Rolex service centre advice

[wingchuchu]

Hi Everyone,

I recently purchased a 2006 submariner 16610LN model watch from grey market seller and have just brought it into RSC to have it looked at.

RSC informed me they recommend me to service the watch for around $850 USD and informed me the water resistance in the watch does not meet up to par with Rolex standards and the service fee will include changing the necessary parts to improve water resistance.

My question is, whether I should follow the advice of RSC to get the service maintenance even though the watch has be functioning fine, and I do not foresee my watch being in close contact to water anytime soon. Will RSC suggest a maintenance for older watch models even though they function fine?

P.S. - I do not know whether my watch has been already serviced before, but I do know it has been polished in the past.

[htrap2294]

When was the watch last serviced? How do they know the water resistance is compromised? Did it fail a pressure test? If it didn't fail a pressure test, neither you or them can say if the watch still maintains or does not maintain its water resistance. The rubber gaskets start to degrade after 3-5 years, so if the last service is older than that, you should probably get it serviced or at least have the gaskets replaced.

If the watch is functioning fine and it fails a pressure test, then get the gaskets redone by a local watchmaker that can work on Rolexes. Have him show examples of his work before you hand it off, however.

[Ferdelious]

If the watch has never been serviced then I would have it done. It's 15+years old and will eventually need it. Plus my guess is that service costs will only go up, like everything else.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Ferdelious

If the watch has never been serviced then I would have it done. It's 15+years old and will eventually need it. Plus my guess is that service costs will only go up, like everything else.

This for me too

[joli160]

I always follow the advice of the pro’s

[Stan Cooper]

Just because it's functioning properly now doesn't mean movement parts aren't worn beyond service specifications and lubrication hasn't degraded over time. RSC service comes with a two year warranty and a description of service performed with your name on it.

My advice is to have it serviced now and it will come back to you "like new" and comfort in knowing it hasn't been reported stolen.

My GMT II which is working perfectly is now at the New York RSC for service as it has been ten years since it was last serviced.

[skyblue12]

In a word. Yes. You'll have a service card and a new watch back. It's money we'll spend in my opinion.

[RJRJRJ]

If it were me, I'd just have an independent pressure test and change gaskets if needed. Servicing a watch that functions properly makes no sense to me. If you're worried about authenticity, that's another story.

[214270Explorer]

The crown stem gasket "could" be compromised (worn out of round), which would continue to let in moisture from the air.
2006 watch - time to get it back up to snuff. 16 years now.
Otherwise you are taking continual chances for further wear and more expensive repairs down the line.
You need to service your car engine every once in a while, right? Same thing here. 16 years is a long time, even for a tough Rolex.
(You do not seem to know IF it was ever serviced before you got it, or if it was, was the job any good / done by a proper Rolex service tech.)

[eugenetsang]

Originally Posted by wingchuchu

Hi Everyone,

I recently purchased a 2006 submariner 16610LN model watch from grey market seller and have just brought it into RSC to have it looked at.

RSC informed me they recommend me to service the watch for around $850 USD and informed me the water resistance in the watch does not meet up to par with Rolex standards and the service fee will include changing the necessary parts to improve water resistance.

My question is, whether I should follow the advice of RSC to get the service maintenance even though the watch has be functioning fine, and I do not foresee my watch being in close contact to water anytime soon. Will RSC suggest a maintenance for older watch models even though they function fine?

P.S. - I do not know whether my watch has been already serviced before, but I do know it has been polished in the past.

You're from HK. You should go to Classic Watch Repair in TST. They serviced my watch a few times. Same standards as Rolex. Probably a little better and a few dollars cheaper IMO.

Classic Watch Repair
Level 11 Room A,
2 Carnarvon Road,
Tsim Sha Tsui
Hong Kong

[enjoythemusic]

Service it. Added benefit, a service warranty and card.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by eugenetsang

You're from HK. You should go to Classic Watch Repair in TST. They serviced my watch a few times. Same standards as Rolex. Probably a little better and a few dollars cheaper IMO.

Classic Watch Repair
Level 11 Room A,
2 Carnarvon Road,
Tsim Sha Tsui
Hong Kong

www.classicwatchrepair.com

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by wingchuchu

Hi Everyone,

I recently purchased a 2006 submariner 16610LN model watch from grey market seller and have just brought it into RSC to have it looked at.

RSC informed me they recommend me to service the watch for around $850 USD and informed me the water resistance in the watch does not meet up to par with Rolex standards and the service fee will include changing the necessary parts to improve water resistance.

My question is, whether I should follow the advice of RSC to get the service maintenance even though the watch has be functioning fine, and I do not foresee my watch being in close contact to water anytime soon. Will RSC suggest a maintenance for older watch models even though they function fine?

P.S. - I do not know whether my watch has been already serviced before, but I do know it has been polished in the past.

Welcome to the forum. I’d look at it this way, you just spent easily over 10k on a used watch. What’s 850$ to ensure its perfect for the next 5-10 years of use? Furthermore, there’s this misconception about water resistance. People think that because they’re not going to expose the watch to water they’ll be fine - WRONG - humidity permeates bad seals too, it corrodes, it accumulates and it’s disastrous for anything mechanical (like your new watch)

Hong Kong? What’s your average humidity level there? Pretty high I bet.

[dukie748]

Agree with the general sentiment - you've just spent a handful of cash on a 16 year old watch - get it serviced. It'll come back looking brand new, fully water resistant, and you'll have a 2 year Rolex warranty with your name on for when you come to resell.

Money well spent in my opinion.

[wingchuchu]

Thank you for the reply, quick follow up question regarding servicing. I do know the watch has been polished before and I know polishing is done during service procedures. As my watch already has been polished, would it be a good idea to have it polished again during this service routine? In terms of appearance the watch currently does not have many scratch marks on it right now.

[1William]

Go ahead and get it serviced. Rolex is not trying to generate business they are trying to care for an owner of a fine timepiece. It is no fun going without the watch while it is serviced but once you get it back you will have years of service before the next time it needs service.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by wingchuchu

Thank you for the reply, quick follow up question regarding servicing. I do know the watch has been polished before and I know polishing is done during service procedures. As my watch already has been polished, would it be a good idea to have it polished again during this service routine? In terms of appearance the watch currently does not have many scratch marks on it right now.

You can ask RSC HK not to polish it, just to clean it instead. You can also ask for a light polish, which is what I usually do.