First RSC Service- "Optional Service" Question

[olisilver]

Hi All!

Looking for some advice.
I dropped my 116523 "black dial" off at my local AD to be sent for service and just received a quote back from RSC.

The quote is broken down into 2 different categories: Necessary Service & Optional Service.

I am 100% opting for the necessary service (full watch service and crown replacement) however I would like some input on whether or not to approve the optional service.

Optional Service includes:
1) Replace Dial
2) Replace Hands

Now- the reason I need help is because I have never noticed any imperfections on the dial or hands (and I am quite meticulous with all of my watches).
That being said, I don't want to receive the watch back and suddenly notice said imperfections.

Side note- the watch is about 8 years old & I plan on selling this year.

Any advice would be helpful as I am having a hard time deciding what to do

THANK YOU!

[JasoninDenver]

Do NOT replace hands and dial unless damaged. Original dials are highly coveted in older models especially.

[Jerrocop]

If it's not broken don't fix it. You've looked at that dial for 8 years and haven't noticed any imperfections so why change? The only acceptable argument for changing would be new dial/hands=new lume (one of my favorite things about Rolex watches in general)

[watchmaker]

What reason have they given for proposing a new dial and hands? It is never suggested without cause.

[Wristwatcherboy]

My understanding is that the hands should be replaced, as during the removal process in order to service the watch there is always a chance they may be damaged as it is not entirely easy or without complication to remove them, so new hands are always advised.

[olisilver]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

What reason have they given for proposing a new dial and hands? It is never suggested without cause.

Dial scratched, hands scratched.
I spoke to my AD and she told me they always state the smallest imperfections while looking under the loop.

[olisilver]

Originally Posted by Wristwatcherboy

My understanding is that the hands should be replaced, as during the removal process in order to service the watch there is always a chance they may be damaged as it is not entirely easy or without complication to remove them, so new hands are always advised.

If I replace the hands & not the dial, I would think the lume would be different on both- potentially making it a bit less easy to look at at night

[DPE]

Do you get he old taken off parts back ?

[olisilver]

Originally Posted by DPE

Do you get he old taken off parts back ?

Unfortunately no, it would be an easy decision if I did.
All repairs on done on a "Trade In" Basis

[olisilver]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

What reason have they given for proposing a new dial and hands? It is never suggested without cause.

Dial and Hands Scratched on description.
Maybe seen much easier under the loop?

[Sublovin]

In my opinion, if you are selling an 8 year old watch this year, you are not going to recoup the money spent on service. You would be better off refusing altogether and sell it as-is.

[watchmaker]

Originally Posted by Sublovin

In my opinion, if you are selling an 8 year and of datejust this year, you are not going to recoup the money spent on service. You would be better off refusing altogether and sell it as-is.

I agree with this.

But I wouldn’t shy away from a service dial as there is nothing special about an 8 year old Dayton dial that would be ‘ruined’ if it were replaced.

[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by Wristwatcherboy

My understanding is that the hands should be replaced, as during the removal process in order to service the watch there is always a chance they may be damaged as it is not entirely easy or without complication to remove them, so new hands are always advised.

For real? Nonsense. There is a tool to safely remove and install hands without incurring damage. All watchmakers have it. Only logical reason to replace original hands is if there is damaged lume visible under magnification and that lume is likely to fall off and possibly enter the movement.

[watchmaker]

Originally Posted by Bigblu10

For real? Nonsense. There is a tool to safely remove and install hands without incurring damage. All watchmakers have it. Only logical reason to replace original hands is if there is damaged lume visible under magnification and that lume is likely to fall off and possibly enter the movement.

Not true. Even the most skilled watchmaker can damage hands that are fitted tightly. But that would not be charged to the customer if it happened.

[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

Not true. Even the most skilled watchmaker can damage hands that are fitted tightly. But that would not be charged to the customer if it happened.

In the case of the OP, why are they recommending new hands and dial then? Purely aesthetic reasons? Sometimes I just don't understand the RSC's rationale? If they damage the hands, then as you say they will be replaced at no charge to OP. A new dial is likely another $500 added to the bill. Why?

[supernova]

Do not do any optional unless you really feel you need to. When I serviced my GMT, they recommended a crystal replacement for something like €500 even though it looked perfect to me so I declined the offer.

If there were problems with operation or waterproofness, they would have insisted or would have failed the test.

[olisilver]

Originally Posted by Bigblu10

In the case of the OP, why are they recommending new hands and dial then? Purely aesthetic reasons? Sometimes I just don't understand the RSC's rationale? If they damage the hands, then as you say they will be replaced at no charge to OP. A new dial is likely another $500 added to the bill. Why?

Just aesthetic reasons per my understanding.

[olisilver]

Originally Posted by supernova

Do not do any optional unless you really feel you need to. When I serviced my GMT, they recommended a crystal replacement for something like €500 even though it looked perfect to me so I declined the offer.

If there were problems with operation or waterproofness, they would have insisted or would have failed the test.

I think I will call them on monday and ask how noticeable to the naked eye the "scratches" are...

[watchmaker]

Originally Posted by Bigblu10

In the case of the OP, why are they recommending new hands and dial then? Purely aesthetic reasons? Sometimes I just don't understand the RSC's rationale? If they damage the hands, then as you say they will be replaced at no charge to OP. A new dial is likely another $500 added to the bill. Why?

There is obviously some marks/damage on them that has prompted them to suggest changing them. The estimate the op has received will explain why they have suggested it.

