The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX


Go Back   Rolex Forums - Rolex Watch Forum > Rolex & Tudor Watch Topics > Rolex WatchTech

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 20 January 2017, 07:42 AM   #1
Yellowduck1
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: UK
Posts: 15
Good independent for Rolex servicing in UK

Can anyone suggest a good independent for servicing my Date Just. Rolex have sent me a ridiculous quote for replacing just about every part of the strap and case. They are also claiming I need a new dial as 'they never fitted that dial to that watch'. I know this is not the case as I am the original purchaser and it has not been changed since I bought it in Dubai Airport in 1990.

If I have everything changed that they want to change, including the case, bezel, strap etc, it will be like Triggers Broom in Only Fools and Horses....I have had the same broom for 30 years... I have had 6 new handles and 5 new heads, but it is the same broom...
Yellowduck1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 20 January 2017, 07:54 PM   #2
topcat30093
"TRF" Member
 
topcat30093's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Real Name: Tony
Location: England
Posts: 5,425
Try these
http://www.williamricewatches.com
__________________
topcat30093 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 20 January 2017, 08:42 PM   #3
Mrbez
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: All Over
Posts: 79
Hey Yellow,

I was in a similar position and looked for recommended independents.

I had excellent service just before Christmas on a Datejust by Duncan at Genesis.

http://www.genesiswatchmaking.co.uk/

Turn around was a couple of weeks, received personal calls and emails with updates, a pleasure to deal with and I will continue to use him.
Mrbez is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 January 2017, 05:06 AM   #4
GMT16700
Banned
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Real Name: Barry
Location: UK
Watch: GMT Master
Posts: 92
I have used these and found them very helpful and sensibly priced. They quote a two-three service and charge a lot less than Rolex.

https://www.watchrepaircentre.co.uk
GMT16700 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 January 2017, 09:55 PM   #5
Yellowduck1
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: UK
Posts: 15
Thanks Guys,

Maybe I am being a little paranoid, but I am not sure I really want to send the watch in the post. I would rather find someone within 100 miles or so of where I live (Essex) that I could take it to.
Yellowduck1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 January 2017, 11:19 PM   #6
roviw
"TRF" Member
 
roviw's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Real Name: Ivor
Location: Hampshire , UK
Posts: 205
http://www.reevesrepairs.co.uk/index.html

I have used Terry Reeves a couple of times and he has also, through me, done two other services for a friend of mine.
I spoke to him on the phone first before going ahead.
Very nice chap to deal with, sensible prices and I was very pleased with the work.
__________________
16713 GMT Master II Bi-metal
79280P Tudor Prince Chrono Blue face
116520 Daytona White face
16700 GMT Master Pepsi Bezel
roviw is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23 January 2017, 04:35 AM   #7
Yellowduck1
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: UK
Posts: 15
Thanks Guys,

If I do take a chance on posting, is there anyway I can post and get greater cover than the RMSP limit of £2500?

If I send RMSD and the watch is lost, would I be able to claim on my home insurance (I have the watch listed as £4600 on my home insurance policy)

Cheers
Yellowduck1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 20 February 2017, 05:06 AM   #8
Hollylodge
2024 Pledge Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Real Name: Peter
Location: Morpeth uk
Watch: sea dweller 16600
Posts: 55
Hi Dont know if you got fixed up, but I always use Neil Capper Rolex tech guy in Gt Yarmouth, let me know if you want his number
Cheers
Hollylodge is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 February 2017, 05:40 AM   #9
tufty
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: UK
Watch: DJ II, Exp II
Posts: 901
ohh, thats handy to know, i'm just a few miles from yarmouth.
tufty is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 February 2017, 10:54 AM   #10
Martin_Taylor
"TRF" Member
 
Martin_Taylor's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: NY
Posts: 77
nice post
thanks
Martin_Taylor is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6 March 2017, 09:51 PM   #11
mudandstones
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2017
Real Name: Steve
Location: suffolk uk
Watch: Exp 2 polar
Posts: 4
thanks, that's handy for me too, I'm in Ipswich area
mudandstones is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 7 March 2017, 06:08 AM   #12
roviw
"TRF" Member
 
roviw's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Real Name: Ivor
Location: Hampshire , UK
Posts: 205
http://www.swiss-serv.co.uk/watch-repairs

