Dropped 16520 off for Service at BH Service Center…

[Mirek]

I dropped the Daytona off at the Service Center on Wilshire on Friday for a complete overhaul and “polishing” or at least getting it as close to perfect as they can. The watch and band are beat to absolute hell.

They mentioned I may require a new bezel surround (fine) and gave me an estimate of $1,300 which I authorized and now I get to wait 13 weeks. I certainly hope it is less time than that but she noted it was a “classic” model.

My question is has anybody had any experience with the Beverly Hills Service Center. Either with regard to turn around time or quality of work performed. I honestly do not know what to expect but I “hope” they can bring the entire watch back to mint…any thoughts ?

Additionally, I overheard one of the advisors telling a concerned customer that’s a Rolex can be polished as many as 8-9 times and not to worry - which seemed like a lot to me and another guy came in and had some issue with parts they replaced or whatever…

[Tools]

Beverly Hills, or any RSC for that matter, doesn't always do the work in-house.

The non-routine models may go off to Dallas for the work, or to the facility in Lititz, PA. The bezel is usually replaced rather than refinished.

[Mirek]

Totally. I just figured since it was a pretty basic watch they could do it local here in LA but who knows how they dispatch. I think there a bunch of official Rolex Service Centers but I do give them credit for turning around the quote same day. For whatever that is worth.

Anyway yes, that was the other weird thing…the advisor stated the bezel could/would be replaced if needed and I questioned that because they no longer make them and then she stated that it was also possible that they would repaint it w/ enamel (??).

The other weird thing was that I had to request that the (obviously much needed) refinishing to be done as this was not written up during the complete overhaul work order and had to be tacked on. I was surprised they would do a complete overhaul and assume I wanted to keep it all scratchy. Anyway they were more buttoned up than the folks over at AP.

[28mm]

You should start a poll if you should polish or not.

[1665fan]

If they replace your bezel it will be with the 116520 type bezel and be slightly different than the original on there now if you might care……see if they will return your original bezel when they do the swap

[walkman2727]

I went to BH RSC a couple of times for service. Over all, they are good, as far as your request is a "paid" service . Like there was one time I was there for resize my bracelet, that is a free service. Their female manager helped me, she was not very "happy"

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Mirek

. . .

The other weird thing was that I had to request that the (obviously much needed) refinishing to be done as this was not written up during the complete overhaul work order and had to be tacked on. I was surprised they would do a complete overhaul and assume I wanted to keep it all scratchy. Anyway they were more buttoned up than the folks over at AP.

A refinish of the case and bracelet is always included with a service at no cost at RSC. You actually have to say you don't want it if that is your choice.

[Asumer]

+1 to what 1665fan said, ask them to give you the old bezel if they do replace it. I'm sure you have no desire to sell it but if you did having that original bezel would add value.

[SS Oyster]

I’ve taken a few to BH RSC. They do great work, but watch your email. They won’t call, but email instead when they have questions.


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[ArtNouveau]

I could have sworn just a few years ago people saying Beverly Hills RSC no longer did anything other than adjustments, that they shipped all major services off to Dallas. Was this or is this ever the case?

[Ensign]

I sent my Datejust in for a full service and dial change a couple years ago. It does take a long time - I don’t know why. When it left me it was +1 a day. After the service it is now +6. I heard it might help to request “as good a regulation as possible.”

[jaisonline]

Originally Posted by 1665fan

If they replace your bezel it will be with the 116520 type bezel and be slightly different than the original on there now if you might care……see if they will return your original bezel when they do the swap

What 1665fan typed.

When Dallas serviced my 16520 in Jan / Feb 2020, they gave me a 116520 bezel (which actually some very late 16520s were sold with). After getting mgt approval , they let me keep my small 6 bezel. Even put it in a nice bezel protector.

[Mirek]

I really appreciate all of the input guys !

I will make sure to request the old part. Great heads up.

[ronricks]

Pretty sure all Daytona's are sent to Lititz, PA regardless if they are dropped off in NYC, LA, or Dallas.

