AD damaged screws and links on a new watch. Exchange watch or replace links?

[ryvius]

That picture is more than enough to convince anyone on the value of being your own tools and doing it yourself.

[toolr]

That's why I size them myself.

[AF_Rob]

Hopefully they take care of it for you. Asking for a whole new watch is a bit over the top. Simply demand they make you whole by replacing everything damaged and your time. That's a reasonable request they should accommodate.

[Jordanesque23]

To those who suggested that I ask for a bracelet replacement, what's the advantage of this instead of asking for individual links? Are those finished differently? I'm thinking that bracelet replacement is more complicated which could then damage the case.

[Jim Smyth]

Originally Posted by Jordanesque23

To those who suggested that I ask for a bracelet replacement, what's the advantage of this instead of asking for individual links? Are those finished differently? I'm thinking that bracelet replacement is more complicated which could then damage the case.

When a bracelet is made the screws are put in, tightened down and the heads and the threads stick out/above the outer edge a little bit. Each screw stays in each hole and its sanded down flat with the outer edge and then polished.

You can tell that by the thread end being perfectly flat and polished on one side. The screwdriver end slot you can see where the buffer kinda elongated the slot into the link and they match up perfectly. You can always tell when someone puts the screw back in the wrong link because it doesnt match up perfectly flat.

If you get say 2 links the Jeweler may do a mix and match with parts and it wont look right or be flush. If you get a new bracelet everything will be flush and unmolested. The new bracelet will match up just fine onto your watch head. I wouldnt settle for anything less, but its up to you.

[DLRIDES]

Watch exchange is doubtful, AD wil deny it was them. If so I would create a scene until links are replaced or a new bracelet is ordered.

[Jordanesque23]

Originally Posted by DLRIDES

Watch exchange is doubtful, AD wil deny it was them. If so I would create a scene until links are replaced or a new bracelet is ordered.

I hope they don't deny it since it would horrible. Even the screw from the extra link they put in the ziploc is awfully mangled.

[DLRIDES]

Originally Posted by Jordanesque23

I hope they don't deny it since it would horrible. Even the screw from the extra link they put in the ziploc is awfully mangled.

I hope they don’t either, but sadly it’s standard operating procedure for most businesses. I truly wish you the best !

[Jordanesque23]

Originally Posted by Jim Smyth

When a bracelet is made the screws are put in, tightened down and the heads and the threads stick out/above the outer edge a little bit. Each screw stays in each hole and its sanded down flat with the outer edge and then polished.

You can tell that by the thread end being perfectly flat and polished on one side. The screwdriver end slot you can see where the buffer kinda elongated the slot into the link and they match up perfectly. You can always tell when someone puts the screw back in the wrong link because it doesnt match up perfectly flat.

If you get say 2 links the Jeweler may do a mix and match with parts and it wont look right or be flush. If you get a new bracelet everything will be flush and unmolested. The new bracelet will match up just fine onto your watch head. I wouldnt settle for anything less, but its up to you.

Thanks. That's good to know. I'll probably ask for three links from a new bracelet instead of the whole bracelet being replaced.

[shortsqueeze]

Originally Posted by Jim Smyth

When a bracelet is made the screws are put in, tightened down and the heads and the threads stick out/above the outer edge a little bit. Each screw stays in each hole and its sanded down flat with the outer edge and then polished.

You can tell that by the thread end being perfectly flat and polished on one side. The screwdriver end slot you can see where the buffer kinda elongated the slot into the link and they match up perfectly. You can always tell when someone puts the screw back in the wrong link because it doesnt match up perfectly flat.

If you get say 2 links the Jeweler may do a mix and match with parts and it wont look right or be flush. If you get a new bracelet everything will be flush and unmolested. The new bracelet will match up just fine onto your watch head. I wouldnt settle for anything less, but its up to you.

Thanks to a trusted member here, I’ve learned links can be ordered with the screws included and will provide that same perfect fit / polished finish as a new bracelet. You don’t need an entirely new bracelet, but of course it’s up to you. Replacing just the screws will not give you the same result, so opt for the replacement links with included screws at a minimum.

