When a RSC is not really an RSC

[Atl]

I went to my AD to have my lazy Sub speeded up to what it should be, +- 1 or 2 seconds a day, under warranty, as it is only 3 months old and it's running a consistant 6 seconds slow a day, when I heard something disturbing. Apparently, they don't send their warranty watches to Dallas or, god forbid N.Y., but to Pennsylvania !! Isn't that where Rolex has a watch making school?? Do I really want my Sub regulated by a kid as his first class project? I think not. I said either send it to Dallas, or I will send it myself. I cannot believe Rolex is doing this, it this their way to save a buck in this economy, by having students do their warranty work?
Is Rolex insisting their dealers send them there? Or is it my Dealer? I can't see the dealer behind this as it does not affect them in any way where the watch gets shipped to for work, warranty or otherwise. I have to believe Rolex is behind this. If so, I am not happy!

This is assuming I am completely wrong, and the newest North American Service center is in Pennsylvania. And no disrespect to the students, but I paid a lot for this watch, and I want Dallas to fix it. My 2009 warranty book fails to mention anything about a RSC in the lovely State of Pennsylvania.

Surprised,
David

[sakuraba]

I've heard the school does excellent work.

[deserted]

I can't blame how you feel, my AD out of the chicago area where my wife purchased my TT black sub and i bought my ss daytona sent my watches to dallas and i was contacted when they recieved both of them, my SS had to be regulated and my crystal was broken with my TT sub.

The point is you have to demand good customer service from your AD, you paid alot of money just to tell time so you should recieve royal treatment going to your AD to have service requested for your rolex.

Thank goodness i have a good relationship with mine, he even gave me a marble watch display holder when i bought my SS daytona, good luck.

[abigsecret]

The RSC in PA is NOT the same as the school!!

The school is in the same building, but none of the students will touch any of the Rolexes in the RSC! They have highly skilled, trained watchmakers at their official RSC and there is no reason whatsoever to think they wouldn't do an excellent job on repairing your watch the way it should be!

The PA RSC is the back-up for all the other RSC's if they have too much work, so you might send your watch to Dallas, but they can always forward it to PA without your knowledge...

[unclesallie]

Mireyna: i can't help but think that Rolex USA should disclose this(transfer of some watches to Lititz, Pa.) to rolex owners and educate us all, a bit more, so the facts are known and people relax a bit. I have seen this subject come up three or four times before on TRF, and until your post no one has accurate information about whether the students(under presumed supervision) work on watches in for repair/maintenance. thanks for the information!

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Atl

I went to my AD to have my lazy Sub speeded up to what it should be, +- 1 or 2 seconds a day, under warranty, as it is only 3 months old and it's running a consistant 6 seconds slow a day, when I heard something disturbing. Apparently, they don't send their warranty watches to Dallas or, god forbid N.Y., but to Pennsylvania !! Isn't that where Rolex has a watch making school?? Do I really want my Sub regulated by a kid as his first class project? I think not. I said either send it to Dallas, or I will send it myself. I cannot believe Rolex is doing this, it this their way to save a buck in this economy, by having students do their warranty work?
Is Rolex insisting their dealers send them there? Or is it my Dealer? I can't see the dealer behind this as it does not affect them in any way where the watch gets shipped to for work, warranty or otherwise. I have to believe Rolex is behind this. If so, I am not happy!

This is assuming I am completely wrong, and the newest North American Service center is in Pennsylvania. And no disrespect to the students, but I paid a lot for this watch, and I want Dallas to fix it. My 2009 warranty book fails to mention anything about a RSC in the lovely State of Pennsylvania.

Surprised,
David

Regulation is a very simple process the hardest part is opening the case,and takes around 30 minutes start to finish.And in many ADs some will do it while you wait its not rocket science to regulate any watch.And almost any watchmaker could do it, and don't forget without like you say student watchmakers there would no watchmakers in this world today.Your watch was showing a consistent -6 seconds then it was very very accurate watch.Consistency is the most important thing in any mechanical watch,all that was needed was a bit of simple regulation with the help of a timing machine. And why they got to send any watch to a RSC for simple regulation beats me completely.And after regulation on the timing machine it don't necessarily mean it will perform exactly the same on the wrist.Fact mechanical watches are in many cases are between 99.994% to 99.999% accurate but perfect afraid not.You guys and your watches have regulated quite a few myself.After a bit of guidence from my watchmaker friend its not rocket science.



And regarding the +- 1 or 2 seconds a day you quote its not strictly true because only the bare movements are tested at Swiss COSC.And all it certifies is that movement at time of testing passed the test after that its in the lands of the gods.Fact after the COSC test when movements are returned to be cased in a complete watch by say Rolex. The Swiss COSC nor Rolex will guarantee movement will perform 100% the same as when tested on the wrist as a complete watch.All it guarantees movement has been COSC tested,but sure most manufactures including Rolex will do its best to make sure watch performs too, or close to the Swiss COSC standard.The COSC test today is little more than a pure marketing ploy,with Rolex being the biggest contributor of movements submitted.

