My Rolex is Glued? Falling apart like lego

[Solo118]

Originally Posted by Qwe7410

What I do worry about is the other plates that are attached the same way, could potentially drop off.

Given that the bond has weakened and fell off. I do have deep concern if it is a never ending fix with parts coming off all the time.

I did a brief search on this forum, it seems like it's not a rare phenomenon. Some users claimed to had it fixed for free ten years ago even with the plate missing. I will be very upset if if have to pay over a grand to solve it

Were they other sport models? Sorry if I am too lazy to search, the last time I saw this it was an early GMT I believe.

Hoping by now they found a better production process and fixed the issue, as it may have been earlier models with the new style clasp (at the time)

I am curious if Datejusts have this issue as well, because the clasps are constructed differently, and I have no doubt in my mind they are using similar plates...

[SS Oyster]

I would not buy a TT Rolex, but if this happened, I would definitely get it fixed.

Sending a 10 year old Rolex to the Rolex Service Center is the way to go, and you’ll get a 2-year warranty on the whole watch. Their first order of business is to service the entire watch, which involves full disassembly including the hundreds of parts of the movement, cleaning each part, applying the exact spec lubricant for only specified parts as the movement is reassembled. As for the failed gold clasp laminate bond, once the clasp is disassembled from the bracelet and rest of the clasp, Rolex will weld it to the exact spec and polish it to ensure it’s perfect. This is not a Home Depot epoxy job. Your case, end links, each piece of the bracelet and clasp are individually polished and reassembled to exact specification in terms of fit and screw torque including Rolex version of lock-tite. Your cased-up movement is time-tested in 6 positions over many days to ensure proper regulation. You will also get all new gaskets and a pressure test to 25% over 300m. The bracelet is then reattached to the case with brand new springbars.

When you get it back, it will look brand new and be ready for another 10 years.

So, with all that described work being done at a cost of around $800 plus the gold weld repair, how can you possibly argue with paying around $80/year if you figure your annual cost of ownership over that 10 year period. Actually, if you look at the price of your asset, it will have gone up around $6k since you bought it if purchased at MSRP, so even after paying for the service, the watch has returned to you a $5k in net worth since your original purchase.

A nice “thank you” to Rolex would be appropriate.

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[Tools]

Originally Posted by Qwe7410

What I do worry about is the other plates that are attached the same way, could potentially drop off.

Given that the bond has weakened and fell off. I do have deep concern if it is a never ending fix with parts coming off all the time.

I did a brief search on this forum, it seems like it's not a rare phenomenon. Some users claimed to had it fixed for free ten years ago even with the plate missing. I will be very upset if if have to pay over a grand to solve it

Yes, it is rare.

12 million posts over 2 decades and this has only come up a handful of times. That's rare enough to never be a serious worry for most of us.

There is only one other fused piece and that is on the flip lock. Where would these parts be coming off from?

[Idcutthat13]

Originally Posted by ss oyster

i would not buy a tt rolex, but if this happened, i would definitely get it fixed.

Sending a 10 year old rolex to the rolex service center is the way to go, and you’ll get a 2-year warranty on the whole watch. Their first order of business is to service the entire watch, which involves full disassembly including the hundreds of parts of the movement, cleaning each part, applying the exact spec lubricant for only specified parts as the movement is reassembled. As for the failed gold clasp laminate bond, once the clasp is disassembled from the bracelet and rest of the clasp, rolex will weld it to the exact spec and polish it to ensure it’s perfect. This is not a home depot epoxy job. Your case, end links, each piece of the bracelet and clasp are individually polished and reassembled to exact specification in terms of fit and screw torque including rolex version of lock-tite. Your cased-up movement is time-tested in 6 positions over many days to ensure proper regulation. You will also get all new gaskets and a pressure test to 25% over 300m. The bracelet is then reattached to the case with brand new springbars.

When you get it back, it will look brand new and be ready for another 10 years.

So, with all that described work being done at a cost of around $800 plus the gold weld repair, how can you possibly argue with paying around $80/year if you figure your annual cost of ownership over that 10 year period. Actually, if you look at the price of your asset, it will have gone up around $6k since you bought it if purchased at msrp, so even after paying for the service, the watch has returned to you a $5k in net worth since your original purchase.

A nice “thank you” to rolex would be appropriate.

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boom

[Andad]

Originally Posted by SS Oyster

I would not buy a TT Rolex, but if this happened, I would definitely get it fixed.

