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Davew833 · 21 December 2010, 09:29 AM

I Called Rolex San Francisco Service Center today to inquire about service for my 1970 red submariner. Here's what I found out from Joe:

-They WILL still service vintage Red Subs
-There is now a flat-rate service fee for servicing Red Subs and only the boss (Giovanni?) works on them any more. Joe thought the fee was $1200 but the boss was not available to verify.
-The $1200 fee includes completely rebuilding the movement and replacing any worn parts, including bushings, jewels, etc. Also includes cleaning, re-lube, timing, all gaskets, and crystal (and I assume tube & crown too.)
-Service includes 2-year non- int'l warranty good ONLY at SFO RSC, since NY and Dallas no longer service Red Subs.
-While they will of course leave the original face and hands alone, they do like to lightly polish the case and bracelet.

I hope this information is helpful to anyone considering service-- I suggest verifying it yourself before sending your watch off to them. Anybody have recent experience with similar service from Bob Ridley or another good independent to compare price-wise?

Kanger · 21 December 2010, 09:30 AM

wish I had a red Sub in the first place to send off to service hehe

Frogman4me · 21 December 2010, 10:25 AM

Thanks for the information, very useful

HL65 · 21 December 2010, 10:25 AM

They are an independent and Giovanni is one good watchmaker--as I have seen some of the vintage watches he has worked on over the years. Dave--don't polish it whatever you do though--just clean it!

Frogman4me · 21 December 2010, 10:29 AM

Yes say no to polish

Davew833 · 21 December 2010, 10:32 AM

My case has already been polished at least once before I got it, but I definitely wouldn't let anyone polish it again. I understand the NY and Dallas service centers do what they want and tell you to like it, but if SF is an independent I would think they'd be more considerate.

STEELINOX · 21 December 2010, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davew833

I Called Rolex San Francisco Service Center today to inquire about service for my 1970 red submariner. Here's what I found out from Joe:

-They WILL still service vintage Red Subs
-There is now a flat-rate service fee for servicing Red Subs and only the boss (Giovanni?) works on them any more. Joe thought the fee was $1200 but the boss was not available to verify.
-The $1200 fee includes completely rebuilding the movement and replacing any worn parts, including bushings, jewels, etc. Also includes cleaning, re-lube, timing, all gaskets, and crystal (and I assume tube & crown too.)
-Service includes 2-year non- int'l warranty good ONLY at SFO RSC, since NY and Dallas no longer service Red Subs.
-While they will of course retain the original face and hands, they do like to lightly polish the case and bracelet.

I hope this information is helpful to anyone considering service-- I suggest verifying it yourself before sending your watch off to them. Anybody have recent experience with similar service from Bob Ridley or another good independent to compare price-wise?

For the amount they're charging, we should charge them for keeping the dial and hands - say, about $1 thousand ~ that oughta cover it !

Davew833 · 21 December 2010, 10:43 AM

OOPS! I meant to say they will retain the original face and hands ON YOUR WATCH rather than replacing them. Sorry about the mis-wording! (I've edited my original post)

HL65 · 21 December 2010, 10:56 AM

You get what you pay for and I would rather pay more to protect my investment with a great watchmaker!!

STEELINOX · 21 December 2010, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davew833

OOPS! I meant to say they will retain the original face and hands ON YOUR WATCH rather than replacing them. Sorry about the mis-wording! (I've edited my original post)

Mr. Greene · 21 December 2010, 11:19 AM

nice info, I would like to talk to them about my 1655 if you have the contact info I would appreciate it

Clay · 21 December 2010, 11:33 AM

I think the price is insane, as the Red Sub movement is nothing special...., but at least they will do it...

Davew833 · 21 December 2010, 12:03 PM

I called them at 415-982-9830. They're open 9:30-5:30 M-F but Joe told me they would be closed all next week for the holiday.

Dr. Robert · 21 December 2010, 12:43 PM

RSC San Francisco is most excellent! They renovated & serviced a couple of vintage explorers for me.....they do great work!

skywag · 21 December 2010, 01:24 PM

Is it broken?

Davew833 · 21 December 2010, 01:40 PM

Well, Skywag, that's the rub-- I've had the Red about 10 days and it seems to keep good time, winds smoothly, and reserve power seems to be about 2 1/2 days. I've shown it to two local watchmakers- the first said not to do anything with it unless it quit.