Terry Reeves has done a great job on my GMT 2 TT and also did a good job on a friends TT Datejust, I can highly recommend him.
Based in Bridlington as well.
__________________
16713 GMT Master II Bi-metal
79280P Tudor Prince Chrono Blue face
116520 Daytona White face
16700 GMT Master Pepsi Bezel
roviw is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16 March 2017, 11:45 PM   #13
RyanJames
"TRF" Member
 
RyanJames's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Real Name: Ryan
Location: Manchester
Watch: GMTiic
Posts: 333
Quote:
Originally Posted by topcat30093 View Post
Although you may be some distance away. William (Bill) Rice is regarded by many as one of the best out of factory Rolex accredited watchmakers.

A very large and well known dealer uses him solely for all their Rolexs.

The excellent thing about Bill is he will work exactly as you like. I once had him change a hand on a GMT with faded lume. Out of warranty work that would have required a full service at Rolex cost me virtually nothing and was done in a few days.

He's a huge Rolex fan too as you can imagine and knows a lot about classic and modern versions, and loves a good chat.

Thanks
RyanJames is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 October 2017, 03:25 AM   #14
Dug Smith
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: London
Posts: 1
Hi

Do you have Neil's number please.

Thanks

Doug
Dug Smith is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 20 October 2017, 01:57 AM   #15
Ironstark
TechXpert
 
Ironstark's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Rolex world
Watch: SS/W Skydweller
Posts: 526
When looking for an independent watchmaker remember there is a difference between a "Rolex specialist " and "Rolex accredited". Anyone can choose to specialise in Rolex. Only accredited watchmakers have attended training with Rolex and must maintain their standard of work, facilities and tooling to Rolex requirements or risk losing their accreditation.
Ironstark is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 4 November 2017, 06:36 PM   #16
Macnavara
"TRF" Member
 
Macnavara's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 2,338
Russell Talerman....london...rolex accredited and the only one id usecheck out his website
Macnavara is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16 January 2018, 03:28 AM   #17
retiredUKdiver
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: UK
Watch: Submariner 16800
Posts: 5
Hi all. This thread goes back a few years and I just wanted to check with 'those that know more than me' on independent servicing options.

I am looking for someone to do a service my well used and beaten up Submariner 16800. Having done 2000 dives and been generally abused by me for 32 years, the case is damaged, the (5th) bezel faded and the bracelet not Rolex. I just want the watch itself servicing and pressure testing.

I have used some of the links in the thread and searched online. Here is the best I can find:

1/ £475 from an accredited sevice agent. I have to pay for cleaning and all the other stuff I don't want

2/ £225 from a non accredited guy mentioned in this thread, who will do the basics that I want only

If anyone has any good updates to assist me that are better options than these then I would be grateful for your input. My current thought is to go with the £225 option unless I hear otherwise. As with anything in this world one can fine accredited idiots and non-accredited geniuses. If you want a classic Aston Martin restoring then I can get it done better than the factory for 66.6% the price - if you get my drift.

Finally - and mixing threads - where do I go to get the best non genuine 93150 bracelet at this time. I've just damaged the one I've got that I bought 3 years ago for circa $100 which has been brilliant and as good as an original. I would love to find another like it - HELP!
retiredUKdiver is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16 January 2018, 10:20 AM   #18
keepitsimple
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: uk
Watch: Junghans Meister
Posts: 65
Checkout Christian (watchguy.co.uk). £200 + parts as needed. He'll do as much or as little as you ask. Has a base of very happy customers. Website is worth a good look to see his standards of work, especially stuff that falls outside routine servicing. Very open as to what he does and how he goes about it. Lots of photos of watches and the processes as repairs progress. Busy though, and it can be tricky to get a "slot".

