Rolex service via AD -Choices?

[oldoakknives]

Looking for some advice on sending a Rolex in for service via an AD. I don’t really want the case refinishing but would like everything else to be done as per a standard service. Is there a standard method used by ADs to convey that information to Rolex eg a form to fill in? Also what parts would be replaced on every service?
Was hoping to avoid travelling to RSJ.

Have had Omegas serviced before but was happy to just let them get on with it, I just don’t want the case thinning on the lugs on this one as it’s pretty much original (16610) I think.
On the same subject does anyone have any information regarding standard lug thickness?
Cheers
Ian

[JeremyO]

When I had my Submariner serviced by RSC in 2014 I sent the watch direct to Rolex with specific instructions re not refinishing the case to which they adhered.

I don’t think you can send the watch direct anymore, certainly I had to use my local AD last month when I sent it in for its 5 year service. I would imagine that you could ask the AD to enclose a letter re your requirements.

I know Omega will send out a service pack direct to customer if requested and you can bypass the AD accordingly. This works very well for me as you can include instructions re your requirements. I did ask RSC direct if they could do this but they declined.

I much prefer Omegas approach in this matter.

[shoppy]

You can go either by your AD or direct to Rolex, they will give you an estimate and you can than specify. Also if you AD has an accredited workshop they can do it there also as you wish.

[walkerwek1958]

Unless there is very deep damage, the amount of metal removed should be minimal and you get the watch back looking like new. Thinning of lugs is caused by poor technique combined with determination to remove even the deepish blemish. When a watch has a fairly deep mark common sense should prevail and the refinisher has to decide whether complete removal is justified. I’m sure the folks at RSC are good at it.

I think people get far too hung up over this, hence the fashion for not refinishing.

[Omegamanic]

Unless there is very deep damage, the amount of metal removed should be minimal and you get the watch back looking like new. Thinning of lugs is caused by poor technique combined with determination to remove even the deepish blemish. When a watch has a fairly deep mark common sense should prevail and the refinisher has to decide whether complete removal is justified. I’m sure the folks at RSC are good at it.

I think people get far too hung up over this, hence the fashion for not refinishing.

I think it’s because we have seen watches that previous owners had religiously serviced to 3-5 years intervals - hence 8-10 refinishes over a 30 year period could well thin out cases/lugs etc. especially when they are taking out all gouges where possible.

[oldoakknives]

Unless there is very deep damage, the amount of metal removed should be minimal and you get the watch back looking like new. Thinning of lugs is caused by poor technique combined with determination to remove even the deepish blemish. When a watch has a fairly deep mark common sense should prevail and the refinisher has to decide whether complete removal is justified. I’m sure the folks at RSC are good at it.

I think people get far too hung up over this, hence the fashion for not refinishing.

Thanks for the advice guys.

With the nearest service centre being in Kent and some way from me in the East of England I will probably have to take it to the nearest AD. I just wondered if they perhaps had va standard form to enter instructions/requests etc.

I would prefer either a light refinish or no refinish on the case if possible. What replacement parts would be covered in the normal service price?

[BillN]

I have just taken my 16610 into the AD Laings, in Southampton, (the nearest AD to me),.

I said I just wanted a regular "service" - "please do not replace the dial or bezel etc"

They gave me what looked like their standard "piece of paper" which gave a description of the watch, the fee, (an estimate of £580), which I signed

The assistant said that he would photograph the watch before sending it to the RSC

They said it would go to the RSC and I would get an email in 2 weeks time stating what they recommend should be done - I could then say "yes or no"

The estimated date that they would return the watch to me serviced, etc., was 31st January 2020.

He said that the watch would come back looking "as new"

(I will never never go into Southampton again shopping - never bloody never - I'll leave it to my wife - thanks God for the internet)

[Bravo73]

He said that the watch would come back looking "as new"

In which case, if RSC consider that the dial or bezel look worn or aged in any way (ie patina’d), then they will replace them with service items. They will also polish the heck out of the case and bracelet.

That’s how they get old watches looking ‘as new’. It also decimates the value of any potentially vintage watches.

[oldoakknives]

I have just taken my 16610 into the AD Laings, in Southampton, (the nearest AD to me),.

I said I just wanted a regular "service" - "please do not replace the dial or bezel etc"

They gave me what looked like their standard "piece of paper" which gave a description of the watch, the fee, (an estimate of £580), which I signed

The assistant said that he would photograph the watch before sending it to the RSC

They said it would go to the RSC and I would get an email in 2 weeks time stating what they recommend should be done - I could then say "yes or no"

The estimated date that they would return the watch to me serviced, etc., was 31st January 2020.

