Rolex service center, No polish request?

[Robbie D]

Hi everyone,

I am a newish vintage watch collector. I searched the net already for this question but was unable to find a solid(ish) answer. I would like to know if Rolex will service a vintage Rolex without polishing the case and band per customer request. My Oysterquartz seems to have never been polished nor the crystal replaced. The crystal has some light scratches and a few minor surface chips, yet I prefer it as is looks wise. It may seem odd or unlikely that someone would want only the movement cleaned and calibrated...as well as the stem and or crown if needed, but as collectors we (or should I say I) can be a bit odd/eccentric 😉

Also aside from my own "strangeness" what is the collective norm/opinion on keeping a vintage watch unpolished as well as the crystal untouched? When is a collector going to far, like keeping the original crystal even though there are minor surface chips My chips are the typical tiny chips above the crown, seemingly not effecting the seal

Thank you for any info, and sorry for the long winded post.

Best regards,
and an early Happy New Year!

Robbie D


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[Boxcars]

Of course they will.

[Lordofrolex]

Yes you need to specify all this stuff when you take it to your RSC.

[Robbie D]

Boxcars- "Of course they will" when not specified..... The question is will they do as I ask.

Lordogrolrx have you done this? My understanding is that rolex does things their own way, dictated by their own policies. It is quite possible that Rolex (As one of the most protected brands) would not want to certify a service while omitting the norm.



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[Tools]

Rolex will follow your instructions unless they are unable to comply such as keeping flaking hands and dials.

Be sure you know what you are asking them though. Polish means to make shiny, re-finish means to return to factory finishes.

If they don't know what you really want they have to guess.

[crowncollection]

Be very clear with them. I would replace the crystal it will have no effect on the collector vintage value


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[dcash0615]

My personal opinion... I would avoid the RSC if you are getting a vintage piece serviced. Send to one of the trusted watchmakers with a Rolex parts account that have been mentioned on this forum that are known for servicing vintage. This way you will have more personal contact with the person doing the work on your timepiece and can ensure your requests are followed.

[bubbaK]

What dcash0615 said.

[agsstructures]

Originally Posted by dcash0615

My personal opinion... I would avoid the RSC if you are getting a vintage piece serviced. Send to one of the trusted watchmakers with a Rolex parts account that have been mentioned on this forum that are known for servicing vintage. This way you will have more personal contact with the person doing the work on your timepiece and can ensure your requests are followed.

This sums it up.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by dcash0615

My personal opinion... I would avoid the RSC if you are getting a vintage piece serviced. Send to one of the trusted watchmakers with a Rolex parts account that have been mentioned on this forum that are known for servicing vintage. This way you will have more personal contact with the person doing the work on your timepiece and can ensure your requests are followed.

I'm not sure where you are located Robbie, but there is a sticky thread regarding trusted vintage sellers, and in there you will find great watchmakers.

Vanessa, ABC, Rikki, etc.

I would not trust it to RSC personally

[skatr]

I have sent watches to the RSC twice (brown wrapping paper, registered mail, I wonder if they still require this?) Each time they sent me a letter (before performing any work) itemizing all of the things my watch could benefit from and the price they would charge for each item. They only performed the specific work I chose from the list.

I definitely replaced a very slightly chipped crystal. I can't abide feeling even a little nick on the edge with my fingernail even though this is clearly a sign that I need mental help.

[Robbie D]

I am located in the Detroit metro area Michigan, USA. If anyone has suggestions for a trusted watchmaker with good service/price who will work on an Oysterquartz.

Thanks!


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