Sending a 10 year old Rolex to the Rolex Service Center is the way to go, and you’ll get a 2-year warranty on the whole watch. Their first order of business is to service the entire watch, which involves full disassembly including the hundreds of parts of the movement, cleaning each part, applying the exact spec lubricant for only specified parts as the movement is reassembled. As for the failed gold clasp laminate bond, once the clasp is disassembled from the bracelet and rest of the clasp, Rolex will weld it to the exact spec and polish it to ensure it’s perfect. This is not a Home Depot epoxy job. Your case, end links, each piece of the bracelet and clasp are individually polished and reassembled to exact specification in terms of fit and screw torque including Rolex version of lock-tite. Your cased-up movement is time-tested in 6 positions over many days to ensure proper regulation. You will also get all new gaskets and a pressure test to 25% over 300m. The bracelet is then reattached to the case with brand new springbars.

When you get it back, it will look brand new and be ready for another 10 years.

So, with all that described work being done at a cost of around $800 plus the gold weld repair, how can you possibly argue with paying around $80/year if you figure your annual cost of ownership over that 10 year period. Actually, if you look at the price of your asset, it will have gone up around $6k since you bought it if purchased at MSRP, so even after paying for the service, the watch has returned to you a $5k in net worth since your original purchase.

A nice “thank you” to Rolex would be appropriate.

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Keep it simple:

This should be fixed as a manufacturing defect and unrelated to any other work that Rolex may feel like charging for.

[Gab27]

If the watch is 10 years old and has not been serviced to date, I think it makes sense to send it to the RSC closest to you for a routine service of the movement, and request that they repair the clasp where they would cover that portion of the work on the basis of this being a manufacturing defect. They might decline the request due to the age of the watch, but it can't hurt to ask.

[SS Oyster]

Originally Posted by Andad

Keep it simple:

This should be fixed as a manufacturing defect and unrelated to any other work that Rolex may feel like charging for.

Rolex doesn’t charge what they “feel like”. They inform you what the cost will be if YOU CHOOSE to get it repaired by them.

First of all, you brought it to them. They didn’t come to your house demanding your watch.

Second, they provide an estimate to make repairs. In that estimate, they will not hide the cost of a full service, which the watch is designed to have after 10 years of use.

Third, Rolex will NOT commence work on your watch without written approval to do so, which is why they email you the estimate requesting approval or instructions on how you plan to collect or have the watch shipped back (at a marginal cost).

I tend to agree that on something like this, Rolex might decide to fix it without charge, but that takes investigation as it might have just failed or it might have taken a big blow or shear force to have it come off. I hope it gets done w/o charge, but Rolex will definitely not surprise you with an expense without first quoting a price and asking your approval to proceed.


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[Devildog]

Originally Posted by Qwe7410

I got the half gold submariner watch from the authorised agent about 10 years ago.


I've recently experienced an issue with my Rolex watch - a piece of it seems to have come loose and fell off. To provide some context, I don't wear this watch very often. Last month, I tucked it into my pocket while washing my hands, and upon retrieving it, I noticed that the plate had fallen off.

As you can imagine, this was concerning, so I reached out to a someone who knows someone in Rolex to inquire about repair costs. To my surprise, I was quoted a starting price of US$1000 for servicing, parts charged separately, with the cover replacement alone costing US$2200.

This revelation caught me off guard, as I hadn't considered these watches to be so delicate. Moreover, I'm now worried that other components, which may also be glued on, could be vulnerable to similar detachment.

Given this situation, I'd appreciate any suggestions or insights into what my next steps should be. Has anyone else faced similar issues and, if so, how did you handle it?

Ignore all the Rolex can do no wrong fanboys.

The 18ct plate has failed at the fusion welds. It happens, rarely, but it happens.

Only the gold on the clasp is attached this way - simply because its the only way. The bracelet links, bezel and crown are all solid.

For a watch that's not worn very often it's not something that's acceptable at 10 years. It may be out of warranty but IMO Rolex should fix this for you free of charge given the nature of the failure. Unless it's taken a hit or knock which would be evident by visible damage to the plate or clasp.

Your location is listed as Singapore so take your watch to the Rolex Service Centre there, in person. Do not go through an Authorised Dealer.

https://www.rolex.com/watch-care-and...hard-singapore

And see what they say. At 10 years old they will recommend a full service anyway and unless your watch is running within spec it makes sense to have it done.

