Just got bracelet back from Michael Young - not thrilled.

[Joey_V]

Originally Posted by jolimont

my 2 cents:

Michael Young is probably the only person in the world who does bracelet refurbs, and for a pretty decent price as well

I guess if he decides to close up shop then we should all throw away our stretched bracelets and buy new ones- Rolex will love that

I think people fobbing him off should cut him some slack, because we would all be up the creek without him, and I truly believe that he does a lot more good for our Rolex community than bad

Oh for sure... he does a lot more good than bad. He's an asset, no question.

Even Rolex makes a slip up here and there. Nothing against the guy.

[crowncollection]

Originally Posted by jolimont

my 2 cents:

Michael Young is probably the only person in the world who does bracelet refurbs, and for a pretty decent price as well

I guess if he decides to close up shop then we should all throw away our stretched bracelets and buy new ones- Rolex will love that

I think people fobbing him off should cut him some slack, because we would all be up the creek without him, and I truly believe that he does a lot more good for our Rolex community than bad

Well said:thumbup:

[MonBK]

Did I read this right?

Is he threatning to close down an already non profitable business to make it even less profitable because of a few negative comments?

[silversurfer96790]

Lets see some before pic, before you air out about shitty work. I think this bracelet was really Fauked up before the repair. The OP should show the before pics before putting MY on blast. My 2 cents
Cheers

[up2nogood]

Why are people crapping on MY who've not even used his service? Forum/herd behavior like this I don't usually encounter here.
OP had a right to comment, but should also have clarified how shagged the original product was and if he'd given clear instructions to the repairer.
Given the other reports I've seen re MY's work, I would not hesitate to send resto jobs to him, albeit with very clear instructions.

[Explorer II Freak]

Originally Posted by withthesword

i'm seriously really suprised how many people are throwing MY under the bus. i've never had the pleasure of his business, but this one incident isn't going to stop me from going to him for bracelet restoration.

once again, this is the FIRST time i've heard of any issues with any of his work. look for his name, and you'll find thread after thread after thread of super satisfied customers.

does it seriously only take one negative thread to get everyone on the 'this guy is horrible' bandwagon?

anyways, i look forward to seeing what MY has to say over the next while, or what the OP has to say IF he's contacted MY about this incident.

i agree with the OP for posting this thread. i think it's important to humanize the operation. not everything from everyone is 100% perfect all of the time. i don't agree with all the sudden haters.

it's like a team winning 99 out of 100 games, and they're the crappiest team in the world because of it. just makes no sense.

I agree with you 100%!!!

[polarinda]

when he's good he is your saviour...and he had saved thousands...
when he made a mistake, he's a piece of crap.

i don't get it either.

People should start treating MY as a human, and not a machine just to get peanuts for straightening your stretched bracelet. He had a good track record according to you guys. So give him the BOTD. I don't think he does shoddy work day in day out..or else this thread wouldn't be so long.

[Chaching]

Originally Posted by classicwatchparts

Agreed. Personally if I remembered correctly the band was quite stretched when it was sent in and if you see the after pictures the links are all restored quite evenly tight. Most of what looks bad is the black stuff- wax left overs from polishing and will be quite easily cleaned up with some soap and an old toothbrush. If the complain is on the rivet of the safety clasp , it is due to the original condition and if an owner wants to change it , it is not included in the standard price and we need to be notified in advance and a small charge is added.

On the point of the polishing, I think the 93250 does has both satin polish and bright polish, but forum members can correct me if I am wrong. But if the band is incorrectly polished on the sides, we for sure can rectify this with a nylon polishing wheel polish free of charge and return postage. In any case if the owner would email me privately I normally would ask them to return and fix it.

A little note on polishing. It is always quite trivial to us how polish should be tackled. Some complain if the band is over polished with all scratch marks removed, but that will mean alot of meat has to be polished out which some owners don;t like. Others like in this instance may be happier if we did that.

Normally we take the in between route without over polish that will wear out the coronet and the sharp edges of the sides.