He said that the watch would come back looking "as new"

(I will never never go into Southampton again shopping - never bloody never - I'll leave it to my wife - thanks God for the internet)

That's interesting, so about a 2 month wait then? Perhaps I need to get mine away as soon as possible if I'm going to.

[JeremyO]

I have just taken my 16610 into the AD Laings, in Southampton, (the nearest AD to me),.

I said I just wanted a regular "service" - "please do not replace the dial or bezel etc"

They gave me what looked like their standard "piece of paper" which gave a description of the watch, the fee, (an estimate of £580), which I signed

The assistant said that he would photograph the watch before sending it to the RSC

They said it would go to the RSC and I would get an email in 2 weeks time stating what they recommend should be done - I could then say "yes or no"

The estimated date that they would return the watch to me serviced, etc., was 31st January 2020.

He said that the watch would come back looking "as new"

(I will never never go into Southampton again shopping - never bloody never - I'll leave it to my wife - thanks God for the internet)

My Submariner has just come back from RSC, via AD, and I certainly didn’t get an email re suggested work.

RSC just did their usual amazing job, cost was £580 and time taken was 6 weeks although I guess the Xmas period may impact that timescale somewhat.

[mikeveal]

I have just taken my 16610 into the AD Laings, in Southampton, (the nearest AD to me),.

I said I just wanted a regular "service" - "please do not replace the dial or bezel etc"

They gave me what looked like their standard "piece of paper" which gave a description of the watch, the fee, (an estimate of £580), which I signed

The assistant said that he would photograph the watch before sending it to the RSC

They said it would go to the RSC and I would get an email in 2 weeks time stating what they recommend should be done - I could then say "yes or no"

The estimated date that they would return the watch to me serviced, etc., was 31st January 2020.

He said that the watch would come back looking "as new"

(I will never never go into Southampton again shopping - never bloody never - I'll leave it to my wife - thanks God for the internet)

Cephas Mckeough in St. James Road, Shirley, Southampton is an ex Rolex watchmaker. If you're just looking for a service and don't want any parts replaced he's every bit as good as a "main dealer." You don't need to go in to the centre of town either!

[amcneill]

So is there a price difference between taking direct to rolex St James square or going through a local AD? Been meaning to get my ceramic sub 2010 serviced...

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[James.uk]

Ask them to keep the old crown for you.
They’re generally not that worn out when they replace them.... and it’s a nice thing to keep with the full set. ( or I might be mad .... but I would!)


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[oldoakknives]

Ask them to keep the old crown for you.
They’re generally not that worn out when they replace them.... and it’s a nice thing to keep with the full set. ( or I might be mad .... but I would!)


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Never thought of that. Might have to ask.

[walkerwek1958]

I think its sensible to consider the crown on this model as a consumable part and have it replaced. Threads wear, and seals deteriorate, you really don’t want to risk getting water in the watch and that’s why Rolex recommend replacement. Provided the replacement crown is identical, there really isn’t a rational argument in favour of not changing it. Unless I’m mistaken Rolex won’t return replaced parts, a Rolex accredited indy might if you ask nicely, but in my view retaining an old original crown adds nothing to the value if the watch, the ‘full set’ concept has got silly, it’s like retaining the original worn out tyres with your car.

[James.uk]

Well it depends. ‘Part worn’ tyres are worth money. So is a crown. It’s his property.


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[walkerwek1958]

Well it depends. ‘Part worn’ tyres are worth money. So is a crown. It’s his property.


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It may be his property, but you know what Rolex are like! The replacement parts are fitted on an exchange basis, they keep the old bits to prevent people selling second-hand Rolex parts. This means the owner is faced with the choice of replacing the crown or insisting the original is fitted, with potential consequences if the seals deteriorate over the next few years.

My dealings with Rolex watches are v. limited, but when I had a bezel insert replaced several years back on a 16610 ( by an accredited indy, not Rolex service centre) the old one was returned. This is why I suggested dealing with an indy if having parts returned is deemed important.

[OliverD]

On a related note, does anyone know when the service centre at St James is open again?

[boring_sandwich]

On a related note, does anyone know when the service centre at St James is open again?

Summer 2020

[OliverD]

Summer 2020

Thank you