Worst AD Visit In History Today

[Mmf115]

Just wanted to vent on a terrible AD experience I had today.

Went to a local ad to get a rubber b strap put on my no holes case explorer.

After a half hour they said they couldn’t get it on. I told them forget it and just please give me back my watch with bracelet on. I received the bracelet back and only the bottom spring bars are engaged through the holes with the top spring at not secured. I give it back to them and 20 minutes later they tell me the spring is broken. They then tried to tell me they’d replace it with another spring bar (clearly non oem)

I decline and leave. I get home an examine and every lug has scratches from the attempted strap change.

Extremely upset as I bought this watch for the birth of my first child. Every time I look down I’m going to see the scratches and remember this day. Not to mention I now need to source oem spring bars and do not live near an RSC

Any advice ?

[PBJ1925]

Sorry to hear about your experience, super frustrating to say the least. Have you considered speaking with the store manager about the replacement of the OEM spring bar? Sounds like there is at least acknowledgement they broke it. Maybe difficult for them to accept or for you to prove a case of the scratches on the lugs.

Either way that sucks. - J

[jrox]

I feel you. Scratches are fine but only when I have caused them by myself.

[faz]

People working at a Rolex AD should be at least competent enough to take a bracelet off and back on without scratching the logs.

[Etschell]

it is your fault tbh. dont blame the AD.

a springbar tool and tape this is an easy job.

and i am no fan of ADs but i call it like i read it.

[Paul7]

Originally Posted by Etschell

it is your fault tbh. dont blame the AD.

a springbar tool and tape this is an easy job.

and i am no fan of ADs but i call it like i read it.

If it's so easy why couldn't the AD do it?

[btinl]

Sorry to hear about the visit. OEM spring bars are not necessary for a SS Rolex. Just get a good set from Otto Frei.

[Etschell]

Originally Posted by Paul7

If it's so easy why couldn't the AD do it?

ask the AD. i dont work there.

[JodyHighroller]

Sorry to hear OP. Even though it may seem straight forward to a competent watchmaker some struggle with aftermarket straps, etc. I’ve learned it’s best to keep things original to avoid these incidents.

Regarding new factory spring bars, I’d recommend visiting another AD who will be able to order those for you.

[Paul7]

Originally Posted by Etschell

ask the AD. i dont work there.

Just curious why you would think if an AD can't do this, the average Joe can.

[Etschell]

Originally Posted by Paul7

Just curious why you would think if an AD can't do this, the average Joe can.

because i can and i am nothing special.

[dba]

Originally Posted by Paul7

If it's so easy why couldn't the AD do it?

Originally Posted by Etschell

ask the AD. i dont work there.

Probably unintended, but that is what's called a mic drop. BAM!

[Simon_jrees]

Originally Posted by Mmf115

Just wanted to vent on a terrible AD experience I had today.

Went to a local ad to get a rubber b strap put on my no holes case explorer.

After a half hour they said they couldn’t get it on. I told them forget it and just please give me back my watch with bracelet on. I received the bracelet back and only the bottom spring bars are engaged through the holes with the top spring at not secured. I give it back to them and 20 minutes later they tell me the spring is broken. They then tried to tell me they’d replace it with another spring bar (clearly non oem)

I decline and leave. I get home an examine and every lug has scratches from the attempted strap change.

Extremely upset as I bought this watch for the birth of my first child. Every time I look down I’m going to see the scratches and remember this day. Not to mention I now need to source oem spring bars and do not live near an RSC

Any advice ?

This is why I adjust my own stuff. Sorry to hear you had an experience like this. I'm not sure I could leave it at that, sounds like you took your watch to the local butchers.

[JSolution]

Ask them for a free service.

Are the scratches on top of the lugs or the bottom? If on the underside I wouldn’t worry about it anyway, have them polish it out in service.

I would definitely push for them to service. Not like they don’t make enough eh?

[RJRJRJ]

I'm surprised the AD was even willing to install the rubber B. Also surprised that they didn't have any spring bars at the store.

[Calatrava r]

Rolex has a special tool to remove the spring bars which tensions both ends evenly. I suspect this tool was not used. This type tool is for sale many places such as Otto Frei. Buy one and never look back if changing out the bracelet is your thing. I once put a Rubber B on a Rolex and could not wait to get the bracelet back on.

[faz]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

Rolex has a special tool to remove the spring bars which tensions both ends evenly. I suspect this tool was not used. This type tool is for sale many places such as Otto Frei. Buy one and never look back if changing out the bracelet is your thing. I once put a Rubber B on a Rolex and could not wait to get the bracelet back on.