The first column applies to Rolex movements tested at Swiss COSC note the greatest rate difference.

[mailman]

Originally Posted by abigsecret

The RSC in PA is NOT the same as the school!!

The school is in the same building, but none of the students will touch any of the Rolexes in the RSC! They have highly skilled, trained watchmakers at their official RSC and there is no reason whatsoever to think they wouldn't do an excellent job on repairing your watch the way it should be!

The PA RSC is the back-up for all the other RSC's if they have too much work, so you might send your watch to Dallas, but they can always forward it to PA without your knowledge...

I was told the same thing a few weeks ago by an AD who was very knowledgeable. The young lady knew her sh!t and you could tell shewasn't just blowing smoke.

This lady doesn't work at my AD, we were out of state and I had a very nice conversation with her.

[Tools]

Some of you guys take your watch way to seriously.....

I wouldn't have any issues with the Rolex trained and contracted watchmaker at my local AD re-timing my watch...... Every one he has done for me is within +1.5 seconds a day...


.. Thanks for the insight at Lititz Miyrena.......

[greekbum]

Originally Posted by Tools

Some of you guys take your watch way to seriously.....

I wouldn't have any issues with the Rolex trained and contracted watchmaker at my local AD re-timing my watch...... Every one he has done for me is within +1.5 seconds a day...

x2

[Atl]

Originally Posted by padi56

Regulation is a very simple process the hardest part is opening the case,and takes around 30 minutes start to finish.And in many ADs some will do it while you wait its not rocket science to regulate any watch.And almost any watchmaker could do it, and don't forget without like you say student watchmakers there would no watchmakers in this world today.Your watch was showing a consistent -6 seconds then it was very very accurate watch.Consistency is the most important thing in any mechanical watch,all that was needed was a bit of simple regulation with the help of a timing machine. And why they got to send any watch to a RSC for simple regulation beats me completely.And after regulation on the timing machine it don't necessarily mean it will perform exactly the same on the wrist.Fact mechanical watches are in many cases are between 99.994% to 99.999% accurate but perfect afraid not.You guys and your watches have regulated quite a few myself.After a bit of guidence from my watchmaker friend its not rocket science.



And regarding the +- 1 or 2 seconds a day you quote its not strictly true because only the bare movements are tested at Swiss COSC.And all it certifies is that movement at time of testing passed the test after that its in the lands of the gods.Fact after the COSC test when movements are returned to be cased in a complete watch by say Rolex. The Swiss COSC nor Rolex will guarantee movement will perform 100% the same as when tested on the wrist as a complete watch.All it guarantees movement has been COSC tested,but sure most manufactures including Rolex will do its best to make sure watch performs too, or close to the Swiss COSC standard.The COSC test today is little more than a pure marketing ploy,with Rolex being the biggest contributor of movements submitted.

The first column applies to Rolex movements tested at Swiss COSC note the greatest rate difference.

I understand what you are saying, but I did not mean that I thought CSOC meant +- 1 or 2 seconds. I know it's -4+6, I just told them I would be very pleased if it was in the +-1 or 2 second range like my other Rolexes are. I wanted to give them a goal to reach for. My GMT-II is -1, my other Sub is -2 seconds, day in and day out. I'd actually be really pleased if it was in the + range for a change.
As for why they sent it, we Atlanta residents do not have an Rolex AD with a watch maker on staff, including my dealer Brown and Co., so they had to send it. The Tourneau store has one, but is not a Rolex dealer because Mayors is in the same mall and has the account. They also said that if a non-AD opened the watch, like Tourneau, to regulate it during the warranty period, my warranty would be void. I have other Rolexes to wear, so it's okay.
I was totally ignorant about the Pennsylvania service center, I had visions of students doing work on the cheap for Rolex. I stand corrected, but I also maintain that Rolex does not list it as a RSC in my 2009 warranty book, so I was understandably confused when they said it was going there.

Anyway, thank you so much for your response!

David

[Atl]

Originally Posted by Tools

Some of you guys take your watch way to seriously.....

I wouldn't have any issues with the Rolex trained and contracted watchmaker at my local AD re-timing my watch...... Every one he has done for me is within +1.5 seconds a day...


.. Thanks for the insight at Lititz Miyrena.......

I agree, but here where I live, there is not a Rolex AD with a watchmaker, Brown and Co. said if someone opens my watch to regulate it during the warranty, it's warranty is void. I would have loved to have dropped it off and come back the next day to pick it up. It was not an option they gave me.

[Wolfgang427]

Originally Posted by abigsecret

The RSC in PA is NOT the same as the school!!

The school is in the same building, but none of the students will touch any of the Rolexes in the RSC! They have highly skilled, trained watchmakers at their official RSC and there is no reason whatsoever to think they wouldn't do an excellent job on repairing your watch the way it should be!

The PA RSC is the back-up for all the other RSC's if they have too much work, so you might send your watch to Dallas, but they can always forward it to PA without your knowledge...