[Jordanesque23]

Originally Posted by shortsqueeze

Thanks to a trusted member here, I’ve learned links can be ordered with the screws included and will provide that same perfect fit / polished finish as a new bracelet. You don’t need an entirely new bracelet, but of course it’s up to you. Replacing just the screws will not give you the same result, so opt for the replacement links with included screws at a minimum.

Thanks. This is very helpful.

[Andad]

Originally Posted by Jim Smyth

When a bracelet is made the screws are put in, tightened down and the heads and the threads stick out/above the outer edge a little bit. Each screw stays in each hole and its sanded down flat with the outer edge and then polished.

You can tell that by the thread end being perfectly flat and polished on one side. The screwdriver end slot you can see where the buffer kinda elongated the slot into the link and they match up perfectly. You can always tell when someone puts the screw back in the wrong link because it doesnt match up perfectly flat.

If you get say 2 links the Jeweler may do a mix and match with parts and it wont look right or be flush. If you get a new bracelet everything will be flush and unmolested. The new bracelet will match up just fine onto your watch head. I wouldnt settle for anything less, but its up to you.

Bas, confirm this for Jim.



I would suggest the OP takes the watch to the nearest RSC and explain the situation.

The AD can then explain the situation to the RSC.

WISH I COULD BE THERE.

[strafer_kid]

Originally Posted by Jim Smyth

When a bracelet is made the screws are put in, tightened down and the heads and the threads stick out/above the outer edge a little bit. Each screw stays in each hole and its sanded down flat with the outer edge and then polished.

You can tell that by the thread end being perfectly flat and polished on one side. The screwdriver end slot you can see where the buffer kinda elongated the slot into the link and they match up perfectly. You can always tell when someone puts the screw back in the wrong link because it doesnt match up perfectly flat.

If you get say 2 links the Jeweler may do a mix and match with parts and it wont look right or be flush. If you get a new bracelet everything will be flush and unmolested. The new bracelet will match up just fine onto your watch head. I wouldnt settle for anything less, but its up to you.

Must say I have never heard that screw heads are sanded down at time of manufacture/assembly. I would have thought that reducing the screw head depth in this way might create a problem at a later stage for anyone working on the bracelet? Unless of course the screw head has some additional depth when initally installed by Rolex?

[Dr Watches]

Originally Posted by strafer_kid

I would have thought that reducing the screw head depth in this way might create a problem at a later stage for anyone working on the bracelet? Unless of course the screw head has some additional depth when initally installed by Rolex?

They're a little too long, and then sanded flat.

[ffighter556]

Originally Posted by Jim Smyth

When a bracelet is made the screws are put in, tightened down and the heads and the threads stick out/above the outer edge a little bit. Each screw stays in each hole and its sanded down flat with the outer edge and then polished.

You can tell that by the thread end being perfectly flat and polished on one side. The screwdriver end slot you can see where the buffer kinda elongated the slot into the link and they match up perfectly. You can always tell when someone puts the screw back in the wrong link because it doesnt match up perfectly flat.

If you get say 2 links the Jeweler may do a mix and match with parts and it wont look right or be flush. If you get a new bracelet everything will be flush and unmolested. The new bracelet will match up just fine onto your watch head. I wouldnt settle for anything less, but its up to you.

Wow someone who really knows his stuff. 300% correct if you look at almost all sell ads. Pay attention to the screws how flush to links on both sides etc, almost never put back in correct link. This is extremely evident on brushed sides, if screw is not on original matching link brush marks don’t line up and can be lower or higher on link sides!

[Jim Smyth]

Originally Posted by ffighter556

Wow someone who really knows his stuff. 300% correct if you look at almost all sell ads. Pay attention to the screws how flush to links on both sides etc, almost never put back in correct link. This is extremely evident on brushed sides, if screw is not on original matching link brush marks don’t line up and can be lower or higher on link sides!

