Do NOT Service Your Rolex Until You've Watched This ...

[@johnwinter5597]

Have a rolex GMT 1982 bought in 1993 wear it 7 days a week never been serviced keeps perfect time i have a outdoors manual job before that i wore a cheap timex till it fell apart

[@Elite_Sophie]

Hi Charlie, Rolex service intervals for newer watches are now 10 years, older watches are recommended for 5 year intervals

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

Hi Ellie, Thank you for your message. This is correct depending on the model and usage … if a new watch is worn every day for 5 years then it is recommended you service it. If it has had light use then this can be extended up to 10. Older models it it is definitely recommended not to push past 5 for obvious reasons. All the best Charlie

[@Elite_Sophie]

@@thehonestwatchdealer yes I agree, although there is an argument that wearing it daily can keep the oils running nice …. I have quite a few Rolex’s in my collection and most are new, but I have some vintage ones and mid 2000’s also still running perfectly one is 2006 and is accurate to 1-2 seconds a month unbelievably 😉🙏🏻

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

@@Elite_Sophie Hi yes I agree there is an argument to say the daily wear keeps the oil running nice but of course the movement will need a full overhaul and clean including new oil at some point. It all depends on the level of usage. Ah very nice , yes one of our good clients has a few 1970’s GMT’s and we have seen them surpass many scheduled services with no problems at all and still keeping amazing time like yours. The only problem is over time the parts can wear and of course these are expensive to replace. Thanks again 👍🏻👍🏻

[@rico200168]

Your 100% it’s 10 years 👍👍

[@lazyharpo]

Hi Charlie, I have just left a 10 year old 39 mm explorer in for a service as starting to lose time. They want to replace the sapphire crystal £80 as 13 chips in it in it, can only see them under magnification, is it necessary to replace? I didn't want the watch policlshed but some how they managed to get me to agree to that, I am worried I might regret the polish. Will a polish from RSC affect sharpness if lugs etc?

[@erikmaschler5383]

Just started wearing a watch. Got a vintage Submariner from a family member and a new sky-dweller. Watching your videos has been such a joy. Hope to come to north london one day.

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

Congratulations Erik! Such a stunning watch - enjoy it! 👌 Thank you for watching the channel I really appreciate it 🙏

[@bobbyw9046]

My first service was 15 years after I bought it. I sent it to Rolex in NYC. The ONLY reason I sent it in was because as I got older I had trouble seeing the actual time. The hands are 18K gold and the face was Champagne - just not enough contrast. I had a Black dial installed and they also repaired a link, changed the Bezel, Saphire Crystal, Crown and the Hands I believe. All in the complete service including freight and insurance was $1,700.00 - and that was in 2011. Since that time everything is running perfectly and I am not going to service it again until there is a reason too.

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

Ah incredible, I bet it was much easier to read with the black dial! Enjoy it mate and it will last a lifetime 👌🏻

[@5onCover]

Would love to see it.

[@LaEleB]

Hi Charlie, I've just found your channel and thank you very much for all the precious information that you provide. I'm very upset because my '70s rolex - it was gifted to my dad when he was 13 and he was born in 1956 - that I've been wearing non-stop for more than a decade - since I was 18 until now that I'm 36 - cannot be "repaired" anymore due to the fact that is too old and rolex doesn't have the internal mechanics - it has, has you mentioned because it's normal, mechanical issues and it keeps stopping and it usually delays hours and dates. I really don't know what to do because it's a classic, it has the date and it's so strange do not see it on my wrist. It has been sent to Rolex in Switzerland and they said, as I mentioned, that it's too old and they do not have the mechanism. In another place told me that to "fix it" it would have cost me 400/500 Euros, approximately the same price you said considering that it'getting older and older but now I'm not confident at all that regarding this second reseller because if rolex doesn't have the pieces, what does he put inside? It has a sentimental value to me - even if I have to keep checking time and date -, and I don't know if I should dig up a little more with the other reseller (that, honestly, can tell me whatever he wants because I cannot see what he actually put inside my watch), or buy a new one? Which is a thing that bothers me quite a lot because it's a classic model, I have it, why should I buy an exactly new one when I have it? I'm not a person that has collection of watches at all but I do love mine - I feel naked without it and it's very strange not wearing that specific watch. What would you do if you were in my shoes? Thank you very much in advance

