Rolex Service and Repair in Chicago

[chet]

I have a Daytona from ~2010 that needs a repair and probably a service too. The repair is simply to replace the small clasp on the bracelet.

I have done a search on the forum and people seem very happy with Chris Watch Repair but most reviews on Yelp show that people use him for battery replacements etc. Is he qualified to do the above repair and service? I think it's more than a little ridiculous to pay ~$1000 to service a 7yo watch.

Any other suggestions?

[JnmEaton]

Be sure to check with KENT who is in Chicago he's mentioned here on TRF

He's really quick if you prepay...

And he mails stuff on Mondays...

Doesn't use email tho (I think)...

or search KENTED

[EddieA1]

Checkout Howard Frum Jewelers. They specialize in Rolex, and may also do repairs, or at least refer you to a trusted specialist. 312-332-5999. They're downtown on Wabash.

[dublrnutn1]

I've used Sutters watch repair ( Rolex authorized ) on Michigan ave in the past with no problems. Seems like mixed reviews now.

[zsamot]

Try CD Peacock...I have had no issues with them for service and bracelet refinish.

[Al1969]

Is there an RSC near you? You can have them give you an estimate on a service and it'll come back with a two-year warranty.

[NorthernPike]

If using Kent be prepared to wait a year or so. Its reported that he has 70,000 watches in the queue ahead of you.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Al1969

Is there an RSC near you? You can have them give you an estimate on a service and it'll come back with a two-year warranty.

Sutter's in Chicago is a Rolex Service Center.

[Etschell]

Remember guys according to a newspaper article from 1993 watch repairers in chicago are as hard to find as bigfoot.

[Bfd70]

http://www.swissservice.com

La grange

[blue16613]

Originally Posted by chet

I have a Daytona from ~2010 that needs a repair and probably a service too. The repair is simply to replace the small clasp on the bracelet.

I have done a search on the forum and people seem very happy with Chris Watch Repair but most reviews on Yelp show that people use him for battery replacements etc. Is he qualified to do the above repair and service? I think it's more than a little ridiculous to pay ~$1000 to service a 7yo watch.

Any other suggestions?

If your watch needs to be serviced (you didn't say what brought you to that conclusion) what difference is it if it is 7, 10 or 20 years old?

If it needs to be serviced, no one will blame you for trying to get a good price but you will never forgive yourself if you cheap out and something is done wrong or incorrectly.

For all of its virtues, Chicago is not a great city for either watch purchases or service. If you want to stay local, Sutter's is Rolex authorized service. It will get serviced correctly. Otherwise, you have pretty much an equal chance of a poor outcome with the others. So, take your pick.

If you don't want to go to Sutter's, I'd be thinking about shipping it somewhere.

Good luck; let us know what you decide.

[tomchicago]

Chris has worked on my ETA mechanical and quartz watches to great success. Chicago Rolex service (aka Sutters) worked on my wife's DJ extremely well and they are the Chicago RSC, but they can be temperamental. I would not go near New York Jewelers nor Fine Swiss Watch Repair in downtown with your Rolex. Frum deals a lot of second hand Rollies. They are very nice folks but I think they might use some aftermarket parts on occasion. They offered me an option to do an aftermarket bezel insert once when I was considering a watch purchase there.

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[Le Chef]

Originally Posted by blue16613

For all of its virtues, Chicago is not a great city for either watch purchases.

In the space of less than a mile you can buy new, the following 25 watch brands:

Arnold & Son, Audemars Piguet, Blancpain, Breguet, Bulgari, Cartier, Jaquet Droz, Laurent Ferrier, Parmigiani Fleurier, Glashutte Original, Graham, Grand Seiko, IWC, JLC, FP Journe, Lange, Montblanc, Nomos, Omega, Panerai, Rolex, Tiffany, Tudor, Vacheron, Harry Winston.

[Grisha40299]

Razny Jewelers in Chicago is an Authorized Dealer and Service Center for Rolex

[Will1979]

I recently bought a Zenith Daytona and took it to Kent for a look. He inspected the watch and movement and pressure tested it, all while I waited. And he didn't charge me a dime. I've read that his wait times can be long for watches he's servicing, but I've had nothing but good experiences with him. He's also one of the few Rolex certified watchmakers in the city.

[blue16613]

Originally Posted by Le Chef

In the space of less than a mile you can buy new, the following 25 watch brands:

Arnold & Son, Audemars Piguet, Blancpain, Breguet, Bulgari, Cartier, Jaquet Droz, Laurent Ferrier, Parmigiani Fleurier, Glashutte Original, Graham, Grand Seiko, IWC, JLC, FP Journe, Lange, Montblanc, Nomos, Omega, Panerai, Rolex, Tiffany, Tudor, Vacheron, Harry Winston.

Correct statement.

I did not say there was no place to purchase a watch in Chicago, I said it was not a great place to purchase a watch. There is a big distinction between the two.

Thanks for the opportunity to clarify!

[blue16613]

Originally Posted by Grisha40299

Razny Jewelers in Chicago is an Authorized Dealer and Service Center for Rolex

Over the years, I've experienced just about everything negative that has been written on TRF about Rolex ADs at Razny.

(Just my personal opinion, of course.)

