Exploring what it means for Lister Horsfall to be an Authorised Rolex Service Centre
Lister Horsfall in Halifax and Ilkley are proud to be part of the worldwide network of Official Rolex Retailers, allowed to sell and maintain Rolex watches. As an Official Rolex Retailer with an Authorised Service Centre, Lister Horsfall is authorised to receive your Rolex watch for servicing. With the necessary knowledge, skills and technical know-how, they are at your disposal to advise you on all the technical aspects of Rolex watches.
Here, Absolutely chats to Luke Mills about his role at Lister Horsfall, the joys of working with Rolex, and his top tips on looking after your luxury timepiece.
Q Did you always know you wanted to work with watches?
A From a young age, I developed an interest in watches, particularly in disassembling and reassembling old movements. However, it was not until the age of 18 that I fully realized the potential to pursue a career in horology. This realisation came after receiving my first luxury watch from Lister Horsfall Jewellers in 2019. It was a gift from all of my family who all chipped in for my 18th birthday to get me it as they knew I had a love of watches, and ultimately it led me down my path of watch making. It was also at this first purchase I met some of the helpful staff who would later become my colleagues.
Following this, my fascination with watches intensified, leading me to research and explore the possibility of a career in horology. I ultimately discovered the British School of Watchmaking, where I was able to pursue formal education and training to become a watchmaker.
Q What were your earliest in-roads into the industry?
A After expressing an interest in studying watchmaking to my uncle, he mentioned his friend Nick Horsfall was the owner of Lister Horsfall Jewellers and asked if he had any advice on how to get started in the industry. After talking to Nick, he suggested it would be useful to get hands on with the timepieces. I soon started working on the shopfloor at the Halifax showroom to get experience and knowledge in luxury timepieces and the watch industry. I then applied for a place on the British School Of Watchmaking, 3000 Hour course and was successful. With the help of Nick and the Lister Horsfall team I began my studies. I studied at the BSOW for two years and graduated from the school as a qualified watchmaker.
Q When did you first start working with Rolex?
A Upon graduating from the BSOW, I recognized the next step was obtaining my Rolex accreditation. While our brand-new workshop was under construction, I worked under the stewardship of an experienced Rolex watchmaker at a service centre near Halifax and commenced studying for my accreditation in March 2022. It was an extraordinary experience to be collaborating with such a renowned and highly esteemed brand that holds immense recognition both within and outside the industry.
Q What does it mean to be a Rolex accredited watchmaker?
A Upon obtaining my accreditation in December 2022, I was officially authorized by Rolex to work on their timepieces. The standard of my work was deemed high enough to uphold Rolex’s reputation as a high-quality and robust timepiece. This accreditation also enabled me to issue the Rolex international service warranty, which is applied by Rolex’s service centres worldwide.
Q How do you care for the watches?
A The process commences with an analysis of the watch upon arrival. Subsequently, the disassembly process commences, involving the removal of the bracelet from the watch head, the movement from the case, the hands and dial from the movement, and the disassembly of the case into its constituent parts, while ensuring all components are inspected for wear and tear. The movement is then disassembled piece by piece, thoroughly inspecting each individual component for signs of wear and replacing any worn components to restore the watch’s performance to its optimal level. Once fully disassembled, the movement components are placed in a specially designed cleaning machine to remove debris and old oils. After cleaning, the movement is meticulously reassembled with appropriate oils and lubrication, and the movement is adjusted to ensure correct operation.
The case and bracelet are then refinished to restore the watch’s original lustre and cleaned. The case is then reassembled with new gaskets in place and tested to verify its waterproofness. The dial and hands are fitted to the movement, and the movement is secured back into the case. Finally, the fully reassembled watch undergoes a rigorous four-day quality control process to ensure it meets the exceptional standards set by Rolex.
Q Of all the watches you have serviced, what has been your favourite one?
A My preferred watches to service are those with a rich history or stories associated with them. Occasionally, it is a family heirloom that has been passed down through multiple generations, or a watch that has been worn on the same wrist for its entire life. Each of these watches carries a unique story that has shaped them in different ways, and this is evident in every watch that comes across my bench. What distinguishes them is the stories they hold and the milestones they represent.
Q What advice would you give on the care of a Rolex watch?
A A Rolex watch is a tough and robust timepiece made to withstand extreme conditions. Such a watch requires rather infrequent intervention. However, it is recommended that a 10 year service interval is important to ensure the longevity of the watch and if anything feels out of place between services to bring it to an accredited workshop as soon as possible. For context, a Rolex watch movement produces 8 beats per second, or 28,800 beats per hour, so it’s incredible that Rolex only recommends servicing your timepiece once every ten years.
Q What recent Rolex launches/collections stand out for you?
A My personal favourite model in the collection is the Explorer. Its rich history dating back to 1953 as one of Rolex’s earliest professional models commemorates the successful ascent of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. Its timeless design and robust nature have made it an iconic timepiece in the collection ever since.
Q What makes the Rolex Authorised Service Centre at Lister Horsfall so special?
A At Lister Horsfall, we’re proud to offer a truly personal touch. Your watch is cared for by our skilled team, who treat every timepiece as if it were their own. From the moment you bring your Rolex to us, we ensure each step of the servicing process is handled with the utmost precision and care. It’s not just about maintaining your watch; it’s about giving you peace of mind, knowing it’s in the hands of experts who are as passionate about. your timepiece as you are.
Q What does having a centre such as this offer clients?
A Having a Rolex Authorised Service Centre at Lister Horsfall means our clients enjoy the convenience of local service while maintaining the assurance of Rolex’s global standards. Your timepiece is expertly cared for right here in Halifax, yet it benefits from the same international warranty offered at Rolex service centres worldwide. This unique combination of accessibility and quality ensures our clients receive exceptional service with the confidence and prestige that only Rolex can provide.
Q What else do you think makes the Lister Horsfall experience so special?
A At Lister Horsfall, we’re more than just a jeweller – we’re a part of the community, proudly carrying over 120 years of legacy. Our friendly and knowledgeable team is here to make every visit to our Halifax and Ilkley showrooms truly special. We take the time to understand your needs, offering expert advice and a warm welcome to everyone who walks through our doors. For us, it’s about more than exceptional watches and jewellery; it’s about building lasting relationships and being a trusted part of your life’s milestones.
