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Started By
Message
Is Rolex Authorized Service Actually Necessary? What’s a Fair Price?
Posted on 2/14/24 at 5:07 am
Posted on 2/14/24 at 5:07 am
I have a 1991 Submariner that hasn’t been worn in at least 25 years; it keeps time but loses 2/3 minutes a week. The power reserve seems to be O.K. between daily wears but won’t last longer than 36 hours with no wear.
I’ve read online that service by an authorized agent is necessary periodically with these watches, but I am curious if this is actually the case (or can I have it serviced by my trusted time works?)
If not, what’s a fair price for a typical Rolex service? I shouldn’t need polishing or any cosmetic work (although the lume on the hands has definitely faded).
I’ve read online that service by an authorized agent is necessary periodically with these watches, but I am curious if this is actually the case (or can I have it serviced by my trusted time works?)
If not, what’s a fair price for a typical Rolex service? I shouldn’t need polishing or any cosmetic work (although the lume on the hands has definitely faded).
17
Posted on 2/14/24 at 5:18 am to RFK
quote:
I’ve read online that service by an authorized agent is necessary periodically with these watches, but I am curious if this is actually the case (or can I have it serviced by my trusted time works?)
Periodic service is actually necessary. Dirt or other detritus can get into the case and create friction in the wheels, lubricant on the friction points can evaporate and dry out leaving behind surfaces that are gummy at best or wearing at worse. All of this leads to friction which harms the timekeeping. A good maintenance will take the watch apart down to the individual pieces, clean all of them thoroughly, replace as needed, and reassemble while lubing where required. There are places you can send or bring your watch to do this other than authorized dealers, but I sure in the frick wouldn't do that with a watch Carrington the value of a Rolex. Stick with the authorized dealer on that.
How often that is required I can't tell you, I just watch an assload of YouTube of people doing it so I know enough about it. I can tell you that your watch is in need of it though.
Posted on 2/14/24 at 5:22 am to RFK
I’d spend whatever an authorized Rolex shop charges for a watch that hasn’t been worn in 25 years if anything to make sure it lasts another 25 years.
Posted on 2/14/24 at 5:33 am to RFK
1. a Rolex Service Center will likely service a '91 Sub but on their terms. They will most likely require replacement hands, bezel, crown and possibly dial. in general you do NOT want this on a vintage watch since it will not be all original and service parts reduce the value. But that is up to you. Don't be put off if someone recommends replacing the stem since it is a non-cosmetic wear item.
2. A trained monkey can service a Rolex 3135 movement because they are so well designed and built. I took a deep breath when I started my first 3135 wondering if I would have to take it to my watchmaker to get it back together but it was easier than any ETA I had done.
3. I have probably listed several indy Rolex watchmakers over the years because there are so many good ones but Beau and Eric at LA Watchworks are at the top of my list. They are also very conscious of the desires of vintage owners and won't push you to change bezels, hands, and etc because they understand. In fairness most indy watchmakers are the same.
Not knowing where you are there may be ones closer if you want to drop it off or have a shorter time in transit to lower the chance of loss. Watchmakers International in the DFW area is also very good.
4. A movement service, for a 3135, can run from $500 to $800 depending on who does it and how many parts need replacing. Other than the mainspring the movement may need no parts since it hasn't been run. I would NOT run the watch now since it is likely dry as a bone. Plan on an estimate of $800 and you shouldn't be significantly surprised. RSC seems to be about $950 all in lately for just a movement service.
2. A trained monkey can service a Rolex 3135 movement because they are so well designed and built. I took a deep breath when I started my first 3135 wondering if I would have to take it to my watchmaker to get it back together but it was easier than any ETA I had done.
3. I have probably listed several indy Rolex watchmakers over the years because there are so many good ones but Beau and Eric at LA Watchworks are at the top of my list. They are also very conscious of the desires of vintage owners and won't push you to change bezels, hands, and etc because they understand. In fairness most indy watchmakers are the same.