[Hairdude1]

Originally Posted by blue16613

Correct statement.

I did not say there was no place to purchase a watch in Chicago, I said it was not a great place to purchase a watch. There is a big distinction between the two.

Thanks for the opportunity to clarify!

I would disagree competely I have had amazing top notch service when purchasing from almost all AD and watch shops in Chicago. It is all about the relationship IMO. Please let us know why you feel this way

[blue16613]

Originally Posted by Hairdude1

I would disagree competely I have had amazing top notch service when purchasing from almost all AD and watch shops in Chicago. It is all about the relationship IMO. Please let us know why you feel this way

Ok. I'll do the best I can while remaining "in bounds" as to the rules here.

First, I admit I have not been to all of the stores / boutiques but for the brands I know the best I have been appalled by how little the sales people know about their own brand's watches.

Attitudes tend to be very different from what one comes to expect in the Midwest. I'm going to stop short here.... but perhaps you can fill in the rest of this story. But even so, I find the salespeople in NYC (and most every other big city) to be far nicer than those on the Mag Mile.

MSRP rules. Discounts are few and far between...add to that Chicago's 10.25% sales tax and you've got a set-up for very expensive watch coupled with an unpleasant purchasing environment.

Lastly, I understand and fully agree with the importance of relationships. And, I have them. Just not in Chicago.

[Le Chef]

There 3 great stores at the top end of Michigan Ave that offer top of the line selection of brands with product knowledgeable service to match. I've done business with all 3 for 20 years or so. If you treat them with respect they will take care of you back. Behave like an oik and they will treat you like a tourist.

As to sales tax - ship it to an out of state address - not hard to do.

[Le Chef]

Originally Posted by blue16613

Over the years, I've experienced just about everything negative that has been written on TRF about Rolex ADs at Razny.

(Just my personal opinion, of course.)

They know the product and can talk model numbers etc. They've invited me to watch previews, cocktails, dinners, done great favors for me with Rolex, and in return I've done favors for them. It's how you make the world go round.

[Hairdude1]

Originally Posted by blue16613

Ok. I'll do the best I can while remaining "in bounds" as to the rules here.

First, I admit I have not been to all of the stores / boutiques but for the brands I know the best I have been appalled by how little the sales people know about their own brand's watches.

Attitudes tend to be very different from what one comes to expect in the Midwest. I'm going to stop short here.... but perhaps you can fill in the rest of this story. But even so, I find the salespeople in NYC (and most every other big city) to be far nicer than those on the Mag Mile.

MSRP rules. Discounts are few and far between...add to that Chicago's 10.25% sales tax and you've got a set-up for very expensive watch coupled with an unpleasant purchasing environment.

Lastly, I understand and fully agree with the importance of relationships. And, I have them. Just not in Chicago.

I feel bad for you. I hope you're not referring to the big T stores. If so I agree. That said I invite you measege Le Chef or I and we would love to point you in a direction for a friendly AD. As for tax I ship out of state.

[blue16613]

Originally Posted by Hairdude1

I feel bad for you. I hope you're not referring to the big T stores. If so I agree. That said I invite you measege Le Chef or I and we would love to point you in a direction for a friendly AD. As for tax I ship out of state.

Thanks! I really appreciate your understanding and kindness.
I'm fine. I have at least one terrific AD for each of the brands I prefer so I'm all set. Price, availability service, etc. are total non-issues for me due to these wonderful AD relationships. What you said about the importance of the relationship is so true. Also what you said about the big "T." I remember when they were, essentially, the only game downtown and it was awful. I"m glad to hear things have improved.

[JnmEaton]

Originally Posted by Will1979

I recently bought a Zenith Daytona and took it to Kent for a look. He inspected the watch and movement and pressure tested it, all while I waited. And he didn't charge me a dime. I've read that his wait times can be long for watches he's servicing, but I've had nothing but good experiences with him. He's also one of the few Rolex certified watchmakers in the city.

Search for KENT OR KENTED on this website and you'll see why the sarcasim regarding KENT

I'm sure he has had plenty of success but a recent service reported here, not good.

[gotafly]

I have used both Sutter's and Chris. Sutter was much more expensive and there work is first rate.
Last fall I had 4 Rolexes, ExplorerII, ladies two tone jubilee band, SS Daytona rolex movement and last but not least my fathers Day Date, hidden clasp, single quickset.

I was very pleased and impressed with Chris's work and will use him again when necessary.

Chris is located on the 7th floor in the Maller's building; as another poster pointed out Howard Frum is one floor below and in my opinion well worth visiting. I bought my first Rolex from Howard in 1984.

[Gh0st0]

Sorry for the bump, I'm in the northern suburbs. CD peacock seems to be best bet, anyone for having a watch serviced in house vs sending out to Rolex?

[tomchicago]

I will say that I think Rolex Service Chicago (formerly Sutters) does better work than RSC and is authorized. They can be a little cranky though. 30 N Michigan tel. 312.782.7768

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[Gh0st0]

Originally Posted by tomchicago

I will say that I think Rolex Service Chicago (formerly Sutters) does better work than RSC and is authorized. They can be a little cranky though. 30 N Michigan tel. 312.782.7768

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Thanks, didn't see them as an authorize service center on rolex's website