A stretched bracelet, RSC New York and a five digit cost to replace

[southtexas]

Originally Posted by T. Ferguson

The good news (if you want to look at it this way) is that Rolex cannot replace the bracelet with a matching replacement anyway, so the 5 figures to do go that route doesn't even come into play.

You don't have to choose between an MY repair or a leather strap. Assuming Michael can fix it, you can do both.

Agreed. I look forward to getting a response from him.

In the meantime, I called Rikki and the case will be on its way to him. The watch "works" in that the second hand moves fluidly; although I'm not sure yet how accurately it keeps time.

I was actually looking at it when the time was at 11:57:35 and the date wheel turned from the 1st to the 2nd, so that's sort of working.

I unscrewed the crown and (gently!) attempted to set the time, but was greeted with a terrible grinding noise, so I gave up on that.

The plexiglass is scratched up pretty good.

Also, when you gently shake the case, you can hear a loose piece rolling around behind the dial.

I told all of this to Rikki who, after listening patiently, said "no worries, send it in and I'll take care of it. You'll get it back in like-new condition". Given his performance with the last item I sent to him, I have no doubt I will get it back in great shape.

Thanks to all for your interest and feedback, I'll keep the updates with pics coming. For now, here's a few pics of the case pre-Rik.

And yes, if that watch could talk, I'm sure it would have a few interesting stories to share.

[Rags]

A nice new strap is the way to go..Oh and a service by either Rik or Bob Ridley.

[mfer]

Michael to restore and get some straps.

[crowncollection]

My is the ticket in hk


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Tudor Fan]

Like I keep saying, RSC NY has really the wrong attitude.
And they are not very clever either because they will certainly NOT see 13k of your money.

[T. Ferguson]

Originally Posted by Tudor Fan

Like I keep saying, RSC NY has really the wrong attitude.
And they are not very clever either because they will certainly NOT see 13k of your money.

What about the OP's story indicates the RSC had a bad attitude?

It also didn't sound like they were trying to be clever. They simply stated this is what we would replace it with, here's the pricing, and it won't be an exact match for your watch. Seems to me they were pretty up front.

[Cristell]

I would recommend putting it on a leather strap for now, scrap the bracelet for whatever you can get and save up for new gold bracelet.

Cheers

[Tools]

It's been a year...

It should be back from MY by now..

[RC2]

Originally Posted by Tools

It's been a year...



It should be back from MY by now..

Pics op! Please.

[kilyung]

Don't see much choice but strap or MY.

[OysterDavid]

There is another option. Poke around the internet a bit and you'll find at least one or two vendor's of aftermarket 14K Oyster and Jubilee bracelets at reasonable prices.

Yes, it won't be Rolex, but you wouldn't get any complaints from me if you didn't try and pass it off as 'real Rolex' and you took the melt value from your current bracelet and applied the monies to an aftermarket version that would fill the bill.

And I speak as a satisfied client of Mr. Young, so I guess what my suggestion would be, is to try him first and if he can't work his magic and you're set on a new gold bracelet, then look aftermarket, or even pre-owned on ebay. They do show up at times and with reasonable pricing as well.

[southtexas]

Originally Posted by OysterDavid

There is another option. Poke around the internet a bit and you'll find at least one or two vendor's of aftermarket 14K Oyster and Jubilee bracelets at reasonable prices.

Yes, it won't be Rolex, but you wouldn't get any complaints from me if you didn't try and pass it off as 'real Rolex' and you took the melt value from your current bracelet and applied the monies to an aftermarket version that would fill the bill.

And I speak as a satisfied client of Mr. Young, so I guess what my suggestion would be, is to try him first and if he can't work his magic and you're set on a new gold bracelet, then look aftermarket, or even pre-owned on ebay. They do show up at times and with reasonable pricing as well.

Thanks. I've already sent an email to Michael Young with pics and have started looking for a Rolex (or aftermarket) bracelet--jubilee or otherwise. Any leads would be greatly appreciated.

[jolimont]

wow amazing stretch, I think that's probably the worst I've seen on this forum??

