Rolex service..RSC vs independent Rolex certified watchmaker..?

[Glpstandard]

So I'm about to send in my EXP II for it's first service since I've owned it (and quite possibly it's first service ever) and wanted some advice on if I should use an independent watchmaker from a Rolex AD or send it to NYC RSC? What is the major differences in the work performed and the end product? I know there is a huge price difference, and honestly if it's the same service I am more inclined to do it locally and save a few hundred

A few questions that I have:

1. I know RSC will not touch a watch with any aftermarket parts. I want to get a free authentication out of this service for peace of mind (I'm very wary of its authenticity since I bought it on Ebay, even though I have no reason to worry I just want to be 100% sure), so I was wondering if Rolex AD have the same policy? I wouldn't have thought so, so if not I might be inclined to pay for the RSC service just for this guarantee my watch is 100% authentic and original.

2. My watch is running about 12 seconds slow a day. Aside from a good cleaning/lube, I want to make sure it is regulated to keep time within spec, and have it polished to as close to new as possible. Is this typically something a AD will do during one of their routine services, or would this be extra? From what I read on Rolex's website, it looks as though it's a part of their routine services at their RSC.

3. Is there any paperwork that you get from RSC that you typically WILL NOT get from an AD who services your watch? ie warranty card, guarantee of authenticity, official receipt for the service, etc? Of course I've never had a Rolex serviced, so I dont know what exactly you typically receive with your watch when you send it to a RSC, I was just naming documents I could imagine might accompany it when it returns..

4. What can I expect to pay for service from RSC NYC? It's been awhile since I talked to the watchmaker at my local AD, but I'm pretty sure he said he would charge about $500 which would include a full service including a case and bracelet polishing, and he recommends changing the crown and o ring which would be about an extra $125.

I'm a little hesitant to give my watch to an AD for service. I just don't want them to do a half ass job, not care to verify it's real before working on it, not give me a warranty card or other appropriate paperwork and hand it back to me without doing as thorough a job as RSC would do with a generic paper receipt from the store for the work done.

[subtona]

anytime your watch is out of your hands, it is a gamble.

independents run the range from great or terrible?

RSC has proven to be careless on countless occasions.

imho, it really is a crap shoot!

i think of it like cosmetic/elective surgery, why do it if it isn't absolutely necessary, the downside is too great.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Glpstandard

So I'm about to send in my EXP II for it's first service since I've owned it (and quite possibly it's first service ever) and wanted some advice on if I should use an independent watchmaker from a Rolex AD or send it to NYC RSC? What is the major differences in the work performed and the end product? I know there is a huge price difference, and honestly if it's the same service I am more inclined to do it locally and save a few hundred

. . .

1. RSC will service a watch with aftermarket parts. You just have to agree to replace those parts with originals and it could get expensive for some who like different bezels and dials. Rolex AD's have the same policy but most AD's do not have watchmakers and send your watch off-site or to the RSC.. Make sure what's happening before you commit.

2. A case and bracelet refinish is part of the RSC service. Some Dealers may charge extra and I would be wary of some cheap quotes. Nothing ruins a watch more than a bad refinish on the case..

3. From an AD you will only get a receipt and perhaps an in-house warranty. An RSC gives you a warranty card just like the originals for 2 years, usually a nice travel pouch and it gets entered into the Rolex Database as yours.

4. The RSC charges around 600 bucks. It includes all expendible movement parts, gaskets and seals. It does not include the crown and tube.

My feeling is that if you want to know that it is correct, and you want to ensure all parts are Rolex, and you want it to be like-new; send it in to the RSC for peace of mind. Next time have a standard COA done by your local Dealer or watchmaker..

[Glpstandard]

Thanks for the input.

I decided to go with the RSC. Watch was shipped out yesterday, and should arrive in NYC tomorrow. Hopefully USPS doesn't lose my package. I have very little faith in them as of lately. They lost the last package I shipped to someone and I had to file an insurance claim.

I honestly thought about waiting a couple more years the past couple of days, but after finding out my watch is 18 seconds fast/day which I believe is faster than it was when I bought it, I thought it was time to send it in.

I cant wait to get it back I a few weeks and see how it looks

[JP Chestnut]

Originally Posted by subtona

anytime your watch is out of your hands, it is a gamble.

independents run the range from great or terrible?

RSC has proven to be careless on countless occasions.

imho, it really is a crap shoot!

i think of it like cosmetic/elective surgery, why do it if it isn't absolutely necessary, the downside is too great.

Exactly. I'd never send a watch to an RSC. My independent worked there, and at the training center in PA - he's one of the best, cheaper, and offers individualized service you would never get out of Rolex.