arRolex - how often do you service?

[EK993]

OK I know the AD's would like you to believe you need to service them at a regular interval... however I have had my GMTII since 2000, wear it every day inc to the gym etc and other than looking a little scruffy now it works perfectly and keeps perfect time.

Should I put it in for a service as its 10yrs old now or wait till something goes wrong? Similarly I have a Daytona that is 2yrs old and is hardly worn - maybe once a month maximum - should I service that?

And lastly... if I do service the GMT, I am relocating to the US at the end of Feb - is the servicing the same around the world, ie it goes back to the factory, or should I service it before I leave the UK?

[toohuge]

If the watch is keeping good time then it is not necessary for it to be serviced. If you are thinking of getting it serviced in the US then any AD will send it to the factory.

[jshell]

toohuge said:

If the watch is keeping good time then it is not necessary for it to be serviced. If you are thinking of getting it serviced in the US then any AD will send it to the factory.

There were some posts on other watch sites where people in the US reckoned their Rolexes were being serviced in-house in the USA rather than being sent to the factory, so do a little research first...

[toohuge]

jshell said:

toohuge said:

If the watch is keeping good time then it is not necessary for it to be serviced. If you are thinking of getting it serviced in the US then any AD will send it to the factory.

There were some posts on other watch sites where people in the US reckoned their Rolexes were being serviced in-house in the USA rather than being sent to the factory, so do a little research first...

OK, thanks for that. I asked in an AD whilst in Providence last February and I was told that they would send it back to the factory. Who knows?

[andy_s]

Mine went in after 7 years and I'm yet to be convinced they didn't just send me a new watch. They really come back like new. (From my vast experience...!)

[rinker]

andy s
What did they charge you?

[Wish]

I send mine and my wifes Yacht Masters in every 3 yrs.

[andy_s]

rinker said:

andy s
What did they charge you?

I think it was about £300, maybe £320/£330 but they changed the sapphire, changed a slightly cross-threaded stem and refurbed the case, pretty much as new. I think a normal service is £150 or so??

[threespins]

£160 for normal service which includes new front and they do come back like new.

[tickious]

Hi, not really necessary to get the watch serviced every 3 years, unless you use it in water, as the seals do perish in time. My sea dwellers about 5 years old now and it’s still running fine. Having said that, I will get it serviced next year to be on the safe side.
Included in a Rolex service is a full case and bracelet refurbishment, new tube, crown, glass seal, back seal, mainspring and then they’ll replace any worn wheels/parts. So anything worn after 10 years would be covered, but if you do get moisture in your watch, and it rusts, it will cost more.
Some AD’s do have watchmakers on the premises or access to one, but if you request it to be sent back to Rolex, they should. Especially important with sports models, as they have the special machinery/laps to finish the case properly. The other good thing about getting it sent back is that you get a Rolex guarantee with the service.
Sorry to go on but it’s the only thing I know anything about.


P.S. Rolex does have service centres around the world, so no worries there.

Edited by tickious on Thursday 21st January 22:41

[BladeAde]

My SD is now 13 years old (with Tritium dial), and it still keeps perfect time. Thinking of getting a service for good measure though. How long is the watch away for when serviced through an AD?

[leginigel]

BladeAde said:

My SD is now 13 years old (with Tritium dial), and it still keeps perfect time. Thinking of getting a service for good measure though. How long is the watch away for when serviced through an AD?

Yes I would like to know how longs it a away for too.

[Vipers]

Didnt have mine serviced for about 25 years, and only then because when I went for a swim, my Sea Dweller (rated to 2000 ft) got water droplets inside the glass.

The rubber "O" ring under the crown had perisied. Having said that, service cost about £300, (More than the watch cost new), looked absolutely fab when it came back, and the time keeping is now impeccible.

I think the UK workshop is in Welling? could be wrong.

[LukeBird]

^^ I'll give you £500 for it then Vipers, can't say fairer than that!

[Vipers]

LukeBird said:

^^ I'll give you £500 for it then Vipers, can't say fairer than that!

Dare I tell you I brought it around 76 ish NEW for £200? wish now I had brought a bunch of them, isn't hindsight wonderfull.

[LukeBird]

^^ Indeed.
My dad has forever regretted not buying a Rolex back in the early '80s when he was working in Saudi.
I think he said it was around £200 for a GMT Master.

[Parabola]

Could anyone recommend a place to get my 50's, wind up, Omega Seamaster serviced.
Ideally in the north of England because I don't fancy posting it anywhere!
Ta

[swinnerton]

My 20 yr old Datejust has just been serviced for the first time...cost £170 via a Rolex dealer...came back looking absolutely as new and only approx 10 secs slow per 24 hours.
Regards
Gerry