Interesting to look at some of his Rolex work (including his own watch !)
keepitsimple is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 20 January 2018, 11:43 PM   #19
strafer_kid
"TRF" Member
 
strafer_kid's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Real Name: Kenny
Location: northern ireland
Watch: SDs, Subs & GMTs
Posts: 5,127
Merecers of Enniskillen are very good. Former AD though still have an accredited Rolex watchmaker there.
strafer_kid is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 July 2018, 07:11 AM   #20
Silver Lobster
"TRF" Member
 
Silver Lobster's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: England
Watch: S/S 6694
Posts: 83
Quote:
Originally Posted by roviw View Post
http://www.swiss-serv.co.uk/watch-repairs

Terry Reeves has done a great job on my GMT 2 TT and also did a good job on a friends TT Datejust, I can highly recommend him.
Based in Bridlington as well.
Just to chime in with my experience with the above company/person. A few years ago, my Rlx came back over polished (something that cannot be rectified at all other than changing the case) and the watch had to be sent to him three times in total because the watch was received back with an obviously misaligned plexi glass. Twice in a row. Amazed a watch would be sent out like that. Twice. No offer to refund the extra two lots of insured postage either. And emails where not answered that quickly. Your mileage may vary.
__________________
Enjoy yourself. It's later than you think.
Silver Lobster is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 13 December 2018, 07:02 AM   #21
Peter99
2024 Pledge Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: London
Watch: 116610LN & 214270
Posts: 490
All these independents am sure are very good but their warranty’s for the repair or WHY are surely not the same or as more esteemed as the warranty from a Rolex Service Centre.
I know were I would take mine!
Peter99 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 7 January 2019, 02:49 AM   #22
Harry Sanborne
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: London
Posts: 3
Great posts on this page. Good information for a Newbie like myself.
Harry Sanborne is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 7 January 2019, 03:04 AM   #23
andrewjb88
"TRF" Member
 
andrewjb88's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2018
Location: United Kingdom
Watch: 16302 Rolex OP
Posts: 748
a bit like the OP my 1998 Rolex Datejust that I inherited from my late father was sent to the London RSC, quote came back as being a service + crown + crystal for about £600. But they refused to polish the bracelet, instead insisting I paid £2k for a new bracelet if I wanted the 2 year warranty.

Being my late fathers watch, I don't want a new bracelet.

I am planning to drop it off in person at Prestige Time Services in Cheshire who are Rolex Accredited. Had a few emails with them and they said they will replace what is NEEDED to ensure it seals properly. They will also clean and polish the watch and bracelet.
__________________
Rolex Datejust 16203
Omega Seamaster Professional 300m
Tudor BB GMT
Luch one hand
andrewjb88 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 7 January 2019, 03:14 AM   #24
andrewjb88
"TRF" Member
 
andrewjb88's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2018
Location: United Kingdom
Watch: 16302 Rolex OP
Posts: 748
Quote:
Originally Posted by keepitsimple View Post
Checkout Christian (watchguy.co.uk). £200 + parts as needed. He'll do as much or as little as you ask. Has a base of very happy customers. Website is worth a good look to see his standards of work, especially stuff that falls outside routine servicing. Very open as to what he does and how he goes about it. Lots of photos of watches and the processes as repairs progress. Busy though, and it can be tricky to get a "slot".

Interesting to look at some of his Rolex work (including his own watch !)
Do you know rouhgly where he is based? I don't really want to post mine, would rather take it in person.
__________________
Rolex Datejust 16203
Omega Seamaster Professional 300m
Tudor BB GMT
Luch one hand
andrewjb88 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 7 January 2019, 06:22 AM   #25
OysterBracelet
Banned
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: UK
Posts: 276
Quote:
Originally Posted by andrewjb88 View Post
a bit like the OP my 1998 Rolex Datejust that I inherited from my late father was sent to the London RSC, quote came back as being a service + crown + crystal for about £600. But they refused to polish the bracelet, instead insisting I paid £2k for a new bracelet if I wanted the 2 year warranty.

