Major Rebuild of Daydate Unexpected

[zackius]

I brought my 2004 DJ to my local AD, which is a service center, for servicing since it was 12 years since it was last serviced. When I went to pick it up, I had my 2007 yellow gold DD that I was gifted 2 years ago...it was not purchased from an AD. It was running a little slow but most of all there was what appeared like finger prints on the hour and minute dial hands. Since I was already there, I ask them to have it checked out for possible service and check the dial hands. The gentleman servicing watches there has been servicing Rolexes for over 25 years.
A week later the assistant in the repair department calls and says the gentleman that services and repairs watches says he does not have the parts to repair the watch and it needed to be sent to the Dallas, RCS.
A week later the local AD calls to tell me that the Dallas, RCS says it needs a complete overhaul of the movement, new calendar ring, new bezel, new crown, new crystal, new mid case and refinish the case back and bracelet. Basically, everything new except dial, dial hands, bracelet and case back....$11K...my jaw dropped. I asked him what would prompt such a major repair/replacement and of course he just reiterated what the Dallas, RCS stated. I told him I would have to call him back.
My thoughts after the initial shock and thinking about it was it can't be due to aftermarket parts or they would not have sent it to the Dallas, RCS and the RCS in Dallas would not touch it if it had aftermarket parts. I am going to call my local AD service center that initially looked at it and ask more specifics but I know I won't get any info from Dallas since the local AD shipped it there.
Anyone have something like this happen? ...thanks

[Tools]

I would want to see the actual Service Estimate to know what items are required, and what are simply recommended.

A mid case replacement on a watch only 20 years old is unusual

[zackius]

I requested the Service Estimate , via email, from my local AD earlier this afternoon and have not received a response. I will let you know once I get a response.
Thanks for responding to my post....

[wcgreiner]

Oof—$11k is brutal. Sounds like they’re doing the ‘Rolex nuclear option’ where they replace everything to factory spec. Maybe get a second opinion from an independent Rolex specialist? Could save you a few grand if some parts are still serviceable.

[77T]

That sounds ridiculous.

I wouldn't waste any time. Ask for the watch back. Pay the estimate fee and find a good independent watchmaker.


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[zackius]

My local AD sent me the estimate from the Dallas, RSC
The estimate states .....

Rolex Day Date M118238
-Customer Request-..... perform complete overhaul ( this is my AD's request to Dallas, RSC since my local AD did not have all the parts for overhaul)

Rolex Dallas RSC-Watch Analysis-.....calendar ring damaged, dial scratched, bezel damaged, crystal/glass scratched , case middle part damaged, crown worn.

Necessary work:
-Complete Overhaul
-Replace calendar Ring
-Replace bezel
-Replace case middle part
-Replace crown
-Replace crystal

-Refinish bracelet
-Refinish case back

The crystal is scratched. The case middle part is 80% of the total cost.

[zackius]

I received the service estimate from my local AD from the Dallas, RCS on my M118238 Rolex Day Date.
It states:

-Customer Request- " Perform Complete Overhaul"- this request is from my local AD watchmaker that sent the watch to the Dallas, RCS since the local AD watchmaker stated to me he did not have all the parts for a complete overhaul.

- Watch Analysis- this is from Dallas, RSC.... Calendar Ring Damaged, Dial Scratched, Bezel Damaged, Crystal/Glass Scratched, Case Middle Damaged, Crown Worn

Necessary Work- from Dallas, RSC...Complete overhaul, Replace Calendar Ring, Replace Bezel, Replace Crystal, Replace Crown, Replace Case Middle Part with Tube, Refinish bracelet ,Refinish Case Back

My crystal did have a small scratch and the dial may have had a small scratch which I suspect from who ever last service it which I am sure was not an Ad watchmaker.
80% of the replacement costs is the middle case part with the tube. Some suggested getting an independent watchmaker that can work on Rolexes. If I find one and he would have to replace all the parts that the Dallas, RSC said was necessary...would he be able to all these parts and if so how much would I save on labor...$2k ?
Ultimately, Dallas, RSC is replacing the entire watch except for the bracelet, case back and dial hands.
Any additional info or thoughts are great appreciated...thanks!

[NKflyer]

FYI, independent watchmakers with a Rolex parts account haven't been able to order dials for at least about 15 years. So if replacing the dial is important to you, either RSC or sourced from the secondary market are going to be required.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by zackius

. . .
80% of the replacement costs is the middle case part with the tube. Some suggested getting an independent watchmaker that can work on Rolexes. If I find one and he would have to replace all the parts that the Dallas, RSC said was necessary...would he be able to all these parts and if so how much would I save on labor...$2k ?
Ultimately, Dallas, RSC is replacing the entire watch except for the bracelet, case back and dial hands.
Any additional info or thoughts are great appreciated...thanks!

The question is - does the middle case truly need replacing and why. Is the scratched dial outwardly visible?

An independent could do the work and not be required to replace all of those parts if they are suitable and you are OK with it.

We can't really answer those questions for you.

[zackius]

Originally Posted by Tools

The question is - does the middle case truly need replacing and why. Is the scratched dial outwardly visible?

An independent could do the work and not be required to replace all of those parts if they are suitable and you are OK with it.

We can't really answer those questions for you.

I can't grasp that so many items are damaged and need replacing. I would replace everything but the middle case I just don't understand the middle case being damaged as I see nothing on the exterior but some scratches. I am going to inquire more with my local AD about what his watchmaker saw that prompted sending it to Dallas RSC. My local watchmaker said he didn't have the parts...I was assuming all the parts for the movement but maybe he noticed alot more. I feel he maybe able to shed more light on this.
In the mean time, can you suggest an independent watchmaker that would be able to handle looking at my watch and performing repairs?
Thanks again for taking the time to help.