The second gave it a more in-depth 'courtesy evaluation' and said a number of parts in the movement were worn, and that the whole movement needed lubrication, as well as needing a crown & tube, seals, & probably the crystal. I know it's been serviced before, as there are service marks inside the caseback, the crystal is a newer replacement. There is a mark which may indicate service in 1990.

I'd like to wear it occasionally, maybe once a month, but I can see possibly selling it in a couple of years, so I'm really not sure what to do in the way of service. The value of red subs doesn't seem to be heavily dependent on whether the movement is working, but I am concerned about the case being sealed against moisture so that there's no chance of the face getting ruined by it- not sure whether that's a serious concern or not.

Also, the second watchmaker said it would be better to redo the movement now rather than later when Rolex stops supporting it, parts get scarce, and the prices go up. I tend to doubt that will happen since the 1570 is such a common 'workhorse' movement.

If it makes any difference, the first watchmaker charged me $10 to open the caseback and do a cursory inspection, and the watchmaker that did the more thorough inspection, including removing the movement from the case, charged me nothing. Clearly, though, he stands to gain more if I use his services.

Racer X · 22 December 2010, 02:20 AM

That price is high, but having Rolex paperwork after the service is worth a premium IMO.

lupus · 22 December 2010, 04:24 AM

Rolex service papers are a big +. Watch is automatically authenticated.

RLXSTR · 22 December 2010, 06:13 AM

Thanks for calling them...Great information!

dhh · 22 December 2010, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lupus

Rolex service papers are a big +. Watch is automatically authenticated.

I agree. I am looking for a 6263 and it's first stop is SFO for a service and instant verification and re-sale value bump.

oldbronco · 23 December 2010, 03:41 AM

Bob Ridley restored a circa 1937 model 3131 Bubble Back for me. it only took a month & it came back looking & running like new. he's magic.

Davew833 · 23 December 2010, 09:43 AM

I spoke to Joe again today at SFO RSC-- asked him if crown & tube were included in the $1200 overhaul price for my red sub. He said he didn't think so, but the boss (Giovanni) is on vacation until Jan. 12. If not, it's an extra $220 for those parts. Cha-Ching!

HL65 · 23 December 2010, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldbronco

Bob Ridley restored a circa 1937 model 3131 Bubble Back for me. it only took a month & it came back looking & running like new. he's magic.

No doubt!!!

sdwtchlvr · 23 December 2010, 05:59 PM

That price is quite high if you ask me although I'm sure they do a great job. I had my 1680 (white dial) serviced by Tom Doan (D's Time Service) in San Diego and he charged a fraction of that. I see Red Subs in his shop every time I visit. He's Rolex trained & certified with a parts account and will leave your parts alone and case unpolished if you ask. Worth a look for an alternative.

Howie · 23 December 2010, 10:30 PM

I had my Red Sub fully serviced (but not polished of course) at Rolex SF - they did a great job and respected that I wanted to keep the dial, hands, datewheel, etc. original. The reason why it's so expensive (and why RCS NY and Dallas won't touch these) is because of the liability, more so than the cost of the service. These watches are 40 years old, should the red sub dial become damaged during the service, it's a real risk given how much these watches are worth. But think about it, having Rolex service papers and knowing that all the replaced movement parts are correct / genuine, and that the watch has been sealed properly and pressure tested to spec... the higher price was well worth it to me.

TimeToGo · 23 December 2010, 10:56 PM

Bob Ridley!

swish77 · 23 December 2010, 11:59 PM

[/QUOTE]

OMG, beautiful red Sub! I need to stop looking at these. Very dangerous!

Howie · 24 December 2010, 12:02 AM

OMG, beautiful red Sub! I need to stop looking at these. Very dangerous![/QUOTE]

Thanks Swish, my grail for sure!

