Rolex submariner Stopped working sent it off to Rolex in Texas for Repair

[fixaajets]

I had sent my watch into certified Rolex Repair four years ago. It’s a 2000 model submariner they did the tuneup, had me replace some links and the lens (in which I don’t get the old parts back) recently, My watch stopped working. I sent it to them, they said that my 3 year warranty expired a year ago but they will still repair it under the warranty and they will do a courtesy extension since it expired a year ago but now they’re telling me that they want to replace the bracelet and the crown. $1500. They said the bracelet is worn out but I’ve been wearing that on regular basis and there’s nothing wrong with it, it looks great. They said if I don’t do it, they won’t repair the watch. They will send it back so it’s basically their way or the highway , I didn’t see anything at all wrong with my bracelet, but not according to what they say. So what should I do? They didn’t offer any photos or any evidence. Should I just believe them and just pay them? Or do they do this often to clients and I should take my watch and run? Maybe have it repaired somewhere else? This is the certified Repair station for Rolex in Texas. I’m not sure if I trust them, they act all stuck up superior and snooty.

What should I do and what would you do?

[Tools]

There are a lot of watchmakers who are able to repair a Rolex movement and it would likely cost less than their mandated costs for the bracelet and crown.

Only you can decide if you want or need a fresh, new bracelet.

[Driver8]

Welcome to the wonderful (and draconian) world of Rolex servicing! Any business is well within their rights to say "our way or the highway", but sadly Rolex take that ethos to the N'th degree.... and then some!

There are plenty of other Rolex specialist repairers out there, and as long you find one with a Rolex parts account and a rock-solid reputation, you should get a good result. However, some people will only let Rolex themselves work on their watches, and if you choose that route you need to be prepared to accept Rolex prices and their principles.

[996marty]

If you aren’t completely happy with what Rolex are suggesting then take it to a really good independent. If you do a search you should find some decent ones

[L_S_SHOE]

I’ve had good experiences with Phillip Ridley.


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[KatGirl]

I’d probably just let them put a brand new bracelet on it. When you get it back, it will seem like a new watch.

Kat


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[RichM]

Originally Posted by KatGirl

I’d probably just let them put a brand new bracelet on it. When you get it back, it will seem like a new watch.

Kat


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X2. It’s already there.

[WatchTimes]

Id get a new bracelet as a couple others have said above but that's just me.
If you truly did not notice it being stretched etc and are happy with it just decline and pay them the $60 they charge to return it to you.
As Tools said you should have no issue finding a local watchmaker to get it running again.

I have two there right now that I approved the work for yesterday.

[omar-rye]

Have you asked if they are ok with giving you back your old bracelet when you purchase the new one?

[sgt10p]

24 years is a good innings for the bracelet. I'd get it done and have an ostensibly new Sub!

[173rdabn]

ARRRRRGH don't do it. Ridiculous BS

[M@2]

Makes me wonder... if you are sending a watch in for service and are ok with the current bracelet, better to remove it and send without for service to avoid this potential situation?

Or is this a pretty unusual scenario?

[123Blueface]

Bracelet likely is stretched after all those years.
If you do the math, by the time you send it out to an independent, and have the bracelet repaired by someone like Rolliworks, you’ll probably end up spending about the same as Rolex is asking for.
In this case, I would do it and get their warranty on service to go with it.

[7enderbender]

Could they be wrong? Sure. In my experience the people in Dallas are reasonable and do their job. Which is to bring the watch back to a as new as possible condition. I personally think that’s ok. Rolex doesn’t subscribe to the battle-scars-are-charming viewpoint and have a certain image in mind for their products. Fair enough.
Chance are the bracelet is worn out due to dirt and wearing it lose and all the things you see on a regular basis. Maybe this is an opportunity to get it all fixed up and prevent this kind of wear in the future.
I personally think it’s great that Rolex offers to let you deal with their very own service center that isn’t operated by sketchy third party companies like you see with other brands here in the US. Service in Dallas was great. Can’t say the same thing about my experience with Omega in the US (different story in Europe).

[0nly5iv3Digits]

I love how they say "sure, we'll comp the service..." But wait!!! "We need $500 more than the cost to service your watch for this mandatory bracelet replacement..."

It feels like getting shafted by a greasy used-car salesman for the old "undercoating"... Wow. Way to go Rolex

I've said it before; I'll say it again. Love the watches. Hate the company.

[worldofoyster]

the price of owning a rolex. i would pay for a new bracelet and the watch will look like new again. not sure if they let you keep the old one

[texan_guy]

Originally Posted by M@2

Makes me wonder... if you are sending a watch in for service and are ok with the current bracelet, better to remove it and send without for service to avoid this potential situation?

Or is this a pretty unusual scenario?

My thoughts exactly and learning experience. If I feel the bracelet is in good condition, I may remove before sending the watch in for repairs.