RSC Service vs Independent

[Probert]

In the past I've used my trusted independent jeweller for servicing and always been very happy.

They've just quoted £325 for service and polish of my 2013 Submariner Date.

RSC have today quoted me £550 over the phone.

I'm curious to try a Rolex service and was also wondering if, like a car, a manufacturer service adds any extra value or desirability to the watch?

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[Tools]

The thing about an RSC service is that the movement is completely disassembled and all worn parts are replaced. Some independents will only break the watch down to major components and sonic clean, leaving the old "good enough" parts in.

Not saying that your jeweler does this, but they all think about their bottom-line.

As to increased (extra) value, not really, but it does provide excellent provenance and that can prove desirable in the long run.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Tools

The thing about an RSC service is that the movement is completely disassembled and all worn parts are replaced. Some independents will only break the watch down to major components and sonic clean, leaving the old "good enough" parts in.

Not saying that your jeweler does this, but they all think about their bottom-line.

As to increased (extra) value, not really, but it does provide excellent provenance and that can prove desirable in the long run.

Agreed and the 2 year warranty

[Watchie]

I have a little different perspective. My (Rolex trained) watchmaker tells me never to crack a watch open unless you truly need to. Put another way, they are not like a car and don't need regular oil changes. Second, he fixes what is broken and that's it. Why? Because taking everything else apart doesn't do anything but risk breaking something that up until then was fine.

Yes, watches from time to time can require service/repair, just like a car. But why take apart the engine when the carburetor is faulty (and now having dated myself to my days of driving a TR3 I will shut up).

This, of course, is all just my opinion. I don't necessarily agree with it...

[shaunylw]

Originally Posted by Watchie

I have a little different perspective. My (Rolex trained) watchmaker tells me never to crack a watch open unless you truly need to. Put another way, they are not like a car and don't need regular oil changes. Second, he fixes what is broken and that's it. Why? Because taking everything else apart doesn't do anything but risk breaking something that up until then was fine.



Yes, watches from time to time can require service/repair, just like a car. But why take apart the engine when the carburetor is faulty (and now having dated myself to my days of driving a TR3 I will shut up).



This, of course, is all just my opinion. I don't necessarily agree with it...

If he’s Rolex trained, he should be disassembling the entire movement during a service. If he told you taking the entire movement apart is incorrect, he needs serious help. I wouldn’t let him near one of my watches. Fix only what is worn or broken, yes. Always disassemble the movement in its entirety during service.


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[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Probert

In the past I've used my trusted independent jeweller for servicing and always been very happy.

They've just quoted £325 for service and polish of my 2013 Submariner Date.

RSC have today quoted me £550 over the phone.

I'm curious to try a Rolex service and was also wondering if, like a car, a manufacturer service adds any extra value or desirability to the watch?

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Yes RSC papers will add some value, especially if you don't have the original warranty papers/card.

[returntorolex]

The extra 225 is worth it for a two-year warranty.

[subtona]

complete disassembly and replacement of worn parts is not my experience with RSCNY.

[77T]

Have had over 20 overhauls done on various models by my nearby (10 minute drive) AWCI CMW21 watchmaker who is also Rolex and Omega certified with parts accounts for both brands. He always takes it down to full disassembly and uses only OEM parts. He refinished every one to my specs (not always done right by RSC).

Not only that - he is an artist calibrating the movement well inside COSC.

Only differences are:
-RSC gives 2-yr warranty
-An authenticity assurance via the card
-Attestation it was never reported to Rolex as stolen.

Indies can only match that first one...
But I don’t have to worry over shipping my watches to a far away RSC.

I was actively flipping in the past 10 years (now retired) so his 1-yr warranty was sufficient for my needs.

Recently I did have an RSC service done and was very pleased despite paying $250 more than my watchmaker would have charged. It was on an older Rolex going to my daughter so the 2 years meant more.


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[doboy007]

Originally Posted by 77T

Have had over 20 overhauls done on various models by my nearby (10 minute drive) AWCI CMW21 watchmaker who is also Rolex and Omega certified with parts accounts for both brands. He always takes it down to full disassembly and uses only OEM parts. He refinished every one to my specs (not always done right by RSC).

Not only that - he is an artist calibrating the movement well inside COSC.

