Visit to the San Francisco RSC

[takashi78]

I serviced my AirKing and Sea Dweller there before and i absolutely love their work.
They are the only service center approved by Rolex which is not RSC.

The old watchmaker retired and now is run by his apprentice i think. Whole Italian team.

Just thought i visit them and have my Explorer checked out since i bought it used and dont know any service record.

Good news, although it hasnt been serviced since it was manufactured in 2000 the watch maker says the oil is still healthy inside and could run for another 6month-12month of continued use.

I dont know the wearing method of the previous owner so this gives a good indication how long between service.

My SD went for 7yrs of daily use before it needed service, and even then when they took out the caseback everything inside looks new.

My watch left the place with a free bracelet cleaning and water pressure test. Great customer service there.

Watchmaker told me that the price increase for service is mostly due to Rolex increasing the price for the parts.

How much to service my Explorer? USD590 for complete overhaul.
Anyone has any idea how much in Malaysia?

Now for some pics of the establishment.

[danny]

Hi Peter,
Good report. Were you wearing a spy cam to take those pics of the service center?
It's great to know that a typical Rolex like the Explorer can go for 10 years without service.
You mentioned that your SD went for 7 years before requiring service. What prompted you to send it in?
Did the watch suddenly stop ticking or was it slowing down appreciably?

 

[takashi78]

Nah i just took the pics when the watchmaker went back to check the watch.

Well i believe in preventive maintenance, so i figured 7yrs daily wear when the "manufacturer suggested" is 5yrs is good.

At that time my SD was still going strong at +2 per day.

One thing i wondered how they can see that the oils are thinning or drying out.

[danny]

Well i believe in preventive maintenance, so i figured 7yrs daily wear when the "manufacturer suggested" is 5yrs is good.

At that time my SD was still going strong at +2 per day.

Well, it's really comforting to hear that the SD was still running within COSC specifications after 7 years of continuous use.
It goes to show the quality and durability of the Rolex 3135 automatic caliber. 

 

[Gigi]

Peter,

That is really nice report. How i wish malaysia have a established watch industry. Btw Just being curious, do they service vintage rolexes?

[takashi78]

I think as long as they have parts they do.

[ck77]

Not suprising, Rolex is famous for its robust movement.
Thanks for sharing. 
And Gong Xi Fa Cai in USA 

[dennis.T]

Do they open the case in front of u? U should ask them how they justify the oil lubricant life shell.. Color? Feel? Smell?

[takashi78]

He took it back to the work bench to open.

[shifter]

The price does sound a bit high for me though I have not serviced my rollie before in M'sia. I would hazard a RM1.5k service at best assuming the overhaul does not require extraordinary parts compared to a regular overhaul. If your definition of good service makes the amount worthwhile, then i guess it is all fair then...