Not knowing where you are there may be ones closer if you want to drop it off or have a shorter time in transit to lower the chance of loss. Watchmakers International in the DFW area is also very good.
4. A movement service, for a 3135, can run from $500 to $800 depending on who does it and how many parts need replacing. Other than the mainspring the movement may need no parts since it hasn't been run. I would NOT run the watch now since it is likely dry as a bone. Plan on an estimate of $800 and you shouldn't be significantly surprised. RSC seems to be about $950 all in lately for just a movement service.
This post was edited on 2/14/24 at 7:06 am
Posted on 2/14/24 at 5:35 am to dkreller
Last year I sent mine to the Rolex repair listed on their website in Dallas. I think it was about $1200
The thought to go local to save a few hundred dollars did occur to me but I probably will not get another Rolex so might as well try to have it serviced properly.
The thought to go local to save a few hundred dollars did occur to me but I probably will not get another Rolex so might as well try to have it serviced properly.
Posted on 2/14/24 at 6:04 am to Obtuse1
quote:
LA Watchworks
Damnit man. "LA" I thought we had someplace local.
L.A. Them CA people can't steal our initials.
Serious though, is there not a decent place to get a service and crystal replaced here in New Orleans or Baton Rouge?
Posted on 2/14/24 at 6:21 am to RFK
Don’t send it to RSC, take it to Watch Repair in Baton Rouge on Florida Blvd at Airline overpass. Probably costs $250. I’ve used him to service a 1969 Speedmaster and others, he’s excellent.
Posted on 2/14/24 at 6:30 am to TigerFanatic99
Obtuse board.
Posted on 2/14/24 at 6:50 am to RFK
Phillip at Ridley Watchmakers
Posted on 2/14/24 at 7:04 am to Obtuse1
In case the OP might miss it I am going to do this as a new post versus an edit.
If you go with an indy watchmaker and decide to replace cosmetic parts like the bezel or hands have them return the parts to you. This is something RSC will absolutely not do. Keep them and if you ever sell the watch you can include them and it gives the buyer and option to return the watch to original. This will win point with watch nerds whether they want to return to original or not. Also make sure you keep all the paperwork from the service since if you sell it before it would likely need another service you can prove when it was done and by whom it was done. This is another positive for a place like LA Watchworks as watch nerds will know Eric Ku's business and appreciate your efforts to fins one of the best indy Rolex watchmakers.
If you go with an indy watchmaker and decide to replace cosmetic parts like the bezel or hands have them return the parts to you. This is something RSC will absolutely not do. Keep them and if you ever sell the watch you can include them and it gives the buyer and option to return the watch to original. This will win point with watch nerds whether they want to return to original or not. Also make sure you keep all the paperwork from the service since if you sell it before it would likely need another service you can prove when it was done and by whom it was done. This is another positive for a place like LA Watchworks as watch nerds will know Eric Ku's business and appreciate your efforts to fins one of the best indy Rolex watchmakers.
Posted on 2/14/24 at 7:09 am to dkreller
quote:
I’d spend whatever an authorized Rolex shop charges for a watch that hasn’t been worn in 25 years if anything to make sure it lasts another 25 years.
Same. I wouldn’t cheap out here.
Also, if you ever decide to sell the watch, having proof it was serviced by a certified Rolex service center will pay for itself at the time of sale.
Posted on 2/14/24 at 7:15 am to RFK
My Grandfather owned a nice Presidential watch (his first) along with a newer Presidential watch. The band for the first Presidential felt much more different that the band for the newer one. It felt flimsy and light compared to the newer one. I figured that it was just differences in a generation of watches.
My grandfather gives my Dad his original watch, then years later the gf gives me the newer watch before he passes. I told my dad that I will take mine to the store he bought it from (an authorized jeweler) to have it cleaned. He gives me his watch and says that his needs to be repaired as it is not keeping time. I take it in.
