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Ken Kotoski - Certified Master Horologist

Expert Pocket Watch Repair and Wrist Watch Repair

Specializing in Pocket Watch Repair and Wrist Watch Repair

Full Service Mechanical Watch Repair and Quartz Watch Repair.

Rolex Watches, Breitling Watches, Tag Heuer Watches,

Omega Watches, Seiko Watches and American Pocket Watches

ARE A SPECIALTY!

ROLEX WATCH REPAIR

Prices in effect Jan. 2007:

Services For Your Rolex Watch.

An investment in a Rolex watch is something that shouldn't be taken lightly. Your Rolex watch needs regular service even if it is still running.

Yellowstone Watch, Inc. (YWI) is your professional source for Rolex Watch Repair Service. The certified master watchmakers have highly specialized experience in servicing Rolex watches. The watchmakers have the proper tools according to Rolex to service your Rolex watch. YWI deals with major Rolex suppliers for parts needs.

Your satisfaction is our goal.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT "AUTHORIZED" ROLEX SERVICE:

Many years ago Rolex had set up a program that allowed watchmakers working for authorized Rolex retail jewelers to take a course at their facility and become 'Authorized Rolex Repair Centers' as long as the watchmaker stayed at that jeweler. A short while back Rolex decided this wasn't good for them anymore. So they discontinued this program. Since then there are NO authorized Rolex repair facilities except Rolex itself.

Anyone claiming to be 'Authorized Rolex' is not being honest with you. They may have the skills required to service your watch but they are not 'Authorized' by Rolex.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT 'GENUINE ROLEX PARTS':

A genuine part is any part sold by Rolex or by one of it's agents. It doesn't mean it was made by them.

A while back Rolex decided to buy up all existing inventories of Rolex parts from suppliers. This created a problem for watchmakers. This happened at the same time Rolex decided not to sell their parts. This caused a problem for Rolex. All of a sudden they were overwhelmed with repairs. To lighten their repair load they would send the unrepaired watch back to the customer with a note telling them it was too old (even if it was less than 10 years old) and to go to their nearest retailer and buy a new one. This hurt Rolex because people liked the watch they had and didn't want a new one.

Because of the actions by Rolex several things happened. Rolex did not plan on generic parts being made and supplied to watchmakers. Rolex owners started having generic parts installed which were made by the same manufacturers who were producing the genuine Rolex parts. So Rolex then said that generic parts would void the warranty on the watch. Again Rolex failed with this threat.

So Rolex again made genuine parts available to material supply houses and certain watchmakers that they deemed worthy to sell to.

History repeats itself. Rolex has not learned anything from it's past mistakes and now is refusing to sell genuine parts to supply houses. Many watchmakers who have relied on the supply houses to get genuine Rolex parts are finding they no longer can. So they are now using generics.

A rumor that is circulating now is Rolex now plans on tripling their prices on parts. If this happens you can expect to pay 3 times the price you have been paying for your Rolex watch repairs or have generic parts installed and pay what you have been paying.

In 2006 Rolex raised their prices 3 times!

Of course only watchmakers that are deemed worthy by Rolex can by parts from them now anyway.

I use genuine Rolex parts or generic parts depending on your preference. So if you want genuine Rolex parts used when your watch is serviced I can do so. Many watchmakers can't.

Generic parts are the same quality as genuine parts.

Generic Rolex parts may void your warranty.

ROLEX ESTIMATES:

Mechanical and Quartz:

An estimate for your Rolex watch is $60 per watch to cover time and return shipping with $800 insurance.

If you decide to have your watch repaired the full estimate fee will be credited to the final invoice.

If you would like additional insurance on your watch add $1.10 per $100 of insurance coverage.

Be sure to insure it properly and be sure to state the amount of insurance you want for return shipping.

NO estimates of any kind will be given unless I have the oportunity to examine the watch.

NO exceptions.

The reason for this is simple. There are too many parts in a watch that can cause it to stop functioning or that will cause it to funtion improperly. Without inspecting the movement NO ONE can give you an accurate estimate. There simply are too many possibilities.

