Sending Mark IV to RSC Pennsylvania next week

[VaRobot]

Going through the local AD, they suggested I send a note with the watch. Text of my note is below:

To Whom it may concern,

Enclosed is an early 1970’s Submariner, Serial Number 293****. The dial is known as a Mark IV Red Sub. It is an inheritance from my brother who purchased it new in 1973.
It is an heirloom, the original hands, dial and bezel insert MUST be kept in the watch. To preserve metal and the vintage patina, only very light buffing please.
It is in need of a service and repair/replacement of the broken stem. The stem will not set the watch.
Please insure shipping for the watch at a value of $12,000.00
Please call with repair and service estimate, (804) ******, Regards, John *******


Am I missing anything?

Thanks

[greekbum]

Add to your note that if they cannot follow your directions to send the watch back to you.
I would rather you deal directly with the service center this way there is no confusion or misunderstanding.

[HERITAGE82]

Why not use an independent watchmaker and speak directly to the person who will work on your watch?

[VaRobot]

Originally Posted by HERITAGE82

Why not use an independent watchmaker and speak directly to the person who will work on your watch?

This is a great question that doesn't have an easy answer.

I "felt" better sending this heirloom to Rolex after reading countless threads talking about the benefits, pitfalls and experiences of each.

[VaRobot]

Originally Posted by greekbum

Add to your note that if they cannot follow your directions to send the watch back to you.
I would rather you deal directly with the service center this way there is no confusion or misunderstanding.

Thanks

[joli160]

I would prefer to sent it to one of the very skilled independents on the forum.
These experts treat and service the watch with respect for its classic looks and patina.
For a RSC it's just an old watch, they don't see the value in a perfect red dial and in principal they want to bring your watch back to new condition.
If you let them have their way, they change everything and ruin it.

[VaRobot]

Originally Posted by joli160

I would prefer to sent it to one of the very skilled independents on the forum.
These experts treat and service the watch with respect for its classic looks and patina.
For a RSC it's just an old watch, they don't see the value in a perfect red dial and in principal they want to bring your watch back to new condition.
If you let them have their way, they change everything and ruin it.

Thanks for the input.

[05carbondrz]

I would specify NO POLISH.A "Light Buffing" can mean different things to different People.

[texex91]

Originally Posted by 05carbondrz

I would specify NO POLISH.A "Light Buffing" can mean different things to different People.

x2

[VaRobot]

Originally Posted by 05carbondrz

I would specify NO POLISH.A "Light Buffing" can mean different things to different People.

Thanks

[powerfunk]

Normally I'd recommend sending it to RSC yourself, because typically the RSC will only deal with the party that sent the watch in (the AD in this case). AFAIK you can't mail directly to RSC PA, though.

I always include (2 copies of) a printed note with my contact information and instructions when I mail watches to RSC. They've always done exactly what I asked, and they confirm the work before proceeding. A note saying "do not replace hands, dial, or bezel insert" and "do not polish" should work just fine!

[J!m]

Originally Posted by joli160

For a RSC it's just an old watch, they don't see the value in a perfect red dial and in principal they want to bring your watch back to new condition.
If you let them have their way, they change everything and ruin it.

They will replace the crown and tube, as well as back gasket and crystal at least. If you have the original crown (which would be a fairly rare at this point 700 I believe) you may simply specify "Movement service ONLY".

But I agree there are good independents who specialize in these classics and that's where I'd send it if me.

[2ar2c1]

yup, no buffing at all: they only know how to do it one/their way, and you won't like it.

[VaRobot]

Originally Posted by powerfunk

Normally I'd recommend sending it to RSC yourself, because typically the RSC will only deal with the party that sent the watch in (the AD in this case). AFAIK you can't mail directly to RSC PA, though.

I always include (2 copies of) a printed note with my contact information and instructions when I mail watches to RSC. They've always done exactly what I asked, and they confirm the work before proceeding. A note saying "do not replace hands, dial, or bezel insert" and "do not polish" should work just fine!

