Following are the steps followed in your service appointment.
1. Rolex Disassembly
‘The bracelet is detached from the watch case.The case is opened and the movement removed. The case is completely disassembled.’ (source: Rolex Service Documentation)
The Rolex Submariner will be dismantled beginning with removing the band from the Oyster watch case, opening the casing, and then mechanical movement is removed.
2. Cleaning the Rolex Perpetual Movement
'The movement is dismantled and each component is ultrasonically cleaned in a special formulated solution' (source: Rolex Service Documentation)
The movement is disassembled, and the parts are cleaned thoroughly in an ultrasonic machine using Rolex specially formulated cleaning solutions.
If your watch has water damage and salt residues have infiltrated your Rolex movements, this cleaning process will eliminate any trace of that salt.
3. Rolex Replacement of Components
'A Rolex watchmaker closely examines each individual component of the movement and identifies which components require replacement. Only genuine replacement parts supplied directly by Rolex Headquarters in Switzerland are used' (source: Rolex Service Documentation)
The Rolex watchmaker then closely examines each individual component of the Rolex Submariner. He identifies the components that require replacement for example, the mainspring.
Replacement of components is where you need to be careful; Rolex will replace any olds parts of your Rolex watch. An old unique part could be the element that makes your Rolex rare and collectable, but it will be replaced during a full service appointment. For example, a specific glass is only produced during a certain period and no longer used in the modern Rolex series. If the component is worn, the Rolex watchmaker will replace it with a new genuine Rolex glass. Not having the old original component will affect your Rolex value on the collector's market.
I recommend you be extremely specific on what you are authorising Rolex watchmaker to replace.
4. Rolex Lubrication and reassembly of the movement
'Using the most advance lubricants, each functional component of the movement is carefully lubricated to minimise friction and prevent wear. This ensures that the movement of your Rolex timepiece will continue to perform accurately.' (source: Rolex Service Documentation)
Many owners are misinformed and believe the surface is simply lubricating the movements, and therefor find the service appointment to be expensive. However, as it includes many other services as well, understanding the entire process is the only way to see the value in the Rolex Service appointment.
5. Rolex caliber Timing calibration
'The heart of your Rolex watch movement is its balance wheel, which has a frequency of over 690,000 beats per day. To ensure timekeeping precision, the watchmaker meticulously adjusts the balance wheel and electronically tests its timing accuracy. Your Rolex is then thoroughly tested and carefully observed over a period of several days to verify its performance.' (source: Rolex Service Documentation)
With the 690,000 beats every day the timing calibration is extremely important and well worth the several days that it takes to monitor the calibration to be sure it is just right. It is observed not only sitting flat but also on the side dial, facing up and facing down. This also includes ensuring the timing standards of +2/-2 seconds per day is maintained before returning the watch.
6. Refinishing the Case and Bracelet
'The same keen attention to detail that is devoted to servicing the movement of your Rolex also goes into servicing its case and bracelet. After the initial cleaning, the case and bracelet of your watch are closely examined, and any worn or damaged components replaced with genuine Rolex parts. Your case and bracelet are then expertly refinished and ultrasonically cleaned to restore lustre.' (source: Rolex Service Documentation)
The Rolex polishing procedure will restore the lustre of the Rolex Submariner almost to a brand new condition. Any deep scratches will not be completely removed, but it will be improved and small scratches will be removed.
Polishing or Not, Your Rolex Submariner is a Personal Preference.
Some people like the feel of a new watch, and Rolex service refinishing is outstanding, but it erases the watch history for others. Knocks and scratches, for some people, are life memories they want to keep. To have your Rolex polished or not comes down to personal preference. At the beginning of the Rolex service, you can instruct the Rolex Service Centre not to polish your Rolex Submariner.
7. Reassembly of the Case
'The case is carefully reassembled, and all the seals replaced to guarantee waterproofness' (source: Rolex Service Documentation)
Watch gaskets are a wearable element of the Rolex Submariner that is replaced automatically during servicing. The Rolex Service Centre will reassemble your Rolex as the same standard as the Rolex factory in Switzerland.
8. Rolex Waterproof tests
The watch case is rigorously tested to ensure it meets water resistance requirements. The three-step process – a vacuum test, a compression test and a condensation test – will reveal the presence of even the smallest amount of moisture inside the case.
Water and dust are harmful for any watches. Rolex watch is famous for its water-resistant Oyster case. Your new gaskets will be tested the same way as the factory testing before original purchase.
9. Rolex Final Quality Control
'Rigorous quality checks are carried out at each stage of the servicing process. During the final check, the power reserve, timing accuracy and aesthetic appearance of your watch are verified one last time against manufacturing specifications to guarantee the highest possible standard of quality.' (source: Rolex Service Documentation)
A Rolex Service will have the same quality control standard as the Rolex manufacture in Switzerland.
10. Official Rolex Warranty
The two year Service Guarantee: After a complete service, your Rolex is covered by a two year Service Guarantee. This guarantee excludes any damage or deterioration that results from an accident or from mishandling of the watch. Any intervention by a non-Rolex authorised third party or the addition of any non-Rolex manufactured parts or accessories will void the Service Guarantee. One work completed at a Rolex Service Centre is covered by the Rolex international warranty.