However one can tackle easily this situation with a 3M scotchbrite (the green one) nylon pad from supermarkets. all it needs is to polished the side in one direction and the satin will come back. It is in effect the same process as using a nylon pad polishing wheel. If worried about burring the other surface, just covered the top side with some sticky tape.

On another note, one should be very considerate of what they post on-line. It is easy to say something bad and then a multitude of others jumping for a gang bash without looking at the full picture. In this case the after restoration pics without seeing the original condition. Do you know how much it hurts when we see some posts like this, without knowing in behind how much effort has been put into the restoration and offering it at reasonable prices. For the price we charge Rolex SC will only sell you one link which costs them less than USD2 to produce.

i can easily post photos of perfect restorations of bands because they were in reasonably good condition before the process. But will it cancel out bad posts like these? Answer is no, it takes hundreds of good posts to even out something like this. In this case , it wasn't even a big problem. Just a mismatched finishing.

In conclusion yes we can restore loose bands and they will be in much better condition with reference to the state it was in. But the answer is no , not every band will look in the same like new condition as you can see some posts on the forum about our services. It will depend on the condition of the stretched band. This is based on the the standard USd100-120 service.

But if a higher standard is required , we do offer a laser weld plus restoration service that will take rebuild the worn off corners of the links before we tackle the restoration. However this will put the cost of restoration closer to USD400 depending on condition.

For doubters without having used our service before seeing the before and after condition in person I do not know how they can give their thumbs down.

Well said! Like I said earlier in my post...he should have included "before" (probably looked like SHAT in the first place) and "after pics" stating cost and what was done to the bracelet. Just not fair to post like this without contacting you first. Not cool.

[Director EDTF]

The OP complained MY responded and offered to fix the issues. Case Closed!!

[tedscott3]

Originally Posted by Director EDTF

The OP complained MY responded and offered to fix the issues. Case Closed!!

Yes! Why is the OP still arguing with him? The bracelet doesn't look good, but you provided no perspective for how it did look. You paid $100 to get this thing worked on. How much work do you expect the guy to do for $100 bucks?! Nobody can say that you got a bum deal without seeing the bracelet before restoration. Go buy a new one and see what you will pay. Then you will be really mad. MY is going to make the band right and save you a lot of cash. Everyone deserves the chance to make things right by someone before all dirty laundry is aired. He has offered to fix it, so take him up on the offer and then post your thoughts.

[Yanks213x]

OP should have worked behind the scenes first to correct any issues he was having with MY's work before making a public scene. Poor judgement.

If in fact this was a poor job done by MY, it wouldn't sway me from going to him. I've seen plenty of posts here containing before and after shots and it is night and day.

Before shots would be nice in this instance, unfortunately there aren't any. Rational minds will have to make the ultimate judgement on what has happened

[NKflyer]

Originally Posted by tedscott3

Yes! Why is the OP still arguing with him? The bracelet doesn't look good, but you provided no perspective for how it did look. You paid $100 to get this thing worked on. How much work do you expect the guy to do for $100 bucks?! Nobody can say that you got a bum deal without seeing the bracelet before restoration. Go buy a new one and see what you will pay. Then you will be really mad. MY is going to make the band right and save you a lot of cash. Everyone deserves the chance to make things right by someone before all dirty laundry is aired. He has offered to fix it, so take him up on the offer and then post your thoughts.

Who is arguing? I already accepted MY's offer to redo the bracelet and will dutifully report the results once I get it back.

The cost to restore a SS oyster w/fliplock is $140 + $28 return shipping + whatever the customer pays for shipping to get it to Hong Kong. So almost $200 total invested.

As far as the absence of "before" pics, this may be hard for some of you to believe, but not everyone enjoys taking wrist shots for every day of the week, dipping watches in alcoholic beverages, or for that matter, using a camera in general. I normally only take photos when I am getting ready to sell something and even then, it is a chore that I do not look forward to.

But regardless of how bad or good you speculate that the bracelet looked before, it did not have highly polished sides and did not have any fasteners protruding, which it now does. This is indisputable.

