Huge BLRO end links flaw

[afmars]

Definitely looks like damage from spring bars when removing the bracelet.

[Likestheshiny]

I have a lot of trouble imagining how even frequent, sloppy spring-bar removal could cause such deep, consistent gouges. The springs in a springbar just aren't that strong.

Looks to me like a loose bracelet is twisting enough as it flops back and forth to bend into the case. That spot is right where the top edge of the link would slide past.

Fortunately, it's still relatively minor damage, and easily repaired at some point through laser welding.

I wouldn’t fix it through a third party!

There are many very respected and reputable third parties who can easily handle something like this.

[watchmework]

I’ve worn mine daily for over a year and mine is perfect. I’ve swapped the jubilee once or twice for a rubber strap to se show it looks but I also tape my lugs, not showing any damage. Sorry to see this Andre but maybe leave the jubilee on for good until you give RSC a chance to take a look.

[AJMarcus]

Originally Posted by Andrejb

I think it must have been caused by bracelet swap as all of you said. Even though I can’t recall a time the spring bars hit the front of the lugs. Always swap from the back

That’s why Rolex says the bracelets are not interchangeable on the BLRO. You just invalidated your warranty. You should correct your title. There was no flaw but rather damage caused by the bracelet swap. Good luck.

[tike71]

Originally Posted by alphadweller

The damage on the lugs is far from superficial. Looks like a design flaw to me. End links should not have free play between the lugs.

Maybe Rolex should make a jubilee bracelet with a single and fixed end link piece instead of two pieces with one moving around and pressing against the lugs.

The current jubilee bracelet endlink is a single solid piece designed to look like two separate links.

[importstunna]

I can confirm that's likely from spring bars hitting the case during bracelet changes. I've done that many times on my own watches, and they look exactly like that.

[Angi]

Sick watch! Wish my barbers had cool watches


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[upsidedownbelt]

Originally Posted by SS Oyster

That damage must have been caused by someone removing or reinstalling the bracelet (wrong tool or sloppy work). I cannot see the bracelet of end links causing this damage.

This.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Rashid.bk

.... If I wanted an oyster bracelet, then there’s a $25k more to add on for that privilege.

You’re correct and an enabler

[Andrejb]

Originally Posted by AJMarcus

That’s why Rolex says the bracelets are not interchangeable on the BLRO. You just invalidated your warranty. You should correct your title. There was no flaw but rather damage caused by the bracelet swap. Good luck.

I don’t think taking your bracelet off to put on an aftermarket strap or another bracelet invalidates warranty

[Andrejb]

Originally Posted by Likestheshiny

I have a lot of trouble imagining how even frequent, sloppy spring-bar removal could cause such deep, consistent gouges. The springs in a springbar just aren't that strong.

Looks to me like a loose bracelet is twisting enough as it flops back and forth to bend into the case. That spot is right where the top edge of the link would slide past.

Fortunately, it's still relatively minor damage, and easily repaired at some point through laser welding.


There are many very respected and reputable third parties who can easily handle something like this.

Agreed. I’ve swapped the bracelet a total of 2 times. Both times from the back with taped lugs. Should not cause this extent of damage considering the “strength” of the 904L Rolex claims


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[Andrejb]

Originally Posted by Rashid.bk

Thank goodness. I was honestly shocked this could have been a legitimate issue.
For me this watch looks absolutely perfect on a jubilee, so I’m with you, oem is perfect.
If I wanted an oyster bracelet, then there’s a $25k more to add on for that privilege.

Can’t say I don’t agree with that final statement lol


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[cvera]

Ask around if anything can be done, but it's not the end of the world. Great watch, baby scratch.

[-Ally-]

Looks like owner error to me. No such damage on my BLRO.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Andrejb

Agreed. I’ve swapped the bracelet a total of 2 times. Both times from the back with taped lugs. Should not cause this extent of damage considering the “strength” of the 904L Rolex claims


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It does happen. In reality, 904L is pretty soft and scratchable/knickable. If the endlinks push up past the lugs, the springbar ends will flip out and do exactly what you've shown in your pics. Taping the back of the lugs won't prevent it.

