Worst AD Visit In History Today

[grimps]

My local AD wouldnt touch an after market bracelet or strap

[joli160]

Originally Posted by Mmf115

I would need to find another AD to put them on.
The Rubber B is already on ebay.

Find another AD and repeat the experience
Really let a Sales Assistant work on your watch , again

The first AD really messed up, no excuse for damaging the top of the lugs.

Time to repair the lugs.
I would do this myself, since you can’t make it worse and it’s not going to damage anything what isn’t already damaged.
You need a Bergeon fiber glass scratch pen and brush gently along the lines of the grain.
If you are not sure just try it on a piece of scrap metal and see how it works. I find this really easy.
I can’t imagine but if you do mess up you can always sent it to a RSC or independent.

Changing bracelets is also easy DIY, Bergeon tweezer 7825, tape, patience and bring the watch head to the bracelet. Always get the bracelet in between the lugs from the bottom side of the watch. If you make any scratches they will be on the bottom. I never use tape myself but some do.

[SS Oyster]

Why on earth would an AD agree to replace a factory bracelet with a Rubber B?

[onefishtaco]

I'd be pretty upset at this too. I have a fiberglass pen like joli160 suggested. I've had OK results with it, as long as it's not deep scratches, and you're patient.

[Wigwag]

This is a shame. The AD have tried to do you a favour, but it hasn't worked out. As mentioned by others, Rubber B straps are often poorly machined and can be a nightmare to fit.

For the record, Rolex springbars are nothing special.

And finally, for those who have mentioned Oysterflex, a Bergeon 3153 tool is a nice alternative to using a knife!

[Mmf115]

Will RSC do a quick polish only ? Was considering driving into NYC one early morning and taking it in to get their opinion. Def don’t need a full service but I know they have the spring bars and can do a quick swap free of charge. Tourneau needs to see the watch first then order the spring bars. Would involve a couple of trips

[fsprow]

Please fellow members -- learn how to safely change bracelet links and remove and replace straps/bracelets. Plenty of instructions here and on the web.

If you can tighten a loose doorknob you can do this -- don't give anyone else a chance to mess up your watch doing it.

[PepsiBezel]

OP, my sympathies for the lug scratches. I’ve been there before, and have tried the Bergeron fiberglass pen, and it works okay — but I’d take them up on their offer to send to an RSC.

I’ve had lug hole cases in the past, and while I am sure the shoulderless springbars are stronger for straps like NATOs, etc., I do not think they are easier to change. For things like Rubber B, other straps, etc., I think the no-holes cases with a Bergeron or Horoflex springbar tweezer are easier to make changes.

I am not defending the AD’s poor work, but it may be that they are use to the no-holes cases and using a tweezer tool, and were not prepared or experienced with the older lug-holes cases.

[GoingPlaces]

Not sure what kind of AD this is. My AD would never agree to even touch an aftermarket part. The good news is this can be corrected.


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[uncleluck]

Originally Posted by faz

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

To be fair the most Rolex handling they do is passing a new one off to a grey dealer so it doesn’t surprise me they’re not up to the job.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Mmf115

Will RSC do a quick polish only ? Was considering driving into NYC one early morning and taking it in to get their opinion. Def don’t need a full service but I know they have the spring bars and can do a quick swap free of charge. Tourneau needs to see the watch first then order the spring bars. Would involve a couple of trips

RSC will polish the watch if that’s what you want, but I’d wait till it needs a full service, especially now during these covid times ... who knows how long it’s take to get it back.

[VogelPhoenix]

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.

Couldn't disagree more. Where I'm from professionals are expected to be proficient in the basic functions of their job (and be clear when something is outside their expertise).

[VogelPhoenix]

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. [

That brown strap on the CHNR actually looks pretty good!