Thanks, been machining really small parts and using a Bader buffer for the last 21 years.

[bob78h]

Originally Posted by Jordanesque23

To those who suggested that I ask for a bracelet replacement, what's the advantage of this instead of asking for individual links? Are those finished differently? I'm thinking that bracelet replacement is more complicated which could then damage the case.

I remember reading somewhere that during manufacturing, the bracelet is screwed together, then the sides are polished. So each screw can end up a slightly different length. Thats why sometimes if you take a screw out of one link and put in in another, it doesn't sit perfectly flush.

[turborolex]

That’s what happens when an amateur tries to size a Rolex bracelet!

Ask for a new link(s) and screw(s). It’s pretty easy to do it yourself if you have the right screwdriver.

You can always return the watch if you’re really upset about it.

I don’t think asking for a new bracelet is a reasonable request though.


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[GFONG]

I would request to get a new one. No worry about the warranty. They can fix it.

[77T]

Let’s be a bit more realistic...
If any of us did this damage ourselves, and the cost of remedy would come out of our own pockets, we wouldn’t rush down to get new links, or a new bracelet, or a new watch. So why would one expect more just because a third party did the damage?

I doubt the AD will do anything beyond moving the links taken out back onto the bracelet to replace the damaged ones and replace the damaged screws. Then polish and/or brush the various parts of the damaged links to look like new.

The links are still functional, would never be noticed once refinished, and be none the worse sitting in a box where they would normally reside until the watch is sold onward.

For those who are outraged at my practicality, please refer to the concept of proportionality.


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[Jordanesque23]

Originally Posted by 77T

Let’s be a bit more realistic...
If any of us did this damage ourselves, and the cost of remedy would come out of our own pockets, we wouldn’t rush down to get new links, or a new bracelet, or a new watch. So why would one expect more just because a third party did the damage

Because they offered to do the sizing with a reasonable expectation from the consumer that they know what they're doing and would like them to be satisfied? Did I expect much as a consumer?

[77T]

Originally Posted by Jordanesque23

Because they offered to do the sizing with a reasonable expectation from the consumer that they know what they're doing and would like them to be satisfied? Did I expect much as a consumer?

If you expect a new watch, or a new bracelet, or new links, I’d say perhaps you are expecting too much...

If you had caused the damage yourself, how would you remedy it?


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[Jordanesque23]

Originally Posted by 77T

If you expect a new watch, or a new bracelet, or new links, I’d say perhaps you are expecting too much...

If you had caused the damage yourself, how would you remedy it?


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I respectfully disagree. But I don't think it's too much to expect a brew watch when I paid for the price of a bnew one.

[77T]

Originally Posted by Jordanesque23

I respectfully disagree. But I don't think it's too much to expect a brew watch when I paid for the price of a bnew one.

So what remedy would you have effected had you done this damage yourself?


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[Jackumi]

Originally Posted by 77T

If you expect a new watch, or a new bracelet, or new links, I’d say perhaps you are expecting too much...

If you had caused the damage yourself, how would you remedy it?


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Sorry but I cannot agree with you, Rolex watches are very expensive. If you equate a Rolex watch to the equivalent level of car you would be talking say a Porsche or high end Merc. If a dealer delivered my new porsche to me and chewed up an alloy on a curb I would expect them to replace the wheel. I do not care that the next day I may do the same thing, that is not the point.

[77T]

Originally Posted by Jackumi

Sorry but I cannot agree with you, Rolex watches are very expensive. If you equate a Rolex watch to the equivalent level of car you would be talking say a Porsche or high end Merc. If a dealer delivered my new porsche to me and chewed up an alloy on a curb I would expect them to replace the wheel. I do not care that the next day I may do the same thing, that is not the point.

I chew up rims all the time so have a wheel expert grinding and polishing every year.

If a dealer’s driver or tech did that, then the fair remedy is to refinish the rim like new. But we can disagree.

