Rolex

My father-in-law’s 16610 experienced a little trauma. The crystal was shattered, with little pieces of it probably scratching up the dial. The movement runs on and off. At times it seems to run as normal, but sometimes the seconds hand stops where the crystal crack is (as if it was catching something, but I don’t actually see it doing so).

I’d like to go to a Rolex AD to get the crystal fixed and movement inspected and nothing else, but I’ve heard that Rolex is notorious for doing all kinds of other things like case refinishing. I’ve also heard their turnaround time is very slow (3-4 months for routine servicing; who knows for this type of repair). What have your experiences been with their servicing?

While you might be able to see the hand catching, there could be microscopic shards that have entered the movement that will be doing more damage than just stopping the second hand moving.

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Despite the claim a Submariner is "soooo" solid: inside is a movement with tiny, title parts.
Do not use or wind the watch.
Regarding service: it will be comprehensive but the good point here is that it is not a broken Patek or AP! That would cost A LOT!

There is a fully authorized Rolex Service Center in San Francisco.  The wonderful team there follows the precise instructions I give; DON'T POLISH THE CASE, in cases where it's absolutely necessary, do a minimal and light polish.  

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First thing first it to lay the watch face down and pull the crown out to ensure that none of the particles of the glass find their way into the movement while you decide on what plan of action to take.

From my experience, Rolex Service Center in Dallas has always provided top experiences, one of which involved servicing my T-dial 14060, to which they honored my request to not have neither the case polished, nor the dial and hands changed. They note all those wants in the work order, so there is evidence of what you are requesting. Turnaround has always been 3-4 weeks tops.

Here´s hoping your father in law will get his Submariner back in tip top shape in the least possible time.

Regards,

Alex

And in any case, it's a great watch to look forward to when serviced!

I have a similar experience which happened to my Rolex Explorer II. I came home one day to find my house completely silent and I knew immediately something was not right. I have 3 cats and they will usually be greeting me at the door with meows and purrs. I walked in and found my Rolex Explorer on the ground fallen from the bookshelf and the front crystal completely shattered. Much worse than yours. My 3 cats were all in the corner with the same "its not me" look on their faces.

......i would want it to go back to Rolex and have a full service. The impact damage may have caused issues. Furthermore, the microscopic shards of glass will need to be removed if they have found a way into the movement. I think 3-4 months is about standard. It could be even longer depending on where you live.....

There is no naturally patinating parts.

You can leave the crown out to halt the movement and stop the seconds hand.  I've seen cases where a piece of crystal is stuck under the hands; the owner will continue to let the watch run and this causes circular scratches on the dial.  Not pretty.