A nearby jewelry store who also sells used watches... he uses the single pin springbar tool and in less than 3 seconds removes the bracelet (to show or record the serial number on older Rolex watches) and puts it back on in another 5 seconds. Not a scratch on inside or outside of the log.

A person working at an AD (who is assigned the task) should be able to do this as a minimum.

[Rrpdc]

Originally Posted by RJRJRJ

I'm surprised the AD was even willing to install the rubber B. Also surprised that they didn't have any spring bars at the store.

+1 if was AD. I would not even mess with rubber b.

[Mmf115]

Appreciate the responses. I made a typo in my original post. I actually have a no holes case polar explorer. I did not trust myself to make the strap change myself as I have never done

I learned my lesson and will be selling the rubber b. I’m more upset about the scratches


Photos attached of the bracelet not engaged and scratches they caused.

Watch was previously polished prior to me purchasing pre owned

[drrd]

Originally Posted by Mmf115

Any advice ?

Don't ask a Rolex AD to try and fit a non-Rolex strap to your Rolex watch.

There's loads of stories of bent and broken spring bars when trying to pry in these aftermarket straps.

They don't even look nice.

Not sure why some think you deserve compensation. The AD's only mistake was giving it a go - I don't know why they didn't just decline at the start.

[Paul7]

Originally Posted by dba

Probably unintended, but that is what's called a mic drop. BAM!

He's blaming the victim.

[Jocke]

Originally Posted by Etschell

ask the AD. i dont work there.

Are you sure?

[southcarolina1801]

I had a jeweler literally destroy an Omega Seamaster years ago trying to remove a bracelet. The scratches were so terrible I had to sell the watch at a huge loss.

After that, I bought my own tools and do all my own re-sizing and bracelet work now. No one touches my watches but me.

[owl.]

Originally Posted by Mmf115

Just wanted to vent on a terrible AD experience I had today.

Went to a local ad to get a rubber b strap put on my no holes case explorer.

After a half hour they said they couldn’t get it on. I told them forget it and just please give me back my watch with bracelet on. I received the bracelet back and only the bottom spring bars are engaged through the holes with the top spring at not secured. I give it back to them and 20 minutes later they tell me the spring is broken. They then tried to tell me they’d replace it with another spring bar (clearly non oem)

I decline and leave. I get home an examine and every lug has scratches from the attempted strap change.

Extremely upset as I bought this watch for the birth of my first child. Every time I look down I’m going to see the scratches and remember this day. Not to mention I now need to source oem spring bars and do not live near an RSC

Any advice ?

It's not your fault like some people are suggesting above.

If they aren't capable of doing the job, they should've told you so.

Someone suggested asking for a free service.

I highly disagree.

If a person can't change a strap, I would be afraid of them trying to service a watch!

Try to talk to the manager and see what comes out of it

Sucks that you had to go through this.

[rajurama]

Rubber B is the most difficult strap to put. Ideally you need a curved spring bar. I had tough time. However I was well prepared. Hence my next straps I ordered are similar to Rolex oysterflex.

Sent from my CPH1979 using Tapatalk

[rtalk]

It is highly unusual for a Rolex AD to put an after market strap on your watch. And why would they put non OEM spring bars on your watch? Why would you not mind having a non OEM strap, but get frustrated about non OEM spring bars?

[Mmf115]

My gut said not to bring it there and do it, and to just sell the rubber B. I should have listened to my gut. Pics attached now. Maybe im being too dramatic but still very annoyed

[Mmf115]

Originally Posted by rtalk

It is highly unusual for a Rolex AD to put an after market strap on your watch. And why would they put non OEM spring bars on your watch? Why would you not mind having a non OEM strap, but get frustrated about non OEM spring bars?

Good point. Never thought of it like that. I just didnt want them putting 5 cent amazon spring bars on the watch. Appreciate the feedback

[JodyHighroller]

Originally Posted by rajurama

Rubber B is the most difficult strap to put. Ideally you need a curved spring bar. I had tough time. However I was well prepared. Hence my next straps I ordered are similar to Rolex oysterflex.

Sent from my CPH1979 using Tapatalk

That brown strap looks fabulous, but my goodness I would’ve been so nervous doing that to a full PM 126715. I’ve seen black rubber straps look great as well on this reference.

[Gwai]

Originally Posted by drrd

Not sure why some think you deserve compensation. The AD's only mistake was giving it a go - I don't know why they didn't just decline at the start.

Your interpretation sounds weird to me. AD messes with it, damages OP's property, and shouldn't be held responsible?

Cheers
Marc