Yet another Michael Young report

[iclick]

About 10 years ago I replaced the Oyster Flip-Lock band on my vintage GMT and lost track of it. Until recently I had assumed that I had tossed it like I did the original and subsequent Jubilee bands many years ago, a habit I held onto for too long in thinking worn-out bands, etc. were trash and of no further interest to me or anyone else. It's only a miracle I didn't toss my original faded fat-font bezel after I lost it in the yard for several years, which was replaced before recovering it, but that's another story.

Anyway, I found the discarded Oyster band (93150 with 93160 Flip-Lock clasp and 580 end links) a few months ago and thought it would be a good candidate for Michael Young, the band guru in Hong Kong. After he received it I got an email from him stating that it would take 8-10 weeks for service, but after only two weeks he emailed me again with the news that it was ready for shipment. I received it only a few days ago and thought I would write a report. BTW, I shipped via FedEx without insurance, but I would recommend using EMS that allows insurance for the full value, as that will help with your peace of mind and costs only 2% of the declared value extra.

The overall appearance and finish is first-rate, especially on the outer surfaces, which I tried to depict in the photos. Unfortunately the outer surfaces of the links (Photo 1 & 2) look almost ceramic in the photos, but in reality look like the brushed finish I remember in a new band. The slack in the links is much less than before, and laying the pieces out I tried to place them in a position that shows the maximum slack, which as you can see isn't much. The piece with the extra link has a bit more than the other. Photos 3 & 4 show the underside.

The only negative I might suggest is that the link in the clasp (Photo 5) has more slack than any of the other links and more than I see in the clasps of the other Oyster bands I have. I doubt if this would be any functional issue at all, however, but I wonder if perhaps they forgot to service that one.

I regret that I forgot to photograph the band before shipping it out , so you'll have to take my word that the appearance and slack are much improved. It was not a basket-case by any means with only moderate slack in the links, but looked like a well-cared-for daily wearer with about 19 years under its belt.

Overall I would give the band an A- with the only deduction the loose clasp link. Finish is an A, time of completion A+, but communication only a C. He failed to answer my first email and didn't answer all the lame questions I had, but I give Michael Young a thumbs-up overall for the service he provided.

[Widows Son]

Just out of curiosity, how do you know what it will cost??? I need to send him my wife's 18c/stainless jubilee from her mid 80's DJ. The band is stretched but not broken or anything. Do you send it to him and he sends you an estimate or what???

[GregoryZ]

Your band looks incredible. I have a jubilee from my 1675 that needs his magical touch. I'm glad you posted! Thanks!

[JohnBaker3]

Originally Posted by Widows Son

Just out of curiosity, how do you know what it will cost??? I need to send him my wife's 18c/stainless jubilee from her mid 80's DJ. The band is stretched but not broken or anything. Do you send it to him and he sends you an estimate or what???

If you go to his site, he has posted some estimates based on the type of band you are sending to him.

http://www.classicwatchrepair.com/page5.html

[Widows Son]

Originally Posted by JohnBaker3

If you go to his site, he has posted some estimates based on the type of band you are sending to him.

http://www.classicwatchrepair.com/page5.html

Thank you!!! One more question I'll need to put a temp leather strap on her watch, and idea what size the lugs are on a 31MM DJ???

[iclick]

Originally Posted by Widows Son

Just out of curiosity, how do you know what it will cost??? I need to send him my wife's 18c/stainless jubilee from her mid 80's DJ. The band is stretched but not broken or anything. Do you send it to him and he sends you an estimate or what???

The SS was $178 including return shipping via FedEx (no insurance) but he charges more for TT and gold bands. Mine arrived in only a few days, but I worried about having no insurance. For some reason the USPS would not ship the band to HK via Registered Mail, and only Priority was available. With $500 of insurance it cost $45, so that's a small downside.

[Frosty]

Outstanding!

[MitchSteel]

Wow

[THC]

Yes my day date was the same size... Go get a 20 mm leather strap at any watch shop because when you get your band back you will marvel at it like I did with my Pres. band and I cut the strap one off as fast as I could .. Haha

He is indeed the best

[THC]

Wait scratch that, my day date is a 36 mm... Any watch shop/jeweler will help you with a band... Good luck

[Widows Son]

This is my wife's 31 MM DJ. I'm picking it up at the shop tomorrow after receiving an overhaul. I've already removed the bracelet. I have a slew of bands here at home. If I knew the lug width I could bring one with, and have him put it on before I leave.

[2ar2c1]

Originally Posted by Widows Son

I've already removed the bracelet.

duh, just hold the bracelet up to the straps and you'll know which ones will fit. duh.

[zhiunit]

for the price he charges a good service with good turn around rate is all I would ask for, to rate him for communication when he's probably doing like 50 of these a day would probably shoot up the price he charges =)

[cop414]

Looks fantastic!

[iclick]

Originally Posted by zhiunit

for the price he charges a good service with good turn around rate is all I would ask for, to rate him for communication when he's probably doing like 50 of these a day would probably shoot up the price he charges =)

I thought I would give a full report, but the minor communication issues didn't keep me from giving his service an overall thumbs-up rating.

[iclick]

Does anyone have an opinion on the flex of the clasp link?

[77T]

The service MY performs helps us keep a vintage watch as complete and original as possible plus safe to wear since 40-50 year old bracelet pins could fail without expert restoration...

Great to hear the quality of work is still top notch.

[Hairdude1]

Looks great!

[nyyankees]

Michael does great work. Had him restore a TT jubilee for me a couple years ago and it turned out great.

[Smartyjones18]

Another satisfied MY's customer

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After

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Before

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[jctrolex]

Originally Posted by Smartyjones18

Another satisfied MY's customer

[IMG]
After

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Before

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Wow that's amazing.

[Lol-x]

Those are some amazing results, and savings are massive on what would otherwise be a replacement cost from Rolex.

[mjclark32]

Wow, great work

[Paulo100]

Here is my experience so far (very early days).
I finally made the decision to have my DD president bracelet refurbished by Michael Young.
I emailed him today at around 09.30am, received a reply at 2pm! That's pretty fast by anyones standards I would say :)
Here is a picture of my band before sending it to Michael. Naturally I will post pictures when I receive it back (estimated 8 to 10 weeks).

[Paulo100]

I received my bracelet back from MY today. Unbelievably!
Pictures to follow.

[saaduk]

Originally Posted by Paulo100

I received my bracelet back from MY today. Unbelievably!
Pictures to follow.

Waiting :)

[Widows Son]

Got the Warden's jubilee back just before leaving on vacation!!!!! Looked great and was around $200.00.

[Paulo100]

Here are the before and after pics.
My jeweller stood looking at the results and finally said, 'how do they do that'! :)

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by Paulo100

Here are the before and after pics.
My jeweller stood looking at the results and finally said, 'how do they do that'! :)

Absolutely out standing!!!

[Keith1]

Michael Young is the Man!