Thanks Mike's message from VRF:
http://www.network54.com/Forum/message?forumid=207593&messageid=1124113609
Bad News for Submariners and Sea-Dwellers
August 15 2005 at 8:46 AM Mike Wood (no login)
from IP address 84.67.207.83
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We have just received a bad news letter from Rolex UK advising us that from 1st September 2005 all Submariner and Sea-Dweller watches must be returned to Rolex London / Bexley Heath for servicing / refurbishing / replacement parts.
The two reasons given are that these watches must be waterproof tested to a depth greater than that achieved by the standard Rolex pressure testers; and that only Rolex have the refinishing equipment to restore the cases (retaining the lap-polished edges, case profiles, etc.).
The implication of this is that original replacement crowns, case seals, bezels (inserts & springs), dials, hands, glasses, and movement parts will no longer be obtainable by Rolex authorised watch repairers. More work for the already inundated Rolex service centres; longer service times; increased risk of loss of watches in transit; and greater demand for non-original replacement parts.
So, first it was the Milgauss, then the Daytona, and now Submariner and 'Dweller that we are no longer officially allowed to service by Rolex. Where's it going to end??
Mike Wood