RSC SF vs RSC NYC. Thoughts?

[sleedawg]

So, tomorrow is an interesting day. UPS is scheduled to drop off my first non-Rolex AD purchase. I've gone AD on all my purchases up to this point, but found I wanted to purchase a used "relatively inexpensive utility/everyday beater." I couldn't justify new for a 14060m as I would just want to chip in more money for something even nicer and then it would sit in a watchwinder all its life like the rest of my purchases. So, I found a nicely used K-series 14060m which is in UPS hands right now. Since it's a K-series, it's probably due for a servicing.

So, to the question at hand.

Any thoughts on RSC SF vs. RSC NYC? I work walking distance to RSC SF. I know they're a privately held RSC whereas NYC is the Rolex mothership in the states. I know you can't go wrong w. RSC NYC. But has anyone had any major complaints/thoughts/kudos for RSC SF? I've read the old posts, but wondered if anyone had anything new to share. Not trying to start a east coast/west coast feud. (That's what got Biggie and Tupac killed.) But seriously, if you can share any of your personal experiences with RSC SF (good or bad), I would greatly appreciate it.

I am trying to determine if it's worth the extra effort (time/money) to send this watch to RSC NYC when SF would probably be just as good.

Thanks!

[fly-dad]

I sent a sub I used to own to the Texas RSC and was very pleased. The watch looked great and kept better time then when I sent it for service.

Good luck...

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Welcome to TRF!

RSC SF is a private business, as you state, but can do things - especially with vintage Rolex watches - the RSC NY would not touch.

With your 14060 it does not really matter if you sent it to RSC NY or take it to RSC SF. You will get a perfect service either place.

[mike]

I have not heard anything negative about SF. Just a thought, if you have thoughts about a regular RSC how about Beverly Hills? They did my 5513 and it came back fantastic.

[sheldonsmith]

I dont know if the San Francisco center has the machines used for refinishing as the RSC's do. Because it is a business separate from Rolex, it charges for services that the RSC's wouldn't. Other than that, I have heard good things about the San Francisco center.

-Sheldon

[Wolfgang427]

Originally Posted by mike

I have not heard anything negative about SF. Just a thought, if you have thoughts about a regular RSC how about Beverly Hills? They did my 5513 and it came back fantastic.

I would stick with the BH RSC like Mike said, which is close to you compared to NY-RSC. I have had no experience with the SF-RSC, but its not one of the major 3 so I would pass on it.

[sleedawg]

Considering it's a 2001-2002 model, I don't believe it's going to need anything major, thus why I don't think I'd mind going w. the privately owned SF RSC.

I may consider sending it off the the RSC BH since it seems people have had good experiences with BH.

The reason I was considering NYC was because I'll be there in 3 weeks. (But not sure when they close for their annual vacation)

I just want to drop this puppy off as soon as possible so I can get to wearing it daily.

[Tools]

Since you asked...here's my answer..

A "K" model Sub might not need a "RSC Service". You state it has been cared for and not abused.....so here's the bottom line..


For a Clean, Oil, and Adjust Service:
Any Rolex trained watchmaker (yes, that means BB too) will take it completely apart, clean all parts, inspect and replace any broken parts, put it back together and oil and regulate it..

Sending your Rolex off to the Dealer (RSC) is the same as taking your car into the Dealer.. They do good work and charge exhorbitantly for it...

If it is scratched beyond belief, the crystal is scuffed, and the movement seems "sloppy", by all means, bite the bullit and go to the RSC.

If you want top quality work, for a little bit less, try the San Fran RSC. If you want good quality work but plan to continue to use this piece daily and want the most bang for your buck....take it into your AD for the COA Service....They will do it there, or recommend a good watchmaker and you will save about half..

[sleedawg]

So, got the watch and everything looks great and (to my untrained eyes) genuine. Never had any doubts about the seller, but I do know he also purchased it from a private party. The watch came with the original warranty papers along with other accessories (box, books, anchor, tags). The only thing that bugged me about the whole purchase was a very minor detail. I got a COSC red tag which should not have been shipped with a 14060m and no green sales tag with serials and original sales price. I know that in no way means that the watch is not authentic. Just a minor detail.

Even so, I want a RSC to "validate" the watch when they do the service since it's my first and maybe only non-AD purchase. I know I could maybe save around $150 if I take it to a well qualified watchmaker but I like the peace of mind I'll have when it comes back "validated" by Rolex as 100% authentic. That and I factored in the $500 service to the total cost when I decided to purchase the watch and it's still a decent deal. So all in all, an extra $150 for peace of mind is a small price to pay when you've saved a lot more than that going with a private seller.

Thanks for everyone's help and input!

[Lubrifar]

I had the pleasure of submitting my watch to RSC SF in person and had a wonderful experience. My brother also had his serviced there recently as well and did a great job. Go talk to Ludwig since you are walking distance away, least to say the recommendation he offers will be free of charge. RSC SF is highly recommended in my book! Good luck either way.

[sleedawg]

I went over to RSC SF before work this morning. I didn't get to meet Ludwig, but I got to meet Giovanni. He was awesome! He took a close look at the watch, (upon my request) wrote down the serial number to verify the numbers I had on my certificate, opened it up and said it's got a good amount of oil left and doesn't really need service just yet. Since it's the holidays and they won't get to it until January, he suggested I keep on wearing the watch and bring it in when I have time after the holidays. While it was there he added the links that were removed by the previous owner and adjusted the bracelet.

As Lubrifar mentioned, his inspection, recommendation, and bracelet adjustment was all done free of charge?! It was probably one of the nicest experiences I've had so far with regards to any service (watch or other related).

RSC San Francisco is highly recommended in my book. :)

[Lubrifar]

Originally Posted by sleedawg

I went over to RSC SF before work this morning. I didn't get to meet Ludwig, but I got to meet Giovanni. He was awesome! He took a close look at the watch, (upon my request) wrote down the serial number to verify the numbers I had on my certificate, opened it up and said it's got a good amount of oil left and doesn't really need service just yet. Since it's the holidays and they won't get to it until January, he suggested I keep on wearing the watch and bring it in when I have time after the holidays. While it was there he added the links that were removed by the previous owner and adjusted the bracelet.

As Lubrifar mentioned, his inspection, recommendation, and bracelet adjustment was all done free of charge?! It was probably one of the nicest experiences I've had so far with regards to any service (watch or other related).

RSC San Francisco is highly recommended in my book. :)

Giovanni was also the one who worked on my watch. Ludwig is the boss and have a wealth of knowledge; he was the first person I spoke with when I first stepped into his shop.

Good to hear and able to help out a fellow member.

[mborkow]

been to the RSC in SF twice and would 100% take my watch back there. both times I had minor requests and both times he did them for free.

[BLSampson]

SF Rolex worked on my 40 year old 1675. It looked as good as new. Very friendly people.
Ludwig Bernecker, the manager, is a real gentleman and Kim his receptionist is very helpful.

[mullman]

I have serviced 5x at the RSC in NYC and was always very pleased with the results.
But being in NYC on a regular basis it makes drop off easy.

[707soldier]

I had my TT Sub service there, it's running fast. Ludwid guaranteed me that it will be accurate from now on. After 3 weeks my watch is still +1 sec. accurate, its the same when I picked it up from him. Great Job!