Servicing My 16710

[EZANO]

My 16710 is starting to act wonky. Not sure when it was serviced last as I bought it a couple years ago from an independent dealer. I’m in the SF Bay Area. Here are my options as I know them and pros/cons. Anyone have a strong opinion? (Like I need to ask):
-Send to RSC.
Pros: In house Rolex. Rolex warranty.
Cons: Long wait time. Having to ship to Dallas or NYC (I have a friend who’s Speedy was lost or stolen in transit, freaks me out). Less ability to give direction? (don’t polish case, for example).
-Bring to local AD:
Pros: Near my house. Shorter wait time. Cheaper. Don’t need to ship anywhere. Face to face interaction with watchmaker, more willing to take direction?
Cons: AD service quality seems in question by many. No Rolex warranty.
-Bring to Giovanni Passalacqua in San Francisco
Pros: Don’t need to ship anywhere (I work in SF) so can drop off/pick up in person. Mostly great reviews. Former Rolex RSC.
Cons: More expensive than AD. No longer RSC (why?). Longer wait time than AD. Anything else?





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[J_1964]

I sent my 16613 to RSC Dallas last year and was Very Happy With The Result. The primary reason for the service was to establish a service start point (I like you bought pre-owned) and for complete authentication of every component. Yes, it iS expensive, but as you know you get what you pay for.

I picked up a 16710 earlier this year and will send it to RSC Dallas next year for the same reasons.

[sheldonsmith]

I’d send to Giovanni. He’s reputable, has a Rolex parts account, and you have some direction in his work.

My Rolex certified watchmaker (with parts account) is just a few miles from my house and although he is more expensive than an RSC, he’s worth it as I know exactly what’s happening with the watch. In my mind that is worth the extra dollars.

Fwiw, a watchmaker with a Rolex parts account has to be certified for skills via the AWCI CW21 exam, their workspace has to be certified/approved by Rolex as well (including tools, dust control, etc).

~ Sheldon

[Onequik135i]

You could give Rikki a shot too, very highly recommended on here and LAWW also.

[EZANO]

Originally Posted by Onequik135i

You could give Rikki a shot too, very highly recommended on here and LAWW also.

Thanks for the recommendation, but sending it all the way to Florida from CA feels like it wouldn’t solve any of my concerns.


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[EZANO]

Originally Posted by EZANO

Thanks for the recommendation, but sending it all the way to Florida from CA feels like it wouldn’t solve any of my concerns.


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Although now that I have read up a bit more, people seem to LOVE Rikki. Is there much (if any) difference between him & Giovanni?


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[Mfrankel2]

Originally Posted by Onequik135i

You could give Rikki a shot too, very highly recommended on here and LAWW also.

This would be my choice; Rik at Time Care

[tatery]

I sent my 16570 to Dallas via an AD that I had a prior purchasing relationship with, and was happy with the result. I watched them as they wrote "no polish" on the service slip quite emphatically at my persistence For me I wanted an RSC service at first, since it was a used piece, but had I known of other reputable options I may have considered those as well.

[kauffee]

From everything I’ve read here, I’d take it to Giovanni in a heartbeat. He has great reviews and I like the idea of knowing who’s working on my watch. Price is secondary. You get what you pay for.

[exador]

What kind of condition is the case in? If it needs a polish I’d be sending to LAWW.

[faz]

I highly recommend World Time in San Jose. Did service my 16613LB over a year ago, and it runs +1 sec/day a year later. Here is a link to their Instagram page with many pictures of rolexes and other high end watches they have serviced.

https://www.instagram.com/world_time_usa




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[roosvelt]

I would go with Rolex Dallas. Give them a call they'll send out the shipping box and institutions .

[Onequik135i]

For 5 digit models & earlier I would send to Rikki or LAWW. For 6 digit current modes send to RSC in Dallas.

[importstunna]

I would go to Giovanni, he's helped me numerous times before. Being local (no shipping concerns) and knowing exactly what you're getting back is worth the extra money IMO. Not to mention he is a great guy.

[TimeToGo]

Originally Posted by EZANO

Although now that I have read up a bit more, people seem to LOVE Rikki. Is there much (if any) difference between him & Giovanni?


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How about Vanessa in California?

Great reviews.. Also a member of this forum
.
https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...ssa+watchmaker

[Finslayer83]

Rikki is the man.