Only differences are:
-RSC gives 2-yr warranty
-An authenticity assurance via the card
-Attestation it was never reported to Rolex as stolen.

Indies can only match that first one...
But I don’t have to worry over shipping my watches to a far away RSC.

I was actively flipping in the past 10 years (now retired) so his 1-yr warranty was sufficient for my needs.

Recently I did have an RSC service done and was very pleased despite paying $250 more than my watchmaker would have charged. It was on an older Rolex going to my daughter so the 2 years meant more.


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And that is YOUR experience with YOUR watchmaker. We can't all be lucky with a competent watchmaker so RSC for rest of us :)

[77T]

Right - that’s what he’s asking about...the differences.

I didn’t mention going through 4 different Rolex trained watchmakers before finding my current one. It takes work to find the needle in the haystack.

Agree, I’m super fortunate here.


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[harleyeater]

Originally Posted by 77T

Have had over 20 overhauls done on various models by my nearby (10 minute drive) AWCI CMW21 watchmaker who is also Rolex and Omega certified with parts accounts for both brands. He always takes it down to full disassembly and uses only OEM parts. He refinished every one to my specs (not always done right by RSC).

Not only that - he is an artist calibrating the movement well inside COSC.

Only differences are:
-RSC gives 2-yr warranty
-An authenticity assurance via the card
-Attestation it was never reported to Rolex as stolen.

Indies can only match that first one...
But I don’t have to worry over shipping my watches to a far away RSC.

I was actively flipping in the past 10 years (now retired) so his 1-yr warranty was sufficient for my needs.

Recently I did have an RSC service done and was very pleased despite paying $250 more than my watchmaker would have charged. It was on an older Rolex going to my daughter so the 2 years meant more.


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Leigh Jewelers in Vero Beach is listed by Rolex for service, just dropped my TT off for service and I get 2 years of warranty. 😎😎

[VintageVagabound]

Originally Posted by Probert

In the past I've used my trusted independent jeweller for servicing and always been very happy.

They've just quoted £325 for service and polish of my 2013 Submariner Date.

RSC have today quoted me £550 over the phone.

I'm curious to try a Rolex service and was also wondering if, like a car, a manufacturer service adds any extra value or desirability to the watch?

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I'm surprised nobody freaked out over your request for a polish. Plus side - your watch will come back looking like new and if you never intend to sell it it won't matter. Negative is that it will continue to reduce the value of your watch in the long run. The Rolex service card is a nice addition and they give you a little green felt bag (for 225 more :)

[oldman2005]

I would find a reputable local independent shop to service the watch. RSC is not a sure thing, there were watches in worse shape after a service by RSC, so do your research,

[joli160]

Never let a jeweller polish a watch, messing up a case is irreversible. The price difference is neglible.

Strictly a RSC job only apart from a few well known independant watch makers.
Deal directly with a RSC and skip the middle man (AD)

[jps3b]

If I was looking to buy a preowned watch. And I knew that someone other than RSC serviced or worked on the said timepiece, it would be a deal breaker for me. So in a sense, I believe it does add value. Not saying everyone is as picky as me, but I personally would not make that purchase.

[77T]

Originally Posted by harleyeater

Leigh Jewelers in Vero Beach is listed by Rolex for service, just dropped my TT off for service and I get 2 years of warranty.

Leigh is listed only as a Rolex retailer on Rolex.com. Their watchmaker could offer in-house work vs being a Rolex Service Center.

If they are offering a 2-yr. warranty it is at their discretion. But it isn’t portable worldwide nor recognized by an RSC - it would only be honored at that AD.

Rolex warranties are valid worldwide by any RSC. The card is what tells you whether you have that coverage.



I am sure their watchmaker is trained and certified, and you should be satisfied with the work. Did they promise your watch wouldn’t leave the premises?


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[lazywisher]

I got a bunch of quotes from indies in Australia and all of them were charging the same price as RSC quoted so i told em all to frig off!

[supernova]

Definitely prefer RSC over independent even with the extra price.

Think of it this way, if you were to sell the watch after the service, the fact that RSC serviced and provide a 2 year warranty is worth way more than 2-300 extra you need to pay, so you gauge how much more it's worth for RSC.