Rolex have a policy of wanting to service at the time of repair. However a clasp repair does not involve any disassembly of the watch head such as, for example, a new crystal or crown would.

If the RSC isn't willing to help in a manner acceptable to you, there are specialist independent restoration businesses that will be able to fix the clasp at lower cost, and possibly any competent jewellery repair service or bespoke jewellery manufacturer could do the same.

Good luck and let us know how you get on

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by Andad

Keep it simple:

This should be fixed as a manufacturing defect and unrelated to any other work that Rolex may feel like charging for.

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by SS Oyster

Rolex doesn’t charge what they “feel like”. They inform you what the cost will be if YOU CHOOSE to get it repaired by them.

First of all, you brought it to them. They didn’t come to your house demanding your watch.

Second, they provide an estimate to make repairs. In that estimate, they will not hide the cost of a full service, which the watch is designed to have after 10 years of use.

Third, Rolex will NOT commence work on your watch without written approval to do so, which is why they email you the estimate requesting approval or instructions on how you plan to collect or have the watch shipped back (at a marginal cost).

I tend to agree that on something like this, Rolex might decide to fix it without charge, but that takes investigation as it might have just failed or it might have taken a big blow or shear force to have it come off. I hope it gets done w/o charge, but Rolex will definitely not surprise you with an expense without first quoting a price and asking your approval to proceed.


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We know all of that. He wasn't being literal.

What Eddie is getting at is that this should be assessed and repaired free of charge if a manufacturing defect, and should not be subject to having to pay for a full service.

And if it was a manufacturing defect, the OP should be getting an apology from Rolex, not having to thank them. That's just ridiculous, suggesting they somehow deserve a "nice thank you". For what exactly?

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Devildog

Ignore all the Rolex can do no wrong fanboys.

The 18ct plate has failed at the fusion welds. It happens, rarely, but it happens.

Only the gold on the clasp is attached this way - simply because its the only way. The bracelet links, bezel and crown are all solid.

For a watch that's not worn very often it's not something that's acceptable at 10 years. It may be out of warranty but IMO Rolex should fix this for you free of charge given the nature of the failure. Unless it's taken a hit or knock which would be evident by visible damage to the plate or clasp.

Your location is listed as Singapore so take your watch to the Rolex Service Centre there, in person. Do not go through an Authorised Dealer.

https://www.rolex.com/watch-care-and...hard-singapore

And see what they say. At 10 years old they will recommend a full service anyway and unless your watch is running within spec it makes sense to have it done.

Rolex have a policy of wanting to service at the time of repair. However a clasp repair does not involve any disassembly of the watch head such as, for example, a new crystal or crown would.

If the RSC isn't willing to help in a manner acceptable to you, there are specialist independent restoration businesses that will be able to fix the clasp at lower cost, and possibly any competent jewellery repair service or bespoke jewellery manufacturer could do the same.

Good luck and let us know how you get on

Yes all 18ct gold now but a few years back the winding crown's were gold capped but now solid gold with a SS sleeve for the threads.

[Dirt]

It has been known to happen.
The "Fashion piece" on the two tone clasp is indeed a nicely fitted glued on laminated piece.
Rolex can no doubt re-attach it at a Service centre but it appears they may be charging you for a replacement clasp assembly.

You may choose to not have their service for now and or not proceed with the clasp component of the work.
You may try to extort a clasp out of them due to defective workmanship but I don't like your chances of success in the first instance.
But a nicely worded hand written letter sent directly to Switzerland may yield some consideration on their part, but I imagine they will require you to have a service performed as the watch is 10 years old.
It's the Rolex way.

[travisb]

Sorry to see. Disappointing for sure but I've heard of it in a few rare instances. Let us know what directions you choose to go with it.

[gwozhog]

Can’t believe nobody has mention this. A few dabs of JB weld and call it a day.

[faimag]

Lego is actually better since you can just pop it back in yourself, no welding needed.

[7enderbender]

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

You could always sell the watch "as is" and simply move on from watches.

No reasons to be "very upset"

I’d be very upset about this. Looks like a horrible manufacturing process and not what I would expect.

One more reason to stick to five digit watches I guess. And no two tone. Ever.

[Rolex1982]

Just go to RSC and let them service the watch and then they can also fix the clasp.

[ridetime]

Originally Posted by 7enderbender

I’d be very upset about this. Looks like a horrible manufacturing process and not what I would expect.