[Ihatecheese]

Think that's cleared it up. Best not to swap for unsupported straps *If worried about scratching stainless steel bracelets.

My sub is scratched to shite on the underside lugs. At least bracelets are fixable and not precious. Melt down some nice (but not too nice) cutlery and get to work ;) or the dealer will just fix it for a cost I guess.

25k? ;)

[madbar]

do you have a proper bracelet fit to the wrist? or does it hang loose and flop up and down all day? thats the only explanation i have

i have day date and been wearing it while i ride electric skooter, threw the city day after day, and no. signs of such a thing

[brucethemanlee]

Mine looks perfect and I wear maybe 2x a week for past 1.5 years

[Captain Scrumpy]

Are there any corresponding witness marks on the bracelet links?


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[jay_kay]

I suspect that has been cause by bracelet having been removed at some point and the spring bars have popped out the top side and marred the case on removal or reattachment.

[Onikage]

Agree with the general consensus here. The bracelet articulating cannot do that. Visible bracelet stretch where the links wear out looks completely different. Some of those marks extend onto the front of the lugs where the bracelet doesn't even get near to.

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by Onikage

Agree with the general consensus here. The bracelet articulating cannot do that. Visible bracelet stretch where the links wear out looks completely different. Some of those marks extend onto the front of the lugs where the bracelet doesn't even get near to.

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[Daveclock]

Strap would need to have been torn off your arm by an angry Gorilla to cause damage, plus the marks are just in the right area for pin damage, and also they show a rounded (spring bar end) like impression.

Wear it and in time Wabi-sabi will hide them!

If you can't cope I'll still give you full retail for it - I'm that generous!

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

It does happen. In reality, 904L is pretty soft and scratchable/knickable. If the endlinks push up past the lugs, the springbar ends will flip out and do exactly what you've shown in your pics. Taping the back of the lugs won't prevent it.

Agreed

It would be interesting if Scott or Bas could see this thread and could comment on whether the warranty is void as a result ...

[petay993]

Classic top side spring bar damage, ask me how I know

The bracelet has been off and someone didn't know what they were doing!

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Andrejb

I am a barber. I wear my watch every day. I haven’t done any sort of extensive manual labour with it on

Without the extreme magnification those tiny marks would be hardly visible, and any part that moves friction between surfaces could mark the metal especial if bracelet been off to change to strap etc..

[AEGRV]

I have had mine for a long time and I do wear it a lot however not for manual labour, and I do not see any issues in those 4 spots. I wonder if you with the manual labour you do it may be putting strain on those 4 points, which would make sense, although I think that would require a lot of strain to ding it that much.

[Cp827]

Originally Posted by AJMarcus

That’s why Rolex says the bracelets are not interchangeable on the BLRO. You just invalidated your warranty. You should correct your title. There was no flaw but rather damage caused by the bracelet swap. Good luck.

That was going to be my question. If you take it to RSC And they see you took the bracelet off will they tell you that your warranty is invalid now? And if so on the whole watch or just exterior?

[Andrejb]

Originally Posted by AJMarcus

That’s why Rolex says the bracelets are not interchangeable on the BLRO. You just invalidated your warranty. You should correct your title. There was no flaw but rather damage caused by the bracelet swap. Good luck.

I agree with you AJ.

I wish I knew how to change the title, after the discussion and general consensus I agree it must have been caused by taking off the bracelet.

However I did contact my RSC and can confirm that changing a bracelet on a Rolex does not void warranty. All manufacture issues (movement etc) are still covered for the remainder of the warranty duration.

If you have any recommendations on how to change title please let me know. Appreciate your contribution to the thread

[Bladeshot]

Originally Posted by Andrejb

My AD sent an inquiry to RSC. I’m cool
With the marks as long as they don’t get worse. In 10 years after my service I plan on sending it to California for a laser weld anyway from LAWW or Rolliworks

They can weld it. They’ve done some work for me. No worries. Enjoy the watch and fix it in 10 years!