[SLS]

My independent went to work for an AD, he did great work. But when he started charging close to RSC prices I have not been back. I am still looking for someone local. I have had dozens of watches serviced, not one by the RSC.

[RichardF]

Originally Posted by Watchie

I have a little different perspective. My (Rolex trained) watchmaker tells me never to crack a watch open unless you truly need to. Put another way, they are not like a car and don't need regular oil changes. Second, he fixes what is broken and that's it. Why? Because taking everything else apart doesn't do anything but risk breaking something that up until then was fine.

Yes, watches from time to time can require service/repair, just like a car. But why take apart the engine when the carburetor is faulty (and now having dated myself to my days of driving a TR3 I will shut up).

This, of course, is all just my opinion. I don't necessarily agree with it...

I would have some serious doubts if your watchmaker is actually Rolex trained and or certified and he is making those statements. You may want to verify and see if he actually is. If so you might consider replacing him. What he has said goes against Rolex and their core values and training when it comes to servicing a Rolex watch.

[RichardF]

One of the major reasons why you would want to send your watch to a RSC is technically Rolex pretty much still owns the movement and takes responsibility for it. When your watch is evaluated they replace all the internal movement parts necessary to get your Rolex back to operating within the factory tolerances/spec as when it was first built and stand behind it. It’s not unusual for Rolex to replace the complete auto winding system (upper plate, reversing wheels, and counter weight) the main spring and other parts on a standard service. (Tube and crown extra). I know the small percent of purists out there would not like this but if you have a 40 year old sub and the RSC can put the watch back to the original operating spec with original parts what better way to enjoy it? In most cases Rolex never tells you what movement parts they replace because it is all covered in the cost of the service. An independent would have to charge you for every screw and or part they replace in addition to their service fee plus send back the old parts. When Rolex is restoring the finish to the case they have the proper equipment and restore the factory chamfer back to the lugs.

[Seibei]

Why would a 2013 Rolex watch be needing a service? Is it not working?

[lecorsaire]

It’s a recent Rolex. Just take it to the RSC. If it were a vintage watch you didn’t want them polishing or changing dials on then I would go indie but the ceramic Sub will not suffer from being polished like older beveled sports Rolex do.

They will return it to you looking brand new.

[lecorsaire]

Originally Posted by Seibei

Why would a 2013 Rolex watch be needing a service? Is it not working?

It doesn’t NEED a service but it’s better to get one regularly than to wait until it has problems. It’s like a car. You don’t wait until the engine and transmission break down. I think 6 years is totally OK. Getting service before 5 years would be overkill unless the watch is running way too fast in either direction of course.

[Seibei]

Originally Posted by lecorsaire

It doesn’t NEED a service but it’s better to get one regularly than to wait until it has problems. It’s like a car. You don’t wait until the engine and transmission break down. I think 6 years is totally OK. Getting service before 5 years would be overkill unless the watch is running way too fast in either direction of course.

With all due respect, a watch is nothing like a car.

How often have I had watches serviced in my lifetime? Once.
Why? Because it was broken.
Did that service cost more than if I had had the watch serviced before it was broken? No.

There are costs and risks involved in servicing watches. There is no point in taking on those risks and costs for no good reason.

[turboevo2]

The proper way to service is to take out all the parts and clean. When parts are all removed then you can see if anything is broken. Unless your watch maker is really good and you trust I would bring it to RSC service because they have 2 year warranty and they will have most of parts in stock. Also if ever you sell it at least you have record that it was service by RSC. A lot of buyers maybe novice and would prefer it be service by RSC.

[Probert]

Originally Posted by Seibei

Why would a 2013 Rolex watch be needing a service? Is it not working?

Beats me - the watch doesn't retain power when off my wrist.

No amount of manual winding does the trick.

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[77T]

The answer for you, in my humble opinion, is take the watch to the Rolex Service Center in London - or send it there since the trip from Wales is long.

I think that you may be happier with the 2-year warranty - and would have no lingering questions if saving the cost of a hotel room was worth skipping the Rolex route.

Just my 2¢


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[MRBolton]

There's one aspect that I don't see mentioned here: when a problem arises. I'd rather deal with my family-owned, Rolex certified watchmaker than Rolex themselves in most instances. The turnaround is also a lot better.