I don't think Pennsylvania accepts you mailing it directly to them. Thanks

[VaRobot]

Originally Posted by J!m

They will replace the crown and tube, as well as back gasket and crystal at least. If you have the original crown (which would be a fairly rare at this point 700 I believe) you may simply specify "Movement service ONLY".

But I agree there are good independents who specialize in these classics and that's where I'd send it if me.

Crystal is Rolex replacement my brother did a couple years back, it is in great shape.

[ref1655]

Originally Posted by joli160

For a RSC it's just an old watch, they don't see the value in a perfect red dial and in principal they want to bring your watch back to new condition.
If you let them have their way, they change everything and ruin it.

why is that? in other words, don't the factory RSCs have any concept regarding the preservation & originality of older Rolex timepieces?

it would be like bringing a 64-1/2 Mustang in for dealer servicing & the service department trying to make it look like a 2016 model.

[joli160]

Originally Posted by ref1655

why is that? in other words, don't the factory RSCs have any concept regarding the preservation & originality of older Rolex timepieces?

it would be like bringing a 64-1/2 Mustang in for dealer servicing & the service department trying to make it look like a 2016 model.

That is correct, it's how Rolex works, they are not restoring

[powerfunk]

Originally Posted by ref1655

why is that? in other words, don't the factory RSCs have any concept regarding the preservation & originality of older Rolex timepieces?

it would be like bringing a 64-1/2 Mustang in for dealer servicing & the service department trying to make it look like a 2016 model.

Yes, they do. To think a company as sophisticated as Rolex has "no concept" of the value of vintage pieces is a little exaggerated.

If you send in a watch over 30 years old to RSC, they charge a $300+ premium for it. They no longer change dials without explicitly confirming it with the owner (and charging $600 for it), and they will absolutely follow any clear written instructions you give them.

They tend to want to replace "wear" items like tritium hands, and they do consider date wheels a functional part of the movement, so be clear if you want those untouched. Also polishing is free with every overhaul but you can decline it if you wish.

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[VaRobot]

Originally Posted by powerfunk

If you send in a watch over 30 years old to RSC, they charge a $300+ premium for it.

Thanks, was told by AD that "Service" for vintage is currently $600.00, Plus fixing my crown, etc.

[powerfunk]

Originally Posted by VaRobot

Thanks, was told by AD that "Service" for vintage is currently $600.00, Plus fixing my crown, etc.

You're lucky it must be under 30 years old; they jacked it up to $900 in 2014 I believe.

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[VaRobot]

Originally Posted by powerfunk

You're lucky it must be under 30 years old; they jacked it up to $900 in 2014 I believe.

Sent from my 0PM92 using Tapatalk

Nope, was purchased new in 1973. Hopefully AD knows what they are talking about.

[swish77]

This is a mistake, IMHO. Too many variables and potential for problems. AD involved, sent through the mail with a note ... It would make me nervous.

The only way I'd bring a red 1680 to an RSC is in person with a face-to-face discussion with a Rolex rep AND a copy of the service order in advance that states on it, something like: "Movement-only service and absolutely no polishing and no visible parts changed." I'd want that in writing on the paperwork before anything was done. If you did it this way, you could also get an estimate for the service while you wait and a confirmation that your requests would be honored. I've done this at the RSC in New York City. In some cases, they'll refuse. For example, they might claim that the tritium is flaking and insist that the dial/hands get changed. That way you can walk away with no harm done to your watch.

Better yet, send your Sub to one of the good independents often discussed on this forum. Good luck!

[brandrea]

Personally I would not send a vintage Rolex to RSC.

I'd use ABC, Vanessa or RIK. All three are experts in eating with vintage and very responsive.

[ref1655]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Personally I would not send a vintage Rolex to RSC.

if I am processing this thread information correctly...

1. the factory RSC charges an additional fee to service a Rolex older than 30 years old.
2. they will replace original exterior components in an effort to give the watch an 'as new' appearance regardless of vintage-specific hands/dials etc.
3. as part of their 'as new' approach to exterior cosmetics, caution must be taken in regards to case-polishing & scratch removal (if any).

having utilized the services of an independent factory-authorized RSC in the past, I've never encountered these issues. if anything, they have always emphasized the importance of & their commitment to preserving the watch's originality.

from what I have derived here (and correct me if I am mistaken)...it is advisable not to take (or send) an older vintage/collectible Rolex to a factory RSC (e.g. New York/Dallas/Beverly Hills/Pennsylvania) for periodic servicing as they will undoubtedly (or eventually) alter the original integrity of the watch's appearance.