[subtona]

Originally Posted by Mmf115

Will RSC do a quick polish only ? Was considering driving into NYC one early morning and taking it in to get their opinion. Def don’t need a full service but I know they have the spring bars and can do a quick swap free of charge. Tourneau needs to see the watch first then order the spring bars. Would involve a couple of trips

Rsc will Not polish without a service.
Service required per rsc policy


Wempe has the spring bars at the counter. Torneau also has the spring bars. This is not a part that is ordered as needed. They have draws of different size spring bars and other replaceable parts just behind the counter.

[iTreelex]

Woah woah hold up. OP said no holes explorer twice but the pic he posted clearly has lug holes? You can't use tweezers for those spring bars. Second, it would be a pain to put shoulder-less spring bars back in especially with a rubber b. Even if you tape the lugs, with the tips that long, you can scratch the lugs easily.

That's why you never get sentimental with things because of occasions like these. Sorry OP, hope you get it fixed.

[Laszlo]

It’s called leave the OEM bracelet on. Why would you ever want a cheap rubber strap on a watch that was never designed or intended to sport one in the first place? If you play you pay no sympathy here.

[rajurama]

Originally Posted by JodyHighroller

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.

Originally Posted by Doood

Wow, this looks great, BTW

OP, I would be upset and am in the camp that feels like you deserve compensation for this. If I was the owner of that AD, I would have at least offered to you your choice of a hard to get Rolex. Making mistakes is sometimes unavoidable, but it is how you fix them that matters. The AD could have turned this around and made you a customer for life.

Originally Posted by VogelPhoenix

That brown strap on the CHNR actually looks pretty good!

Thanks all

[rajurama]

So to make the agony of Rubber B easier , I have ordered these Oysterflex inspired straps... Will review them soon

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[JodyHighroller]

Originally Posted by rajurama

So to make the agony of Rubber B easier , I have ordered these Oysterflex inspired straps... Will review them soon
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Are those made by Rubber B?

[RJRJRJ]

Originally Posted by rajurama

So to make the agony of Rubber B easier , I have ordered these Oysterflex inspired straps... Will review them soon [ATTACH]1185587[/ATTCH][ATTACH]1185588[/ATTCH]

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Lol they actually printed "oysterflex" on a color that Rolex doesn't even make. No shame.

[rajurama]

Originally Posted by JodyHighroller

Are those made by Rubber B?

Nope , just ebay stuff

[rajurama]

Originally Posted by RJRJRJ

Lol they actually printed "oysterflex" on a color that Rolex doesn't even make. No shame.

Lol hence inspired , if only Rolex made brown and white I would grab right away.

[mac_135]

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.

Really? Uh... NO, it's not his fault. If a dealer isn't capable of performing such a simple task, they should not agree to "attempt" to do it.

I had the exact same thing happen to me with a Tag watch I bought a few years ago, and the salesperson had the same attitude towards me. THEY are the dealer, the "professional" – If you're incapable of performing the strap change, don't touch the damn watch!

[Dr Process]

Originally Posted by Gwai

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

Cheers
Marc

Agree. If I take my car to have the tires rotated and they damage the axle...

Same thing here.

[GoingPlaces]

Originally Posted by Laszlo

It’s called leave the OEM bracelet on. Why would you ever want a cheap rubber strap on a watch that was never designed or intended to sport one in the first place? If you play you pay no sympathy here.

I share the exact same sentiments. If you want a rubber strap buy a watch the comes with a rubber strap. Furthermore any aftermarket alteration cheapens the watch IMP, especially a twenty dollar strap (or whatever they cost).


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[pkincy]

A Cape Cod cloth or equivalent will clean those up if you want.

[GoingPlaces]

Originally Posted by pkincy

A Cape Cod cloth or equivalent will clean those up if you want.

Can’t use cape cod on brushed only polished.


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[scheneider]

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

The AD should have never, never, never....never accepted that job.

It’s not an oem part. Pass.

This is EXACTLY why.

this exactly, rubber b is not a rolex parts.

[challer]

Originally Posted by 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.

I doubt this is a common operation. I would not expect any AD employee to be particularly competent

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by challer

I doubt this is a common operation. I would not expect any AD employee to be particularly competent

I would expect any employee handling this at an AD to be competent; else they should decline to do the swap


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