As long as he is in business he will get 100% of my business

[kauffee]

Originally Posted by faz

I highly recommend World Time in San Jose. Did service my 16613LB over a year ago, and it runs +1 sec/day a year later. Here is a link to their Instagram page with many pictures of rolexes and other high end watches they have serviced.

https://www.instagram.com/world_time_usa

Their service might be good but from those Instagram photos I’m not impressed with their polishing. Edges look very soft.

[101031-28]

Go to Giovanni, if your concern is shipping. You can drop off the watch in person, explain what you would like to have done and what needs to remain untouched, you get to pick up the watch when ready and inspect it. SF (former) RSC has a very solid reputation.

[watchwatcher]

Originally Posted by TimeToGo

How about Vanessa in California?

Great reviews.. Also a member of this forum
.
https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...ssa+watchmaker

I believe I read on here not too long ago that she's retired from the watchmaker business. If that's incorrect, I'll happily stand corrected.

OP, it sounds like Giovanni would be your best bet, as you have concerns with the shipping process. Good luck,

[dlav]

I just had my F Series 16710 Pepsi GMT serviced by the RSC in New York and it is flawless! Running +1.5 seconds per day and absolutely perfect. Took 5 weeks start to finish.

[WS9D]

Giovanni on Post Street. Can’t go wrong. You just don’t get that card you would from RSC. If you don’t plan on flipping, shouldn’t matter.

https://yelp.to/qTKq/p81yXbW2NP

[sensui]

From what I heard of Giovanni, I'd let him handle this. But I'll always be in favor of local good independents vs RSC.

[EZANO]

UPDATE: I walked into Giovanni's shop today. He took my watch, opened up the caseback, told me the service history (which I didn't know, and it hasn't been serviced in close to 10 years, which is amazing because up until a week or two ago it was running +/- 1-2 seconds consistently) and quoted me on a full service. He then walked me through everything he'd do to my watch and answered my questions. I left my watch with him and am excited to have it serviced by him. Couldn't feel more confident in my decision. Thanks for all the input!

[ZOOK]

Originally Posted by EZANO

UPDATE: I walked into Giovanni's shop today. He took my watch, opened up the caseback, told me the service history (which I didn't know, and it hasn't been serviced in close to 10 years, which is amazing because up until a week or two ago it was running +/- 1-2 seconds consistently) and quoted me on a full service. He then walked me through everything he'd do to my watch and answered my questions. I left my watch with him and am excited to have it serviced by him. Couldn't feel more confident in my decision. Thanks for all the input!

That's sound like the perfect start to this kind of transaction. Please keep us informed on how the service goes.

[jaisonline]

Your experience is top notch. I had my 20 year old 79280 Tudor Chrono serviced by Vanessa 2 years ago and she did the same over text and phone. It was awesome despite not talking face to face.
https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=598873


I wish we had someone like this in the NJ, PA, DE tri-state area that for that face to face experience. Maybe there is and I don't know about it.

Originally Posted by EZANO

UPDATE: I walked into Giovanni's shop today. He took my watch, opened up the caseback, told me the service history (which I didn't know, and it hasn't been serviced in close to 10 years, which is amazing because up until a week or two ago it was running +/- 1-2 seconds consistently) and quoted me on a full service. He then walked me through everything he'd do to my watch and answered my questions. I left my watch with him and am excited to have it serviced by him. Couldn't feel more confident in my decision. Thanks for all the input!

[uansari1]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

I believe I read on here not too long ago that she's retired from the watchmaker business. If that's incorrect, I'll happily stand corrected.



OP, it sounds like Giovanni would be your best bet, as you have concerns with the shipping process. Good luck,

Can anyone confirm if Vanessa is out of the game? She is an amazing resource for our forums.


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[faimag]

I am pretty sure the quality of service will be on par with many third party watchmakers, but I always go to RSC for my peace of mind (warranty).

[ras47]

Ensure the crap out of it and ship it to the Dallas RSC. I did this and my wait time was about 6 weeks. No complaints.

[ltmgeller]

I've had no problems with RSCNY. I must have had 6 or 7 watches serviced there without a problem. I know people complain about NY but it's been great for me. Dallas RSC has stellar reviews. Send it insured.

[Boaters]

Here you go
http://www.timecareinc.com/