Being my late fathers watch, I don't want a new bracelet.

I am planning to drop it off in person at Prestige Time Services in Cheshire who are Rolex Accredited. Had a few emails with them and they said they will replace what is NEEDED to ensure it seals properly. They will also clean and polish the watch and bracelet.
The warranty would have been offered irrespective of if you had a new bracelet or not.
OysterBracelet is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 7 January 2019, 08:39 PM   #26
andrewjb88
"TRF" Member
 
andrewjb88's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2018
Location: United Kingdom
Watch: 16302 Rolex OP
Posts: 748
Quote:
Originally Posted by OysterBracelet View Post
The warranty would have been offered irrespective of if you had a new bracelet or not.
They said no new bracelet, they cant guarantee it won't fall apart and break therefore no warranty.

One of the spring bars was bent somehow which they replaced FOC anyway which I was happy with and I got a green service pouch when they returned it haha.

Actually had it on yesterday.
__________________
Rolex Datejust 16203
Omega Seamaster Professional 300m
Tudor BB GMT
Luch one hand
andrewjb88 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 9 January 2019, 06:01 AM   #27
OysterBracelet
Banned
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: UK
Posts: 276
Quote:
Originally Posted by andrewjb88 View Post
They said no new bracelet, they cant guarantee it won't fall apart and break therefore no warranty.

One of the spring bars was bent somehow which they replaced FOC anyway which I was happy with and I got a green service pouch when they returned it haha.

Actually had it on yesterday.
You've misunderstood. They won't guarantee the security of the bracelet. Your two year international warranty would be in place as normal.
OysterBracelet is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10 January 2019, 06:39 AM   #28
andrewjb88
"TRF" Member
 
andrewjb88's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2018
Location: United Kingdom
Watch: 16302 Rolex OP
Posts: 748
Quote:
Originally Posted by OysterBracelet View Post
You've misunderstood. They won't guarantee the security of the bracelet. Your two year international warranty would be in place as normal.
But I would still have a polished watch and non-polished bracelet which would look silly.

Originally I was going to not have it polished, but having seen a polished 16203 the other week made me realise just how scratched mine is. Even if a light polishing it needs tidying up. Dad wore it as a daily but to me its more of a dress watch.
__________________
Rolex Datejust 16203
Omega Seamaster Professional 300m
Tudor BB GMT
Luch one hand
andrewjb88 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10 January 2019, 11:02 PM   #29
Watchcollectables
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 311
Rolex have beefed up their remit of condemning most worn bracelets now scaring customers into thinking their bracelets are about to fail and they very possibly could loose their watch .
I am seeing more and more worried clients seeking advice and reassurance . In some instances their bracelets are in a poor state and remedial work is necessary but in my experience these advices from RSC are purely to cover their warranty work/avoid any future backlash and get customers to spend more money when it plainly isnt needed.
Watchcollectables is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 13 March 2019, 09:09 AM   #30
Gavinelli
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Liverpool
Posts: 7
Quote:
Originally Posted by Yellowduck1 View Post
Can anyone suggest a good independent for servicing my Date Just. Rolex have sent me a ridiculous quote for replacing just about every part of the strap and case. They are also claiming I need a new dial as 'they never fitted that dial to that watch'. I know this is not the case as I am the original purchaser and it has not been changed since I bought it in Dubai Airport in 1990.



If I have everything changed that they want to change, including the case, bezel, strap etc, it will be like Triggers Broom in Only Fools and Horses....I have had the same broom for 30 years... I have had 6 new handles and 5 new heads, but it is the same broom...

“they never fitted that dial to that watch” claim. Sorry for being nosey but i would love to hear more about this part of your exchange with Rolex. I 100% believe your the original owner/purchaser but i’d love to know what Rolex reasoning and justifications were for claiming they never fitted the dial. As the owner that must have been really frustrating to be told something you know full well is incorrect?





Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Gavinelli is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Takuya Watches

Bobs Watches

Asset Appeal

My Watch LLC

OCWatches

DavidSW Watches

Coronet


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.