[arnesto]

I dropped of my DJ at the end of April. They said it had normal wear and tear. He told me around 13 weeks. I called after 10 and was told it was ready. Drove up ,parked in he rear parking lot and picked it up. Looks brand new. She also suggested taking out links as it was sliding down my wrist. Was there maybe 20 minutes. Cost was $700. Keeps spot on time. Overall a great expierence.

[Denver Dick]

Originally Posted by ronricks

Pretty sure all Daytona's are sent to Lititz, PA regardless if they are dropped off in NYC, LA, or Dallas.

My 1987 TT DJ 16013 has had its last two overhauls at the RSC in Lititz, PA. I have been very pleased with their work. They completed the latest overhaul on this past April. No worries if it goes there.

[skipstar]

Originally Posted by 28mm

You should start a poll if you should polish or not.

[Mirek]

Thank you for that intel gentlemen, I appreciate you taking the time to post it up.

[77T]

Originally Posted by Tools

Beverly Hills, or any RSC for that matter, doesn't always do the work in-house.

The non-routine models may go off to Dallas for the work, or to the facility in Lititz, PA. The bezel is usually replaced rather than refinished.

Agree Larry - and NYC has been sending them to the Long Island facility for quite a while.

My last convo with HQ was in Fall 2021 as they were vacating the 5th Av offices for the new construction. They relo’d across 5th Av for the duration.

Also moved many managers and depts to LI for the next year or more while the 12-story existing bldg is demo’d, and then the new 25 story mixed use goes up on the original site.

Even when the new HQ is done, the watchworks will remain in LI.


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[HAL330]

Originally Posted by 77T

Also moved many managers and depts to LI for the next year or more while the 12-story existing bldg is demo’d, and then the new 25 story mixed use goes up on the original site.

I'm surprised to hear this... a perfectly good building razed so they can erect a building only twice as tall? I can't imagine how that's going to generate enough of a return to offset the costs in one lifetime.

[Mirek]

Picked it up today at the Beverly Hills Service center and it looks fantastic!
So 8/22 til 11/18 was the wait time bell-to-bell for a Zenith 16520 complete overhaul. Being a Zenith they said it would take longer every single time.

I was going to drop off my Buckley Datejust and first they warned me about the service times being even longer now in general, but after the inspection they said they no longer could support it with parts as they were NLA. Pie pan dial p, etc…Nuts.

Unlike Rolex, AP actually shipped my old 4100BA Royal Oak to Switzerland and sent it back better than new ! (they installed a modern movement).

[MAINEZX10]

Looks great. Enjoy. I have always wanted a white dial 16520

[fskywalker]

Dropped my TOG 116264 at BH last month, was told 8 weeks for serving, so about a month to go still. Very nice facility!




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[Nico81]

I have had horrendous experience with rolex servicing my watches when it comes to polishing

2 watches destroyed basically
14060m in dallas
114060 in Litiz… lugs came back uneven


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[SS Oyster]

I have had many watches fully serviced including sympathetic polish. All have come back in incredible shape ... absolutely no complaints.

As for SS Daytonas with SS bezels, definitely would prefer a replacement bezel over polished one. It's nearly impossible to polish a Daytona bezel w/o rounding the sharp edges and/or removing paint fill from the tachymetric numerals. A crisp bezel is a must and indicates how well a watch has been looked after.

I would be very confident in the work that will be performed bringing your beautiful Zenith Daytona back to nearly showroom condition.

[Polyesterpig]

Mirek, did Beverly Hills Rolex also give you the original bezel back after it was replaced?

[kinopravda]

I had my bezel replaced at BH RSC and I requested my old one back. They charged an additional $92 dollars to return the old one.

[SearChart]

The Daytona bezels have very shallow engraving so they cannot be properly polished, if it's not too bad I'd request them keeping it original.

Service costs of the zenith are more expensive than the 4130, movement parts too, significantly. They are very fun to work on though