One more reason to stick to five digit watches I guess. And no two tone. Ever.

So don't buy a TT watch because there is a one in 100 thousand...probably more chance that a piece MIGHT fall off the bracelet after years of wearing it.

How many things in your life will break before that watch band? Your car, your house, your air conditioner, your microwave, your lawn mower.....and, and, and! It must be terrible to be that fearful of a man made object failing.

[Fleetlord]

Originally Posted by ridetime

So don't buy a TT watch because there is a one in 100 thousand...probably more chance that a piece MIGHT fall off the bracelet after years of wearing it.

How many things in your life will break before that watch band? Your car, your house, your air conditioner, your microwave, your lawn mower.....and, and, and! It must be terrible to be that fearful of a man made object failing.

I think it's more of the fact that the TT clasp has a "plate" of gold on it and is simply welded on.

[ridetime]

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

I think it's more of the fact that the TT clasp has a "plate" of gold on it and is simply welded on.

How else would you propose Rolex attach two dissimilar metals? Actually it's more about the fact that folks are making this an issue when it's not.

[csaltphoto]

Originally Posted by ridetime

How else would you propose Rolex attach two dissimilar metals? Actually it's more about the fact that folks are making this an issue when it's not.

There's probably a more elegant and durable solution like a tongue and groove or dovetail approach. Might not be enough metal for that on the stamped clasps though.

[ridetime]

Originally Posted by csaltphoto

There's probably a more elegant and durable solution like a tongue and groove or dovetail approach. Might not be enough metal for that on the stamped clasps though.

I'm sure Rolex is just trying to cut corners and do it as cheaply as possible. They are pretty clueless when it come to making quality watches. First the 32XX movements now junk TT bracelets. Why would anyone buy a Rolex? This is is a non issue. Being struck by lightning > Gold piece falling off.

I know...lets have a poll! Has your PM insert fallen off your bracelet? Maybe it will live longer than the numerous 32XX movement is a POS threads and polls!

[JC316]

Originally Posted by ridetime

I'm sure Rolex is just trying to cut corners and do it as cheaply as possible. They are pretty clueless when it come to making quality watches. First the 32XX movements now junk TT bracelets. Why would anyone buy a Rolex? This is is a non issue. Being struck by lightning > Gold piece falling off.

I know...lets have a poll! Has your PM insert fallen off your bracelet? Maybe it will live longer than the numerous 32XX movement is a POS threads and polls!

Thank you for sharing OP! I never considered this to be an issue. Something to def consider.

I wonder how much it would cost if you lost the piece.

[East of Eden]

Hate to think what that gold part would cost to replace if lost

[jimcameron]

Super Glue.

[alphadweller]

Originally Posted by jimcameron

Super Glue.

+1, big deal

[Qwe7410]

Here's an update after my recent visit to the Rolex service centre, I was taken aback by the quote of S$2950 / USD2180 just to address the clasp issue. I was under the impression that they could solder it back.

They mentioned that they couldn't reattach the plate but would have to replace the clasp entirely. It's just the clasp replaced, and not the entire bracelet. On top of this, there was a watch servicing fee of SGD1200/ USD960, excluding any internal repairs or replacements.

I sought clarity, asking if this was a common issue, especially since the lady CSO hinted that the TT half gold models faced it more often. When I gently questioned if this could be a defect in the TT range, I was reminded that my watch was ten years old and might require servicing. .

I asked if the other parts could detach, leading to a never ending servicing. She did not address to those questions and saying they are still attached well. I softly expressed my disappointment and left.

Opting to explore other options, I visited a nearby repair shop where an ex-Rolex technician works. He mentioned that the issue I faced was indeed common, especially based on the climates the watch has been exposed to. He quoted me a mere SGD300 to polish the bracelet and solder the plate back, which sounded far more reasonable. He said he would polish off the old adhesive before fitting it back beautifully, assuring that I will love the result.

He reassured me that my decade-old watch doesn't necessarily need immediate servicing on the movement after a brief inspection. I'm now considering letting him take care of the repairs after verifying his creditability.

[Driver8]

Originally Posted by Qwe7410

Here's an update after my recent visit to the Rolex service centre, I was taken aback by the quote of S$2950 / USD2180 just to address the clasp issue. I was under the impression that they could solder it back.

They mentioned that they couldn't reattach the plate but would have to replace the clasp entirely. It's just the clasp replaced, and not the entire bracelet. On top of this, there was a watch servicing fee of SGD1200/ USD960, excluding any internal repairs or replacements.