Two days later I get a call from them saying that the watch band is not a band from Rolex. I was shocked. I told my dad. He makes a disgusted face and says "I figured that." He tells me that gf took the watch a couple decades before to the Rolex dealer for a repair, and as you know it is expensive as hell to have them work on it. Budget minded, stubborn, and pissed off, he tells them to flip off and takes the watch to Service Merchandise of all places and "repaired" it there for a fraction of the cost. They swapped the band on it and stole his.
I only use the certified Rolex tech. If you want your watch to be 100% authentic, then you need to have it serviced there.
Rolex's stance is that if they can not replace parts with Rolex parts, they won't service it. We also have a 70 year old watch with water damage, but they won't touch it because the parts are discontinued. In this case I would have to find a watch enthusiast to bastardize parts in order to fix it.
After that happened, I paid $1500 to service mine soup to nuts including new seals and a new crown. The watch looked and felt brand new. It's legit.
My grandfather gives my Dad his original watch, then years later the gf gives me the newer watch before he passes. I told my dad that I will take mine to the store he bought it from (an authorized jeweler) to have it cleaned. He gives me his watch and says that his needs to be repaired as it is not keeping time. I take it in.
Two days later I get a call from them saying that the watch band is not a band from Rolex. I was shocked. I told my dad. He makes a disgusted face and says "I figured that." He tells me that gf took the watch a couple decades before to the Rolex dealer for a repair, and as you know it is expensive as hell to have them work on it. Budget minded, stubborn, and pissed off, he tells them to flip off and takes the watch to Service Merchandise of all places and "repaired" it there for a fraction of the cost. They swapped the band on it and stole his.
I only use the certified Rolex tech. If you want your watch to be 100% authentic, then you need to have it serviced there.
Rolex's stance is that if they can not replace parts with Rolex parts, they won't service it. We also have a 70 year old watch with water damage, but they won't touch it because the parts are discontinued. In this case I would have to find a watch enthusiast to bastardize parts in order to fix it.
After that happened, I paid $1500 to service mine soup to nuts including new seals and a new crown. The watch looked and felt brand new. It's legit.
This post was edited on 2/14/24 at 7:16 am
Posted on 2/14/24 at 7:33 am to Mariner
quote:
My Grandfather owned a nice Presidential watch
Being pedantic but it is a watch thread...
Rolex never made a watch model called the Presidential the actual model name for the watch many call Presidential is the Day-Date. However, the bracelet most commonly on the Day-Date is called the Presidential.
I would give a dollar to examine the bracelet that was deemed fake. The reason I say this is older Rolex bracelets were poorly made compared to the more modern ones. They also came from a variety of suppliers before Rolex became highly vertically integrated. Some Rolex bracelets were made in the US and Mexico for a time for import tax reasons. Old Rolex bracelets just feel cheap and are prone to stretch. The thing about a fake Rolex Presidential bracelet is unless it was gold (or platinum) like the original it would be FAR lighter and almost nobody would miss that when the watch was returned. The idea Service Merchandise has a fake bracelet made of gold with the Rolex cornet at the clasp kinda beggars belief.
Posted on 2/14/24 at 7:48 am to Obtuse1
quote:achshulllly
Rolex never made a watch model called the Presidential the actual model name for the watch many call Presidential is the Day-Date. However, the bracelet most commonly on the Day-Date is called the Presidential.
RA'd for the admins to ban obtuse and rightly return all watch threads to Broke.
kidding with you obtuse...Posted on 2/14/24 at 7:52 am to CAD703X
I paid $1K to have my Deep Sea serviced at an authorized center last year after 10 years. Wouldn't stay wound and losing time. Worth it.
Posted on 2/14/24 at 7:57 am to RFK
I sent a GMT Master II off to get serviced. I didn't send it to Rolex because IMO its a ripoff. The place I sent it uses Rolex trained watchmakers and guarantees 100% OEM Rolex parts. The turn around time was a couple of weeks vs many months with a Rolex service center. And yes, as others have said Rolex will replace whatever they feel is necessary or refuse to do the work.