Once again, +1 for MY

[afc1]

I'd either send it to MY or try to find another bracelet on the used market. Post something in the Want to Buy section here...you never know what someone here has lying around.

[jctrolex]

I think that watch would look great on a brown padded croc strap with a Rolex buckle. Especially after it has been polished and serviced with a new crystal.

[Hairdude1]

I would leave it as is since it was you grandfathers and put it on a strap

[DCgator]

Good luck whatever you decide. I, too agree a nice leather strap would work.... dark brown or black would more than suffice.

[Cuts33]

Nice alligator strap for the watch.

For the bracelet, random thought, if it ends up being beyond repair, take it to a jeweler to melt down and have some cufflinks made that will match the watch.

[joli160]

Originally Posted by Hairdude1

I would leave it as is since it was you grandfathers and put it on a strap

Only this imho, perfect legacy

[skprd13]

That looks like it was tied between two cars and pulled hard. I have never seen a bracelet stretched so far. I see why you are hesitant on wearing it. Good luck on your decision. However I second others saying a nice leather/croc strap would look terrific on the watch.
Aloha,
Tom

[Jake B]

Beautiful watch, and it looks like your grandfather enjoyed it to its fullest. Best of luck gettting it back up to speed and strapped up asap so you can start doing the same!

[SearChart]

Talking about stretch, jeeezus... is that even repairable?

[anilzat]

that rolex is well worth getting repaired, you have a nice heirloom. do not be afraid to wear it, and show it off. if you cannot afford a replacement bracelet wear a leather strap it will be still cool.

[tomchicago]

it's YG? photos look very WG. I would seriously consider a tip-top quality leather (rare alligator or horween shell cordovan) band with clasp mechanism if possible instead of trying to restore that bracelet. Bracelets are ancillary and are meant to be replaced. The head of the watch is the watch. As long as you have the watch head, you have your grandfather's watch and are carrying it on.

[Roll the Lex]

Wow... that has me rethinking my future yg purchase:

1) I wouldn't want to give my kid a big bill like that (I suppose I could get a Daytona on a strap!)

2) That's pretty cool that it was his daily wearer for that long, gotta admire that. That makes it more special vs. if it was one out of his 10 watch collection.

[Bruin Watch]

Sounds like you are going about this the right way.... $13K is just ridiculous. Bracelet to HK, case and movement restored and serviced, and some leather straps to use from time to time, and you will be all set.... not to mention well ahead of the $$ that RSC wants. Good luck!

[Chaching]

No way can that bracelet be repaired. Put a leather strap on it with a Rolex Buckle and call it a day.

[DJJon]

$13K for a new bracelet on that head makes no sense and we all know it. That is simply a large corporation (Rolex) placing high margins on spare parts (we all do it, my large company employer included) that ultimately create a price point that do not make sense to actually buy at.

Why not buy an older Datejust or DayDate for LESS MONEY on a YG 14K bracelet, then sell the head to recoup a large part of the price paid, or even put IT on a strap and you have two ?

I have no direct experience to know if Michael Young could restore one in such condition, but if you go that route and it works out well, please post 'before' and 'after' photos.

Good luck !

[southtexas]

Originally Posted by DJJon

$13K for a new bracelet on that head makes no sense and we all know it. That is simply a large corporation (Rolex) placing high margins on spare parts (we all do it, my large company employer included) that ultimately create a price point that do not make sense to actually buy at.

Why not buy an older Datejust or DayDate for LESS MONEY on a YG 14K bracelet, then sell the head to recoup a large part of the price paid, or even put IT on a strap and you have two ?

I have no direct experience to know if Michael Young could restore one in such condition, but if you go that route and it works out well, please post 'before' and 'after' photos.

Good luck !

That's exactly what I was thinking about earlier today. If I can't find another bracelet, I'd have to buy another watch with a well-kept bracelet, sell that case, and sell my current bracelet for scrap. I'm still waiting on MK comments/estimate but, as convoluted as the above sounds, it might be more economical than a repair of my current bracelet (if I can't find a solo bracelet).

[evilfij]

Get a $10 NATO strap so you can wear it and send to Michael Young. It you look at some of the ones he saved, I think he can do it. If not, you are just out the costs of shipping.