That may be true or not, but the issue I would have is why is this school or Service center not mentioned on any of the official Rolex warranty papers or booklets? Also if you talk with a service rep at the official RSC's(NY or Dallas) they never mention it to their customers, or even of its existence.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Atl

I agree, but here where I live, there is not a Rolex AD with a watchmaker, Brown and Co. said if someone opens my watch to regulate it during the warranty, it's warranty is void. I would have loved to have dropped it off and come back the next day to pick it up. It was not an option they gave me.

An absolutely valid decision...........

[nyyankees]

I'm about 45 minutes away from it and tried to get in once! I drove up to the gate and this "James Earl Jones" voice came on and said "Can I help you sir?" I had the whole family in the minivan! I said "Yeah is there anything in here I can see? Can I take a tour or something" The guy came back and basically said it's off limits. It's like area 51 or something! He made me back out and hit the road. A beautiful facility though. It looks likes a swiss castle or something.

[Paulie]

Originally Posted by nyyankees

I'm about 45 minutes away from it and tried to get in once! I drove up to the gate and this "James Earl Jones" voice came on and said "Can I help you sir?" I had the whole family in the minivan! I said "Yeah is there anything in here I can see? Can I take a tour or something" The guy came back and basically said it's off limits. It's like area 51 or something! He made me back out and hit the road. A beautiful facility though. It looks likes a swiss castle or something.

The Area 51 of Rolex.

[watchmaker]

I would just like to say that the reference to watchmaking students as 'Kids' is rather offensive. As has been pointed out, the service centre is separate. And although the WOSTEP school there is funded by Rolex, the students do not work for Rolex, now, nor when they graduate. Rolex does not retain them. HOWEVER, if Rolex saw fit to have the 'kids' regulate watches, and all pass QC, who cares who did it? That is up to Rolex. You dont know what happens in Dallas or NY, so why does Lititz scare people?

Back to the students. WOSTEP provide the most in depth training available for budding watchmakers. After 6 months, they can make (by hand) balance staffs, winding stems, and small hand tools. The course covers gear train, winding work, escapements, hairsprings, quartz and chronographs. Approx 40 different watch types are supplied for students to hone their skills on, doing full (and I mean FULL) service work to a standard higher than any RSC/Swatch/Breitling etc QC standards. Not bad work for 'kids' and their 'projects'

[buz-lh]

Lee Brandt Jewelers has a Rolex certified watchmaker on site. They are near Perimeter Mall in Atlanta.

[STEELINOX]

Not happy, then dont send it to ROLEX b/c you have no control over what happens once it leaves your sweaty mits !

I for one would not have a worry if a "student" worked on my watch. Heck, we ALL better not cause in about a year there's gonna be a huge shortage of these talented peeps and thats gonna make a basic overhaul of your precious oyster or ANY service in general go up somewhere's, wait, where's my "Magic 8 BALL", in the neighborhood of a 20 to 30 percent INCREASE to the existing 6 Franklins it costs to have a Sub date gone thru, stem to stern.

Put that in your cost of ownership forcast add in this rotten economy and you've got a SWATCH GROUP "hale Mary" of inflow to this little school your complaining about with wait times in the "months" ! The sooner this place graduates a few classes, just maybe, the cost wont go there, where my MAGIC 8 Ball says its gonna go...

Thanks,
Randy

[Spare201]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

I would just like to say that the reference to watchmaking students as 'Kids' is rather offensive. As has been pointed out, the service centre is separate. And although the WOSTEP school there is funded by Rolex, the students do not work for Rolex, now, nor when they graduate. Rolex does not retain them. HOWEVER, if Rolex saw fit to have the 'kids' regulate watches, and all pass QC, who cares who did it? That is up to Rolex. You dont know what happens in Dallas or NY, so why does Lititz scare people?

Back to the students. WOSTEP provide the most in depth training available for budding watchmakers. After 6 months, they can make (by hand) balance staffs, winding stems, and small hand tools. The course covers gear train, winding work, escapements, hairsprings, quartz and chronographs. Approx 40 different watch types are supplied for students to hone their skills on, doing full (and I mean FULL) service work to a standard higher than any RSC/Swatch/Breitling etc QC standards. Not bad work for 'kids' and their 'projects'

Agreed, The youngest student that can apply to the Wostep program, I think, is 19. You have to pass a rigorous entrance exam (very technical). Most of the "students" are all ready fairly experienced at watch repair. Besides the instructor would have done final inspection on any of that work, IF this was what Rolex was doing. The Facility the OP is talking about is basically a beautiful self contained Service facility, that happens to contain a couple of service "clean" rooms that house students. It also has Tons of office space, automated parts system, and full service cafeteria. It is a showcase of Tech, and architecture. Its like what you would see in the main Corporate building. When I say it was FATASTIC inside, that word wouldn't cover it. I wish they would've let me take pictures inside, you would never beleive everything I saw when I was there.

I can't beleive people like the OP jump to conclusions like that. Like I have said before some people have little concept of what is behind their watch.