Bracelet swapping question

[Bo-Dacious]

I recently purchased a BLNR from a local AD with the intention of brushing the PCL's. After finding out that Rolex will not service a watch under warranty that has a modified bracelet, even if it's only changing the finish on the steel, I decided to hold off until the 5 year warranty expires.

I just found out that a friend of mine will be purchasing a new Sub soon and would like to trade bracelets with me. He likes the PCL look and doesn't mind losing the glide lock clasp. if we were to go this route, at least we could temporarily trade bracelets back if either one of our watches need to be serviced under warranty.

My question for you experienced sellers is - would it be difficult for either one of us to sell our watches down the road if they don't have their original bracelets? Both of us plan to keep our watches for life as heirloom peices, but life happens.

[Rolex addict]

Whoever told you Rolex would not service your watch because the bracelet has been brushed is wrong. The issue comes when you have aftermarket or parts that are not original to the watch (ie. red hands from a white gold Daytona on a SS version or blue dial and bezel from a WG sub placed on SS Sub). Brush the links and don't worry about it.

[jrbar-on]

Bo_Dacious,

I'm not sure where you heard that "Rolex will not service a watch under warranty that has a modified bracelet". Two years ago I had the service center here in Beverly Hills work on my Sub (under warranty) that was on a Rubber B strap and there were no problems or issues. Things could have changed since then but I doubt it.

Cheers,

Jonathan

[Bo-Dacious]

I didnt receive this info from a secondary source. Both the RSC in New York and the location in Dallas gave me this info.

[Chadridv]

Hmm not sure about the warranty question, but last this came up on the forums, most people said, and this is weird to me, that the glide lock submariner bracelet WILL fit on the GMT2C case, but the GMT2C PCL bracelet WILL NOT fit on the submariner case.

I also would love some confirmation on this, as buying a GMT2C would become much more appealing to me if i knew I could freely swap bracelets.

[Annan]

And other "where did you hear that" comment. I personally contacted RSC Dallas and was told they will service my GMTIIC and will not restore the bracelet to PCLs if I so request. The rep I spoke with strongly advised I not have my bracelet brushed but it was simply from an aesthetics point and not that doing so would void my warranty.

[Bo-Dacious]

Originally Posted by Annan

And other "where did you hear that" comment. I personally contacted RSC Dallas and was told they will service my GMTIIC and will not restore the bracelet to PCLs if I so request. The rep I spoke with strongly advised I not have my bracelet brushed but it was simply from an aesthetics point and not that doing so would void my warranty.

I heard it from Rolex. It sounds like they have an issue with consistency.

As for the original question. Anyone have any advice?

[johneh]

Your original question is tough, it depends on what the buyers want. For example, I would buy a BLNR with a brushed bracelet but I wouldn't touch a Sub with PCLs. I would operate under the assumption that original is better for resale.

[Annan]

Rolex ADs are inconsistent too. When I decided to brush my GMT's bracelet I contacted two different ADs in the same town. One said they could not because it was against Rolex policy. The other AD said sure!

As for future resale I think most buyers will want the original bracelet.

[77T]

Originally Posted by Bo-Dacious

I heard it from Rolex. It sounds like they have an issue with consistency.

As for the original question. Anyone have any advice?

I agree that human beings are inconsistent - the word "modified" leaps to mind in your original post.

The plan you mentioned and your question is a good one for temporary use.

Yes, expect some price pressure if either of you tried selling your watches with the incorrect bracelet type for your respective models. After all the buyer will know if you disclosed it and a WIS WILL know and it could even kill a deal among some very particular buyers.


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[9*9*3]

I had the same issue. I have both a Sub C and BLNR. Glide Lock is more comfortable for me. Rather than switch bracelets I use Nato's on the BLNR. They look good, lighter, and the bracelet stays in the safe in perfect condition.


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[Abdullasaif]

Rolex won't service my sub since it's completely modded they don't care about bracelets



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[cangelosijeff]

You could also send just the head for service or warranty work, which would avoid the issues with the bracelet, unless I'm mistaken.

[Chadridv]

Originally Posted by Annan

Rolex ADs are inconsistent too. When I decided to brush my GMT's bracelet I contacted two different ADs in the same town. One said they could not because it was against Rolex policy. The other AD said sure!

As for future resale I think most buyers will want the original bracelet.

ADs will tell you anything and everything.

Yes, there is inconsistency from official RSC to RSC, as well as rep to rep, but for the most part, I'd say RSC as a whole is way way more reliable than any random AD.

[Chris B]

Originally Posted by cangelosijeff

You could also send just the head for service or warranty work, which would avoid the issues with the bracelet, unless I'm mistaken.

[Bo-Dacious]

Originally Posted by cangelosijeff

You could also send just the head for service or warranty work, which would avoid the issues with the bracelet, unless I'm mistaken.

Originally Posted by Chris B

Just as long as the elitists accept it.

[beer]

yes absolutely can just send the head in

[Texican]

I can promise you that is not the case with Dallas RSC as they serviced my GMTII-C last year and the PCL's were brushed finish. I did ask them to not polish watch or bracelet, no problem.

Originally Posted by Bo-Dacious

I didnt receive this info from a secondary source. Both the RSC in New York and the location in Dallas gave me this info.

[SLS]

I have yet to use an RSC for service, too many good watchmakers out there who are willing to do what you ask them. Plus I choose to support the little guy when I can.
Scott

[Tools]

I think that the OP is mixing what he is asking with what he is hearing..

Rolex doesn't service any watch "under warranty" unless there is a warranty issue. Rolex is more strict at NYC on what constitutes "modified" and if this will affect a warranty issue.

The will, however, service any Rolex no matter what you have done to the bracelet unless it is adding counterfeit parts..

and yes, it will affect your future "sale" if you plan to sell a SubC without the desirable Glidelock bracelet - I wouldn't buy it because there would always be one with it.. Now, this isn't a problem, as you say, if you never plan on getting rid of it..

But still, it's your watch. Do what you want. They aren't papered and registered kennel-watches. They belong to you to enjoy however you see fit..