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marfaboy · 22 April 2014, 11:07 PM

I sent my 1981-era 16800 Submariner off to Dallas last week - I've owned it since 1996, and my wrist feels naked. After years of trouble-free service, it just suddenly stopped functioning...

I expect a phone call before they actually commence the repair - are there any suggestions about things I should or should not agree to?

Thanks everybody!

nsumner · 22 April 2014, 11:18 PM

Nice watch Michael!

If you can, just have them perform a movement overhaul, with crystal, gaskets, crown/tube, etc....

The main issue I can see from your pic is the tritium loss on the hour hand. They are going to recommend replacing the hand set and possibly the dial. IMHO replacing the hand set wouldn't be the end of the world, mainly due to your lack of patina, it should match moderately well. I wouldn't let them touch the dial and if they insist, deny the repair and take it to one of the wonderful independent watchmakers out there.

Other than the dial, here's a small list of requests I would give them, if it was my watch.

Don't polish the case
Don't replace the bezel insert
Don't replace the date indicator (unless necessary)

Remember, you can always deny their requests and have the watch sent back.

Vincent65 · 22 April 2014, 11:47 PM

^ what he said ^ !

JP Chestnut · 23 April 2014, 12:00 AM

May I ask why you sent it to Dallas instead of a vintage specialist?

77T · 23 April 2014, 12:12 AM

If it hasn't seen a service since 1996 - and now it's stopped - be prepared for a stiff bill. Several parts may have to be replaced.

Clay · 23 April 2014, 12:16 AM

And be on guard…Rolex often says one thing but then does something else...

cruvon · 23 April 2014, 12:22 AM

All the best, as others have mentioned, do specify what you want done and hope for the best, I was lucky to have Jed (Jedly1) put in that request for me through the Melbourne RSC so I didn't have to worry. I also took off the bracelet before sending it in since I didn't want RSC recommendations on that. it's great to have the RSC service card and pouch, makes the service feel extra special!

g-boac · 23 April 2014, 12:37 AM

Michael - I'd suggest phoning them and asking for your watch back immediately, with no work performed. While it's a very rough ballpark figure that makes several assumptions, Mondani cites replacing the dial, hands, and bezel insert would easily knock off up to 80% of the value of the watch. In reality, I've seen closer to a 50% or so depreciation. And for a watch from the 80s, you'd probably be looking at closer to a 50% loss than an 80% loss. Polishing/refinishing the case, and changing the date wheel (which has a different font) would also degrade the value.

Rolex's priority is that the watch meets a specification for operability, using modern parts available today; not maintaining or repairing the parts you currently have.

At the end of the day, you'll pay a tremendous amount of money to RSC, for a substantially devalued watch, and when you consider what you pay + how much you lose, that would be enough to cover a new watch. In fact, you probably could sell your non-operating watch as-is, for more money than your repaired watch would bring.

You are in luck though - one of the BEST vintage rolex specialists in the world lives and works in Texas, not far from Dallas. Google Mr. Bob Ridley, Watchmakers International. He is an independent watchmaker, in the business for nearly 40 years. He is a CW21-qualified watchmaker, with a Rolex parts account - meaning that all his repairs are completed with 100% genuine Rolex parts. (In rare cases, where parts from very early Rolexes are no longer available and the customer wants to maintain originality, I believe he also offers to attempt to source an original vintage part, or repair/remanufacture an original one - something RSC does not do). And in terms of repairs and vintage pieces, fixing one from the 80s are walks in the park for him - he frequently handles rare pieces from the 50s and 60s.

At the end of the day, it's your choice - but there are enough threads on here with "RSC ruined my watch!" or "RSC did xxxxx after I told them not to!!" that I wouldn't send a vintage piece to them. Finally, bear in mind that RSC does NOT return any of your original parts to you. . .they are destroyed. So you wouldn't see what was done until after the fact, and if you didn't like it, there's nothing you could do about it.

Good luck!!
Mark

azguy · 23 April 2014, 01:10 AM

I like how you guys scare the crap out of the poor guy.

When they contact you tell them you want a movement only service. If they suggest replacing hands, dials, etc.. ask for the watch back.

You can use Rikki, Bob or ABC Watch in LA for fantastic vintage service.

sea-dweller · 23 April 2014, 01:48 AM

Just had my Explorer 1 serviced by Dallas RSC and it came back looking new!

marfaboy · 23 April 2014, 02:38 AM

Wow! Now I'm completely freaked out...I thought, after doing my research, that RSC was the preferred vendor for repair, and not some independent shop. Mr. Summer recommended that I not let them polish the case - what about the bracelet? It has numerous scuffs....and, the insert has some slight nicks. I really, really appreciate everyone's input, but my day may be ruined.

