My late wife gave me a Rolex Datejust many years ago. Winding it has become stiffer and stiffer, so would like to get it to a reputable dealer for service. On the Rolex site, they list Ben Bridges, Shreve & Co, and Kern's. Anyone have a recommendation for any of those, or another jeweler to consider?

Thanks

 

isn't the factory service center in LA and NY?

all these shops do is take your watch to the service center. i don't think they actually service it themselves.

 

Years ago I used Ludwig Bernecker, 210 Post Street, Suite 704, SF, CA 94108, telephone (415) 982-9830. At the time he was the authorized Rolex service center in San Francisco.

 

I've always used Kern's , and have been treated very well.

 

There is zero reason to take your watch to an AD (yuck) that will simply ship the watch to an RSC, or even worse, service it in-house and never inform you.

Call Giovanni at the service center on Post; Ludwig is no longer there. There are a few good independents in CA - PM me if you want to go that route, although in this case I don't see the need.

 

If you're ever in the San Jose area, you should take it to Precision Time in Valley Fair. They send their watches to a service center with Rolex certified technicians and have insurance for the watch. The turnaround time is faster than other stores I've been to, and their prices are better.

 

I have used Shreve's before. They do a good job.

 

How much do they normally charge for servicing?

 

I am not sure what their current prices are. I do know that it also depends on whether or not you want them to polish the sapphire, too.

Here's the number of their SF location: (415) 421-2600

Palo Alto: 650-327-2211

 

I have an 18k Daytona for many many years (199x). It has never been serviced but it is running flawlessly. Should I have it serviced still?

 

I would service it and skip the case polish, although you can get a brand-new looking watch back. At the very minimum, this would ensure water tightness with new gaskets/tubing/etc.. Some watches have gone decades without service, but one runs the risk of pricey repairs down the line, sort of like oil changes.

Again, skip going to a store like Shreve when the real service center is (literally) next door to the SF location.

 

Thanks!

 

I have an old Datejust that my dad gave me in the early 90s. I wear it everyday but every few years it stops running and requires servicing. I was told that the Rolex stops running as a sign that it needs to be serviced. I'm surprised that you guys have watches that haven't been serviced for many years and keeps running.