Oysterquartz service quote, for those interested

[Master_Grogu]

Hello all,

Having my Oysterquartz battery life being only 6 or so months even with new batteries, I figured I'd rather have it serviced than end up with a dead watch and high RSC bill.

Well, scrap the last part, as I still ended up with a hefty RSC quote:

Full service : 830$
Replace/repair motor: 730$
(Excluding the VAT).

Fun times. I've reached out to RSC to understand why they want to do a full motor replacement. Still waiting on the details.

Hope it helps any current or potential OQ owner.

[jimcameron]

Would the 830$ include a replace/repair motor, or are they two separate charges?

[VonSomething]

What's the $100 for?

[offrdmania]

Why does the price seem crazy when a normal Rolex auto movement service is usually just under $1000? Maybe im missing something.

[Chewbacca]

I’d say $1400 or so to have a rare watch working for the next 15 - 20 years isn’t all that bad when you consider they’re now exclusive and the total on-wrist price is still well under comparable rebuilt DJs from that era.

[Master_Grogu]

Originally Posted by VonSomething

What's the $100 for?

Originally Posted by jimcameron

Would the 830$ include a replace/repair motor, or are they two separate charges?

Sorry guys I wasn't clear.

Total is 830 + 730, They do the service for 830 and bill me 730 for the replacement piece. I wish it was only 830 !

Originally Posted by offrdmania

Why does the price seem crazy when a normal Rolex auto movement service is usually just under $1000? Maybe im missing something.

My guess is the model service is fixed anyhow, and factors time spent inspecting, lubricating and cleaning everything.

Originally Posted by Chewbacca

I’d say $1400 or so to have a rare watch working for the next 15 - 20 years isn’t all that bad when you consider they’re now exclusive and the total on-wrist price is still well under comparable rebuilt DJs from that era.

Total comes at 1600$ with VAT. I would say the knowledge of having a bit of warranty + knowing it should run for a few more years is indeed ok. Also, battery replacement has always been free, so that's a nice gesture all and all.

[GradyPhilpott]

Wow! That's pretty high priced.

I would definitely want to know why a replacement motor is recommended.

However, the Oysterquartz is such a special watch and I would be inclined to bite the bullet, if Rolex's explanation of the recommendation is plausible at all.

[VonSomething]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

Wow! That's pretty high priced.

I would definitely want to know why a replacement motor is recommended.

However, the Oysterquartz is such a special watch and I would be inclined to bite the bullet, if Rolex's explanation of the recommendation is plausible at all.

With a watch draining batteries within 6 months, there's definitely something wrong.

Like yourself, I think the price is quite high. What is a "replacement motor" even? :-) Is it a brand new movement, just a part of the movement?

Quartz movements don't last forever though, if the movement gets a complete overhaul and is then good for another 40 years, then that's worth the cost.

If only a part of the movement is changed and one could expect other issues within the next 10 years then

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by VonSomething

With a watch draining batteries within 6 months, there's definitely something wrong.

Like yourself, I think the price is quite high. What is a "replacement motor" even? :-) Is it a brand new movement, just a part of the movement?

Quartz movements don't last forever though, if the movement gets a complete overhaul and is then good for another 40 years, then that's worth the cost.

If only a part of the movement is changed and one could expect other issues within the next 10 years then

chances are its a new movement out of the box and they'll refurbish the old one. i think replacement 'motor' is the OP speaking.

[ronricks]

Not bad considering the new motor should be good for another 25 or 30 years.


Here is a post from Bas (SearChart) about servicing one and it has pics of the motor. The circuit board and motor seem to be the most expensive parts to replace if you need them.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=735243

[Master_Grogu]

Originally Posted by Chewbacca

chances are its a new movement out of the box and they'll refurbish the old one. i think replacement 'motor' is the OP speaking.

Nope. Motor module 6011 is the name of the part.

[Master_Grogu]

Originally Posted by ronricks

Not bad considering the new motor should be good for another 25 or 30 years.


Here is a post from Bas (SearChart) about servicing one and it has pics of the motor. The circuit board and motor seem to be the most expensive parts to replace if you need them.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=735243

Very interesting! My guess is my motor module was worn out and started losing efficiency, hence why they want to put a new one in. Good thing for me is that just before buying this watch, previous owner (watchmaker) did replace the circuit board, so basically changing this will make the two most fragile part new.

At least I hope!

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by Master_Grogu

Nope. Motor module 6011 is the name of the part.

I stand corrected. Thanks for clarifying me.

Originally Posted by Master_Grogu

Very interesting! My guess is my motor module was worn out and started losing efficiency, hence why they want to put a new one in. Good thing for me is that just before buying this watch, previous owner (watchmaker) did replace the circuit board, so basically changing this will make the two most fragile part new.

At least I hope!

Why not send it to Bas? There’s no taxes or return customs on ‘repairs’ to other countries afaik.

[214270Explorer]

Originally Posted by Chewbacca

I’d say $1400 or so to have a rare watch working for the next 15 - 20 years isn’t all that bad when you consider they’re now exclusive and the total on-wrist price is still well under comparable rebuilt DJs from that era.

I agree. OQ is a rare-ish item today. If I had one I would restore it and give it decades more life. It is a piece of Rolex history.

[jimcameron]

I would refrain from spending money on any watch because it MIGHT have some enhanced value years down the road.

Personally, I'd be trying to move that piece now, not later. $1600 to repair a quartz watch is not on my radar.

[1William]

This would be the time where I decided if the watch was staying or going in the collection. If I liked it enough to spend the service money on it I would keep it for a long time. If not, I would move it along. I think it is a cool watch and would repair it.

[Etschell]

good to know. the service and the part do not surprise me. stinks you had to replace the part.

[SS Oyster]

What's the alternative? Sell it to some unsuspecting sucker? That's not me. Let it sit there dead? No. Pay for a new part and service so my watch runs for another 30 years? Yes.

[Debonar Watches]

high price but expected with Oysterquartz

[ronricks]

I think its no secret that the OQ can be (not always) expensive to service. To me the tradeoff is a watch that will last an additional 20 years and one that is a conversation piece and different watch that is over engineered and just something quirky and cool. To me if you have one it is worth it to get it serviced.

[Master_Grogu]

Got the call today. They reached HQ who said the motor module was the reason it ran poorly.

As a metaphor, the representative said “imagine your car engine is faulty, we would need to give you a new engine”. His words, not mine.

I could sell it, but slapping a new battery and not mentioning it’s issue to the next seller will do me no good. I could always price it at a break even price and informing the buyer what needs to be done with it.

However I think I might keep it for a bit in limbo to think about it. For those of you who have handled one, you know how the bracelet is so very special and shines in a very particular way. I don’t see it selling at crazy hammer prices at Phillips auctions, but it certainly is less and less easy to find one. With a service, it’s value is definitely in a break even range and probably easier to sell, thanks to the warranty that will come with it.

[subbie16610]

Originally Posted by Chewbacca

I’d say $1400 or so to have a rare watch working for the next 15 - 20 years isn’t all that bad when you consider they’re now exclusive and the total on-wrist price is still well under comparable rebuilt DJs from that era.

So true I remember a few years ago these OQ were running in the 2-3K+ price and now 4-6K+

Originally Posted by SS Oyster

What's the alternative? Sell it to some unsuspecting sucker? That's not me. Let it sit there dead? No. Pay for a new part and service so my watch runs for another 30 years? Yes.

I've had this experience happen a few times but with lesser brands ie. Tag Heuer.