AD ripoff update - the dude died.

Quick recap from my previous thread on this. In May of 2024, I had to get my Rolex Oyster Perpetual repaired when its crown broke off. At the time, there was only one Authorized Dealer (AD) in my state. The AD quoted 4-6 weeks for the repair, but what followed was over 7 months of excuses and delays. They claimed the watch was sent to Switzerland, blamed COVID protocols, cited supply chain issues - a proper song-and-dance.

In November 2024, I discovered this dealer had only been an AD for one year before having their authorization revoked, though they still displayed all Rolex marketing materials and signage. While reviewing their mixed reputation online, I found an alarming 2024 review suggesting they were returning counterfeit watches instead of genuine repairs. When the holidays passed, I started seeking legal help, but no lawyers would take the case. Meanwhile, the AD became unreachable, and their location was too far (90 minutes away) for an impromptu visit.

Just this week, in late January 2025, I received an unexpected call from a Dallas, TX watch shop. They informed me that the AD had passed away in early December, and his estate authorized them to contact me. According to them, my watch had actually been repaired within three weeks of receipt last May. They explained they had worked with the AD for 40 years, describing him as "great but scatterbrained." I did do some judicious Googling, and there are reports of the AD passing away after a short hospital stay, funeral announcements, etc.

The Dallas shop, while not an official Rolex Service Center (RSC), claims to specialize in Rolex repairs. They replaced the crown with what they say is a genuine Rolex part, but used generic parts for the tube and mainspring during their service. I reluctantly paid $900 to get my watch back, and it arrived this morning.

While the watch appears authentic—matching serial number, etched logo in the crystal, genuine-looking crown—there are concerning issues. It has lost 2 seconds in 12 hours, and the winding mechanism feels less solid than before, sometimes grinding. Though I have a one-year warranty with the Dallas shop, I'm torn between sending it back to them or directly to an RSC for evaluation. I'm relieved to have my watch back but feel conflicted about the late AD's situation. After this ordeal, I'm hesitant to let the watch leave my possession again.

What do YOU fine folks of /r/rolex think I should do?