JP Chestnut · 23 April 2014, 02:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marfaboy

Wow! Now I'm completely freaked out...I thought, after doing my research, that RSC was the preferred vendor for repair, and not some independent shop. Mr. Summer recommended that I not let them polish the case - what about the bracelet? It has numerous scuffs....and, the insert has some slight nicks. I really, really appreciate everyone's input, but my day may be ruined.

There's no reason to freak out. They will contact you prior to working on it (almost surely). If you don't like what they have to say just tell them to send it back. After RSC Dallas claimed that guy's GMT2 was a modified Explorer 2 and told him to stop posting about it... I swore them off forever (though I would have always chosen a good independent).

R.W.T. · 24 April 2014, 02:45 AM

PM sent. Please read.

CrownMe · 24 April 2014, 03:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by g-boac

Michael - I'd suggest phoning them and asking for your watch back immediately, with no work performed. While it's a very rough ballpark figure that makes several assumptions, Mondani cites replacing the dial, hands, and bezel insert would easily knock off up to 80% of the value of the watch. In reality, I've seen closer to a 50% or so depreciation. And for a watch from the 80s, you'd probably be looking at closer to a 50% loss than an 80% loss. Polishing/refinishing the case, and changing the date wheel (which has a different font) would also degrade the value.

Rolex's priority is that the watch meets a specification for operability, using modern parts available today; not maintaining or repairing the parts you currently have.

At the end of the day, you'll pay a tremendous amount of money to RSC, for a substantially devalued watch, and when you consider what you pay + how much you lose, that would be enough to cover a new watch. In fact, you probably could sell your non-operating watch as-is, for more money than your repaired watch would bring.

You are in luck though - one of the BEST vintage rolex specialists in the world lives and works in Texas, not far from Dallas. Google Mr. Bob Ridley, Watchmakers International. He is an independent watchmaker, in the business for nearly 40 years. He is a CW21-qualified watchmaker, with a Rolex parts account - meaning that all his repairs are completed with 100% genuine Rolex parts. (In rare cases, where parts from very early Rolexes are no longer available and the customer wants to maintain originality, I believe he also offers to attempt to source an original vintage part, or repair/remanufacture an original one - something RSC does not do). And in terms of repairs and vintage pieces, fixing one from the 80s are walks in the park for him - he frequently handles rare pieces from the 50s and 60s.

At the end of the day, it's your choice - but there are enough threads on here with "RSC ruined my watch!" or "RSC did xxxxx after I told them not to!!" that I wouldn't send a vintage piece to them. Finally, bear in mind that RSC does NOT return any of your original parts to you. . .they are destroyed. So you wouldn't see what was done until after the fact, and if you didn't like it, there's nothing you could do about it.

Good luck!!
Mark

Not sure it's quite that serious.

No need to scare the guy. As long as he let's them know exactly what he wants done there should not be a issue.

powerfunk · 24 April 2014, 04:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrownMe

Not sure it's quite that serious.

No need to scare the guy. As long as he let's them know exactly what he wants done there should not be a issue.

x1,000

The "RSC = Doom" rhetoric that gets thrown around here has gotten way out of hand. Rolex will contact you before doing anything to your watch, then send you a clear itemized list of required vs. optional service items, and they won't even start work until they receive a written confirmation from you about how to proceed.

RSC has always done excellent work for me. They've always respected my wishes, including when I request no polishing -- although personally I think they do a great job with polishing. If your watch is a little dinged up, and you think it'd look better with a nice polish, new hands and insert, then go for it! The loss of "value" will be minimal on this watch (if any), and besides, the biggest value is having a watch that you enjoy on your wrist.

As mentioned, include a note to perform a "movement-only service" when you send it in. If you like your date wheel original, you should mention that as well. You'll be fine! Hope you get it back soon.

I like independent watchmakers like Rik, too, but can we please stop inducing panics to every member who mentions that RSC has their watch?

marfaboy · 24 April 2014, 11:23 AM

Mr. Powerfunk, thank you SO much for your reassuring post - I've really been questioning my decision after reading some of the input from other members. I hope I don't regret my decision...

azguy · 25 April 2014, 01:56 AM

When they contact you, post the recommended work here and we can help you out. I wouldn't touch the bezel, that's for sure and the hands, dial and date wheel look great.

They'll want to replace the crown stem gaskets and service the movement. If I were you I'd let them polish the case and bracelet, it'd look like a new watch.

CrownMe · 25 April 2014, 02:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marfaboy

Mr. Powerfunk, thank you SO much for your reassuring post - I've really been questioning my decision after reading some of the input from other members. I hope I don't regret my decision...

you wont regret it. Your watch will look amazing when its returned

marfaboy · 25 April 2014, 11:29 AM

Do they typically call or e-mail to discuss the required/recommended work? I know that they probably need authorization to proceed, but how do they usually contact the customer?

powerfunk · 25 April 2014, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marfaboy

Do they typically call or e-mail to discuss the required/recommended work? I know that they probably need authorization to proceed, but how do they usually contact the customer?

