's DNA when the cycle is complete.

Sent from my HTC U11 using Tapatalk

[Macnavara]

Originally Posted by danipan

I'm looking at purchasing a 2004 16710 and plan on taking it straight to RSC in Kent to get it serviced once in my hands.

One of my requirements would be a new bracelet, and a new case back, possibly a new crystal (regardless of whether the watch would need it or not).

Reason being is, I'd like the watch to be as new as possible, as not entirely keen on the thought of someone else's dead skin particles on mine
Since the bracelet and the case back are in direct contact with the wrist I'd like to get both brand new.

1. Can anyone confirm if Rolex are happy replacing parts on request (obviously at a cost) or do they only replace the part if it is damaged/faulty?

Secondly, in my search for a good example 16710, when inspecting closely, I sometimes see years of dirt inside the hard to get to crevices, ie the coin edge of the caseback or under the metal portion of the bezel.

2. How thorough is the cleaning process of the watch during a service?
Reading reviews, I always see how owners mention that it comes back looking like the day they bought it.

Mine can back so clean I dont want to wear it now

[HiDive]

Hopefully they have a new bracelet. They will probably only do a trade and not give you back the old bracelet. Should be around $500 for that alone.

The watch will look great. I have never regretted sending in a Rolex for overhaul, they have always come back looking new. I have had it done at least 5 times on different watches.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by danipan

I'm looking at purchasing a 2004 16710 and plan on taking it straight to RSC in Kent to get it serviced once in my hands.

One of my requirements would be a new bracelet, and a new case back, possibly a new crystal (regardless of whether the watch would need it or not).

Reason being is, I'd like the watch to be as new as possible, as not entirely keen on the thought of someone else's dead skin particles on mine
Since the bracelet and the case back are in direct contact with the wrist I'd like to get both brand new.

1. Can anyone confirm if Rolex are happy replacing parts on request (obviously at a cost) or do they only replace the part if it is damaged/faulty?

Secondly, in my search for a good example 16710, when inspecting closely, I sometimes see years of dirt inside the hard to get to crevices, ie the coin edge of the caseback or under the metal portion of the bezel.

2. How thorough is the cleaning process of the watch during a service?
Reading reviews, I always see how owners mention that it comes back looking like the day they bought it.

If the bracelet and case back and watch crystal are in good condition no reason whatsoever to change them, as they will cleaned like all the parts when watch is stripped down to service in ultrasonic cleaner.But if you want them changed if you ask them they will change them at your quite expensive extra on top of service cost.And after full RSC service watch thats movement stripped down re-oiled and calibrated on timing machine movement parts replaced if needed, all case seals etc replaced as well. Bracelet case polished and finished as close to original when new as possible,and after full RSC service watch will be as good as new with a full two year warranty.

[RJRJRJ]

Just send it in for a standard full service and you'll receive back a clean watch looking like new with no skin attached to it.

[joli160]

I also don’t like second hand watches, one of the reasons is what you mention.

However at a service all parts will be meticulously cleaned. There will be no grime left after a service by a RSC.
If the RSC in Kent will supply you with a new bracelet and cashback is up to them. Just ask

[Tools]

Originally Posted by danipan

. . .

1. Can anyone confirm if Rolex are happy replacing parts on request (obviously at a cost) or do they only replace the part if it is damaged/faulty?

Secondly, in my search for a good example 16710, when inspecting closely, I sometimes see years of dirt inside the hard to get to crevices, ie the coin edge of the caseback or under the metal portion of the bezel.

2. How thorough is the cleaning process of the watch during a service?
Reading reviews, I always see how owners mention that it comes back looking like the day they bought it.

1) Rolex will change parts that you request and pay for, as long as they are parts appropriate for the reference.

2) All parts are put in baskets and cleaned in an ultrasound type process. They want to remove all particles and oils that may interfere in the correct functioning when they reassemble and reoil it. You probably won't get anything cleaner outside of a hospital.

[l_chissle]

Anyone know how much roughly it would cost to replace a YG presidential on a 1980s day date? (and whether they'll even do that?)

[joli160]

Originally Posted by LPC6

Anyone know how much roughly it would cost to replace a YG presidential on a 1980s day date? (and whether they'll even do that?)

Why not refurbish it ? Still original and way cheaper

[l_chissle]

Originally Posted by joli160

Why not refurbish it ? Still original and way cheaper

Was trying to compare the two options. Been following Rolliworks on Instagram and the work he does looks superb. But I'm also not in the US, which makes logistics of sending the watch back and forth more difficult. Would have been easier when I used to find myself in the US once every month or so.

[Nikrnic]

I also have an Fser 16710 bought a year ago, practically unworn. It's never been serviced and running at +3 with a 43hr power reserve. No RSC for me. I do have a person for a service which will be for a cleaning and oiling of the movement only as well as new gaskets and pressure test. Not sure if you should send your bracelet in, It may be better to put it on a throwaway strap if you want to keep it and then have RSC add a new one. Not sure how that would work though but often wondered.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[Tools]

Originally Posted by LPC6

Anyone know how much roughly it would cost to replace a YG presidential on a 1980s day date? (and whether they'll even do that?)

New pm bracelets are ~20k, doesn't matter how old it is.

[l_chissle]

Thanks for the info!