Issue with Rolex service

[Michaelxowen]

My 2004 Daytona is in getting serviced.

Rolex have said changing the dial and hands is necessary as “it is scratched”. I am not aware of the scratching so I consider this minor and tbh I want the watch as original as possible.

So I have tried to turn down the changing of the dial and hands but rolex are refusing to do this as “it is mandatory” and they won’t service it unless I do it.

Does anyone have any advice please? Am I being stupid by not just accepting the dial / hands change? Or should I ask for it back and take to independent. I want to look after the watch as best possible (if possible keeping it original). I have never had this issue before so hoping someone with more experience can offer me some help on what I should do here. To me scratches are just minor cosmetic (and again I am not aware of any scratches but perhaps they have them).

Thanks

Michael

[JasoninDenver]

Have you serviced the waych previously?

Just curious how the scratch may have occurred?

I would personally change the dial and hands but I will be in the minority here.

[garyk]

Originally Posted by Michaelxowen

My 2004 Daytona is in getting serviced.

Rolex have said changing the dial and hands is necessary as “it is scratched”. I am not aware of the scratching so I consider this minor and tbh I want the watch as original as possible.

So I have tried to turn down the changing of the dial and hands but rolex are refusing to do this as “it is mandatory” and they won’t service it unless I do it.

Does anyone have any advice please? Am I being stupid by not just accepting the dial / hands change? Or should I ask for it back and take to independent. I want to look after the watch as best possible (if possible keeping it original). I have never had this issue before so hoping someone with more experience can offer me some help on what I should do here. To me scratches are just minor cosmetic (and again I am not aware of any scratches but perhaps they have them).

Thanks

Michael

This happened to me many years ago. The dial was crackled and had been part of a small lot of imperfect dials which had gotten out. Zero choice, they replaced the dial and hands. If only I had known, I would have never sent it to RSC that time.

[Michaelxowen]

Originally Posted by JasoninDenver

Have you serviced the waych previously?

Just curious how the scratch may have occurred?

I would personally change the dial and hands but I will be in the minority here.

Twice before it has been serviced (I have the papers) but not by me. I am the second owner so no idea how it could have happened. The last owner had it in a safe though and hardly used it (he was an antiques dealer). So I don’t know how and I didn’t notice it and the AD didn’t put anything down either when they inspected it.

[cdmorenot]

Originally Posted by Michaelxowen

Twice before it has been serviced (I have the papers) but not by me. I am the second owner so no idea how it could have happened. The last owner had it in a safe though and hardly used it (he was an antiques dealer). So I don’t know how and I didn’t notice it and the AD didn’t put anything down either when they inspected it.

Could be a fracture on the backside of the dial? Perhaps getting additional details. I would get it replaced for piece of mind. I understand your concerns about originality but if the integrity of the dial has been compromised in any way, you could be dealing with bigger issues down the road.

[Mystro]

Any time you send a watch to RSC, you are forced to play by their rules if you want the work done. This is why anyone with a neo-vintage model to be very cautious when using RSC.. There are Rolex watchmakers with a Rolex parts account that are the best option for servicing. One of our forums most respected is Rilkki at Timecare. He specializes in personal services yet still offers all the original oem parts.
http://www.timecareinc.com/

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Michaelxowen

My 2004 Daytona is in getting serviced.

Rolex have said changing the dial and hands is necessary as “it is scratched”. I am not aware of the scratching so I consider this minor and tbh I want the watch as original as possible.

So I have tried to turn down the changing of the dial and hands but rolex are refusing to do this as “it is mandatory” and they won’t service it unless I do it.

Does anyone have any advice please? Am I being stupid by not just accepting the dial / hands change? Or should I ask for it back and take to independent. I want to look after the watch as best possible (if possible keeping it original). I have never had this issue before so hoping someone with more experience can offer me some help on what I should do here. To me scratches are just minor cosmetic (and again I am not aware of any scratches but perhaps they have them).

Thanks

Michael

Well don't make much difference as it will not effect the value of the watch as long as it's replaced with a luminover dial a d hands so have it done then watch will be good as new.