[05carbondrz]

Originally Posted by ref1655

if I am processing this thread information correctly...

1. the factory RSC charges an additional fee to service a Rolex older than 30 years old.
2. they will replace original exterior components in an effort to give the watch an 'as new' appearance regardless of vintage-specific hands/dials etc.
3. as part of their 'as new' approach to exterior cosmetics, caution must be taken in regards to case-polishing & scratch removal (if any).

having utilized the services of an independent factory-authorized RSC in the past, I've never encountered these issues. if anything, they have always emphasized the importance of & their commitment to preserving the watch's originality.

from what I have derived here (and correct me if I am mistaken)...it is advisable not to take (or send) an older vintage/collectible Rolex to a factory RSC (e.g. New York/Dallas/Beverly Hills/Pennsylvania) for periodic servicing as they will undoubtedly (or eventually) alter the original integrity of the watch's appearance.

You are spot on Sir.

[tucsonrick]

Originally Posted by ref1655

if I am processing this thread information correctly...

1. the factory RSC charges an additional fee to service a Rolex older than 30 years old.
2. they will replace original exterior components in an effort to give the watch an 'as new' appearance regardless of vintage-specific hands/dials etc.
3. as part of their 'as new' approach to exterior cosmetics, caution must be taken in regards to case-polishing & scratch removal (if any).

having utilized the services of an independent factory-authorized RSC in the past, I've never encountered these issues. if anything, they have always emphasized the importance of & their commitment to preserving the watch's originality.

from what I have derived here (and correct me if I am mistaken)...it is advisable not to take (or send) an older vintage/collectible Rolex to a factory RSC (e.g. New York/Dallas/Beverly Hills/Pennsylvania) for periodic servicing as they will undoubtedly (or eventually) alter the original integrity of the watch's appearance.

Don't know how any extra fee applies. I have had a well over 30 year old Datejust and an OP repaired at RSC Dallas. No extra fee - reasonable prices; they asked in writing about everything they suggested doing, and gave me the choice of what was done and not done - again in writing.

[Max72]

Originally Posted by swish77

This is a mistake, IMHO. Too many variables and potential for problems. AD involved, sent through the mail with a note ... It would make me nervous.

The only way I'd bring a red 1680 to an RSC is in person with a face-to-face discussion with a Rolex rep AND a copy of the service order in advance that states on it, something like: "Movement-only service and absolutely no polishing and no visible parts changed." I'd want that in writing on the paperwork before anything was done. If you did it this way, you could also get an estimate for the service while you wait and a confirmation that your requests would be honored. I've done this at the RSC in New York City. In some cases, they'll refuse. For example, they might claim that the tritium is flaking and insist that the dial/hands get changed. That way you can walk away with no harm done to your watch.

Better yet, send your Sub to one of the good independents often discussed on this forum. Good luck!

+1

[powerfunk]

Originally Posted by tucsonrick

Don't know how any extra fee applies. I have had a well over 30 year old Datejust and an OP repaired at RSC Dallas. No extra fee - reasonable prices; they asked in writing about everything they suggested doing, and gave me the choice of what was done and not done - again in writing.

It started recently. Last time I sent in my '66 5700 the $900 rate applied. Just a year or so earlier the price for the same watch was $600.

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[zapokee]

The reality is that different RSCs do things differently regardless of what offical "policy" is.

I've dealt with some RSCs that are flexible about owner requests and some that insist on doing it their way. It's dangerous to assume that your RSC will follow your requests just because you've heard that another RSC followed requests.

International variations are particularly marked; US/UK RSCs tend to have more flexibility than Asian ones, for example. The Tokyo RSC refused to service my 5512 because I wouldn't let them swap out the beautifully patina'd hands/dial for new luminova ones or change the grey insert for a new black one.

Good luck with yours.

[VaRobot]

Thanks Guys!