SEL Bracelet Gold piece fell off...........

[Greggz]

A piece of gold has come off my SEL bracelet. Here's a picture:


I don't remember any "event" where it had any hard contact with anything. I do wear daily, but in an office environment.

Has anyone seen anything like this before? I did some searching and did find a couple of pictures on the web that looked just like it.

Is there anyone who repairs this type of thing? Should I contact Rolex directly? If so, how? It just seems like this shouldn't be possible with a Rolex bracelet.

Thanks for any help or direction anyone can provide.

Regards,

GreggZ

[Brushpup]

It happens, and there was another just like this very recently. Send it to Rolex and they will replace the end link. Even if it could be repaired, I personally would not want it that way.

Toss the Piece in the old Gold scrap pile, and get a new SEL installed.

PS: I'm sorry, I didn't notice at first you were new. Welcome to TRF!

[77T]

Unless you caught the falling gold centerpiece, you will be in the market for a new end link. It could be refurbished but consider the risk that the cost would exceed a new end link and still possibly fail again.

[Greggz]

Originally Posted by Brushpup

It happens, and there was another just like this very recently. Send it to Rolex and they will replace the end link. Even if it could be repaired, I personally would not want it that way.

Toss the Piece in the old Gold scrap pile, and get a new SEL installed.

Thanks for the quick reply.

In order to send it to Rolex, would I contact one of the Rolex Service Centers, like the one in NY??

[77T]

You can use the RSC or let your nearest AD do it. If the RSC, they will tell you how to ship it directly there.

The advantage of the AD is you don't have to mess with the shipping, etc. The watchmaker should be able to replace that SEL at Tapper's - your closest AD.

[Greggz]

Originally Posted by 77T

You can use the RSC or let your nearest AD do it. If the RSC, they will tell you how to ship it directly there.

The advantage of the AD is you don't have to mess with the shipping, etc. The watchmaker should be able to replace that SEL at Tapper's - your closest AD.

Thanks so very much. I have done business with Tapper's before and will contact them.

[Greggz]

One more thing. Does anyone know what the approximate cost of the jubilee end piece is? Just curious, I honestly have no idea what to expect.

[cht]

Sorry to hear this, so disappointing to see this for the price they charge for these watches.
Then you realize there is nothing magical, no superior quality or craftsmanship, kinda like the wizard of oz, smoke and mirrors gone.
:(
you'll need a new end link, curious how much rolex charges for this magnificent piece of manufacturing. :/

[77T]

Is your bracelet the 63603 with crown clasp?
(sort of visually like the President clasp but just in TT)

If so, and if my memory is OK from an old post a couple of years ago, it was about $175 + labor (and that should be an hour IMHO). And I know we haven't had watch price hikes here in USA since then - but parts do get indexed over time. Hopefully they'll have one on hand.

Good luck and let us know what they do quote.

[Greggz]

Originally Posted by 77T

Is your bracelet the 63603 with crown clasp?
(sort of visually like the President clasp but just in TT)

If so, and if my memory is OK from an old post a couple of years ago, it was about $175 + labor (and that should be an hour IMHO). And I know we haven't had watch price hikes here in USA since then - but parts do get indexed over time. Hopefully they'll have one on hand.

Good luck and let us know what they do quote.

Mine is a Jubilee SS/Gold 62523h 18 with 455 end links. Really seems a shame this could even happen with a Rolex. Then again, I've been wearing it daily for about 20 years.

[77T]

A 455 end link isn't an SEL. They are much cheaper - perhaps $75. And you can do it yourself if you find a preowned one on eBay.

[Greggz]

Originally Posted by 77T

A 455 end link isn't an SEL. They are much cheaper - perhaps $75. And you can do it yourself if you find a preowned one on eBay.

Thanks for that information. While I've been wearing my watch for many years, I'm just learning the nomenclature.

If I can purchase a pre-owned one, is it much of a problem to install? Is $75.00 the going rate for a used one, or new retail? What type of tools would I need? Just a jewelers screw driver of some type?

Thanks again for all the responses. This board is a great source of information.

[Greggz]

This is getting interesting. Upon closer inspection, and a better magnifying glass, the end link I need is the 455b. I stopped by my local AD (Tappers) this morning, and they were not even sure they could order the part. Really didn't seem too interested in helping either.

Their watchmaker is at their main location, and said they would need to ship it over to them to even try to get a quote.

I stopped by another watchmaker, and he wasn't sure if he could order it either. Took down the info, and said he would get back to me.

I'll keep searching the auction site for a used one, but so far no luck.

At this point, I still don't have any idea of how much they are, or how readily available they are. I am getting the feeling it is going to RSC, they may be the only one to help.

Really a shame a piece like this can fall off a Rolex. And it's really becoming a PITA.

I'll post when I get this figured out.

[rmfnla]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ROLEX-GOLD-S...item3a9e4d48a7

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ORIGINAL-ROL...item2343ef48ea

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ROLEX-GENUIN...item5b04cc32b2

etc.

Any jeweler can put it on for you for at minimal or no charge...

[Greggz]

Originally Posted by rmfnla

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ROLEX-GOLD-S...item3a9e4d48a7

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ORIGINAL-ROL...item2343ef48ea

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ROLEX-GENUIN...item5b04cc32b2

etc.

Any jeweler can put it on for you for at minimal or no charge...

Thanks for the links, but those are all for the 455 end link, not the 455b end link.

I read a post where it said the 455b model takes a thicker size spring bar.

Does anyone know if the 455 would work with a Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Jubilee bracelet that came originally with the 455b end links?

Sorry to be so confused, but while I've worn the watch for many a year, I never had occasion to learn these type of details.

[rmfnla]

Originally Posted by Greggz

Thanks for the links, but those are all for the 455 end link, not the 455b end link.

I read a post where it said the 455b model takes a thicker size spring bar.

Does anyone know if the 455 would work with a Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Jubilee bracelet that came originally with the 455b end links?

Sorry to be so confused, but while I've worn the watch for many a year, I never had occasion to learn these type of details.

I'm pretty sure they are the same and Rolex just started adding the B at some point (maybe for lugs w/o holes?).

Thicker spring bars are for tool watches; your DJ doesn't use them...

[Greggz]

Originally Posted by rmfnla

I'm pretty sure they are the same and Rolex just started adding the B at some point (maybe for lugs w/o holes?).

Thicker spring bars are for tool watches; your DJ doesn't use them...

Hey, thanks for replying. My Datejust is a 1995 model, and has holes in the case.

From what I can find on the web, mine would be a 16233 Datejust with Fluted bezel. As I look at ads for datejusts for sale, it seems all of the pre 1989 16013 models show 455 links, and the 16233 model takes the 455b links.

I might just give an RSC a call and see if they can clear it up.

I do want to get the correct piece and keep it original with a good fit.