From my experience RSC NY always emails first with the estimate, then follows up via phone if I don't respond quickly.

Sent from my SPH-D710VMUB using Tapatalk

marfaboy · 25 April 2014, 12:20 PM

Good to know - thank you!

powerfunk · 26 April 2014, 06:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marfaboy

Good to know - thank you!

Looking forward to the "after" pics.

marfaboy · 26 April 2014, 10:08 AM

Man, I'm getting impatient - delivery was confirmed to RSC-Dallas at 10:00 Monday morning. Now it's 7:00 Friday evening, and I haven't heard a word...

MP5 · 26 April 2014, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marfaboy

I sent my 1981-era 16800 Submariner off to Dallas last week - I've owned it since 1996, and my wrist feels naked. After years of trouble-free service, it just suddenly stopped functioning...

I expect a phone call before they actually commence the repair - are there any suggestions about things I should or should not agree to?

Thanks everybody!

We are lucky to have a few good local repairers as well as Mr Ridley in Dallas. Im not sure I would let RSC deal with a matte dial

CrownMe · 26 April 2014, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marfaboy

Man, I'm getting impatient - delivery was confirmed to RSC-Dallas at 10:00 Monday morning. Now it's 7:00 Friday evening, and I haven't heard a word...

did u call them?

marfaboy · 26 April 2014, 10:56 AM

No, but if I don't hear from them by early next week, I probably will, just to ensure that everything's in process...

marfaboy · 26 April 2014, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MP5

We are lucky to have a few good local repairers as well as Mr Ridley in Dallas. Im not sure I would let RSC deal with a matte dial

I don't really understand - why would they replace my dial? There's nothing wrong with it.

CrownMe · 26 April 2014, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marfaboy

I don't really understand - why would they replace my dial? There's nothing wrong with it.

They will not replace the dial without your permission. Dont worry about that. I would just give them a call monday and go over everything.

marfaboy · 26 April 2014, 11:19 AM

But, why would they even suggest replacing the matte dial? What's the point?

MP5 · 26 April 2014, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marfaboy

But, why would they even suggest replacing the matte dial? What's the point?

your money

22 April 2014, 11:07 PM	#1
marfaboy "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Real Name: Michael Location: Austin, Texas Watch: Submariner 16800 Posts: 105	Off to Dallas RSC... I sent my 1981-era 16800 Submariner off to Dallas last week - I've owned it since 1996, and my wrist feels naked. After years of trouble-free service, it just suddenly stopped functioning... I expect a phone call before they actually commence the repair - are there any suggestions about things I should or should not agree to? Thanks everybody!

23 April 2014, 12:12 AM	#5
77T 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: PaulG Location: Georgia Posts: 40,695	If it hasn't seen a service since 1996 - and now it's stopped - be prepared for a stiff bill. Several parts may have to be replaced. __________________ Does anyone really know what time it is?

22 April 2014, 11:18 PM	#2
nsumner "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Real Name: Nathaniel Location: Wisconsin Watch: 5513 Posts: 1,991	Nice watch Michael! If you can, just have them perform a movement overhaul, with crystal, gaskets, crown/tube, etc.... The main issue I can see from your pic is the tritium loss on the hour hand. They are going to recommend replacing the hand set and possibly the dial. IMHO replacing the hand set wouldn't be the end of the world, mainly due to your lack of patina, it should match moderately well. I wouldn't let them touch the dial and if they insist, deny the repair and take it to one of the wonderful independent watchmakers out there. Other than the dial, here's a small list of requests I would give them, if it was my watch. Don't polish the case Don't replace the bezel insert Don't replace the date indicator (unless necessary) Remember, you can always deny their requests and have the watch sent back.

22 April 2014, 11:47 PM	#3
Vincent65 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Switzerland Posts: 14,293	^ what he said ^ !

23 April 2014, 12:00 AM	#4
JP Chestnut Banned Join Date: May 2012 Location: Ann Arbor MI Watch: Rolex Ref 16600 Posts: 3,908	May I ask why you sent it to Dallas instead of a vintage specialist?

23 April 2014, 12:16 AM	#6
Clay Banned Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Up a tree Posts: 4,001	And be on guard…Rolex often says one thing but then does something else...

