Rolex makes a great watch, but getting them repaired is expensive. While you can find plenty of watch repair shops or jewelers that can do the work, it may in fact void the warranty. In the article below I will cover where to get a Rolex fixed, warranty information, and my experience with the Rolex watch repair near me.
Rolex Watch Repair Near Me
For “Rolex Watch Repair Near me”, use the map below…
While most local repair shops can handle most common repairs on a Rolex, it may void your warranty if they are not an authorized service center.
Unauthorized Rolex Repairs
Your local jeweler or watch repair shop can handle most repair work related to a watch. In fact they do it everyday and keep customers happy and coming back. If you have them do repairs on your Rolex though it will void the warranty if your warranty is still active. This is due to the fact they are not an authorized service center certified by Rolex. That also means they can’t honor your warranty and likely won’t guarantee their work.
So why does anyone take a Rolex to a local watch repair?
Mostly because it is convenient, repairs are completed faster, and you can talk directly to a watch technician. If you’re warranty is no longer active and you have a relationship with your local watch repair, it becomes a much easier choice.
When dealing with an authorized service center you may be without your watch for 2 to 5 weeks and likely want speak directly to a watch technician.
How Long is The Warranty on My Rolex?
Rolex watches can fall under different warranty lengths depending on when you purchased the product.
- A watch purchased before July 1, 2015 has a 2 year limited warranty.
- If purchased between July 1, 2013 and June 30, 2015 you get 1 additional year of warranty, extending the original 2 year to 3 years.
- A watch purchased after July 1, 2015 has a 5 year limited warranty.
These changes apply to all Oyster and Cellini timepieces.
Aside from the length of the warranty, the legal jargon is the same. It is a limited liability warranty that covers manufacturers defects and craftsmanship. Wear and tear from regular use is not covered. Essentially that means key watch parts like the bezel, crown, crystal, battery, and band are not covered unless proven to be defective.
A notable part of the warranty dictates what constitutes an unauthorized repair. Any work performed by anyone (including you) that is not a certified Rolex technician will void the warranty.
To see the Rolex Guarantee, click here.
Rolex Battery Replacement
Many Rolex watches feature a battery. When a watch has a battery it will eventually need to be replaced. A battery should be replaced every 1 to 3 years. You should never leave a dead battery in your watch, it can leak and cause internal damage.
While it may seem simple to replace a battery in your timepiece, you could cause damage and you will also void your warranty. A battery swap in a Rolex should be done by a professional and preferably a certified Rolex technician.
This becomes more important on diver watches and any water resistant models. When a pro shop does the battery replacement they will run a test to make sure the watch case has been resealed securely.
If you are doing a battery change on your own you should be using proper tools to reduce the risk of damaging your watch. You will need a case knife, tweezers, mini screw driver, and a case holder to do the repair. For certain battery types you may need to use a conversion chart.
Rolex Crystal Repair
The crystal, which some call the watch glass, is the clear piece of material the protects the watch face. Any real high end Rolex will feature a sapphire crystal. Sapphire crystals are resilient against scratches, but will shatter if hit hard enough.
Replacing one of these high end crystals is very expensive. At minimum you are looking at spending £110 depending on your model of watch. For any repair or crystal replacement you should seek a professional watch technician.
Replacing the Band or Strap
A Rolex has a unique style of band that can be changed. If you choose a non-Rolex manufactured band or strap, they all don’t look right with these watches. Still it is your style choice.
If you are choosing a manufacturer band or strap, it will be expensive. The price will be impacted by the type of materials used. Rolex uses premium metals and high end leather, which cost premium prices.
On most models the lugs that hold the band and strap are enclosed fixtures. That means you can’t pop the with a spring pen. Because of these it is better to see a pro technician for replacements.
Resizing For Custom Fit
A custom fit watch is not only fashionable, but it is functional. Resizing a watch to your wrist will protect it from falling off and potentially banging into objects. On some models you can adjust the size yourself, but other will require a pro repair.
For straps like rubber, leather, and fabric a resizing job is more difficult. You can punch more holes in the materials, but eventually you have no material left to work with. A metal band however is easier. You can add or remove links as needed to fit your size.
Having a pro do the resizing for you is ideal. They will measure your wrist and find the perfect balance between comfort and watch security.
Crown and Stem Work
The crown of the watch are the knobs that allow you to change the date and time or other functions. Inside the crown there is a pin called the stem which connects to the movement. Damage to the crown should be looked at by a professional, because it is common for the damage to extend to the stem as well. In worse case scenarios the stem gets pushed so far in that the internal movement is damaged as well.
On a vintage Rolex these repairs become more complex. If a stem needs to be replaced, they part is very difficult to find for an older watch. In some cases a new stem will need to be fabricated and that will devalue the watch in the eyes of a collector.
For a newer model of Rolex though, a crown and/or stem repair are much easier. Still expensive, but the parts will be readily available.
Movement Repairs and Overhauls
Any work you need on the movement should be done by Rolex. Inside of these watches there are up to 3000 tiny pieces. If your watch is not functioning correctly it may be a sign of a problem with the movement. It’s possible you just need a routine service performed on it. If you have a vintage watch and it has completely stopped the movement may require a complete overhaul.
Getting your watch serviced routinely will help reduce your need for extensive movement work.
Mailing in Your Watch to a Customer Service Center
If you have been lookin for a Rolex watch repair near me and coming up empty, you may need to consider sending it in to an authorized service center. There are a few things you should know prior to mailing in your timepiece.
An authorized service center is the only place that can honor your warranty. They are the only place that is authorized to perform work and will not void your warranty by doing so. Any work they perform they will provide a guarantee of their repairs for a limited time period, usually 12 months. Any work they do that falls under the warranty will be completed at no cost to you.
To use an authorized service center you have to create an account on their website. This site will track and monitor progress as your watch goes through the repair process. To get the process started you can drop off your watch to a Rolex boutique or mail it in to them.
For warranty claims you will need your warranty card. Any issues discovered that are not covered by warranty will have a repair estimated cost. Should you choose to not have the work completed, they will mail you back your timepiece.
Find an Authorized Service Center here.
Before Sending Your Watch in…
- Write on an index card the specific issue your watch is having.
- Estimate the value of the watch and include it on the index card.
- Put your name, phone number, email address, and physical address on the index card.
- Put the watch model name on the index card.
- For warranty claims, make sure you include the warranty information.
- Insure the package for at least the value of the watch.
- Follow all the instructions on the website.
- Pack the watch really well to ensure it is safe in transit.
After You Get Your Rolex Serviced, You Should…
Wind it manually before wearing it!
To wind it manually:
- Unscrew the crown to the winding position
- Turn it clockwise about 20 times
- Screw the crown down properly against the case for water resistance
Can you Fix a Rolex Yourself?
With the right tools and knowledge, yes you can fix a Rolex yourself. I do not recommend it though. Performing your own work on a luxury timepiece comes with risk. You can scratch the case or expose the internal components to dust and debris.
For a Rolex I would recommend seeking a professional repair.
Other Resources for Your Rolex Timepiece
For more help and info on Rolex watch repairs, consider the following websites:
Rolex Watch Repair Near Me Conclusion
Rolex is by far one of the most recognized watchmakers globally. While they make high end luxury timepieces with high quality components, that translates to expensive repairs. If you are considering doing your own work or using a local repair shop, you need to consider how that impacts your warranty. An authorized service center for this style of timepiece is often your best course of action. This is what I have learned from the Rolex watch repair near me.
