Service Center Sydney - Rolex Master DIAL

[lpgven]

Hi Guys,

I am the owner of a Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT Master 16753 - Dial Black and Silver Bracelet (Not the original Gold and Silver). The last time I serviced it was around 10 years ago.

Last week, I sent it to the Rolex Service Center Sydney and they sent me a quote for a standard service for AUD$1,300 (they will replace the Bezel, Hands, Security Ring) and optional changes such as Bracelet and Dial for a total of $5K. I would agree that the service price has increased "exponentially", but I am guessing that this would be the normal price nowadays.

My question is related to the Dial: They told me that if they replace the Dial, it will look different because the original is no longer available. The original dial has a couple of marks but I am not sure if it worth the change.

Do you have an idea if installing the new dial will increase the value or should I keep the original dial? I am not planning to selling it as yet, but want to make sure that I am not making another mistake by changing the original look.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Cheers

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by lpgven

Hi Guys,

I am the owner of a Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT Master 16753 - Dial Black and Silver Bracelet (Not the original Gold and Silver). The last time I serviced it was around 10 years ago.

Last week, I sent it to the Rolex Service Center Sydney and they sent me a quote for a standard service for AUD$1,300 (they will replace the Bezel, Hands, Security Ring) and optional changes such as Bracelet and Dial for a total of $5K. I would agree that the service price has increased "exponentially", but I am guessing that this would be the normal price nowadays.

My question is related to the Dial: They told me that if they replace the Dial, it will look different because the original is no longer available. The original dial has a couple of marks but I am not sure if it worth the change.

Do you have an idea if installing the new dial will increase the value or should I keep the original dial? I am not planning to selling it as yet, but want to make sure that I am not making another mistake by changing the original look.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Cheers

Pictures will help immensely, but typically it is NOT a good idea to change the dial. Also, don't have the bezel insert changed. Show some pictures, and maybe we can guide you to an independent and save you some money.

Rule of thumb with vintage?? Keep everything original and only have the movement serviced.

[toph]

Keep the original dial and hands if you can. Rolex prices are becoming a joke these days

[htinez]

I too would be very interested to hear about a trusted/good independent in Sydney who will service Rolex although I understand with Rolex 'locking down' on parts availability, how long the independents will be sustainable seems to be simply a matter of time?

[redwolfoz]

Max Schweizer [www.maxswisswatch.com] is almost across the road from Rolex Sydney. He was recommended to me by a friend who flies up from Melbourne to get his watches serviced there, but I haven't personally dealt with him.

No idea if he still does Rolex servicing as he was one of the last watchmakers in the country to get his Rolex parts contract yanked.

[caryyee]

I believe here in Australia, Rolex no longer supplies independent watchmakers with spare parts anymore ... once their current inventory is gone, then they won't be able to source any more from Rolex Australia ...

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news...-1226368723296

http://www.smh.com.au/national/swiss...427-1xq5q.html

http://www.jewellermagazine.com/Arti...s-take-a-stand

[lpgven]

Originally Posted by Jason71

Pictures will help immensely, but typically it is NOT a good idea to change the dial. Also, don't have the bezel insert changed. Show some pictures, and maybe we can guide you to an independent and save you some money.

Rule of thumb with vintage?? Keep everything original and only have the movement serviced.

Thank you for your advice!

I will pick up the watch next week and post some pictures. Unfortunately, Rolex does not allow to keep the spare parts, because: "they are sent to Geneva for destruction". Also, they told me that they MUST change the hands, bezel and security ring (kind of take or leave it). The hands are in bad shape but I do not see major problems with the bezel. Anyway, I will post pictures next week and see what you think.

Thank you again for your help.









Bezel, Hands, Security Ring service call for the change of the Bezel,

I was reluctant to change the dial

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by caryyee

I believe here in Australia, Rolex no longer supplies independent watchmakers with spare parts anymore ... once their current inventory is gone, then they won't be able to source any more from Rolex Australia ...

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news...-1226368723296

http://www.smh.com.au/national/swiss...427-1xq5q.html

http://www.jewellermagazine.com/Arti...s-take-a-stand

That just royally sucks

[cruvon]

Try the RSC in Melbourne, Jed(Jedly1) kindly helped get my 1680 serviced from them, they did an awesome job and have great vintage Rolex experience!

[Pete17]

5k for a full service including a new bracelet and dial???

Sounds very excessive to me.
Is that a written quote?

Sent from my Droid.

[mikkolopez]

That's pretty expensive for a service, almost the same value as a DJ1. I'd go to an independent watchmaker for this.

[htinez]

Just watched a u-tube vid with Max Schweizer on the subject. Have to wonder where this is headed - of perhaps that's an understatement of the obvious. If Rolex is locking down on parts AND refusing to listen to the owner re: repairs (eg want to change dials, hands on a vintage watch etc), seems to be a pretty grim future for our watches in terms of retaining character, heirloom features - regardless of vintage....

[Pete17]

Originally Posted by htinez

Just watched a u-tube vid with Max Schweizer on the subject. Have to wonder where this is headed - of perhaps that's an understatement of the obvious. If Rolex is locking down on parts AND refusing to listen to the owner re: repairs (eg want to change dials, hands on a vintage watch etc), seems to be a pretty grim future for our watches in terms of retaining character, heirloom features - regardless of vintage....

The RSC here in Melbourne look after their vintage customers and will listen and agree to most requests.

pricing though.....like everything, is going up.

[qtaro]

I have all my vintage watches including Rolex serviced by Master Watchmaking. They are the service centre for Audemars. Karl will be able to give you a quote if parts are needed.

[lpgven]

Originally Posted by Pete17

5k for a full service including a new bracelet and dial???

Sounds very excessive to me.
Is that a written quote?

Sent from my Droid.

Yes, it is a written quote. The original bracelet (steel & gold) is AUD$ 3.1k alone.

I have been checking out prices of the GMT Master and they are around 5K to 6K, so, it does not make much sense to me to get the $3k bracelet. I like mine with the steel bracelet. It is not the original, but It is a rolex bracelet anyway.

Thanks

[Pete17]

OUCH!

that's outrageous.

Sent from my Droid.