Classic Service Center, Dallas

[Larry Michaels]

My AD sent my Date 1505 [not a DateJust] to the Classic service center. I wanted just the major service done. I inspected the dial and hands with a 10x loupe before bringing it to the AD. I found no issues with the dial or hands but the service center says they will only service the watch if I agree to spend $440 for the dial and $103 for new hands, with tax that's $585.00. The service alone is $965. I said I wanted the original hands and dial to stay since it is a vintage watch at this point. I purchased the watch in Milan in 1981. I just want the watch in proper working order with vintage parts.
Do forum members feel this is reasonable or is it extortion. Frankly I'm quite disgusted with Rolex' attitude and my AD who may not be going to bat for me. The AD rep. says that I should consider it a win if the classic center has parts [which I don't want in the first place] for a four digit numbered watch.

Also, I would appreciate any referrals to another repair facility willing to service the watch without forcing me to buy parts I don't want.Date 1505 reduced.jpg

[Tools]

I wouldn't change the dial and hands if they are not damaged or deteriorated. The lack of lume is a non issue for me.

There are plenty of good watchmakers able to service your watch. Talk to Phillip Ridley in Mesa Arizona and ask for a quote, or even Giovanni Passalacqua at the Old Service Center in San Fransisco,

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by Tools

I wouldn't change the dial and hands if they are not damaged or deteriorated. The lack of lume is a non issue for me.

There are plenty of good watchmakers able to service your watch. Talk to Phillip Ridley in Mesa Arizona and ask for a quote, or even Giovanni Passalacqua at the Old Service Center in San Fransisco,

Totally agree. If you can find someone to service it, who has a Rolex parts account, (incase it needs anything internally), you won’t have to worry about not being able to keep the dial and hands as is. Good luck.

Kat.


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[996marty]

You should be able to find a really good independent to do your service. If you do a search you’ll find some really good recommendations

[1William]

Rolex is Rolex and this is what they do. Your AD has no say and going to bat for you does not exist. I would use a certified Rolex tech with a parts account and get the watch serviced and on your wrist. Great watch.

[Jefferyasher]

Many AD’s are also RSC’s and can do the service on-site with possibly fewer stipulations. I had my sub serviced at my AD and it was 3 weeks to the day compared to 6-8 weeks at Dallas or NY.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

I agree with those who suggest you find an independent to service the movement only without replacing the dial or hands. The watch is lovely.

[brandrea]

Independent is the way.

Good luck

[padi56]

Judging from the picture cannot see anything wrong with the dial or hands,but Rolex being Rolex expect they are not up to new standards.But although a old watch would not be classed as collectible so either find a independent or bite the bullet and go with the recommendations by RSC.

[thegrandseirolexguy]

Best to go to a reputable independent watchmaker with a Rolex parts account.

Official service centres like Rolex:

1) have productivity targets to meet so they’re more like parts replacers than repairers. Unlike independents who don’t work under the same constraints.

Often, all a part needs is a clean and minor repair, but a service centre would typically opt to use a drop-in replacement instead (eg the 32xx barrel & mainspring, which can no longer be disassembled and must be replaced).

2) don’t want the freshly serviced watch to come back under warranty, which affects their productivity scores.

3) Rolex, in particular, jealously guards its intellectual property with a fanaticism unmatched by few other brands. So they don’t want parts leaking out into the grey market.


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