[watchmaker]

Originally Posted by olisilver

I think I will call them on monday and ask how noticeable to the naked eye the "scratches" are...

You won’t revive an estimate suggesting you replace parts for aesthetic reasons only if it is not visible to the naked eye. As for ‘how visible’ they are, as you have suggested contacting Rolex is the best bet.

[olisilver]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

You won’t revive an estimate suggesting you replace parts for aesthetic reasons only if it is not visible to the naked eye. As for ‘how visible’ they are, as you have suggested contacting Rolex is the best bet.

• Hands Scratched
• Dial Scratched

Were the remarks. Cost for dial is 600 excl tax and hands totals $213 excl tax

[watchmaker]

Originally Posted by olisilver

• Hands Scratched
• Dial Scratched

Were the remarks. Cost for dial is 600 excl tax and hands totals $213 excl tax

As was mentioned previously if you are planning to sell the watch within the next year you are unlikely to recoup the cost of replacing these optional parts. Best just going for the mandatory items.

[brandog]

In my opinion the whole service process with Rolex is the most confusing and ambiguous part of this company. Every AD I visit I honestly getting different information on when/how to service my watch. Some AD's say my warranty gets voided if they even touch the watch before 5 years. Some say parts of servicing the watch are free. Some say don't bring the watch in for service unless something isn't working on it. Some say bring it in at 5 years no matter what.

I wish Rolex servicing, at least on their newer models, was more transparent similar to luxury car service intervals where they tell you exactly what to do and when on your watch as well as the cost breakdowns.

Just a thought.

[supernova]

Originally Posted by olisilver

I think I will call them on monday and ask how noticeable to the naked eye the "scratches" are...

If you didn't notice in the years you've owned it prior, then I suggest you politely decline the offer to replace.

[FreshPrince14]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

As was mentioned previously if you are planning to sell the watch within the next year you are unlikely to recoup the cost of replacing these optional parts. Best just going for the mandatory items.

I second this

Sent from my CLT-L09 using Tapatalk

[olisilver]

Originally Posted by brandog

In my opinion the whole service process with Rolex is the most confusing and ambiguous part of this company. Every AD I visit I honestly getting different information on when/how to service my watch. Some AD's say my warranty gets voided if they even touch the watch before 5 years. Some say parts of servicing the watch are free. Some say don't bring the watch in for service unless something isn't working on it. Some say bring it in at 5 years no matter what.

I wish Rolex servicing, at least on their newer models, was more transparent similar to luxury car service intervals where they tell you exactly what to do and when on your watch as well as the cost breakdowns.

Just a thought.

+1 on this.
I have asked several different ADs just to get numerous opinions and I have gotten different response/pricing. One things for sure- its usually the higher end of pricing that i'm stuck with.

[olisilver]

Originally Posted by supernova

If you didn't notice in the years you've owned it prior, then I suggest you politely decline the offer to replace.

I am 99% this is the route I will take.

[Bob the brush]

I am waiting for the return of my 116710 from RSC service, watch is 2008 vintage, and was starting to run erratically. The quote came back with the option of changing the hands, as one was scratched. I initially agreed to this 'extra' however, after mulling it over for a day of so, (this was over the Easter break) I rang them, and the person I spoke to knew the watch as he had done the inspection quote, and went and fetched it. I explained my dilemma that I was now unsure whether to make the change, as I had not seen any scratched hands. He inspected the watch, and said the scratched hands were visible under magnification. My other concern was that as the watch was from 2008, this was the around the time Rolex changed luminous material used from superluminova to chromalight and as my hands glowed green I didn't want blue glowing hands if they replaced them. He assured me they would glow the same colour, only 11 years brighter! On balance, I decided not to make the change, and he agreed with that decision. I was very happy with the whole experience, very professional, knowledgeable friendly person dealt with me, and I am now just waiting for the letter to say my watch is ready for collection.

[Bob the brush]

I am waiting for the return of my 116710 from RSC service, watch is 2008 vintage, and was starting to run erratically. The quote came back with the option of changing the hands, as one was scratched. I initially agreed to this 'extra' however, after mulling it over for a day of so, (this was over the Easter break) I rang them, and the person I spoke to knew the watch as he had done the inspection quote, and went and fetched it. I explained my dilemma that I was now unsure whether to make the change, as I had not seen any scratched hands. He inspected the watch, and said the scratched hands were visible under magnification. My other concern was that as the watch was from 2008, this was the around the time Rolex changed luminous material used from superluminova to chromalight and as my hands glowed green I didn't want blue glowing hands if they replaced them. He assured me they would glow the same colour, only 11 years brighter! On balance, I decided not to make the change, and he agreed with that decision. I was very happy with the whole experience, very professional, knowledgeable friendly person dealt with me, and I am now just waiting for the letter to say my watch is ready for collection.

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by Bigblu10

For real? Nonsense. There is a tool to safely remove and install hands without incurring damage. All watchmakers have it. Only logical reason to replace original hands is if there is damaged lume visible under magnification and that lume is likely to fall off and possibly enter the movement.

Plenty of tools to remove hands safely. But sometimes you just accidentally damage them, it happens no matter how skilled and experienced the watchmaker is.

When I make a service estimate and see that the hands are even slightly damaged I will make it optional, if there's a lot of damage and loose lume it is necessary.

99.9% of Rolex owners are not like us 'WIS', and don't care about service dials, what lume/patina there is, they just want their watch fixed and look as pristine as possible again.