Rolex 17000 Oyster Quartz Service RSC 2015

[Litflynt912]

So after quite some time, my beloved 17000 decided it didn't want to spend another winter here in AZ and decided it was time for service.

I know the OQ is very niche and when I was in the market initially, there was a plethora of information save for one point, real time service prices...

So with this opportunity, I figured I'd share my experience (as much as I think it's not classy to talk money) to provide those interested in the ticker range an idea of what these watches are going to cost to upkeep.

This one is a 1982 model (birth year watch) and this is the second RSC service (According to Rolex) that it is in for. This was a daily beater for me and trust me, it was beat and abused flying across the world!

The picture can attest to the much needed service but I'm confident that RSC is going to give me another 33 years of wear!!!

Dallas RSC sent me the repair estimate on Friday and it is as follows:

Full Movement Service
Hands Replaced
Bracelet Repair/add extra link I provided
Crown replacement
Bezel Replacement
w/ tax and return shipping is $1026

I don't have the itemized repair receipt as they are shutting down for two weeks for Christmas but research is showing:

Hands are around ~$100-$120
Movement Service is ~$600-$700
Crown and Bezel are ~$100-$200

I'll update this post with the watch upon it's return (end of Jan 2016 according to Dallas RSC) and the itemized receipt.

I know this watch is very intriguing so I figured those coming into the hunt for them would know what to expect - as I didn't on an OQ (first time servicing one)

Before:

[zapokee]

Wow, that's seen some love! Had my 17000 serviced this year by RSC Tokyo. They did a great job of polishing the case but keeping the chamfers.

[Old Expat Beast]

I got my 1977 17000 serviced by the RSC here for about US$375 a couple of years ago. That was just the basic service and clean. They recommended a few replacement parts (crown, crystal, etc), but it was optional and I declined as I wanted to keep all the original parts. The HK RSC is about half the price of most countries, though.

[cop414]

Wow that is one very loved OQ, can't wait to see the after pics!

[Viv Savage]

It's great that the RSC can service your OQ. Looking forward to seeing it after the service. Nothing like having your daily wearer looking like new. I think the OQ is a watch with great intrigue and collectibility. Just another part of Rolex history.

[mineral]

Thanks for staring and look forward to see your 'new' OQ.

[TAGLIA]

I just got my 17013 back from NYC RSC and the cost was about the same as yours. I did note one difference between the quartz and mechanical service- quartz is $800 vs $600 for auto.

[GTS Dean]

RSC Dallas will ruin the OQ's beautiful beveled facets. All they know how to do is refinish curved bands and cases. (Ask me how I know...)

If that were my watch, I'd let them clean and restore the movement, case and bracelet pins. Then, I would search for a TRF recommended watchmaker to refinish the case and bracelet after thoroughly discussing and agreeing on the expectations for the finished product.

[chadstone30]

Originally Posted by GTS Dean

(Ask me how I know...)

How do you know?

[Litflynt912]

Would be lying if I didn't admit you're making nervous. Lol
Hopefully they lightly put hands on the case and bracelet....


Hoping for a Christmas miracle! They stated the OQ will be ready ~ 23 Jan so just about a month due to the Christmas closure.

[GTS Dean]

Originally Posted by chadstone30

How do you know?

Because they botched the finish on mine during its only factory service in 26 years. Admittedly, most folks would never catch the flaws, but there was no reason or excuse for it. Never again.

[chadstone30]

Originally Posted by GTS Dean

Because they botched the finish on mine during its only factory service in 26 years. Admittedly, most folks would never catch the flaws, but there was no reason or excuse for it. Never again.

To be honest, and I'm no connoisseur, those pictures three posts back looked pretty good to me. Just trying to make you feel better.

[GTS Dean]

Those weren't of my watch. I just posted them as a case study in bevels.

Look just below the 5 o'clock marker at the lug and you'll see that the main case bevel is not consistent. The 12 o'clock side is a little better, but still not a true plane. And, they gouged the outside of the first link above 11 o'clock. Never, never again. I didn't even trust them to try and fix it.

OTOH, they serviced my Daytona and did a truly masterful job refinishing it.

[Litflynt912]

Well as promised, after about six weeks the OQ is back and boy did Dallas do a great job!
Full overhaul with replacement of crown, crystal and hands. Battery replaced (no charge )
Edges are sharp and retained the OQ look. Couldn't be more pleased.
For those curious it was $800 for the general movement service. $72 for the hands and $62 for the crown and crystal. Each.

[crowncollection]

Nice work looks great


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Old Expat Beast]

Looks like they replaced the date wheel, too. Did it have open sixes before?

[Litflynt912]

Ugh!!! Good catch Adam
I did. It's an '82. Alas, guess this one like a true elder, is getting newer parts! ����

[Old Expat Beast]

They did the same to me. Returned it and had the orignal restored after I noticed a few days later.

[Litflynt912]

Yes I may go that route.

[Old Expat Beast]

Hope they still have it. I live close to rsc so could just walk in and explain. Still took a week to get it back.

[2JHead]

Great write up, thanks:) Gotta love the OQ's!

[Lgear080]

Sorry but I think the bevels were shot

[Mick P]

Chaps

Quick question if I may.

One of the advantages of a mechanical watch is that if you are prepared to pay the money, you could probably keep it going ad infinitum because it is all cogs and wheels.

Does the same apply to the quartz motor ?

Regards

Mick

[GRoyalFred]

Hi, my father has a 17000 that needs service, as it's not working anymore. I used Rolliworks before for mechanical Rolex and they did a great job. Curious if anybody has experience with them for an OQ? I assume that if I serviced it with Rolex, they wouldn't touch the bracelet, correct? I'm asking as it's really beat up and needs polishing for sure. Thank you all!

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by GRoyalFred

Hi, my father has a 17000 that needs service, as it's not working anymore. I used Rolliworks before for mechanical Rolex and they did a great job. Curious if anybody has experience with them for an OQ? I assume that if I serviced it with Rolex, they wouldn't touch the bracelet, correct? I'm asking as it's really beat up and needs polishing for sure. Thank you all!

I'd start a new thread rather than hijacking a 7-year-old one.

[HuguenotSW1]

looks good!