[Michaelxowen]

Originally Posted by cdmorenot

Could be a fracture on the backside of the dial? Perhaps getting additional details. I would get it replaced for piece of mind. I understand your concerns about originality but if the integrity of the dial has been compromised in any way, you could be dealing with bigger issues down the road.

I dont think so. This is what they said.:-
“Replacement of the dial including hands: £705.00 - existing is scratched”

Then I questioned it and they re inspected it but didn’t give further details other than it is mandatory according to them……..

So I am a bit lost as I want to look after the watch but a scratch seems excessive given I would rather keep it original if I can.

[Michaelxowen]

Originally Posted by padi56

Well don't make much difference as it will not effect the value of the watch as long as it's replaced with a luminover dial and hands so have it done then watch will be good as new.

Thanks for this. This is also what I am thinking. But I don’t want to make a massive mistake and replace something that in future I work out I shouldn’t have done. Especially as rolex will keep the originals when they replace. Thanks again though for your view.

[Pepperjack]

There are several reasons to require a dial replacement. I can only think of two reasons relating to scratches. The first is if the scratch causes flaking, in which case particles can continue to get into the movement post-service. The second is if the logo or printing is scratched, in which case it's for branding (you know, so people can tell it's a Rolex).

[saxo3]

@ Michaelxowen

If you are not living too far away from this RSC, I would go there and let them show you the scratches. If justified, I would let RSC replace the dial and hands because this watch is not a vintage timepiece.

[Andad]

RSC’s have been know to make decisions that at ‘jobsworthy’.

I would have them return the watch to you and arrange for a second opinion?

[Henrimontgomery]

I have a 30yo Rolex with tritium. RSC Geneva did exactly what I asked, and changed no part of it. I think they have various policies depending of the state of your watch.

[1William]

I would let Rolex do the service and change. As long as everything is documented and you have the documentation it will be fine and should not significantly impact future value.

[joli160]

Go to an independent watchmaker.
No need to change a dial if you don’t want to.

[andrewjb88]

I had a similar issue with RSC UK mandatory bits on my Datejust in the end I declined the service and they sent it me back.

I then hand delivered it to watchguy.co.uk, £250 later it came back serviced and I got a collection of about 100 pictures of it in bits. fascinating to look at.

[77T]

A scratched dial should not be mandatory in my opinion.

If a hand played a role because it was bent, then change them.

If you wish to avoid the cost, take it to a well-trained and experienced watchmaker. The only thing an RSC offers above and beyond the service is a 2-yr warranty. A good watchmaker would likely stand for a 1-yr anyway.

Your last option is escalate to RSC management to override the assessment.

I am guessing you purchased the watch on secondary market? Or an individual sold it to you?


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[Tools]

Originally Posted by Michaelxowen

. . .
Does anyone have any advice please? Am I being stupid by not just accepting the dial / hands change? Or should I ask for it back and take to independent. I want to look after the watch as best possible (if possible keeping it original). I have never had this issue before so hoping someone with more experience can offer me some help on what I should do here. To me scratches are just minor cosmetic (and again I am not aware of any scratches but perhaps they have them).

Thanks

Michael

The thing about changing dials and hands is that once it it done, there is no going back.

We can't see the future, but some folks do put a lot of value, both actual and emotional, in the originality of their time piece. If you truly feel that you want it to stay as original as possible, get it back and take it to an independent. 2 points:

. I'm a little surprised that a 2004 Daytona is in being serviced for the 3rd time.

. After 2000 the dials are pretty much the same with very few cosmetic changes to mark one from another.

[WatchSmith]

I'm servicing an 80s Datejust now with a dial and hands that are scratched and stained. The watch has been serviced several times before it came to me, and each time the dial and hands are removed the odds of scuffing and scratching are very likely. The customer just wants the watch to run and isn't interested in replacing everything in the case in order for it to be in brand new condition. You always have the option of using independent watchmakers who can provide quality service without forcing cosmetic upgrades on you like Rolex does.

[KatGirl]

I would let them do it. Why would you want to wear your Daytona, with a scratched dial?

Kat


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