What to check after watch comes back from service

[newbee1]

I recently got a pre-owned day-date (thanks to freefly and others for authenticating it) and based on my research in this forum, I decided to send it to Philip Ridley for service. My intent was to make sure watch has all the authentic parts and if there is any internal issue, I get to know about it. So far, everything went well and I'm expecting to receive my watch soon.



Since, I'm new in Rolex world, I wonder what to look for when I receive it. I understand, I should check:



1) Overall cosmetic condition


2) Tally time- I'm planning to sync watch and my iphone and then check both of their times after 24 hours. Is there any better way to do this?



Also, what else I need to look for when I receive it back?



Thanks for your help.

[David5807]

Great questions OP.

I actually just sent one of my Rolexes in for service for the first time so I was actually wondering the same. Looking forward to the responses.

[joli160]

24 hours is short, take an average over a week or so.

[Floorguy]

I use time.gov... depends on how you lay your watch when you take it off. Different positions will either gain a few seconds or lose a few. But don’t make drive you crazy!!

[AboutTime]

I like to confirm that the day and date both change promptly at midnight.

[Beelzy]

Make sure the hour hand is placed exactly. Move it to 12 o'clock to check.

[prozac51]

FWIW I've just had a call with RSC and their day+date switch tolerance is +/- 2 minutes at midnight.

Timing accuracy should be -1/+3 seconds a day.

This is the tolerance spec for a freshly serviced 6 digit ref day date with the 3155 movement.

Sent from my HTC_2Q4D100 using Tapatalk

[locutus49]

Scratches on case.

[Dirt]

You ask a rather open question.

Other than basic time keeping and functionality over a period of time and power reserve, the only other thing of any significance to you may be the quality of the finish on the watch head, bracelet and clasp
Prioritize as you see fit.
That's enough for a newbie to worry about in this lifetime

[newbee1]

Originally Posted by joli160

24 hours is short, take an average over a week or so.

Originally Posted by Floorguy

I use time.gov... depends on how you lay your watch when you take it off. Different positions will either gain a few seconds or lose a few. But don’t make drive you crazy!!

Originally Posted by AboutTime

I like to confirm that the day and date both change promptly at midnight.

Originally Posted by Beelzy

Make sure the hour hand is placed exactly. Move it to 12 o'clock to check.

Originally Posted by prozac51

FWIW I've just had a call with RSC and their day+date switch tolerance is +/- 2 minutes at midnight.

Timing accuracy should be -1/+3 seconds a day.

This is the tolerance spec for a freshly serviced 6 digit ref day date with the 3155 movement.

Sent from my HTC_2Q4D100 using Tapatalk

Originally Posted by locutus49

Scratches on case.

Originally Posted by Dirt

You ask a rather open question.

Other than basic time keeping and functionality over a period of time and power reserve, the only other thing of any significance to you may be the quality of the finish on the watch head, bracelet and clasp
Prioritize as you see fit.
That's enough for a newbie to worry about in this lifetime

Thanks to all of you for your valuable advice. Apologies for late response, my tapatalk was acting up and I never got any notification.

I haven't received the watch yet, I'll update this thread once I get it back. Thanks again, appreciate your help :)

[peterpl]

I check everything

1) Timekeeping
2) Marks on the case
3) Hairs or dust or anything of that matter under the crystal
4) Scratches/Marks on the gold hands or dial

Those are the 4 main things. A good watch smith will check all these and ensure none of the above are evident. Once you see something wrong or know something is wrong you will not be able to enjoy the watch. That is why I HATE and Dred service time. The potential for the above is quite high.