Best source for a 16610 insert

[5thLegion]

I have a nice 16610 with a cracked lume pip at the 12'o clock. My understanding is the entire insert needs to be replaced? Closest AD is telling me this would take 4-5 weeks to fix. What is the best source for a new genuine insert so I can have a local watchmaker swap it?

[SPS9]

Maybe a look on VRF might work

https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/vintagerolexforum/

[Tools]

The best source is your Dealer. They are cheaper and authentic and should be no more than a hundred bucks installed.

On line you can find inserts from hundreds to thousands of dollars and have to go through the headache of figuring if it is authentic or not.

[502 to Right]

Originally Posted by 5thLegion

I have a nice 16610 with a cracked lume pip at the 12'o clock. My understanding is the entire insert needs to be replaced? Closest AD is telling me this would take 4-5 weeks to fix. What is the best source for a new genuine insert so I can have a local watchmaker swap it?

As noted previously, going through Rolex is the way to go. There are too many fake bezel inserts out there to bother sourcing one in the aftermarket. Plus, the authentic inserts are crazy expensive compared to what Rolex charges.

Does your closest AD have a Rolex certified watchmaker on site? Not all do. Mine does and what would happen if this were me is I would visit the watchmaker. He'd inspect the watch and order the bezel insert. I would keep the watch in the meantime. Then when the insert came in I would get a call and bring the watch in and he would replace it while I waited. I wouldn't be without my watch for even one day.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by 5thLegion

I have a nice 16610 with a cracked lume pip at the 12'o clock. My understanding is the entire insert needs to be replaced? Closest AD is telling me this would take 4-5 weeks to fix. What is the best source for a new genuine insert so I can have a local watchmaker swap it?

Well inserts from Rolex for your 16610 around $75 and they are quite a easy DIY fix.

[5thLegion]

Originally Posted by padi56

Well inserts from Rolex for your 16610 around $75 and they are quite a easy DIY fix.

Link for a genuine insert at $75?

[5thLegion]

Originally Posted by 502 to Right

As noted previously, going through Rolex is the way to go. There are too many fake bezel inserts out there to bother sourcing one in the aftermarket. Plus, the authentic inserts are crazy expensive compared to what Rolex charges.

Does your closest AD have a Rolex certified watchmaker on site? Not all do. Mine does and what would happen if this were me is I would visit the watchmaker. He'd inspect the watch and order the bezel insert. I would keep the watch in the meantime. Then when the insert came in I would get a call and bring the watch in and he would replace it while I waited. I wouldn't be without my watch for even one day.

I like this plan. My main issue is the AD says it will take weeks for such a simple thing and I don't want to be without the watch for that long frankly.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by 5thLegion

Link for a genuine insert at $75?

From any Rolex AD or RSC might have got up a bit but still should be no more than $100 or less.

[5thLegion]

Originally Posted by padi56

From any Rolex AD or RSC might have got up a bit but still should be no more than $100 or less.

Sorry, I misunderstood you. I thought you were talking about sourcing a bezel and then self-install, not AD.
My main issue with AD is they say it will take up to 4-5 weeks to get the part, and when I spoke with them on the phone, they will only install a new bezel by taking my old one, which they send that back to Mother R (I get it, so the old bezel is not resold).
I like the suggestion of brining it in and having them order the part, then I bring the watch back to install and let them have the old bezel. Not sure they will do this. Seems reasonable to me but we are talking the AD.
I realize to some probably seems like I am over thinking this, but it's my only Rolex and I wear the watch regularly. I am not fond of letting it sit at the AD for 4 weeks while I wait on a bezel if I can avoid that.