Any recent RSC experiences with vintage service?

[RazorD]

I know there are a ton of great reputable vintage watchmakers, but I wanted to hear some recent experiences of those who opted to send their vintage watches directly to RSC. I have an early 70s 1680 that I recently bought and it’s in need of service. The watch appears to be all original and I wouldn’t want anything changed. I have been told RSC will service movement only and not replaced parts (inserts, hands, dials, etc.) if I direct them not to. Curious if this has been others experiences as well?

Thanks

[TuRo]

Few years ago, but I was told my valueable handset were corroded/oxidized, and they couldn't service the watch unless I accepted replacement items (and btw wipe c £8k off its value), as they stated that the oxidation could flake off and enter the, frankly £1k value at the time, calibre. I obviously passed and have never been back to RSC direct !

[RazorD]

Thanks, Paul. I assumed (and read) that could happen. I was more worried about them just changing something without giving me an opportunity to decline.

[OliverD]

My understanding is that it varies by country. Some seem to have a wider definition than others as to what are consumable parts that should be replaced without reference to the owner.

I would also say there is a general consensus that you are more likely to get the outcome you want by dealing directly with Rolex. Sending it for service via an AD is where you hear most of the horror stories.

[RFC]

Last week I called RSC customer service in Dallas to inquire about servicing my 16700 with a tritium dial. First they said I would have to “trade in” my original faded bezel insert to purchase a new insert. Later another rep clarified that for my 16700 they would replace it at a cost and return the original. Mixed messages there. My biggest concern would be about RSC refusing to service the watch unless I replace the original hands and dial which have no tritium lume. RSC servicing a vintage watch is inconsistent with their policy to restore the structural integrity and functionality of the piece even if it means not keeping original parts. In the end I’m calling on Phillip Ridley to do the work.

[tekno]

I don’t know why you would risk it. They don’t value the vintage aspect of your watch at all, it’s a gamble of epic proportions if you ask me.

There are stories of watches getting polished that weren’t supposed to be. Parts being swapped.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[tekno]

Some of the watchmakers that specialize in vintage Rolex worked for Rolex at some point, but they know how to work on these old watches.

Disassembling a watch that is 50 years old takes knowledge, experience etc. Not messing the delicate hands up, dealing with a 50 year old dial.

If the hands get damaged while removing them @ Rolex i don’t see them returning them. They will put a brand new set on. If they accidentally keep your parts, they will be gone forever. They don’t return spare parts from everything I have read.

Send it to one of the reputable watchmakers these guys use.

Would you take your beautiful 1970 Camaro to a Chevy dealer, or your 1970 Porsche to a Modern Porsche dealer?

[4rnold]

Originally Posted by RazorD

Thanks, Paul. I assumed (and read) that could happen. I was more worried about them just changing something without giving me an opportunity to decline.

I have had my 1675 serviced in 2019 trough RSC, they did everything as asked, all parts were kept original, no polish...

I was satisfied, however, it was not cheap. And I didnt get the green card, because I did not want to change the case as they asked so they could not give warranty on it being waterproof. But obviously that was no problem to me...

[Wahlberg]

What does Rolex do with all the old parts? They must have a beautiful collection of EVERY colored/faded/ghosted insert from all the old submariners and GMTs.

Originally Posted by 4rnold

I have had my 1675 serviced in 2019 trough RSC, they did everything as asked, all parts were kept original, no polish...

I was satisfied, however, it was not cheap. And I didnt get the green card, because I did not want to change the case as they asked so they could not give warranty on it being waterproof. But obviously that was no problem to me...

How does your case look like then? I can't imagine them wanting to change every case on every 1675? Did they quote a price for the case?

[4rnold]

there is nothing wrong with my case

but they just see a 50 year old case, for them its enough to change it.

don't forget, they have another mindset than us. They want to make a 50 year old watch waterproof

[TimeLord2]

As I mentioned on another thread, probably mine. I did get a quote for service at the RSC in BH, CA. It is a 1974, or so, 1675/3 with a Tiffany stamped dial. All original as it was gifted to me by my Dad who bought it new. RSC would not provide a service estimate until the watch was authenticated ($260) which would be deducted from the service if I decided to go with it. I actually had it service by Phillip Ridley (very pleased I did BTW…)

I asked them not to polish or replace any parts and they were fine with that. However, mine had an all brown bezel insert consistent with a 1675/8 which they insisted I replace with the one for my specific reference which is the half brown half gold bezel insert. the bezel ring itself needed replacing too which was part of the estimate and was not functional anyways. Bracelet they would not touch as it was too delicate (I had it refurbished by Rolliworks a year prior.). Optional parts included a new bracelet, either Jubilee or Oyster. As far as what Rolex was prepared to do in the event it was lost during service would be a replacement with current version GMT TT watch with a value of $13K. This was in early 2020.