The theory of proportionality is to not take advantage of the other person to take more than you’d do for yourself. That is the point I was making.



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[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by 77T

Let’s be a bit more realistic...
If any of us did this damage ourselves, and the cost of remedy would come out of our own pockets, we wouldn’t rush down to get new links, or a new bracelet, or a new watch. So why would one expect more just because a third party did the damage?

I doubt the AD will do anything beyond moving the links taken out back onto the bracelet to replace the damaged ones and replace the damaged screws. Then polish and/or brush the various parts of the damaged links to look like new.

The links are still functional, would never be noticed once refinished, and be none the worse sitting in a box where they would normally reside until the watch is sold onward.

For those who are outraged at my practicality, please refer to the concept of proportionality.


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I can't believe you are trying to downplay or defend the AD that cobbled up the links and pins on this watch. Your posts are most always the voice of logical reason, but I am big time in disagreement with your rationale on this one. That is a brand new out of the box watch. The OP deserves a watch in perfect new condition. It is not. And it is unacceptable that a Rolex AD does not have the proper Rolex bracelet sizing kit including hollow ground screwdriver and bracelet holding jig to properly do the job without incurring damage.

[77T]

Originally Posted by Bigblu10

I can't believe you are trying to downplay or defend the AD that cobbled up the links and pins on this watch. Your posts are most always the voice of logical reason, but I am big time in disagreement with your rationale on this one. That is a brand new out of the box watch. The OP deserves a watch in perfect new condition. It is not. And it is unacceptable that a Rolex AD does not have the proper Rolex bracelet sizing kit including hollow ground screwdriver and bracelet holding jig to properly do the job without incurring damage.

Thanks for your comments on my other posts.

I am not defending the AD who made these mistakes. I expect them to make it right.

What I have asked is:
If you had an accident that damaged the links as you’ve seen, what would be your remedy if paying out of your own pocket? Your thoughts?

IMHO, therein lies the most reasonable expectation of remedy by the AD. Those who think it is a false question are welcome to that opinion. Expecting a new watch to replace this one is not proportional.


I don’t mind saying if I did this damage, I would pull the perfectly good extra links out of the box, ask for 2 new screws, and replace the damaged ones. At that point (judging by this AD’s clumsiness) I would not ask for any work by them. I’d wait until the first overhaul, put the damaged links back on, and have the RSC do their magic.


But that is just me. The OP can and should follow his own judgement



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[No SUBctitute]

Originally Posted by 77T

What I have asked is:
If you had an accident that damaged the links as you’ve seen, what would be your remedy if paying out of your own pocket? Your thoughts?

It seems pretty elementary that there is a difference based on which party caused the damage.

If I buy a new car, and as I drive away from the dealer I scrape a gash in the side of the car in the parking lot, then I would have to repair the car and move on.

If I buy a new car, and the lot attendant scrapes the side of my car on a light pole while bringing the car up to me, then I would not accept the car and request a new car. I paid for a new car, why should I be given one with a scrape on the side or one that had a repair of a scrape on the side?

A reasonable AD wouldn't flinch at being asked for a new watch.

[grremlin]

Originally Posted by 77T

Thanks for your comments on my other posts.

I am not defending the AD who made these mistakes. I expect them to make it right.

What I have asked is:
If you had an accident that damaged the links as you’ve seen, what would be your remedy if paying out of your own pocket? Your thoughts?

IMHO, therein lies the most reasonable expectation of remedy by the AD. Those who think it is a false question are welcome to that opinion. Expecting a new watch to replace this one is not proportional.


I don’t mind saying if I did this damage, I would pull the perfectly good extra links out of the box, ask for 2 new screws, and replace the damaged ones. At that point (judging by this AD’s clumsiness) I would not ask for any work by them. I’d wait until the first overhaul, put the damaged links back on, and have the RSC do their magic.


But that is just me. The OP can and should follow his own judgement



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Shouldn't people expect better service and thus proportionally more thorough remedies from a trained professional than they can accomplish themselves?

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