21 December 2010, 09:29 AM	#1
Davew833 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: Dave Wilkinson Location: Utah Watch: 1970 Red 1680 Sub Posts: 50	I Called Rolex San Francisco RSC today... I Called Rolex San Francisco Service Center today to inquire about service for my 1970 red submariner. Here's what I found out from Joe: -They WILL still service vintage Red Subs -There is now a flat-rate service fee for servicing Red Subs and only the boss (Giovanni?) works on them any more. Joe thought the fee was $1200 but the boss was not available to verify. -The $1200 fee includes completely rebuilding the movement and replacing any worn parts, including bushings, jewels, etc. Also includes cleaning, re-lube, timing, all gaskets, and crystal (and I assume tube & crown too.) -Service includes 2-year non- int'l warranty good ONLY at SFO RSC, since NY and Dallas no longer service Red Subs. -While they will of course leave the original face and hands alone, they do like to lightly polish the case and bracelet. I hope this information is helpful to anyone considering service-- I suggest verifying it yourself before sending your watch off to them. Anybody have recent experience with similar service from Bob Ridley or another good independent to compare price-wise?

21 December 2010, 10:25 AM	#4
HL65 TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Ken Location: SW Florida Watch: One on my wrist. Posts: 63,991	They are an independent and Giovanni is one good watchmaker--as I have seen some of the vintage watches he has worked on over the years. Dave--don't polish it whatever you do though--just clean it! __________________ *SPEM SUCCESSUS ALIT*

21 December 2010, 10:56 AM	#9
HL65 TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Ken Location: SW Florida Watch: One on my wrist. Posts: 63,991	You get what you pay for and I would rather pay more to protect my investment with a great watchmaker!! __________________ *SPEM SUCCESSUS ALIT*

21 December 2010, 11:19 AM	#11
Mr. Greene "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Real Name: Jeff Location: arizona Watch: Seiko 7A28 7049 Posts: 371	nice info, I would like to talk to them about my 1655 if you have the contact info I would appreciate it __________________ Submariner 16610 Explorer II 1655 Panerai 915 President of the Royal Commanders Club

21 December 2010, 12:43 PM	#14
Dr. Robert 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Bob Location: U.S.A. Watch: 1655 Posts: 64,030	RSC San Francisco is most excellent! They renovated & serviced a couple of vintage explorers for me.....they do great work! __________________ Founder & Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons

21 December 2010, 09:30 AM	#2
Kanger Banned Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: Daniel Location: North Carolina Watch: Sea Dweller Posts: 5,524	wish I had a red Sub in the first place to send off to service hehe

21 December 2010, 10:25 AM	#3
Frogman4me Banned Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Maryland Posts: 6,268	Thanks for the information, very useful

21 December 2010, 10:29 AM	#5
Frogman4me Banned Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Maryland Posts: 6,268	Yes say no to polish

21 December 2010, 10:32 AM	#6
Davew833 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: Dave Wilkinson Location: Utah Watch: 1970 Red 1680 Sub Posts: 50	My case has already been polished at least once before I got it, but I definitely wouldn't let anyone polish it again. I understand the NY and Dallas service centers do what they want and tell you to like it, but if SF is an independent I would think they'd be more considerate.

21 December 2010, 10:43 AM	#8
Davew833 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: Dave Wilkinson Location: Utah Watch: 1970 Red 1680 Sub Posts: 50	OOPS! I meant to say they will retain the original face and hands ON YOUR WATCH rather than replacing them. Sorry about the mis-wording! (I've edited my original post)

21 December 2010, 11:33 AM	#12
Clay Banned Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Up a tree Posts: 4,001	I think the price is insane, as the Red Sub movement is nothing special...., but at least they will do it...

21 December 2010, 12:03 PM	#13
Davew833 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: Dave Wilkinson Location: Utah Watch: 1970 Red 1680 Sub Posts: 50	I called them at 415-982-9830. They're open 9:30-5:30 M-F but Joe told me they would be closed all next week for the holiday.

21 December 2010, 01:24 PM	#15
skywag Banned Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: N47.9 W122.7 Watch: S/S "P" Daytona Posts: 216	Is it broken?

