Vintage Rolex servicing quote

[David AP]

How do all.

My lovely jubbly favourite of all '58 airking conked out the other day.
Wasn't automatically winding properly and then started gaining a load of time.

Anyway dropped it off to the local dealer to send off to Rolex for a quote.

So this comes back as follows:

Full service - 450+vat. That's as much as my sub cost and this doesn't need pressure testing.
Apparently there is a surcharge due to age of the model.

So putting the cost to one side, there is a caveat as follows:
'due to the age and condition(it's worked fine for ages and just has aged naturally...) they can accept no responsibility for damage that may occur during the service.

There is also a nice letter from teh Rolex man saying that as it's early, and parts are available in ever diminishing quantities, etc etc, they can't guarantee the work but would look sympathetically at any corrections within 1 year.

Oddly they also quote for a buckle and leather strap at 100quid all in.


Can I ask for some opinions on this please as I'm not quite sure what to do and am considering going to an independent.

Many thanks,

David.

[robsteve]

That is probably a fair rate considering Rolex themselves are working on it. If the Airking is in an Oyster case, they will probably pressure test it too.

I had a 1980's vintage Oyster Perpetual Date serviced by an independent and the rate was $450 including parts, which consisted of the seals, new crystal and mainspring. A few years back I had Rolex Canada service my wife's watch and the service was a flat rate in the $500 range.

Robert

[rfknauss]

Had my 5513 (vintage 1978) serviced about 5 years ago by RSC. Cost $350. They did a great job.

[David AP]

Oh well, I just thought it was a bit much that they couldn't even guarantee the work or whether they'd damage it or not.

Ok - better get it sorted then eh.

[Flash Gordon]

I would priced it out at an independent shop. After all, RSC is not the only ones that can repair Rolex. You said 450, I presume you meant quid?

[Dr. Robert]

Have the US corporate Rolex service ctrs. changed their policy on servicing older Rolexes???
A while ago I checked & they weren't too keen on servicing them.

[Tools]

They're just covering themselves with the paperwork..

No telling until they get inside if corrosion has gummed up the works - if the plates are rusted together etc.... I wouldn't worry too much if you know that it has been cared for..

As far as cost......... Service is done on a flat rate.. It's based on the expected time and expendables, such as plastic crystal, mainspring, pallet stones, worn wheels, rotor axle, all new seals, etc.. They all cost pretty much the same..

Also, they will pressure check your Air King.......

[David AP]

Originally Posted by Tools

They're just covering themselves with the paperwork..

No telling until they get inside if corrosion has gummed up the works - if the plates are rusted together etc.... I wouldn't worry too much if you know that it has been cared for..

As far as cost......... Service is done on a flat rate.. It's based on the expected time and expendables, such as plastic crystal, mainspring, pallet stones, worn wheels, rotor axle, all new seals, etc.. They all cost pretty much the same..

Also, they will pressure check your Air King.......

Yeah fiar do's.

I actually spoke directly to the chap at the servicing centre and he echo'd pretty much what you've said.
He also said that only them and Geneva are now prepared to service 1030 Calibre's now due to lack of parts, and only consider models that have been looked after and are in suitable condition.

Just gotta wait 2 months now.....

[Canman_68]

I would like the address of the Geneva Rolex Service Center if anyone has it, as I called the Toronto , Canada RSC and they told me they would not service my 1946/7 Oyster Perpetual as it was too old and they have no parts. This watch was bought in Geneva.

[PaulSoebekti]

Here you go.

Rolex SA.
3-5-7, rue Francois-Dussaud.
CH-1211 Geneve 26

Regards,
Paul

[David AP]

Ok - well it's back.

Zoomed through service as I said I needed it for my wedding.
It looks and feels amazing - definitely worth the spend.

Sorry for the crap pic

[Dr. Robert]

WOW....looks good....I bet you're glad you did it!

[jdc]

good job, did you go for the strap & buckle at £100? Seemed a good deal to me

[Kokyuryoku]

Looks great Is that the Rolex strap? I got a black one for my 1601 and I love it. (well from what I can remember anyway )

[David AP]

No I didn't go for the Rolex strap in the end.

The strap it's on is period so looks perfect and the chap servicing it said theirs wouldn't actually look as right so I left it.

Once again, it really does look sensational now - can't stop staring at it.

[kayaker21]

I was told by my AD a couple of months ago a full service on a 1680 will now cost$2000.Rolex are cashing in on the vintage market especially parts.

[Boopie]

That watch looks great!

[sam.]

i think one year is a far too long to wait for a watch repair,it must have been disheartening
to receive that letter,you can go to an independent repairer,but make sure they have a contract with Rolex,so all the parts will be genuine,they can get the parts direct from Rolex muck quicker,and ultimately repair your watch quicker too.Rolex really don't like to repair there older watches,if you speak with them direct,they themselves will refer you too an independent you can trust.

[sam.]

watch looks great glad you were able to get it done in the end!

[Tools]

You have a great looking Air King..

If you have it properly cleaned and oiled by a local competent watchmaker every 5 years or so, it will likely never need to go back to Rolex proper...

Originally Posted by David AP

Ok - well it's back.

Zoomed through service as I said I needed it for my wedding.
It looks and feels amazing - definitely worth the spend.

Sorry for the crap pic

[D18]

Originally Posted by kayaker21

I was told by my AD a couple of months ago a full service on a 1680 will now cost$2000.Rolex are cashing in on the vintage market especially parts.

Although at this point I have only spoken to someone on the phone at our local AD I was quoted $450 for the 5 yr full service on a 1680.