[@chowd.a.d.8309]

What I understand from talking with several independent watchmakers at service centers for highend mechanical watches 10 year is is enough for service intervalls when using the finest and correct synthetic oils and grease. This relay both to new and vintage watches. The market has gone highwire the latest years with service intervals that are getting shorter and at a higher cost. Make sure that your service station uses the best synthetic oils and grease at the correct applications in the movement. Another sad discovery was that a non original Rolex hesalite was fitted to my vintage datejust by a certified service center, later corrected by another AD. Watch collector and friend to me had one of his datejusts for routine service at a certified shop, 6 months later the watch was not working properly and he had it in for checking at another service location, he moved home. The service station investigated and found several vital parts being replaced by non Rolex original counterfeit parts. This is a very sad story and it looks like its only the beginning since Rolex will only supply parts to AD workshops and service stations. Anybody else who had similar experiences with fake parts at service?. All the best.

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

Thank you for watching, such an unfortunate story, I can imaging there are places out here that use fake parts as you say. Always make sure to do your due diligence on the company before going ahead, or make sure they are a Rolex accredited service centre if it is a Rolex you are sending in. 🙏

[@danielbenninghoff9251]

Recently bought a 2019 Two tone Submariner. I don't wear the watch everyday. When I do wind the watch, it take at least forty plus turns to get the mechanical parts moving.

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

Ah very nice watch, have you thought about getting a watch winder? Keeping it wound might mean having to wind it less the next time

[@bobbydazzler1780]

That’s odd the watch should start ticking with only a few turns of the crown.

[@khoimavlogs5161]

Yes about 5 to 10 full rotation of crown should get watch moving. 40 plus seem to be excessive.

[@zulmaortiz1353]

@@thehonestwatchdealer is a watch winder recommended? I have one but I am hesitant to use it because of mixed reviews. I bought the Wolf.

[@thomasrusso1411]

Shake the watch it will start immediately after one or two turns

[@Greggieboy76]

Great info mate - top stuff as always!!

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

Thank you mate it’s much appreciated 🙌🏼

[@paullewis266]

Thank you for this informative video Charlie , I did wonder how the service side of Rolex worked , well done mate .

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

Your welcome Paul, glad you enjoyed the video and as always thanks for tuning in 👌🏻🙌🏼

[@paullewis266]

@@thehonestwatchdealer pleasure mate

[@MKLDNGR]

if you got a car that is not moving for long time, you need to service it and the cost will be massive. Parts will be rotten, battery will be gone and many other things.

[@imtherealjoeyd]

On rolex website it states 10 years between services if no issues

[@BasilAnthem]

My last Rolex service was a bi metal Daytona, including a new button and new glass the cost was £1100 approx. and the service took 4 months

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

Exactly Basil… unfortunately the Rolex service centre do like to charge for extras including new glass and crown … and more. I see you have been on the receiving end of this.

[@BasilAnthem]

@@thehonestwatchdealer to be fair it was during one of the lockdowns and the watch was beautiful upon its return. It didn’t need a new crown and they didn’t return the 18ct old one! Bit cheeky but 🤷

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

@@BasilAnthem that’s Rolex ! :) They do an amazing job tho 🙌🏼

[@gheslop3440]

Ive got a 1991 GMT Master (16700) and it still has the original tritium dial. From your experience, if I sent this to Rolex for a service and they deemed it needed replacing (for whatever reason) am I able to request they leave it in the watch?

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

Of course, you can tell them not to replace it 👍

[@slowlesaca8634]

Just want to mention that the oils will oxidize over the years, whether it running or not. So yeah, the watch will still be in perfect condition if it sits without running - but if the oil gets too old and gummy, it might not keep good time.