21 December 2010, 01:40 PM	#16
Davew833 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: Dave Wilkinson Location: Utah Watch: 1970 Red 1680 Sub Posts: 50	Well, Skywag, that's the rub-- I've had the Red about 10 days and it seems to keep good time, winds smoothly, and reserve power seems to be about 2 1/2 days. I've shown it to two local watchmakers- the first said not to do anything with it unless it quit. The second gave it a more in-depth 'courtesy evaluation' and said a number of parts in the movement were worn, and that the whole movement needed lubrication, as well as needing a crown & tube, seals, & probably the crystal. I know it's been serviced before, as there are service marks inside the caseback, the crystal is a newer replacement. There is a mark which may indicate service in 1990. I'd like to wear it occasionally, maybe once a month, but I can see possibly selling it in a couple of years, so I'm really not sure what to do in the way of service. The value of red subs doesn't seem to be heavily dependent on whether the movement is working, but I am concerned about the case being sealed against moisture so that there's no chance of the face getting ruined by it- not sure whether that's a serious concern or not. Also, the second watchmaker said it would be better to redo the movement now rather than later when Rolex stops supporting it, parts get scarce, and the prices go up. I tend to doubt that will happen since the 1570 is such a common 'workhorse' movement. If it makes any difference, the first watchmaker charged me $10 to open the caseback and do a cursory inspection, and the watchmaker that did the more thorough inspection, including removing the movement from the case, charged me nothing. Clearly, though, he stands to gain more if I use his services.

22 December 2010, 02:20 AM	#17
Racer X "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: Dave Location: Unknown Posts: 999	That price is high, but having Rolex paperwork after the service is worth a premium IMO.

22 December 2010, 04:24 AM	#18
lupus "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Netherlands Posts: 86	Rolex service papers are a big +. Watch is automatically authenticated.

22 December 2010, 06:13 AM	#19
RLXSTR "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Real Name: Donald Location: Texas Watch: Sub5513 / Choc1675 Posts: 826	Thanks for calling them...Great information! __________________ '66 5513 Meters First \| '77 1675 Chocolate \| '85 DateJust 2-Tone \| Omega Planet Ocean Chrono XL Orange \| 1978 Omega Speedmaster 1st Walk on the Moon

23 December 2010, 03:41 AM	#21
oldbronco Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: USA Watch: Ranger Posts: 315	Rolex service Bob Ridley restored a circa 1937 model 3131 Bubble Back for me. it only took a month & it came back looking & running like new. he's magic.

23 December 2010, 09:43 AM	#22
Davew833 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: Dave Wilkinson Location: Utah Watch: 1970 Red 1680 Sub Posts: 50	I spoke to Joe again today at SFO RSC-- asked him if crown & tube were included in the $1200 overhaul price for my red sub. He said he didn't think so, but the boss (Giovanni) is on vacation until Jan. 12. If not, it's an extra $220 for those parts. Cha-Ching!

23 December 2010, 05:59 PM	#24
sdwtchlvr "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: SoCal Watch: Rolex Posts: 1,308	That price is quite high if you ask me although I'm sure they do a great job. I had my 1680 (white dial) serviced by Tom Doan (D's Time Service) in San Diego and he charged a fraction of that. I see Red Subs in his shop every time I visit. He's Rolex trained & certified with a parts account and will leave your parts alone and case unpolished if you ask. Worth a look for an alternative.

23 December 2010, 10:30 PM	#25
Howie "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: New York Posts: 1,037	I had my Red Sub fully serviced (but not polished of course) at Rolex SF - they did a great job and respected that I wanted to keep the dial, hands, datewheel, etc. original. The reason why it's so expensive (and why RCS NY and Dallas won't touch these) is because of the liability, more so than the cost of the service. These watches are 40 years old, should the red sub dial become damaged during the service, it's a real risk given how much these watches are worth. But think about it, having Rolex service papers and knowing that all the replaced movement parts are correct / genuine, and that the watch has been sealed properly and pressure tested to spec... the higher price was well worth it to me.

23 December 2010, 10:56 PM	#26
TimeToGo 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: North Florida Posts: 16,713	Bob Ridley!

23 December 2010, 11:59 PM	#27
swish77 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Aaron Location: CT/NYC Watch: ing the time! Posts: 6,985	[/QUOTE] OMG, beautiful red Sub! I need to stop looking at these. Very dangerous!

24 December 2010, 12:02 AM	#28
Howie "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: New York Posts: 1,037	OMG, beautiful red Sub! I need to stop looking at these. Very dangerous![/QUOTE] Thanks Swish, my grail for sure!

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