So this happened. My darling, sweet 4 year old decided to see how far he could chuck my Rolex. He's got a pretty good arm. It landed on stone tile and it's now missing a corner. Advice? I'm wondering if it can be sanded down or if the whole piece will have to be replaced. I don't wear it as much as I used to. So I don't want to lay out a ton of cash for it to sit in my jewelry box. Bright side, maybe it's the little nudge I need to get the husband to buy me the Cartier I've been eyeing.
Rolex Woes
- Thread starter coxswain1
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So this happened. My darling, sweet 4 year old decided to see how far he could chuck my Rolex. He's got a pretty good arm. It landed on stone tile and it's now missing a corner. Advice? I'm wondering if it can be sanded down or if the whole piece will have to be replaced. I don't wear it as much as I used to. So I don't want to lay out a ton of cash for it to sit in my jewelry box. Bright side, maybe it's the little nudge I need to get the husband to buy me the Cartier I've been eyeing.Your four year old DOES have a good arm! A certified Rolex dealer would be a good source for advice. Then you could weigh the costs and/or appearance of buffing it out vs replacing the piece. Sometimes even photos don't do justice, but from this angle, I think a good buff would work OK. Then it might be one of those things that no one else notices but you. Good luck! Please keep us informed of your decision. I'd be interested to know how it works out.
Thanks for your reply. The jeweler where I bought it won't touch it. It's too deep to buff it without changing the shape of the case. They can send it to Rolex in PA to see if they will replace the piece. But no guarantees, it may just be sent back untouched. If they do work on it, minimum low ball estimate of $700. Oh well. My son better win the Cy Young award when he's older.
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Thanks for your reply. The jeweler where I bought it won't touch it. It's too deep to buff it without changing the shape of the case. They can send it to Rolex in PA to see if they will replace the piece. But no guarantees, it may just be sent back untouched. If they do work on it, minimum low ball estimate of $700. Oh well. My son better win the Cy Young award when he's older.[/QUOTE]
So when you say "if they do work on it", does that mean a buff if a buff would work after they see it in their hands? Or does that mean a replacement part would be at least $700? I mean, if were the actual replacement part, is it $700 or $700 plus labor? When I had my all gold Rolex simply cleaned a few months ago, it was $1200, which was fine by me because it was due. The store that did it had a certified guy who'd been through the Rolex program in Switzerland. There was a time when if you needed Rolex service they'd have to ship it to Switzerland and you'd get it back after a few months. Now there are certified people in the U.S. Goodie!
Replacement of the case will be much more than $700. The lug can't be replaced by itself. There are some companies that are able to add material by spotwelding (argonwelding) and then refinish it again. Because it took a good hit, I would also check the inside of the watch. You can always register at vintage Rolex forum. They'll know a place in the US who does argon welding.
I didn't think to clarify with the salesperson if $700 is parts and labor. I was trying to talk her into just buffing it out. I don't really mind if the shape changes a bit. She made it sound like $700 is for replacement of the part, that Rolex wouldn't consider buffing it either. I'm guessing from from the replies that I'd be lucky to make it out with a bill under $1,000. Which is not what I want to spend on a watch that I hadn't worn in at least a year.
I'll try another authorized dealer to see what they say. Oh well. Lesson learned, don't leave my Rolex on the table.
So when you say "if they do work on it", does that mean a buff if a buff would work after they see it in their hands? Or does that mean a replacement part would be at least $700? I mean, if were the actual replacement part, is it $700 or $700 plus labor? When I had my all gold Rolex simply cleaned a few months ago, it was $1200, which was fine by me because it was due. The store that did it had a certified guy who'd been through the Rolex program in Switzerland. There was a time when if you needed Rolex service they'd have to ship it to Switzerland and you'd get it back after a few months. Now there are certified people in the U.S. Goodie![/QUOTE]
I'll try another authorized dealer to see what they say. Oh well. Lesson learned, don't leave my Rolex on the table.
So when you say "if they do work on it", does that mean a buff if a buff would work after they see it in their hands? Or does that mean a replacement part would be at least $700? I mean, if were the actual replacement part, is it $700 or $700 plus labor? When I had my all gold Rolex simply cleaned a few months ago, it was $1200, which was fine by me because it was due. The store that did it had a certified guy who'd been through the Rolex program in Switzerland. There was a time when if you needed Rolex service they'd have to ship it to Switzerland and you'd get it back after a few months. Now there are certified people in the U.S. Goodie![/QUOTE]
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Looked on Rolexforums and saw a similar case where replacement of the middle part of the case (where the lug is attached to) costs a whopping $2.400 (and this was in 2011, prices have risen since).
I know a good workshop who can fully repair this by laser/spotwelding (seen much worse that were repaired as new). With laser welding you are keeping the shape intact. With polishing you only remove material. Only thing is that this workshop is located in the UK.
Check this out
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That is beautiful work. I won't be in the UK in the near future unfortunately. My watch will have to wait. $2400 to fix it isn't a priority right now. I've got a good story when I pass it to my son's wife or daughter though.
Looked on Rolexforums and saw a similar case where replacement of the middle part of the case (where the lug is attached to) costs a whopping $2.400 (and this was in 2011, prices have risen since).
I know a good workshop who can fully repair this by laser/spotwelding (seen much worse that were repaired as new). With laser welding you are keeping the shape intact. With polishing you only remove material. Only thing is that this workshop is located in the UK.
Check this out[/QUOTE]
Looked on Rolexforums and saw a similar case where replacement of the middle part of the case (where the lug is attached to) costs a whopping $2.400 (and this was in 2011, prices have risen since).
I know a good workshop who can fully repair this by laser/spotwelding (seen much worse that were repaired as new). With laser welding you are keeping the shape intact. With polishing you only remove material. Only thing is that this workshop is located in the UK.
Check this out[/QUOTE]
It is recommended that you have a Rolex watch sent in for servicing every 5 to 7 years. The Rolex factory completely rebuilds and oils and replaces any defective parts. I don't know if this would be included in the service charges. I believe the cost for this is about $700.00. Good lucky with getting your watch repaired.
I can assure that these parts aren't included. Defective parts are meant inside the movement (and not even all parts are within the $700). For things like hands/dials/case parts, there is a amount added on top of the service price.
Maybe so. I wonder what they would charge to replace part of the case if that's possible?
For sure
. Had several Rolex serviced. Regarding the case price: around 2-3k $. You cant change just the lugI always wonder if it is better to leave well enough alone if your Rolex is running well. My latest was purchased in 2010 and keeps near perfect time. I took it in recently for an insurance appraisal and they said it was time. They also don't send the watches to Rolex but have Rolex trained inhouse technicians do the servicing. I am nervous lol.For sure