23 April 2014, 12:37 AM	#8
g-boac 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: N/A Posts: 343	Michael - I'd suggest phoning them and asking for your watch back immediately, with no work performed. While it's a very rough ballpark figure that makes several assumptions, Mondani cites replacing the dial, hands, and bezel insert would easily knock off up to 80% of the value of the watch. In reality, I've seen closer to a 50% or so depreciation. And for a watch from the 80s, you'd probably be looking at closer to a 50% loss than an 80% loss. Polishing/refinishing the case, and changing the date wheel (which has a different font) would also degrade the value. Rolex's priority is that the watch meets a specification for operability, using modern parts available today; not maintaining or repairing the parts you currently have. At the end of the day, you'll pay a tremendous amount of money to RSC, for a substantially devalued watch, and when you consider what you pay + how much you lose, that would be enough to cover a new watch. In fact, you probably could sell your non-operating watch as-is, for more money than your repaired watch would bring. You are in luck though - one of the BEST vintage rolex specialists in the world lives and works in Texas, not far from Dallas. Google Mr. Bob Ridley, Watchmakers International. He is an independent watchmaker, in the business for nearly 40 years. He is a CW21-qualified watchmaker, with a Rolex parts account - meaning that all his repairs are completed with 100% genuine Rolex parts. (In rare cases, where parts from very early Rolexes are no longer available and the customer wants to maintain originality, I believe he also offers to attempt to source an original vintage part, or repair/remanufacture an original one - something RSC does not do). And in terms of repairs and vintage pieces, fixing one from the 80s are walks in the park for him - he frequently handles rare pieces from the 50s and 60s. At the end of the day, it's your choice - but there are enough threads on here with "RSC ruined my watch!" or "RSC did xxxxx after I told them not to!!" that I wouldn't send a vintage piece to them. Finally, bear in mind that RSC does NOT return any of your original parts to you. . .they are destroyed. So you wouldn't see what was done until after the fact, and if you didn't like it, there's nothing you could do about it. Good luck!! Mark

23 April 2014, 01:10 AM	#9
azguy Banned Join Date: Sep 2011 Real Name: ------- Location: ------- Watch: --------- Posts: 12,609	I like how you guys scare the crap out of the poor guy. When they contact you tell them you want a movement only service. If they suggest replacing hands, dials, etc.. ask for the watch back. You can use Rikki, Bob or ABC Watch in LA for fantastic vintage service.

23 April 2014, 01:48 AM	#10
sea-dweller "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Dennis Location: Bay Area - 925 Posts: 40,018	Just had my Explorer 1 serviced by Dallas RSC and it came back looking new!

23 April 2014, 02:38 AM	#11
marfaboy "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Real Name: Michael Location: Austin, Texas Watch: Submariner 16800 Posts: 105	Wow! Now I'm completely freaked out...I thought, after doing my research, that RSC was the preferred vendor for repair, and not some independent shop. Mr. Summer recommended that I not let them polish the case - what about the bracelet? It has numerous scuffs....and, the insert has some slight nicks. I really, really appreciate everyone's input, but my day may be ruined.

24 April 2014, 02:45 AM	#13
R.W.T. "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Central Texas Posts: 1,973	PM sent. Please read.

24 April 2014, 11:23 AM	#16
marfaboy "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Real Name: Michael Location: Austin, Texas Watch: Submariner 16800 Posts: 105	Mr. Powerfunk, thank you SO much for your reassuring post - I've really been questioning my decision after reading some of the input from other members. I hope I don't regret my decision...

25 April 2014, 01:56 AM	#17
azguy Banned Join Date: Sep 2011 Real Name: ------- Location: ------- Watch: --------- Posts: 12,609	When they contact you, post the recommended work here and we can help you out. I wouldn't touch the bezel, that's for sure and the hands, dial and date wheel look great. They'll want to replace the crown stem gaskets and service the movement. If I were you I'd let them polish the case and bracelet, it'd look like a new watch.

25 April 2014, 11:29 AM	#19
marfaboy "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Real Name: Michael Location: Austin, Texas Watch: Submariner 16800 Posts: 105	Do they typically call or e-mail to discuss the required/recommended work? I know that they probably need authorization to proceed, but how do they usually contact the customer?

25 April 2014, 12:20 PM	#21
marfaboy "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Real Name: Michael Location: Austin, Texas Watch: Submariner 16800 Posts: 105	Good to know - thank you!

26 April 2014, 10:08 AM	#23
marfaboy "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Real Name: Michael Location: Austin, Texas Watch: Submariner 16800 Posts: 105	Man, I'm getting impatient - delivery was confirmed to RSC-Dallas at 10:00 Monday morning. Now it's 7:00 Friday evening, and I haven't heard a word...

26 April 2014, 10:56 AM	#26
marfaboy "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Real Name: Michael Location: Austin, Texas Watch: Submariner 16800 Posts: 105	No, but if I don't hear from them by early next week, I probably will, just to ensure that everything's in process...

26 April 2014, 11:19 AM	#29
marfaboy "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Real Name: Michael Location: Austin, Texas Watch: Submariner 16800 Posts: 105	But, why would they even suggest replacing the matte dial? What's the point?

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