Any one claiming to give estimates without seeing your watch is not giving you an accurate estimate or they are only planning on doing a minimal servicing to your watch.

If you want your Rolex watch repaired properly you need to send it in to have your watch inspected.

I get asked several times a day if a certain part such as a sapphire crystal is available for a Rolex watch.

In order for me to answer this question I need to know the case number. Rolex case numbers are on the inside of the case back. On some of their watches the case numbers are on the case between the lugs at the 12 o'clock postion of the case.

As far as a sapphire crystal goes. If your watch came with one originally it can have one installed. If it did not come with a sapphire crystal it might be able to have one installed but I would need the case number to know for certain. If it came with a plastic crystal and there is a Sapphire crystal available it will be an aftermarket crystal. If your Rolex came with a sapphire crystal it, a genuine sapphire crystal will be available for it.

ROLEX MECHANICAL WATCH REPAIR SERVICE:

Complete Overhaul:

The Rolex 'Complete Overhaul Service' using Generic or Genuine parts starts at $650 + parts. The steps listed below are performed.

Complete disassembly and inspection

• The watch, band and clasp are initially inspected for external signs of damage, excessive wear or other visible problems.

• The case is opened and inspected for visible damage or wear.

• The movement is removed from the case, disassembled for cleaning and all parts are inspected as they are removed: gears, jewels, pinions, etc.

Ultrasonically clean rinse and dry

• All parts of the movement, case and band are put through a seperate multi-step, propietary cleaning process to remove all oils, corrosion, metal dust or other contaminants.

Mainspring

• As parts of the movement are reassembled, a new, genuine Rolex mainspring is installed to insure proper operation of the watch.

Lubricate

• During the assembly, the primary pivot points and jewels of the movement are oiled by Rolex manufacturer recommended procedure.

Battery

• If the movement is a Rolex quartz, a new battery is installed.

Regulation, Initial

• The movement is then "regulated, meaning that it's timing is measured using the most accurate and latest horological timing instruments. A Witchi Watch Expert II is used to time your watch at YWI.

Case and Band Cleaning

• After further inspection of the opened case, band and clasp for wear, both are cleaned chemically and ultrasonically.

Case and Band refinishing

• The metal surfaces of the band and case are polished and/or refinished to return the case and band to a "like new" original condition.

Case Tube

• A new genuine Rolex case tube is installed.

Spring Bars

• New stainless steel spring bars are installed in the watch band.

Crystal

• A new genuine Rolex crystal is installed in the case.

Reassembly

• The movement, case and band are reassembled and inspected at each stage for fit and precision.

Gaskets

• A complete set of new Rolex back case, crown and tube gaskets are installed and assembly is completed.

Regulation, final

• The assembled watch is subjected to final timing and pressure tests to insure that the accuracy and water-proofing of the watch is as good as when the watch was new.

Because of the time, skill and exacting care that I put into the complete overhaul, I am able to offer a 2 year warranty on this particular service.

Other services are available. See below.

OTHER ROLEX WATCH REPAIR SERVICES:

Quartz Tune-up:

A tune-up consists of a new 5 year battery, clean the case and band, replace the case back gasket, new stainless steel spring bars, seal the stem and crown and polish the crystal (if possible).

The battery is guaranteed to last for 5 years under normal use and all other work is guaranteed for 1 year.

Price starts at $79.95 + shipping.

NOTE:

This service does not guarantee water resistance.

5 year battery replacement:

The battery is replaced with our 5 year guaranteed battery. No other service is performed.

The battery is guaranteed to last for 5 years under normal use.

Price is $24.95 + shipping.

NOTE:

This service does not guarantee water resistance or anything other than the battery.

1 year battery replacement:

The battery is replaced with our 1 year guaranteed battery. No other service is performed.

The battery is guaranteed to last for 1 year under normal use.

Price is $9.95 + shipping.

NOTE:

This service does not guarantee water resistance or anything other than the battery.

Other services are available. See below.

Pricing on these services are only given after I have been able to inspect the watch.

Water Resistance.

Water resistance is NOT permanent.

Most people are under the impression that water resistance on their watch is permanent. This is not true.

