Band Restoration from Michael Young

[Nicko]

Originally Posted by nsatibl

Ok, so I got the band back this morning. I am really impressed with the work! There is NO stretch between the links. Actually it is probably tighter now than it was when it was brand new. Also my end pieces did not look so hot before. Especially the inside cylinder where the pin slides through. It now looks perfect. The only weird thing was there was a number 2 written in marker on the clasp and the clasp doesnt seem to be polished on the outside. I dont know if this is standard to save any removal of the crown on the clasp. And maybe the 2 was an indicator of which clasp goes with which band while work was being done? I am not sure. It came right off with a scrubbing bubbles cloth. I would highly recommend Michael to anyone. My band definitely does not look to be over 40 years old.

Ho9ly S&!T Batman! Beautiful!!!!

[sailmed]

Originally Posted by Submarino

WOW. Great job! Could ypu please PM me his info?

Thanks

I'd like the info for him as well if possible.

Thanks!

[Alcan]

Michael Young, Classic Watch Parts:

http://www.classicwatchparts.com/index.php?c=2&p=band

[ac001]

I purchased this Vintage Air King from one of our trusted TRF sellers. I got a very good price, for a reasonably old watch. Unfortunately I do not have "before" pics. I may have on a camera at home. However, the band had so much stretch that it sagged straight down. I also sent it to Michael. The finished result is spectacular. However, he received the watch July 19th and I received it back from him yesterday. I have a long email trail with him as I was concerned that it took so long. That is my only caveat and I have corresponded w/other TRF members who received their watches back in 8 weeks (or less). These pics appear to show that the links were cut and folded over tightly. You can see slits in a couple of them. But the band is now so tight that I am looking for 14kt/tt links to add to it so it will fit again. The original seller indicated he may have the links.

[ac001]

Sorry guys. The pics did not upload the first time. Here goes:

[Captainz]

I am interested in his services however I am worried and feel uneasy sending a very expensive band to HongKong. Especially when the website looks kinda amateurish and does n0t load properly.

I guess I will have to wait to hear other raves and reviews. Or wait until his website gets fixed.

One other question, when he removes the pins and parts, does he use original Rolex parts or does he reuse the pieces?

Thanks,

AL

[WARVET]

Nice Job. Does he do solid gold Bracelets?

[pz93c]

Makes me want to send him my oval link.

[rmfnla]

Originally Posted by f-du-27

I bet, he bends the center part of each link a bit more .

If so the band probably will not endure much use without loosening up again.

[hhh007]

Originally Posted by WARVET

Nice Job. Does he do solid gold Bracelets?

Yes, I believe he also does solid gold bracelets but they are considerably more expensive.

[George Ab]

Interesting. Since stretch is caused by grit acting like polishing compound reducing pin size and increasing inside diameter (ID) of hole pin rests in, the way to prevent stretch is to keep it clean. This is done with an ultrasonic cleaner as it cleans where a tooth brush can't. Prevention is the key.

I can only speculate on the process. My money would be he removes the rivets, replaces pins with new enlarged pins to take up slack of ID of hole that has been worn/enlarged. This would not be possible with newer bracelet. However, this is conjecture on my part. Maybe its magic.

Just read his site. Sounds like he does replace the pins and has the proper machinery to do it. Wow, this is great info!

[Maxtor]

What an amazing difference.

[AKRolexfan]

Does anyone know, is this something that can be done state side?
(For example, Bob Ridely?)

[FremStar]

Oh sh!t!!! I will have to send my 116231 bracelet in, thanks for this info!!!

[f-du-27]

IMO the repared bracelets are tighter and look better but are not stronger in anyway .

[PanosI]

Amazing job

[nyyankees]

Now I really can't wait to get my oval link back from Michael! It looks awesome. Enjoy!

[wokafu]

amazing job...now im even less worried bout wearin my Sub nite/day rains/shine...

[dddrees]

Thats just awesome. Looks like a new band.

The difference between the before and after Pics is amazing. Thanks for sharing.

Great looking watch.

[pz93c]

Originally Posted by nyyankees

Now I really can't wait to get my oval link back from Michael! It looks awesome. Enjoy!

Post some pictures when you get it. Before and after, if you have them.

[rkammer]

Michael did my Tudor 7928 bracelet early last year and it was fantastic. The case was done by Jack at IWW. Both are real craftsmen.

Before:











After:

[stockae92]

the restoration does look amazing

[JimSnyder]

That Tudor is amazing

[Racer X]

Originally Posted by f-du-27

I bet he bends the center part of each link a bit more.

This would appear to be the case. Because the center links are not continuous (i.e., bands of metal that are merely wrapped around the pins), he could shorten the center links and tighten their grip around the pins, effectively tightening the bracelet.

What I don't understand is how Mr. Young tightens other bracelets, like the 93150 (which I heard he does). Those bracelets have center links that are continuous bands of metal. It seems like the only way to tighten them would be to cut them, tighten them up, weld them so they are continuous again, and then grind and polish the welds so you can't see them. Seems like so much work that it would be cheaper to buy a new bracelet.

[Christiaan]

Originally Posted by Captainz

I am interested in his services however I am worried and feel uneasy sending a very expensive band to HongKong. Especially when the website looks kinda amateurish and does n0t load properly.

I guess I will have to wait to hear other raves and reviews. Or wait until his website gets fixed.

One other question, when he removes the pins and parts, does he use original Rolex parts or does he reuse the pieces?

Thanks,

AL

Hey Al,
Just bid a LAX HKG line next month and drop it off

[HL65]

That is unreal!! He is in Hong Kong? How did you ship it to him? Any worries??
Very nice work!! Impressive indeed!!!

[nyyankees]

I shipped to him USPS registered mail. It got to him in 7 days or so.

[roger0770]

i actually had a really bad experience with michael young. i, too, read a lot about him online and decided to send him my oyster bracelet to be restored. the bracelet came back "tight," and i mean tight. it was so tight that the links are rubbing each other. i then sent michael an e-mail, but he never responded. surprise... however, i am glad your bracelet worked out well.

[Jadam]

Did anyone post the cost of having this done?

[Captainz]

Originally Posted by Christiaan

Hey Al,
Just bid a LAX HKG line next month and drop it off

I only like bidding through Chicago Center. Somehow I always make it home early with nice DIRECTS!

Christiaan, who was your guy in FL?