When having a watch serviced at an Authorized dealer, is this specifically at a Rolex Service Center like Beverly Hills or New York? Or are there other places as well? When buying a watch from someone and they say AD service papers, does this always mean an RSC? Thanks for the clarification.

Fred

Some ADs perform services in-house, but these services will not result in getting the sought after Rolex Service Paperwork. I know this from experience. You may get a receipt for service that does not even mention Rolex and they cost the same sending it to a RSC!

I believe that ADs no longer have access to Service Dials, casebacks or bracelets.

The only advantage to having an AD perform service, is they are often more lenient and follow instructions better involving keeping original dials and hands. ADs will also work on Rolex watches that may have replaced bezels, dials, etc. where a RSC would have refused service (example being an aftermarket diamond bezel on a Rolex Day Date would make the watch un-serviceable at RSC, but an AD will most likely still provide service on the watch).

cheers, Bart

Thanks Bart. Good information to follow.

Fred

AD's must have a Rolex approved watchmaker on the premises. (or within the group)

This was made part of the AD's contracts a few years back as an effort to reduce servicing turn around times in the uk. At that time it was taking 8 weeks to get your watch back.

The idea was that the AD's could do mainly datejust work, leaving bexley free to concentrate on the other models and turn them around in 6 weeks or less.

I have seen some watches serviced by AD's and I was not impressed.
The case polishing was embarrassing.

I have heard of watches that have been back to Rolex "5 times" and they still don't work. When the caseback was removed there was not a single service mark from an RSC.

Today UK RSC turn around is up to 10 weeks.

Well worth the wait...

So should someone get a watch serviced before they put it up for sale or sell as is?

Fred

It's pretty hard for a buyer to complain if the item has RSC service papers or at least a receipt from a reputable Rolex trained jeweller.

Concentrating on RSC papers, in the end the choice will be yours as to whether you can recoup the extra funds spent on the service via an increased sale price. In some situations it is arguable that RSC service papers aid the sale beyond their cost. The latter would apply mainly to models which are losing RSC support or which have specialty dials.

I agree with Barts assesment of the AD's ability to reach the same level of perfection that a RSC can in regards to polishing a case, also agree with the perception that paperwork from a RCS can add value.

When it comes to protecting the originality of a vintage watch an AD is a better choice...for me. Case in point...I was able to keep the original superdome, crown and tube in a watch that a RSC would have refused to service. Since I didn't want to polish the case and remove the history that I initially found appealing and only wanted to make sure the movement was in top condition and the case was water proof....having it serviced at the AD by a Rolex certified tech was the best option for me.

In summary the only thing that you get at a RSC vs AD is a correctly polished case and a piece of paper...neither of which is that important to me.

Best

Jay