Kudos to Rolex

[paduncan]

Just got my Rolex Submariner 16610 back after only 4 weeks away at the Spa. They did an absolute stunning job. Replaced bezel insert, polished bracelet and case/case back, serviced movement. 4 weeks is a superb turnaround time, and the watch looks absolutely brand new.

Here is a pic of a portion of my collection (sorry for the blurry picture, but I don't have a tripod). from upper left to bottom right: TAG Carerra, Oris BC3 Plus, original Accutron Spaceview, Accutron Oxford Chronograph, Accutron Chronograph (not sure model, but it is about 20 years old), Omega 200m Seamaster Automatic circa early 90's, OMEGA Bond SMP 2007, Omega SMP 2254.50 on rubber strap, Rolex Submariner 16610 circa 1991, RADO DiaStar late 80's model. Middle: Rolex Cellini Geneve.

http://peterduncan.net/Watches.JPG

[mrsnak]

Nice to see someone else with a Spaceview. Mine's a '64.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j284/mrsnak/spaceview.jpg

[paduncan]

Very cool! If you like the "sweep" second hand this has the ultimate sweeping motion...watch runs a little fast gains 2-3 minutes per month.

Nice to see someone else with a Spaceview. Mine's a '64.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j284/mrsnak/spaceview.jpg

[mrsnak]

Very cool! If you like the "sweep" second hand this has the ultimate sweeping motion...watch runs a little fast gains 2-3 minutes per month.

300 teeth on that index wheel makes that smooth sweep!

Mine is a tad better, but I've got a '74 218 666 Diver that amazes me with only a minute loss every few months.

Those with Omega tuning fork watches, how do you folks fare with accuracy?

[CajunMike]

What was the service cost, if I may ask?

[paduncan]

What was the service cost, if I may ask?

Around $600 for complete movement overhaul, replace triplock mechanism and o-rings, replace bezel insert, polish bracelet, polish case.

I can tell they really went over it with a fine toothed comb. Even the clasp snaps more firmly. The watch looks virtually brand new, has that Rolex "luster" again. Bezel is silky smooth, has the perfect amount of pressure needed to turn it - not too easy to turn and not too hard to turn.

I don't want to get into a Rolex vs. Omega war here, but I have sent watches away to Omega for similar servicing and it took like 2 months to get the watch back (and they didn't replace the bezel insert). Additionally, I sent a vintage constellation to Bienne, and after 3 and a half months, it came back with absolutely no work done to it with a nice cryptic, "no parts available, no service performed" message. One would think that Omega would have a notice sent to jewlery stores / watch makers stating which Omegas can and can't be serviced, but perhaps that is asking too much :-(

[Phrooq]

I've yet to have my Omega serviced, but when I had my Sub serviced last year, it too came back looking brand new. After 5 years of constant wear it was starting to look a little shabby, so I'm really impressed with what Rolex did. The watch didn't really need a service as it was keeping perfect time - I just happened to have a free service thrown in when I purchased the watch and it had to be used within 5 years. The dealer refused to discount the watch but when I asked for a free service he agreed almost straight away.

[paduncan]

Just an update: After 2 days of setting my watch to the atomic clock, Rolex submariner is running 4 seconds fast, which is in range of COSC tolerance.