Dallas RSC, or Private? Lubes, and Laser Weld... Rolex Service->Late Model Watch

[LuminousMaximus]

I am thinking to send my 116618lb for Service.

La Watch Works, Rick, or Dallas RSC, San Francisco, Giovani and some other's.

I Have heard that ROLEX has some hi-tec lubes that will last up to 10 years.

Has this been confirmed, and does anyone know what lubes are used?

Do the Private Repair guys get the same lube?

Lastly, one of the Private Repair guys tells me that they can get ROLEX Gold, and can laser weld my lugs to bring them back to OEM...?

[SLS]

What is wrong with the lugs on your watch?

[SLS]

To answer your question of RSC or private, I would go private. I would have to believe that all watchmakers you the same quality lubes, you will just pay less!

[speedmaster73]

When it comes to Rolex I am a big believer in RSC or an authorized Rolex service centre even if it costs more.

[swils8610]

I've had Rikki do laser welding on my old GMT and it came back flawless. I was amazed how it looked like new. I've also used RSC on a routine service and was very happy the way it was polished.


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[Etschell]

Why send in the watch if it's running fine...

[kilyung]

Looks fine. What's wrong with it?

Laser welding is pretty common. Keep in mind that Rolex makes their gold and there could be slight variations in color. Best thing to do might be to use a link as sacrificial metal and just replace the link.

[LuminousMaximus]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Looks fine. What's wrong with it?

Laser welding is pretty common. Keep in mind that Rolex makes their gold and there could be slight variations in color. Best thing to do might be to use a link as sacrificial metal and just replace the link.

Thanks Mike for that info. I do have an extra link, and that is so smart...!

So 5 O'clock lug tip rounded, and 7o'clock lug dinged. Nothing big, but I want to make it like new...

I'm not sure of last service so, I'm a getting that done as well... It is consistent at -2 seconds per day.

I'm thinking Rikki at Time Care
or
LA Watch works

anyone know which one works with Gold on the laser weld better?

[MrJ320]

Originally Posted by speedmaster73

When it comes to Rolex I am a big believer in RSC or an authorized Rolex service centre even if it costs more.

Agree for modern Rolexes. Vintage Rolex is a different story though.

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by LuminousMaximus

Thanks Mike for that info. I do have an extra link, and that is so smart...!

So 5 O'clock lug tip rounded, and 7o'clock lug dinged. Nothing big, but I want to make it like new...

I'm not sure of last service so, I'm a getting that done as well... It is consistent at -2 seconds per day.

I'm thinking Rikki at Time Care
or
LA Watch works

anyone know which one works with Gold on the laser weld better?

Yikes! That's quite the polish job. Both Rik and LAW will both do a good job. I'd give them both a call and ask questions/pricing then choose.

[Cerachrom12]

Indy CW21 watchmakers use the same synthetic movement oils as Rolex. Call Rik and LA Watchwerks and see who is willing and capable of repairing an 18k gold Submariner case.

[swils8610]

Rikki did a laser weld job for me a couple years ago and it was flawless. I was amazed. Pricing was more than fair. Truthfully I didn't think it was enough.


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[mtgjr]

The top of that 5 o'clock lug looks pretty rounded off, as well. I wonder what happened to it.

[Juantxo]

Originally Posted by speedmaster73

When it comes to Rolex I am a big believer in RSC or an authorized Rolex service centre even if it costs more.

Word. Agree 110%.

[Blue_Lume]

People do not talk prices here. Sometimes a reference point is good.

Before putting my PM Daytona 116515 on a rubber b I'd take it off to shower.

One morning I dropped it from about 5 feet high on tile floor, denting one lug.

$70 to fix it & my guy used a RG Rolex link to match it.

I swear I freaked when I saw it, thought I destroyed my watch & imagined a $5000 fix cost at RSC.

I gave my watch guy $100. I only wish I took before and after pictures.

[natosub]

Originally Posted by Blue_Lume

People do not talk prices here. Sometimes a reference point is good.

Before putting my PM Daytona 116515 on a rubber b I'd take it off to shower.

One morning I dropped it from about 5 feet high on tile floor, denting one lug.

$70 to fix it & my guy used a RG Rolex link to match it.

I swear I freaked when I saw it, thought I destroyed my watch & imagined a $5000 fix cost at RSC.

I gave my watch guy $100. I only wish I took before and after pictures.

$70? That's the first Rolex related anything I've heard for such a paltry sum. Congrats!

[MonsterSS]

Originally Posted by speedmaster73

When it comes to Rolex I am a big believer in RSC or an authorized Rolex service centre even if it costs more.

Yea I'd have to agree

[RolexNorth]

Originally Posted by SLS

To answer your question of RSC or private, I would go private. I would have to believe that all watchmakers you the same quality lubes, you will just pay less!

What if you don't trust a private watchmaker????

My biggest concern is that a private watchmaker will swap out Rolex parts with crappy aftermarket. If they do this to enough Rolex watches, they will end up with enough Rolex parts to build themselves a legitimate Rolex watch.

At least by sending it in to an RSC, I know they won't be doing anything criminal like this.

[Cerachrom12]

Originally Posted by RolexNorth

What if you don't trust a private watchmaker????

My biggest concern is that a private watchmaker will swap out Rolex parts with crappy aftermarket. If they do this to enough Rolex watches, they will end up with enough Rolex parts to build themselves a legitimate Rolex watch.

At least by sending it in to an RSC, I know they won't be doing anything criminal like this.

Sounds a bit paranoid. If an independent watchmaker was hypothetically doing what you insinuate, how long do you think he/ she would remain in business? The answer is not very long, especially with the Internet and social media.

[rouxeny]

Personally, I would go RSC all the way.

[Oyster Al]

I don't think RSC performs laser welds on cases as a service option.

[madonofrio]

Originally Posted by RolexNorth

What if you don't trust a private watchmaker????

My biggest concern is that a private watchmaker will swap out Rolex parts with crappy aftermarket. If they do this to enough Rolex watches, they will end up with enough Rolex parts to build themselves a legitimate Rolex watch.

At least by sending it in to an RSC, I know they won't be doing anything criminal like this.

Would a reliable watch maker (there a handful repeatedly endorsed here) really risk their entire business to create franken-watches? Maybe some might, but I have personally dealt with Rik (as an example), and I doubt it.

On the other hand, check out the 16800 thread in the vintage section... apparently a RSC swapped out a vintage matte dial without asking the owner.

If the watch was new and under warranty I understand using the RSC but otherwise I prefer independent.

[travisb]

Rikki is local to me and does fantastic work.

[Cerachrom12]

Originally Posted by Oyster Al

I don't think RSC performs laser welds on cases as a service option.

Nope . RSC will only replace with new. They don't fix cases or stretched bracelets

[Mystro]

Watch makers that are recommended by forum veterans obviously have a lot of experience with working with these recommended people. I would also say that because we are forum veterans, we tend to be more picky and more critical than your average owner that would use RSC. Swapping out OEM parts is not a issue.

Originally Posted by RolexNorth

What if you don't trust a private watchmaker????

My biggest concern is that a private watchmaker will swap out Rolex parts with crappy aftermarket. If they do this to enough Rolex watches, they will end up with enough Rolex parts to build themselves a legitimate Rolex watch.

At least by sending it in to an RSC, I know they won't be doing anything criminal like this.