Rolex AD service information

I just purchased a 1997 Rolex Explorer II with boxes and papers.The original owner had the watch serviced in 05 by Rolex (paperwork included) and recently checked by an independent watch maker. It is working just fine but I was wondering if the Rolex service has as bad reputation as the Omega in the sense of replacing original parts like crazy. And is it worth it once it needs a service. Here are some pictures.

My experience at Kings Hill in London is that they will do as you request as long as you make it clear as to what you do or don't want doing. I have never had any problems in getting my watch back as I wanted.

@Pepe Lucas
Avoid taking vintage Rolex models to ADs, that's very clear-cut. In your case, even though your 1997 Rolex Explorer II isn't vintage I would still recommend that you seek out an independent watchmaker, one with a sterling reputation and a Rolex parts account, for your next service. Now is the time to forge this relationship.

Rolex RSC will not replace any parts unless you agree to. They give you a quotation with what they recommend to replace.
As every part costs, you have to say yes or no.

You can always say don't replace anything other than worn movement parts.
Just service the movement and make sure it is pressure tested and passed!


Servicing your watch at RSC has its advantages. Come with a 2 yr warranty card and you can be sure the watch shall be ok for many years to come. Also, very few independents have a Rolex parts account.

What about servicing newer model like the ceramic Submariner with them.

I had a watch serviced by Rolex UK. (1990 Sub 14060)

They contacted me to say it needed a new crystal obviously wanting to confirm the extra expense. I don't remember there being anything wrong visibly wrong with the crystal. maybe internally it didn't seal or something. I aaccepted the extra.

It came back from service with the same dial but, I think, new hands. I don't think there was any lume working on the watch at all pre-service but now the hands shine like crazy in the dark and the dial is completely dark. They never asked about changing the hands. No idea why they did.

A year or two earlier I'd tried opening the case myself and made a real mess of the case back. It came back from this service with a new case back. They never contacted me to say they were going to change it and, as far as I know, they never billed me for the case back either. Maybe they somehow managed to polish out the scratch but it was really deep so I doubt it. Or maybe their final inspection guy wondered if they'd damaged it so decided to change it anyway.

They likely won’t change parts without your authorization but they will polish it and even if you ask them not to it’s a 40% they will anyway.

The benefits though include the guarantee and service card which caries more respect (and value) in the resale market versus a paper receipt from Joe Blow watchmaker.