Rolex 5th year maintenance service

[East Bay Rider]

I wonder what's preferable - RSC or my AD who has a Rolex trained watchmaker?

[Earl Camembert]

Originally Posted by East Bay Rider

I wonder what's preferable - RSC or my AD who has a Rolex trained watchmaker?

What is preferable depends on your values. Rolex does not train watchmakers unless they work for Rolex and there are not many, they do support watchmaking schools though. Just by that AD saying they have a Rolex trained watchmaker would make me suspicious. Ask them to prove it.

That said there are many fine watchmakers that can have your Rolex running like new but be prepared to spend $300 just for cleaning and testing. Parts will be extra and may be after-market or hand made if necessary. Any non Rolex part will make your Rolex watch illegal according to Rolex and Rolex will refuse to work on it unless they replace the part. If there is an after-market diamond on the dial Rolex will insist on changing the dial and they will keep the old dial. I assume they give back the diamond.

If you ever sell the watch having a paper trail from Rolex will increase the value. If you just want a good running watch and don't intend to sell it a third party repair is just as good.

[Ding174]

Had mine serviced in 2014 at Rolex at the Wynn Resort in Las Vegas where I live.
The resident Rolex watch maker is Luis and he personally came and talked to me about the cost of the service what it would entail and how long it would take and the price was 760 USD
I asked him not to replace the original dial since it witnessed my marriage and the birth of my two sons and all the evil and goodness that 25 years of law enforcement work has exposed it to. It has also showed the time in four continents and numerous time zones. I also asked him not to polish the case or bracelet since it gave my sub wabi and character and I didn't want any of the luck "rubbing off". Product support and customer service at this Rolex center is second to none and I've been to quite a few worldwide. And their selection is above par. If your ever in Vegas give the center a visit and ask for Luis.