[NutmegCarrera]

One more data point here:
I’ve done both. Used a “certified watchmaker” who no longer worked at an AD for Rolex. He did an “okay” job - after I returned the watch to him after a day.
Took the same watch (now an 18 year old Explorer II) to the local Rolex A.D. - who has an in house certified watchmaker.
The bill was less than $800, and watch looks brand new - with a 2 year warranty that Rolex backs.
You don’t have to have the exterior polished. I’m not sure why anybody wouldn’t want this - but it’s an option.
Also-
Rolex WILL NOT SELL PARTS to anybody that isn’t an AD. Same with the oils/greases that they use.
So why would you go anywhere else?
I look at < $1000 every 20 years as pretty reasonable maintenance. I wear mine every day. Looks as good now as when my wife bought it for me. And, the value is more than 2x what she paid for it.
I’ll be taking my 1988 vintage Tudor sub in sometime in the next couple years for the same.
Would love to get the bracelet completely rebuilt/replaced as the links are the ‘folded’ type, and I wore that watch from 1988 to 2004 or so. It’s pretty loose.
That one is becoming pretty rare. Blue, no date sub. Prices are climbing for them, too.
I think the difference between the factory (or AD with certified watchmaker) is much greater than “Dealer vs. independent shop” when it comes to auto repairs.
And my opinion is worth $0.02 - at best.