AD Scratched 16710 Lugs; Thoughts?

[Cronus4]

Got a jubilee for my 16710 from my AD and took my watch in when I went to pick up the bracelet, they offered to put it on and size it so I took them up on it. When I got home and took the watch off I noticed these scratches on the back of my lugs (see pics). The bracelet has never been taken off of this watch and it was 100% the AD that made these scratches. I emailed them and they said “bring the watch in and we’ll make it right”.

My question is this; there’s no way for them to fix this without taking metal off the lugs, correct? I told them as much in my original email and it’s just making me even madder that they don’t get that point.

Sorry for whatever reason I couldn’t embed the photos...

http://ibb.co/8X2HTdY

https://ibb.co/tPKKhQf

[jbreeden]

These scratches are extremely common any time a bracelet is removed.

There are ways, using tape, better equipment, and more care that they could have been avoided.

They can fix it using a fiberglass pen or some polished equipment, i would not necessarily classify it as "removing metal", true at a micron level but no one would ever be able to tell.

There is a chance they could screw up the fix, sand in a different direction of grain, soften an edge, ect.

If the bracelet is ever changed again there is a high probability the scratch will return, that is done again.

With all these things is mind, i know it sucks to have a scratch on your watch that you did not create, but i would leave it.

[Cronus4]

Originally Posted by jbreeden

These scratches are extremely common any time a bracelet is removed.

There are ways, using tape, better equipment, and more care that they could have been avoided.

They can fix it using a fiberglass pen or some polished equipment, i would not necessarily classify it as "removing metal", true at a micron level but no one would ever be able to tell.

There is a chance they could screw up the fix, sand in a different direction of grain, soften an edge, ect.

If the bracelet is ever changed again there is a high probability the scratch will return, that is done again.

With all these things is mind, i know it sucks to have a scratch on your watch that you did not create, but i would leave it.

I totally get they happen, however it stings when you don’t make these marks and as “professionals” I was hoping they would have used some more care on the watch, heck I even tape my own lugs when I change my own bracelet/straps.

I’m not sure how they’re going to “make it right” and based on their carelessness so far I’m honestly concerned they’d make it worse...

[watchmaker]

Originally Posted by Cronus4

I totally get they happen, however it stings when you don’t make these marks and as “professionals” I was hoping they would have used some more care on the watch, heck I even tape my own lugs when I change my own bracelet/straps.

I’m not sure how they’re going to “make it right” and based on their carelessness so far I’m honestly concerned they’d make it worse...

Sucks that it happened.

Being pragmatic for a second, what are your expectations (if any) given you now don’t trust them to touch it? Not a lot of options open to you other than live with it or have it refinished.

[rossi46]

Originally Posted by Cronus4

heck I even tape my own lugs when I change my own bracelet/straps.

Can I ask why, if you're familiar with the procedure, you let them do it? (I'm not letting them off the hook - they should have done a better job.)

I swap my own bracelets/straps and use tape, too. Even then, there are tiny hairline scratches on the bottom of the lugs. As long as it's not visible I'm not too worried about it.

[Cronus4]

Originally Posted by jbreeden

These scratches are extremely common any time a bracelet is removed.

There are ways, using tape, better equipment, and more care that they could have been avoided.

They can fix it using a fiberglass pen or some polished equipment, i would not necessarily classify it as "removing metal", true at a micron level but no one would ever be able to tell.

There is a chance they could screw up the fix, sand in a different direction of grain, soften an edge, ect.

If the bracelet is ever changed again there is a high probability the scratch will return, that is done again.

With all these things is mind, i know it sucks to have a scratch on your watch that you did not create, but i would leave it.

Originally Posted by rossi46

Can I ask why, if you're familiar with the procedure, you let them do it? (I'm not letting them off the hook - they should have done a better job.)

I swap my own bracelets/straps and use tape, too. Even then, there are tiny hairline scratches on the bottom of the lugs. As long as it's not visible I'm not too worried about it.

I let them do it because they’re professionals and I thought they would do a professional job of it? Why do you get JMPI’s before a jump, you did a buddy check right?

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by Cronus4

I let them do it because they’re professionals and I thought they would do a professional job of it? Why do you get JMPI’s before a jump, you did a buddy check right?

The thing is, if they don't have a watchmaker on site they are sales professionals who know how to change a bracelet, not bracelet changing professionals.

99.99999% of watch wearers could not care less about microscopic marks on the back of their watches, and would be 100% happy with the offer to swap out and size the bracelets.

That is something that I think many here forget.

Your scratches can be fixed in seconds with zero damage to your watch. But one of these from amazon and do it yourself

https://www.amazon.com/Bergeon-Brush...y&sr=8-2-fkmr1

[Tools]

It's a watch and most folks are going to treat it as such.

Marks when putting in the springbars is common. It will take about 30 seconds to brush and blend the lugs with a fiber pen.

[The Libertine]

Originally Posted by Tools

It's a watch and most folks are going to treat it as such.

Marks when putting in the springbars is common. It will take about 30 seconds to brush and blend the lugs with a fiber pen.

Very true. Should be an easy fix, and certainly not an issue to let your blood pressure boil over.

[Nunez. Jacob]

Originally Posted by tools

it's a watch and most folks are going to treat it as such.

Marks when putting in the springbars is common. It will take about 30 seconds to brush and blend the lugs with a fiber pen.

never heard of fiber pen what do they look like

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Nunez. Jacob

never heard of fiber pen what do they look like

All you need to know about bracelet touch-up, and fiber pens.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=111743

[e dantes]

Originally Posted by Tools

All you need to know about bracelet touch-up, and fiber pens.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=111743

Tools,

Thank you! Very helpful information and pictures.