Posted on 2/14/24 at 8:13 am to RFK
I use the Watch Doctor for my Rolex, $200.
The Watch Doctor
ETA: You can also try The Watch and Clock Shop on Gravier Strett in NOLA. However, the send a lot of repairs/cleaning to their location in South Florida. Still cheaper than an authorized dealer.
The Watch Doctor
ETA: You can also try The Watch and Clock Shop on Gravier Strett in NOLA. However, the send a lot of repairs/cleaning to their location in South Florida. Still cheaper than an authorized dealer.
This post was edited on 2/14/24 at 8:20 am
Posted on 2/14/24 at 8:14 am to Obtuse1
quote:
1. a Rolex Service Center will likely service a '91 Sub but on their terms. They will most likely require replacement hands, bezel, crown and possibly dial. in general you do NOT want this on a vintage watch since it will not be all original and service parts reduce the value. But that is up to you. Don't be put off if someone recommends replacing the stem since it is a non-cosmetic wear item.
2. A trained monkey can service a Rolex 3135 movement because they are so well designed and built. I took a deep breath when I started my first 3135 wondering if I would have to take it to my watchmaker to get it back together but it was easier than any ETA I had done.
3. I have probably listed several indy Rolex watchmakers over the years because there are so many good ones but Beau and Eric at LA Watchworks are at the top of my list. They are also very conscious of the desires of vintage owners and won't push you to change bezels, hands, and etc because they understand. In fairness most indy watchmakers are the same.
Not knowing where you are there may be ones closer if you want to drop it off or have a shorter time in transit to lower the chance of loss. Watchmakers International in the DFW area is also very good.
4. A movement service, for a 3135, can run from $500 to $800 depending on who does it and how many parts need replacing. Other than the mainspring the movement may need no parts since it hasn't been run. I would NOT run the watch now since it is likely dry as a bone. Plan on an estimate of $800 and you shouldn't be significantly surprised. RSC seems to be about $950 all in lately for just a movement service.
All this is perfect. COuldnt' say it better.
Posted on 2/14/24 at 8:23 am to RFK
Damn I can't believe I'm so late to a watch thread. I will vouch for Rik Dietel (Time Care inc) Seminole, FL. He has a Rolex parts account (this is an absolute must in my book if you are using an Indy. I trusted him with a family heirloom (my late father's 16233 DJ) that had never been serviced in after 30 years of wear and needed quite a bit of work. I have also used Rolliworks (Mike Hui) formerly in San Francisco, now in Miami and he did an excellent job on a 1989 16610 sub that needed some laser welding to fix a pretty bad gash, freshened up the chamfers and matched a handset that needed to be replaced to the original dial with quite a bit of patina.
Obtuse pretty much said what needs to be said, I'll add my two cents. I 100% agree on vintage and neo-vintage going to an indy and not RSC (Rolex Service Center). Talk to whomever you decide to go with before hand regarding your expectations for case refurb and the degree of polishing you are comfortable with (I am not a no polish guy provided it is with someone who knows what a case should look like with regard to all of the respective contours). A good watchmaker will absolutely return to you any original parts, but don't leave that part unsaid that you want them. Also you can go on rolexforums.com and do a search and might come up with someone in your area.
Good Luck with that. That model Sub is a classic and will last for generations.
Obtuse pretty much said what needs to be said, I'll add my two cents. I 100% agree on vintage and neo-vintage going to an indy and not RSC (Rolex Service Center). Talk to whomever you decide to go with before hand regarding your expectations for case refurb and the degree of polishing you are comfortable with (I am not a no polish guy provided it is with someone who knows what a case should look like with regard to all of the respective contours). A good watchmaker will absolutely return to you any original parts, but don't leave that part unsaid that you want them. Also you can go on rolexforums.com and do a search and might come up with someone in your area.
Good Luck with that. That model Sub is a classic and will last for generations.
Posted on 2/14/24 at 8:32 am to RFK
Don't bother spending the money, just go ahead and sell me the Submariner!
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