ABC Watchwerks in Los Angeles

[powerfunk]

Originally Posted by CharlieMae

I wouldn't bring my Vintage watch to RSC if it was free.

I completely disagree with all of this. I really don't understand all the "OMG RSC butchers vintage" rhetoric that gets echoed around here. 5+ years ago, sure, but nowadays, it's just not true.

Originally Posted by CharlieMae

#1: If it's older than 25 years they probably wont work on it

More like 50 these days. My wife's 1966 5700 was no problem.

Originally Posted by CharlieMae

#2: they will charge you 300% more than anywhere else to do work

Eh, not really. I had two vintage Rolexes and 1 vintage Tudor serviced in 2013 and they didn't make me pay more than the regular overhaul price. Maybe $100 more than a typical good watchmaker.

Originally Posted by CharlieMae

#3: If they decide to change any parts you wont get the originals back and their response will be: "too bad, we changed them now pay us."

They don't just "decide" to change parts without telling you. They will make you specifically agree to pay for anything beyond a standard overhaul before they proceed. The days of "whoops, now you have a new dial" are long gone; they're not putting a new dial on without a $500+ surcharge pre-approved by you. The only thing I warn people about is the date wheel -- Rolex considers it a functional part of the movement, so if you want to leave it original, make sure you specify.

Originally Posted by CharlieMae

#4: they will take weeks or months to repair it, rather than a few days

Yes, they usually take 6-8 weeks in my experience...that's totally acceptable to me. You get vintage watches serviced in mere days?

Originally Posted by CharlieMae

#5: They know less about Vintage than shops that specialize in Vintage

True. RSC won't paint-match, seal, or repair hands; all they can do is put fresh new bright luminova ones on if your hands are toast. If your hands are OK, I think RSC is a perfectly legitimate option for servicing most old Rolexes.

...All that said, if I had a 6265, it would definitely be going to a good independent like ABC.