Rolex back from service missing font

[alexkarbo]

I got my 1603 datejust back from the RSC and noticed that parts of the T SWISS T is now missing. I have a picture of my watch with the complete letters.
I mean it's not like Rolex can just put another matt black pie pan dial. Am I just nitpicking or should I simply forget about it?

[Vincent65]

That's a shame, but often unavoidable when serviced. The dial paint sticks to the rehaut and when removed, it comes off. Sorry. A lot of minute hash marks are also lost in this way, when they bleed onto the edge of a dial.

[offrdmania]

They probably laid the movement back into the case and rotated it into place. The rehaut probably wore it off as the dial rubbed against it. Not sure what could be done other than finding another original dial somewhere (near impossible) or have it repainted by hand.

[rollyp]

That's unacceptable, probably just careless handling of an old, delicate dial. You should tell them and show them pics of the watch pre-service. At this point though, the only thing they will probably do is apologize and refund some of your money or offer to touch it up (which I wouldn't let them do!)

Sorry this happened but on the bright side, it's probably not very visible unless closely inspected. At least they didn't rub off the rest of the writing!

[alexkarbo]

I will let them know about it just so that they are careful for other customers in the future. I can't see it with my eyes unless I use a magnifying glass of some sort. I'm just happy I have my watch back and will enjoy it for the next decade. :) Thank you guys for all your replies.

[speedolex]

Originally Posted by alexkarbo

I got my 1603 datejust back from the RSC and noticed that parts of the T SWISS T is now missing. I have a picture of my watch with the complete letters.
I mean it's not like Rolex can just put another matt black pie pan dial. Am I just nitpicking or should I simply forget about it?

Fellow 1603 owner here.

While annoying, don't let the issue bother you as it's not noticeable. That's a beautiful watch, enjoy it.

[iliketime]

that does scare me a bit, ive been thinking of taking my vintage datejust to RSC

[JP Chestnut]

Sorry about that. There's not much to do at this point.

I would never send an old watch to an RSC and no number of "I did and it was fine" posts could change my mind.

[shawnmarz]

Originally Posted by JP Chestnut

Sorry about that. There's not much to do at this point.

I would never send an old watch to an RSC and no number of "I did and it was fine" posts could change my mind.

I agree 100%

[seattleal]

It may not be rubbed off, but simply under the rehaut. The movement may need to be centered.

When my 1601 was serviced it came back with the dial too high at the 12 position. My watchmaker open the case, loosened the movement and re-positioned it so the dial was centered.

The RSC should be able to do that for you.

[alexkarbo]

Originally Posted by JP Chestnut

Sorry about that. There's not much to do at this point.

I would never send an old watch to an RSC and no number of "I did and it was fine" posts could change my mind.

Well unless the watchmaker has NOS Rolex parts then there is not much choice but to send it to RCS. I had a very bad experience with a ''Rolex certified watchmaker'' who said had a parts account with Rolex which turned out to be rubbish. After the fact, I contacted Rolex asking them about supposedly ''Rolex watchmaker'' that have access to parts and they told me that was not possible because only RSC has parts. Now perhaps a watchmaker has collected throughout the years some rolex parts but I doubt he has all the original parts including new fresh gaskets, tubes, crystals etc... I'm happy with the watch and have 2 years warranty. I can understand the stress that some may have to send out their watches at a RSC.

[alexkarbo]

Originally Posted by seattleal

It may not be rubbed off, but simply under the rehaut. The movement may need to be centered.

When my 1601 was serviced it came back with the dial too high at the 12 position. My watchmaker open the case, loosened the movement and re-positioned it so the dial was centered.

The RSC should be able to do that for you.

Yes I thought that also at first but upon close inspection I can see the lettering is completely missing at some part.

[Tools]

If there is any deterioration in the paint it will come off during the cleaning process.

Rolex does not and will not touch up your paint font. Typically, if the dial is flaking enough that those pieces will get into the movement they will not service your watch unless you pay to have it replaced.

[crowncollection]

it happens sometimes and is unavoidable

[GeoGio Greece]

Lovely watch. I miss mine

[joli160]

Originally Posted by alexkarbo

Well unless the watchmaker has NOS Rolex parts then there is not much choice but to send it to RCS. I had a very bad experience with a ''Rolex certified watchmaker'' who said had a parts account with Rolex which turned out to be rubbish. After the fact, I contacted Rolex asking them about supposedly ''Rolex watchmaker'' that have access to parts and they told me that was not possible because only RSC has parts. Now perhaps a watchmaker has collected throughout the years some rolex parts but I doubt he has all the original parts including new fresh gaskets, tubes, crystals etc... I'm happy with the watch and have 2 years warranty. I can understand the stress that some may have to send out their watches at a RSC.

There are really better options for classic watches than the RSC. Very good independent watchmakers on the forum who have more "affection" and respect for vintage. Probably you dealt with the wrong one. For an RSC it's just an old watch, which should look brand new after service.
The damage done to OP's dial would have been very hard to avoid by anyone.

[JP Chestnut]

Originally Posted by alexkarbo

Well unless the watchmaker has NOS Rolex parts then there is not much choice but to send it to RCS. I had a very bad experience with a ''Rolex certified watchmaker'' who said had a parts account with Rolex which turned out to be rubbish. After the fact, I contacted Rolex asking them about supposedly ''Rolex watchmaker'' that have access to parts and they told me that was not possible because only RSC has parts. Now perhaps a watchmaker has collected throughout the years some rolex parts but I doubt he has all the original parts including new fresh gaskets, tubes, crystals etc... I'm happy with the watch and have 2 years warranty. I can understand the stress that some may have to send out their watches at a RSC.

Try a good one that specializes in high end vintage. ABC used to be the guys, now LAWW is where it's at. If you've never heard of either place, look in to them - either that, or keep sending them to an RSC and hope for the best.

Plenty of independents have Rolex parts accounts - that's nonsense. Dom in MI trained the people that work at Dallas.