Need opinions on a good watchmaker for Rolex watch servicing (Vienna: house, price)

[mptesta]

I have inherited a Rolex Submariner watch, bought new in 1983. It has never been serviced and needs a cleaning.

Does anyone have experience with the local watchmakers in the noVA region? I know some Rolex authorized dealers will just ship out your watch to a service center and charge you a "middle man" fee but I have heard of other stores (in other states) that have an in house watchmaker that can do repairs and have an authorized parts account to replace and swap parts out. I'm more interested in the latter (locally preferred), to actually talk to the in-house watchmaker and discuss what work needs to be done on the watch.

Thanks.

[z28lt1]

I've had good watch (and jewelry) repairs done at JJ Watches in Fair Oaks Mall. I have not had a Rolex done there. They advertise that they service Rolex's but I'm not sure if they are authorized or not. I believe the watchmaker is not in on Sundays so if you go visit, pick another day (but you can still drop off/pick up on Sunday). Probably worth a phone call first.

[michgc]

Alabaster Watch & Clock Repair This is right in the heart of Vienna. John Alabaster was trained by Rolex in Europe. My husband goes there with his watches.

[bmwguydc]

Rolex owns the only "official" service centers in the US. All other watchmakers who service them are independent, though they may have been trained by Rolex. New York and Dallas are the official Rolex service centers in the US. The New York office is at 665 Fifth Avenue, phone : (212) 758-7700. Rolex differs in that they warranty the repair work on the watch, though I've never had a warranty issue directly from Rolex.

You should have the watch serviced every 3-5 years, especially if it is worn. Gaskets can dry out with a Rolex over time, so I would not wear your Submariner anywhere near water until it's serviced. You would not want water to enter the movement, as that could result in a $2k repair.

A local watchmaker is fine for many issues, but if you are going to an official dealer who is going to send it to Rolex, you can contact them yourself and send/bring the watch for repair, and not pay the middleman fee. Rolex has been very finicky about selling official parts to outside watchmakers, as their own service centers use new official Rolex parts, not after-market. So, I would compare the level of service, and price, based upon that criterion, since the official Rolex service might be slightly more expensive, but a local watchmaker might be using harvested or after-market parts to repair/service.