[@InTimeMiami]

Any good watchmaker will use synthetic oils and greases and they do not need to be ran. Watchmaking has came a long way

[@mrfixit100]

The synthetic oils now used have a shelf life of five to six years before they start to deteriorate losing the ability to stop friction of the moving parts, if the timepiece is constantly worn and you want to keep it in tip top condition the ideal service time is every five years and if only worn occasionally then every ten years. Also the silicone rubber case back and crown seals will age and deteriorate over a period of time so will need to be replaced. So anyone who says a watch doesn't need to be serviced even if it hasn't been worn for ten twenty thirty years is talking out of their backside.

[@panji1147]

I just got gmt master 1675/3 from my father, he got it from my grandfather so its kinda like family heirloom. I bringt it to rolex service center today, and it cost 2400$ to repair it, actually the watch it still working but my guess is many parts already worn out, no wonder this watch more or less around 60years

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

Oh wow definitely an heirloom! I bet that watch has some great stories to tell. Cherish that one and keep passing down 👌🏻

[@ShivrajJogur-i9d]

When i keep my watch in box for long hours my watch stops. What should i do to keep its time showing for more that 5-6 hours

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

You could invest in a watch winder mate! Great way to keep the timepiece ticking 🙌

[@Geor9e]

Hey Charlie, what if your watch is brand new 2022 bought from Grey Market and you took it to a watch maker and they opened the case back (My fault for doing it) and they touched the rotor without gloves (inexperienced watchmaker for doing that. They should have told me not to open and ran a different test)? Should I send it into RSC for piece of mind to do an auth check plus see if the watch accuracy is fine? At this point if the watchmaker I took it to opened case back and tocuhed movement am not confident she did a valid auth check.

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

Hi George, This is a very good question actually. We are doing a Q&A shoot next week and have chosen this question as one of them so we will give you the full unedited version live on the night 👌🏻

[@Geor9e]

@@thehonestwatchdealer, was the Q&A video coming out this week? I was checking last week and didn't see it thought it was probably delayed for some reason. I was looking forward to getting your insights for the question above.

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

@@Geor9e Hi George, Yes we shot a Q and A video last week and will be coming out shortly. Your question was one of them that we covered… it will be either this week or next .. stay tuned 😃

[@grantmail4112]

Can you tell if a Rolex has been left in a volt from new unused for 10 yrs... after only being worn less than a few weeks after purchase.. and not just polished like new? without any service history?

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

Yes so you can tell if a watch has been on the wrist even once if you know what you are looking for 👍

[@MyVideosWillCalmU]

Your video's are informative and as I said on another post refreshing. This is the sort of info that I like to hear. Been subbed since you started. Just catching up on your videos, great channel 🇬🇧👊🏾

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

Thank you for watching our videos and subscribing it much appreciated 👌🏻glad your enjoying it 👍🏻👍🏻

[@MyVideosWillCalmU]

@@thehonestwatchdealer 😎💯👊🏾

[@mr.thinkpositive9962]

Hello, are you saying that my 19 year old Submariner that has been worn only a few dozen times does not need service?

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

Hi, thank you for your comment. In your case I would say get it serviced. A few dozen times and 19 years old would benefit from a service for the longevity of your watch. All the best Charlie

[@teenoso4069]

Is it true Rolex service centre will change parts they deem a risk to performance even without the owners authorisation eg hands?

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

Rolex are known to swap out original parts during the service. We'd always advise specifically asking them to retain the original components so not to devalue and ruin the collectability of a vintage piece! 🙌

[@jono8606]

I’ve only serviced a watch when it’s stopped working. They don’t need servicing that often - particularly if worn all the time.

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

Very true! Especially with modern Rolex’s

[@thomasrusso1411]

Exactly

[@goodriddance86]

I guess that the Sky-Dweller, with the annual calender complication, is also the most expensive Rolex model to service, no? Good informative vid by the way.