I got the impression they would accommodate my requests. Keep in mind if they do replace anything they are going to charge you so that does require approval. and parts are not cheap anymore. I picked it up in the end and did send it off to Phillip, who worked with me on sourcing a bezel and did a fantastic job IMHO. BTW the authentication is nothing more than a service estimate. If anything, Rolex was just making sure it still had all Rolex parts and was not harboring hidden 3rd party movement bits. Oh and on another note they would not guarantee the water resistance even though they did not recommend a mid-case replacement.

Hope that helps in your decision.

[RazorD]

Thanks everyone. I opted to play it safer and send it to Phillip Ridley. It’s in the mail to him as we speak. I know I wouldn’t be disappointed, but wanted to weigh all my options.

[btinl]

I believe vintage pieces get sent to the Rolex facility in Lititz, PA. The prices are higher than service on modern pieces but not as high as those of their much more expensive Rolex Atelier de Restauration.

[Juhuatai]

Phillip is great. Did an excellent job with my 5508

[swish77]

Horror stories about RSCs are very exaggerated, IMHO. I've never had a problem ... but you need to be crystal clear. As long as you get everything in writing, you'll be fine. They won't change anything without your approval .... because you need to agree in advance to pay for everything, and trust me, Rolex ain't giving anything away for free, even new parts you might not want. If they insist on something you don't like, walk away.

Over the years, I've had movement-only services done at the NYC RSC on a 1675, 5512, 16520 (relatively recently), and other more minor service calls, such as for new end links for my 6263, and several five-digit model bezel inserts. (I always took the watches in without the original faded inserts, which were safely at home, and just said they fell out. They then give you nice shiny new ones for relative pennies.)

Still, for my top watches that needed service, DRSD and 6263, for example, I went independent, and Phillip is a great choice.

[ExplorerI]

If you buy a watch head will an rsc sell you the correct bracelet like a 91350?

[TimeLord2]

Originally Posted by ExplorerI

If you buy a watch head will an rsc sell you the correct bracelet like a 91350?

They will sell you the modern equivalent of what originally went on your reference if the original part is unavailable. However, depending on the condition of your watch, they may insist on a service before they will sell you anything.

[ExplorerI]

Originally Posted by TimeLord2

They will sell you the modern equivalent of what originally went on your reference if the original part is unavailable. However, depending on the condition of your watch, they may insist on a service before they will sell you anything.

Thanks any idea what a complete bracelet would cost?

[eiregnol]

Originally Posted by RazorD

Thanks everyone. I opted to play it safer and send it to Phillip Ridley. It’s in the mail to him as we speak. I know I wouldn’t be disappointed, but wanted to weigh all my options.

Good choice, I sent my late 80’s tritium sub to him and it was a great experience. I did sent it to Rolex first and they wanted to replace the hands and insert, I choose not to.

[Boopie]

Let us know how it turned out. You made the right decision.

Last summer I got a 1970s Tudor Princess Sub, so the smaller women’s size, in the snowflake version. It’s totally vintage looking, with a faded dial and bezel, and creamy lume on the hands and dial. Because I bought it online, I brought it in to our local AD, which is also a RSC. The watchmaker is pretty cool (he did a full service on my Yachtmaster), and wanted to see what he thought. I told him I heard that Rolex likes to update and swap out vintage parts during a service, and asked if that would be the case with Tudor.

He agreed that Rolex does do that with vintage watches, but told me that Tudor doesn’t have the same policy, and that I should feel free to send my vintage watch directly to Tudor when it’s time for service.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Boopie

He agreed that Rolex does do that with vintage watches, but told me that Tudor doesn’t have the same policy, and that I should feel free to send my vintage watch directly to Tudor when it’s time for service.

There seem to be significant RSC differences by country.

My local RSC (Tokyo) declined to service my 1979 Tudor Snowflake because it was too old. They also won't entertain any requests (e.g., don't change the hands/dial, etc.). You either have to accept everything they want to do, or they won't do the service.

[TuRo]

Originally Posted by ExplorerI

If you buy a watch head will an rsc sell you the correct bracelet like a 91350?

Yes but only the latest service version which is solid end link from memory - Roughly one with Rolex clasp last one I got was about £1250 and with a Tudor clasp about £750 I seem to recall, but I might be bit off there.

[GMT Aviator]

My late fathers DJ from 1972 was serviced a few years ago at RSC just before he passed away. RSC wanted to replace the dial because of some microscopic corrosion on the very edge of the dial which I had a hard time finding even with a loupe.
Obviously replacing the dial was simply unacceptable to me so they agreed to service it but without a warranty.

I’ve got a couple of 1803’s which have been serviced by a specialist and they run beautifully. I think if I get any of my vintage pieces serviced again going forward, I think I’ll entrust them to specialists rather than RSC, including my dads watch.

[Hurricaneforce]

Phillip Ridley restored my 1971 vintage sub last year. Easy process. He sends a label and off it goes. Turnaround time was about a month. It was worn by my father who never took it off. Welder by trade.