I sought clarity, asking if this was a common issue, especially since the lady CSO hinted that the TT half gold models faced it more often. When I gently questioned if this could be a defect in the TT range, I was reminded that my watch was ten years old and might require servicing. .

I asked if the other parts could detach, leading to a never ending servicing. She did not address to those questions and saying they are still attached well. I softly expressed my disappointment and left.

Opting to explore other options, I visited a nearby repair shop where an ex-Rolex technician works. He mentioned that the issue I faced was indeed common, especially based on the climates the watch has been exposed to. He quoted me a mere SGD300 to polish the bracelet and solder the plate back, which sounded far more reasonable. He said he would polish off the old adhesive before fitting it back beautifully, assuring that I will love the result.

He reassured me that my decade-old watch doesn't necessarily need immediate servicing on the movement after a brief inspection. I'm now considering letting him take care of the repairs after verifying his creditability.

How you choose to resolve the issue is entirely up to you as it's your watch. Ultimately if you go to Rolex you will be getting a brand new clasp and a full service by Rolex using all Rolex parts and a brand new 2 year warranty.... and a big bill. If you go the independent route, you'll get your existing clasp fixed (although it probably won't be attached in the same way as Rolex constructed it originally) and no service (and probably no warranty?), but a much smaller bill.

Both ways have their merits and their issues. As long as you chose the one that's right for you, then that's the main thing.

(That said, personally speaking I'd have gone the RSC route, but it's not my watch! )

Just as an aside, where the CSO hinted that the TT models "faced this issue more often", it's not surprising as it's only the TT models that are built in this way! All SS or all gold models have solid machined clasps - i.e. no separate insert to worry about.

[OG1982]

Originally Posted by Qwe7410

Here's an update after my recent visit to the Rolex service centre, I was taken aback by the quote of S$2950 / USD2180 just to address the clasp issue. I was under the impression that they could solder it back.

They mentioned that they couldn't reattach the plate but would have to replace the clasp entirely. It's just the clasp replaced, and not the entire bracelet. On top of this, there was a watch servicing fee of SGD1200/ USD960, excluding any internal repairs or replacements.

I sought clarity, asking if this was a common issue, especially since the lady CSO hinted that the TT half gold models faced it more often. When I gently questioned if this could be a defect in the TT range, I was reminded that my watch was ten years old and might require servicing. .

I asked if the other parts could detach, leading to a never ending servicing. She did not address to those questions and saying they are still attached well. I softly expressed my disappointment and left.

Opting to explore other options, I visited a nearby repair shop where an ex-Rolex technician works. He mentioned that the issue I faced was indeed common, especially based on the climates the watch has been exposed to. He quoted me a mere SGD300 to polish the bracelet and solder the plate back, which sounded far more reasonable. He said he would polish off the old adhesive before fitting it back beautifully, assuring that I will love the result.

He reassured me that my decade-old watch doesn't necessarily need immediate servicing on the movement after a brief inspection. I'm now considering letting him take care of the repairs after verifying his creditability.

The watch is due a service anyway, I suppose you now need to decide if you want to repair your clasp with a third party or pay the big bucks for a new one.

[Qwe7410]

I have opted to engage the third-party service to repair the clasp. After all, he was an ex-rolex technician with decades of experience.

His assessment assures me that the watch's movement doesn't require immediate attention. I'm inclined to trust his expertise, especially considering he could have easily suggested otherwise to profit from an additional service.
I may return to Rolex Centre to service the watch's movement when it's due.

He shared that there was a time when Rolex would proactively recognize and offer gratis repairs for such defects. That was in the past when he was with Rolex, till somewhere in the past few years. The immediate identification of the issue by both him and his spouse on separate accounts stating that "it's common" indicates its prevalence. He speculates that this might be a rare occurrence in areas with a dry and cold environment. However, in his life experience as a Rolex technician, it is not uncommon.

It appears Rolex's stance on addressing such issues has evolved over time. There seems to be a new presumption that due to the premium nature of a Rolex purchase, owners would not be averse to bearing higher maintenance costs.

Additionally, the technician pointed out potential vulnerabilities in two other areas that could detach. Though he didn't address if they will eventually come off or be able to affix to it more firmly, he stressed that sourcing replacements might pose significant challenges if they were ever to be dislocated or misplaced.