[faimag]

Agree with the above. Don’t get too worked up about it. Scratches come with the territory...

[zewill]

Is this your first watch cronus?
This kind of behaviour is often seen when you buy your first serious watch, a prized possession, you are so careful with it, you are scared if a fly goes on your watch and then check for scratches...
At first I put tape when I removed my bracelets. Now, I cannot be bothered. Eventually it will get scratched, if it's not you, it'll be someone when the AD tweaks it or RSC (even though the latter is very careful and they have the right tool to remove bracelet).
Just live with it and enjoy the watch. No one will see it's ever so slightly scratched inside the lugs...

[epicurus]

Originally Posted by zewill

Is this your first watch cronus?
This kind of behaviour is often seen when you buy your first serious watch, a prized possession, you are so careful with it, you are scared if a fly goes on your watch and then check for scratches...
At first I put tape when I removed my bracelets. Now, I cannot be bothered. Eventually it will get scratched, if it's not you, it'll be someone when the AD tweaks it or RSC (even though the latter is very careful and they have the right tool to remove bracelet).
Just live with it and enjoy the watch. No one will see it's ever so slightly scratched inside the lugs...

[Cronus4]

Originally Posted by zewill

Is this your first watch cronus?
This kind of behaviour is often seen when you buy your first serious watch, a prized possession, you are so careful with it, you are scared if a fly goes on your watch and then check for scratches...
At first I put tape when I removed my bracelets. Now, I cannot be bothered. Eventually it will get scratched, if it's not you, it'll be someone when the AD tweaks it or RSC (even though the latter is very careful and they have the right tool to remove bracelet).
Just live with it and enjoy the watch. No one will see it's ever so slightly scratched inside the lugs...

Thanks for the off handed condescending remark about it being my first watch. No, it’s not, but it is a special one to me and one that has seriously gained value over time, so I think I’m entitled to being concerned about this lack of care by an AD and “watchmaker”. I’m not sure why some people on here are reacting to me wanting to keep my watch in a high condition of care as somehow anal...

[sillo]

Originally Posted by Cronus4

I’m not sure why some people on here are reacting to me wanting to keep my watch in a high condition of care as somehow anal...

I get it, but unless it was a NOS watch those light lug scratches aren't going to do a thing to the value of a otherwise mint 16710.

[The Libertine]

Originally Posted by Cronus4

I’m not sure why some people on here are reacting to me wanting to keep my watch in a high condition of care as somehow anal...

Because, even with the best of intentions, scratches are an inevitable part of watch ownership.

You posed a question to the forum, so I’m not sure why you’re taking issue here with some of the answers.

[Easy E]

Originally Posted by Cronus4

Thanks for the off handed condescending remark about it being my first watch. No, it’s not, but it is a special one to me and one that has seriously gained value over time, so I think I’m entitled to being concerned about this lack of care by an AD and “watchmaker”. I’m not sure why some people on here are reacting to me wanting to keep my watch in a high condition of care as somehow anal...

I’m thinking he was not trying to be condescending. Just offering that a lot of first timers get super freaked about such. You are totally within your rights to be upset about it. Again, I interpret the previous post as simply that guy viewing as not a big deal if it happens to his watches. Carry on, and good luck with your remedy.

E-

[Onikage]

I'd be most dischuffed myself but at least they didn't screw the front up.

[Dsmith1974]

I do have some sympathy for the ADs. The staff are frequently asked to carry out bracelet changes and re-sizing (usually at no cost) and the forums encourage a mindset of strict no polishing and immaculate condition.

If I wanted to guarantee no scratches or ensure loctite was used I’d do it myself with tape etc. Usually I take the convenience (and risk) and let the AD do it if I’m in there and they offer.

It’s a bit annoying but in this case I’d let them sort it out for you and hope you get a good outcome.

[Yzord]

I would not accept those scratches AT ALL! Bring it back and demand a light polish at least.

[watchmaker]

Originally Posted by Yzord

I would not accept those scratches AT ALL! Bring it back and demand a light polish at least.

Demand? Seriously? You wouldn’t even attempt to engage in civilised conversation first?

They’ve already offered to ‘make it right’. The only way they can do that is a light refinishing anyway. No need to get your demand on.

[sillo]

Now just gives you less to worry about when swapping bracelets.

Those marks are super common and almost impossible to avoid. It's also in an area you're barely ever going to look at.

[Syed117]

Annoying for sure, but I would learn to live with it.

I used to tape up the back of lugs when I would change straps on watches, but I've stopped caring.

I think all my watches have marks from tools on the backs of the lugs. Nothing severe, but from the occasional slip.

[iheartrolexx]

leave it and dont polish

[mactruck]

This is the tool, and this is the method. If AD not using tool and method, AD is a TOOL.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPxoFfWLX2o

[Overwound]

Originally Posted by mactruck

This is the tool, and this is the method. If AD not using tool and method, AD is a TOOL.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPxoFfWLX2o

That's an good tool for Rolex bracelets. Although, he did drag it over the back of a lug at 1:01 into the video.

[mactruck]

DO NOT try to fix yourself. You will regret.

DO NOT let the AD try to fix. You will regret.

Wait until your watch needs service and send to RSC and let them do it, OR send to Rollieworks if it bothers you that much.

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by mactruck

DO NOT try to fix yourself. You will regret.

DO NOT let the AD try to fix. You will regret.

Wait until your watch needs service and send to RSC and let them do it, OR send to Rollieworks if it bothers you that much.

We are talking about minute hairline scratches on the back side of the lugs that will take seconds to fix with a $30 implement, and you are suggesting sending it to Rolieworks?