If it has been a year or more since your watch was tested for water resistance IT IS TIME. Don't wait for the water to get inside. Make sure it won't. This service is very inexpensive compared to a repair on a water damaged watch.

Why only 1 year?

Because after about a year with temperature fluctuations and other enviromental conditions the watch is subjected to during this 1 year time the seals will deteriorate and dry out. When this happens, no matter how tight your case back or crown is screwed down, water will get inside.

This is a good service to have performed when your crystal is replaced or any other time your watch is opened. Especially if you plan on going to the beach or diving.

When doing a water resistance service on your watch all seals and gaskets are replaced.

Genuine Rolex parts will be used unless the generic equivalent is specified by you. The price will not change because of the brand of seals.

This service is guaranteed for 1 year under normal use. Subjecting the watch to conditions other than what is stated in our guarantee will void the warranty. You will receive a written guarantee for the water resistance.

Crystal Replacement (plastic and sapphire).

Sapphire crystals are harder and more scratch resistant. Which means longer crystal life and a better looking watch for a longer period of time.

A good service to have performed with a crystal replacement is to have your watch sealed for water resistance. Please see above.

Genuine Rolex Crystals and gaskets will be used unless you ask for the generic equivalent.

Watch Bands.

Genuine Rolex Watch Bands are available or you can choose from generic Suede, Calf, Oilskin, Swiss Army, Leather, Lizard, Crocodile, Aligator, Metal Clasp, PVC Sport and Nylon Sport Bands.

Genuine bands are a trade in only item. This is a policy by Rolex not us. If you do not have the original genuine band then your watch itself has to be sent to Rolex for them to install the new genuine band. Rolex does not make exceptions to this. I do have a source for some Stainless Steel new genuine Rolex bands.

Watch Batteries.

I use only the best batteries available. All sizes on hand and fresh. I rotate my battery inventory every couple of months so they are all as fresh as possible.

Crown and/or stem replacement.

Genuine Rolex Crowns and Stems are used.

Dial Refinishing/Replacement.

If the paint is coming off your dial or the luminosity is no longer working, it can be refinished. Or if you just want a different color(s) on the dial that can be done as well.

Dial refinishing to the same original color can be accomplished. Dial replacement is more expensive but is also available.

Dial replacement is done for one of two reasons.

• The dial is too rusted to refinish (water damage).

• The desired color/style is different than the current color of the watch dial.

Hand Replacement.

Need new hands? Is the luminosity no longer working on your watch hands? Maybe you just want a different style. We use Genuine Rolex hands and the finest quality generic hands available. You will need to specify whether you want Genuine Rolex hands or generic.

If the luminosity on your hands has quit working we can reapply the luminous material and they will look original and glow just like new.

Part Replacement.

Any part in a mechanical or quartz watch can be replaced by itself as long as it does not require a new mating part(s) as well. For instance a stem can be replaced without any other parts as long as all the other parts are in good working order. If other parts are needed as well then in order for the one part you request to be installed the others will also need replacing.

Restoration.

Have a watch that's in a bad way? Whether it's old or not. I can completely restore it for you.

Please view my entire site to better understand

how completely I can help you.

Then you may agree with hundreds of others that

I Offer The Best Value For Your Watch Repair.

If you don't find what you are looking for on my site please contact me. Yellowstone Watch, Inc. is a full service watch repair center. We do it all! Even the things others won't do, can't do or claim can't be done.

Just because it isn't listed here does not mean we don't do it.

Just because someone claiming to repair watches says the parts aren't available or it isn't repairable doesn't mean they are telling the whole story.

NO corners will be cut. We will NOT do rush jobs.

Our reputation is on the work we do. We will do the job right or we won't do it at all.

NO estimates of any kind will be given unless we have the opportunity to examine the watch.

NO exceptions.

Member of	Member of Coeur d'Alene Chamber of Commerce.		Member of
Graduate of the National Horological Institute		Graduate of ETA Mechanical Chronograph A1 and A2

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Yellowstone Watch, Inc.
7551 N. Wheatfield Dr. | Coeur d'Alene, ID | 83815 | USA

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