Bezel insert question.

[lear60man]

I have a 16613 blue two tone submariner (circa 2003) that has a nick in the bezel insert. I contacted a watch repair specialist after reading many glowing reviews here. On the estimate they quoted the bezel insert as $150 and pearl at $75. Both are stated as genuine Rolex parts. A quick look at ebay prices and junky used bezel inserts are $200 plus. The few new ones are $450+.

Am I missing something?

Thanks in advance.

[watchmaker]

If you are reading the estimate correctly (and I assume you are, just covering myself to avoid accusations of slander) they are ripping you off. The retail price of the insert with pearl for 16613 is £38, so the USD price will be around $50 give or take a few bucks.

Using an independent doesn’t automatically mean it’ll be cheaper than authorised service centres.

[goldfixer21]

Check the parts for sale subforum on here, ViperB always has brand new inserts for $250. I've bought a few from him before, great guy!

[watchmaker]

It’s a ‘still in production - nothing special about acquiring one’ part than any AD with a watchmaker or RSC can supply and fit. Don’t spend a penny more than the retail price (except the labour charge which will be low for an insert swap. $20-40 on top of the part - still cheaper than buying through ‘other channels’).

[lear60man]

Thank you! My mindset wasnt that they were overcharging but undercharging by using non Rolex parts. I made this assumption (my bad) based on the $450 prices for a gen NIB inserts on Ebay. Nice to know that the part is easily obtained and under $200ish total.

Lesson learned and thank you again. I love this place.