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

It’s definitely there yes! Thank you mate really appreciate it 🙌

[@davidcrawford8583]

I have a 1967 Datejust, I was quoted £695 the other month in Newcastle, not AD either. I declined and took it away.

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

Wise move 👌🏻

[@topcat4643]

Uhmm. I’ve have my 18ct GMTMaster 1. Bought new in 1991. Serviced and specific repairs required to issues mainly winder seal i.e. gold crown pin worn, hence let’s in water, had that a few times. Most recent service was undertaken by Rolex Dealer Alicante, Spain total repair and service €2,335…WHY….well last main (specific damage) repairs and service was 2009 & 2016 respectively, but the crown winder pin was wearing again, and it managed to let in our Villas swimming pool chlorinated water, so a lot of internal parts I guess damaged. It took 5 months with a lot of new internal parts required, the list of the work went on for ever 😮😮😂😂: new face, crown pin, all seals, day, date calendar mechanism, glass, bezel, bracelet pins….and a lot a lot ……of new internal movement parts, of which 2 had to be specially made by Rolex Switzerland as those stock parts aren’t available off the shelf anymore. So really buggered up the watch inside!, so never fill your Rolex up with pool water…..ouch?. But the watch came back gleaming and looking like brand new, as I had some dings etc on the side of the body and they were all polished out. Like anything really if you buy a Ferrari be expected to be able to service it. Same for a heritage gold Rolex model 😊

[@gavinwhite9743]

Great advice, good to know

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

Thank you mate appreciate that!

[@swishyboi7444]

Watches look good but servicing and that high cost is annoying. Do i really desperately need watch as a jewlery piece?

[@pablozorro3507]

I understand the Rolex guarantee to be 5 years so why would a watch less than 5 years need servicing? In addition, I have heard that 10 years is the norm for Rolex watches, which only have basic complications compared to some other brands.

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

Hi Pablo, Yes this is correct, new models they recommend every 8-10 years and older models every 4/5 as of course everything that gets older needs a little more looking after 👍🏻🤓

[@KaayJaay]

No polish please especially on Precious Metal (PM) watches

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

Best left unpolished indeed!

[@KaayJaay]

Exactly!! Keep gold 18k scratches. Polish removes gold. Just get internals looked at

[@1bluensx]

I don’t trust dealers. I brought in a Breitling to an authorized dealer, in Princeton NJ. I got it back 3 months later, same issue (stripped crown). They never even fixed it, but certainly tried to charge me. I knew at pickup it wasn’t fixed. The crown had the same ding in it, but dealer said they replaced the whole thing. Liars. Then they ended up not charging me,,stating not to give them a negative review on social media. Well I didn’t give up their name

[@RocioMartinez-qn3ky]

I was not aware of the service time and the amount of money …now I just want to sell it .

[@Archer335]

I waited 8 months for my 1968 Omega Seamaster, because it had to go to HQ in Switzerland.

[@bobbydazzler1780]

Note a service for a watch >10 years is considered a ‘classic’ watch by Rolex and is priced at c25% more than a standard service. Perhaps vintage is even more (beyond my experience as all mine are under a decade old). If it’s had light infrequent rotation use I’d suggest every 10 years just to keep the lubrication and pressure test up to scratch.

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

Some great advice there mate 👌🏻

[@mrfixit100]

The synthetic oils now used have a shelf life of five to six years before they start to deteriorate losing the ability to stop friction of the moving parts, if the timepiece is constantly worn and you want to keep it in tip top condition the ideal service time is every five years and if only worn occasionally then every ten years. Also the silicone rubber case back and crown seals will age and deteriorate over a period of time so will need to be replaced. So anyone who says a watch doesn't need to be serviced even if it hasn't been worn for ten twenty thirty years is talking out of their backside.

[@MrHitthespot]

I bought a Rolex two tone Blue Submariner around 15 years ago. Wore it off and on for around two years. Actual seen very little wrist time. Looked terrible. The gold and stainless was scratched something awful. Sent it in for service. Was charged $800.00 for a cleaning and polish. Was also told the band had some stretch and should be replaced at a cost of $1800.00. I declined. Paid the 800, and sold the watch immediately. No thanks.

