Repair in LA Area

[milius]

Can anyone recommend a moderately priced repair service in LA area? I have a Submariner that seems as if the self winding mechanism is loose. I received an estimate from Rolex in Beverly Hills for $420 for service of the movement which seems acceptable. However, they refused to service the watch unless the hands were replaced and the winding crown was replaced under the theory that they were likely to break. The additional repairs will run it up to a $600 bill. Does this seem reasonable? Is this the going rate of repair?

[JJ Irani]

Hi Milius,

Welcome to TRF.

I can understand the hands replacement bit, but the crown replacement bit is a lot of

Under any normal service, the crown of any Rolex HAS to be replaced. After all, the crown is fitted with the waterproofing seal inside. This seal then presses against the outer stem of the watch to create a hermetic seal against all the elements.

It is, therefore, mandatory for Rolex to replace any and every crown of each and every model at time of service. Therefore, the crown replacement cost should automatically come under the service coverage.

Cheers - JJ

[dman]

Originally Posted by milius

Can anyone recommend a moderately priced repair service in LA area? I have a Submariner that seems as if the self winding mechanism is loose. I received an estimate from Rolex in Beverly Hills for $420 for service of the movement which seems acceptable. However, they refused to service the watch unless the hands were replaced and the winding crown was replaced under the theory that they were likely to break. The additional repairs will run it up to a $600 bill. Does this seem reasonable? Is this the going rate of repair?

Milius, that is the going rate, but that stuff about the hands is typical BS.

Any good competent watchmaker will be able to service and seal your Rolex. Best of luck mate, hopefully some of our Cali people can help you out a bit more.

Welcome to TRF, please stop by and post often.

[milius]

Is that the going rate for authorized rolex service only or the going rate for service on a rolex by reasonably competent unauthorized service/watchmaker?

[dman]

Originally Posted by milius

Is that the going rate for authorized rolex service only or the going rate for service on a rolex by reasonably competent unauthorized service/watchmaker?

Sorry, my bad. That is what RSC will charge you.

A local guy usually is two things different. About $150-$200 cheaper and about two weeks faster. At lest in my own personal expierence.

[Rockrolex]

Welcome to TRF, Milius.

The price RSC quoted is probably about right for them. But as Daren said, you can probably get just as good service from a competent repair person at a better price and faster. But being an East Coaster, I can't help you with an LA repair shop. I've got a really good guy locally in the DC area, but that's no help to you.

[Uncle-AJ]

Originally Posted by milius

Can anyone recommend a moderately priced repair service in LA area? I have a Submariner that seems as if the self winding mechanism is loose. I received an estimate from Rolex in Beverly Hills for $420 for service of the movement which seems acceptable. However, they refused to service the watch unless the hands were replaced and the winding crown was replaced under the theory that they were likely to break. The additional repairs will run it up to a $600 bill. Does this seem reasonable? Is this the going rate of repair?

I had my sub serviced at the local AD in Saudi Arabia. They changed the rotor and the crown assembly and the cost was $320. On top of that they only took 10 days. The repair was done by the AD's Rolex trained technichian so I'd check out another AD and compare the prices.

Sorry I forgot to say welcome to TRF.

[Vavoom]

milius,

Try Walter Gooden Inc. 2050 Bundy Drive Suite 290
Los Angeles Ca. 90025
Ph. 310 820-5952.

Good luck.

Vavoom