here is the long story, i guess RSC couldnt care much abt retaining the original parts for vintage watch and the price is not reasonable at all:
I recently inherited a Dual tone Date Just 1601 but it is not in a tip top condition since the watch is over 40yrs old (based on my own research). The dail and movement still functional and looking good but there are also other visible wear and tear problems eg:
1) dirty and sratches all over the case
2) patina formed on the fluted Bezel and crown
3) crystal is badly scratched
4) jubilee bracelet is loose and dirty
5) crown is loose
So, i wanted to revive this beauty and my friends told me to go straight to our one and only rolex service center in KL. Since i have no clue or do not know any reputable vintage watch service centre, i went there with a hopeful mind.
After the initial quote, discussion, and further consultation with their sales person, i am really lost and in doubt whether i should continue with them to restore my watch. Here are a few things which i find quite rigid and doesn't make sense (to me), not sure any sifus here face the same problem.
1) They claim their basic package includes cleaning, checking, water test, case polishing, crystal and crown replacement, etc. I'm ok with the polishing and crystal replacement but not the crown replacement coz the new crown looks completely different and brand-new. So when i told them im opting out the new crown, apart from not reducing the basic package price nor give me the new crown as spare, they are not willing to polish the watch too because it will compromise the original crown fitting connecting to the tube (doesn't make sense to me even after the explanation but i had to accept because they are the rolex professional right?). So for this basic package, i have no choice but to follow as instructed or they will only replace the crystal and cleaning for a whopping of 2.9k. I even ask, if i accept the new crown, would they return my original crown?... the answer is a BIG NO! coz thats the HQ policy, they will never return replacement parts! I find this really weird, coz i wanted to keep all the original part since this a vintage watch afterall and it has sentimental value. She wont budge at all
![Sad :(](https://www.malaysiawatchforum.com/Smileys/Custom1/sad.gif)
2) They said the back case is a bit eroded so need replacement. Same problem here, the new replacement has a completely different engraving text. Even the serial number is different and they wont return the old one if they replace it. I can still accept this and not to replace since it cost extra and i just have to live with the risk of non water resistant. Something i need to consider and is a fair option.
3) They said the jubilee bracelet is not genuine and they will not proceed with the servicing if the set (watch + strap) is not genuine unless i get the original strap from them. I had no choice but to opt for the original leather strap they offered coz the new jubilee cost 18k and it probably doesn't match the vintage look of this watch. Again, i have no one to verify but to follow since they are ROLEX!! But they suspect the watch COULD be genuine coz it has all the serial numbers and attributes. So they will only service if i buy the leather strap from them or bring in a genuine set. Now it makes me wonder, why the hell the watch has a genuine face but a fake bracelet. Unfortunately, i will never know coz i inherited it and there was no cert or original box.
4) They also "SUSPECT" there are other parts that need replacement which the total cost come to a whopping of 10k in total. Again this is not something i can decide later, they need me to agree and willing to pay this amount upfront and in the event it needs replacement, they WILL replace and charge without notifying. Basically saying it is thier call to make and you better be prepare to pay this amount.
SO, GURUS AND SIFU, can you shed some light and teach me what to do? Should i pay a rejection fee and go to someone else? or i should proceed with them?
Is there any OTHER REPUTABLE vintage rolex service shop in Klang valley that is abit more flexible and reasonable than our ONE & ONLY ROLEX SERVICE CENTER in KL?