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

Ah very sorry to hear that - yes the servicing can end up being quite costly! Great news on the sale 👌

[@leeloopatsy]

I have three Rolex. One bought in 1973, one in 1979 and one in 2001. None of these three watches have had a service and all three are still running very well today in 2024. So maybe it's a mistake not to do it but as long as it works well, I don't see the point of going for a revision. In addition, I learned that, on these old watches, during the revision, Rolex can change a lot of things, like the hands, the dial, etc. which makes these so-called vintage watches lose all their value.

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

1 Million% mate! It's always a risk that Rolex could replace original parts and devalue a vintage piece! If it's in perfect working order, there's no real need to do anything to it 🙌

[@NathanHassall]

I bought my datejust when i was 21...Im 44 now and it still keeps excellent time. No servicing. No need for a service. A service through Rolex has a fixed service price for reference numbers it wont cost more for a service because your watch needed any particular part to be replaced. Getting a watch serviced every 5 years is a fools ritual.

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

So great to hear it has been running so well all this time! 🙌

[@suemaplesden7921]

Why are Rolex telling me they can't service a watch ss it has been unofficially looked at more than twice?

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

Ah is it still under warranty? I believe third party work carried out voids the warranty, could this be it?

[@webbezzy]

Do AD’s always polish watches sent in for the service? Can we ask them not to polish them?

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

Yes they do and yes you can. You can request just the movement serviced.

[@webbezzy]

@@thehonestwatchdealer Thanks for the clarification and good work.

[@kevinbarefoot8949]

10 yrs for newer watches and those prices sound cheap too

[@mattkewley2001]

£700 ADs now quoting as basic cost for a submariner service

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

Yes that sounds about right for these days.

[@1bluensx]

Don’t service your Rolex until it breaks. Otherwise, just a waste of money. My yachtmaster is 5 years old. I’ve worn it about 50x. Why would I service it

[@Spook291]

Service every 5 years is ridiculous. Wear it until it stops working. Only get it pressure tested every year or two.

[@haping1]

After 4 to 5 years service😅 I guess you're sponsored by the brands. Nowadays we use synthetic oils and the service interval can be postponed to 7 to 10 years.... After a Rolex service, your watch is brand new (new movement, dial and hands and case polished). If you have any sentimental value to the watch, go visit an independent watchmaker. The original components are actually serviced....

[@c5vette739]

Rolex website recommends servicing every 10 years.

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

Yes this is correct, all new watches should be serviced every 8-10 years. Older models every 3-4/5 years.

[@RMD992-f2n]

i only want to service my watch so they can authenticate it.

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

👌🏻

[@LabofmusicRecords]

It's a money making maschine... you can bouy any good quality watch like Rolex, Omega, IWC... etc. an do NOT andy service 30-40 years. no problem ;-)

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

It is a money making machine but I wouldn’t leave your watch this long as it will wear parts and cost you more in the long run to replace 👍🏻

[@IridiumZero]

The thing nobody ever mentions is that waterproofing gaskets degrade, regardless of whether it's worn or kept in a vault. If one fails and you get water ingress, you're f***ed. I don't understand this thing some people have, where they want a complex luxury mechanical instrument, but begrudge having it maintained every several years.

[@jaywilliams9329]

It's every 10 years

[@khoimavlogs5161]

Service every 5 years seem unnecessary. I think modern Rolex every 10 years or more should be ok unless you really beat up your Rolex.

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

These days on modern models, it's suggested to service every 8-10 years 🙌

[@easycoding8255]

I'm not going every 5 years lol, 10 years will suffice.

[@thomasrusso1411]

Service a watch when it’s not working every 5 years nonsense

[@tonykazz2779]

Its hard to trust people covered in Tattoo !

[@Car_Porn]

What a stupid comment

[@Richard-y5u]

Rolex website says every ten years for service.

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

Yes the newer models are recommend for 8-10 years 👍