I did not think my initial post was overly damning and I even tried to point out some of the positive aspects of my experience.

End of story for now…

[TurboWatch]

Originally Posted by NKflyer

But regardless of how bad or good you speculate that the bracelet looked before, it did not have highly polished sides and did not have any fasteners protruding, which it now does. This is indisputable.

I did not think my initial post was overly damning and I even tried to point out some of the positive aspects of my experience.

End of story for now…

You're asking silly questions regarding the polishing of the sides of the bracelet, and the loss of METAL. This isn't a watch case where you could ask the repairer to leave it unplished. Michael has to employ specialized tools to pull the links apart. Tool marks and scrapes are unavoidable. His other post emphasizes that. Your braclet, without a doubt, had already seen the end of its useful life without the intervention of MY. You're just being inconsiderate posting it here, while a simple email to him could easily solve the problem. You emailed him privately inititally to use his service, why couldn't you do the same when you were unsatisfied with the result?

A waste of bandwidth imho

[AquariuM3]

I am a CEO and I would not let a finished work leave looking like that. Why fix something that just left your location? Why couldn't it be done right the first time..?

[tedscott3]

Originally Posted by AquariuM3

I am a CEO and I would not let a finished work leave looking like that. Why fix something that just left your location? Why couldn't it be done right the first time..?

You can't be suggesting that nothing slips past you without your approval?

[nyyankees]

It's unfortunate that the OP didn't contact MY first. It seems like he is offering a reasonable solution that had he had the opportunity to offer it would have preempted this whole thread. I have bbeen happy with his work in the past for what it's worth.

[withthesword]

well, i hope this doesn't turn MY off from the forums.

i found his posts to be very informative and entertaining. it'd be a real shame for this incident to turn him off the forums.

i love this forum because it's an open arena for thoughts and opinions. some toes might be stepped on, and feelings might be hurt, but i think we're all grown up enough to let bygones be bygones.

i think the lesson learned here is communication. in a world where 'the customer is always right' sometimes it's often hard to admit there's fault on both sides.

[MonBK]

[QUOTE=withthesword;4109294]well, i hope this doesn't turn MY off from the forums.

i found his posts to be very informative and entertaining. it'd be a real shame for this incident to turn him off the forums.

i love this forum because it's an open arena for thoughts and opinions. some toes might be stepped on, and feelings might be hurt, but i think we're all grown up enough to let bygones be bygones.

i think the lesson learned here is communication. in a world where 'the customer is always right' sometimes it's often hard to admit there's fault on both sides.[/QUOTE]



I think you nailed it with this one.

[1675-David]

Originally Posted by classicwatchparts

But really if this really gets so negative I will then move to limit it to existing customers instead of a open service .

Very glad to be an existing customer!

[tedscott3]

Originally Posted by 1675-David

Very glad to be an existing customer!

x2. I think people forget that he is the only person in the world willing to do this work at a reasonable cost. If you want to be 100% sure that your items are being worked on exactly to your specs, take them to a shop in person. There is always risk when you mail something to someone and hope they are on the same page as you. You sent you band to MY because of his price and reputation for great work.

[Rolexwatch]

After reading Michael Young's response, now I'm sending him my mother's gold/ss jubilee for tightening.

Mr. Michael Young is one of the good guys.

[Kingair]

Originally Posted by Rolexwatch

After reading Michael Young's response, now I'm sending him my mother's gold/ss jubilee for tightening.

Mr. Michael Young is one of the good guys.

x 2

We'll that's what I think and finally it's $ 140.00 to get it repaired . . .
Otherwise spend 1200.00 or more and get a new one.

Actually I would loved to see the before pics . . . but there are none . . .

So I think this bracelet was really 'dead' or 'end of life' and MY does his best to save you another $ 1000.00

HAGOne

[The Joker]

Originally Posted by Rolexwatch

After reading Michael Young's response, now I'm sending him my mother's gold/ss jubilee for tightening.

Mr. Michael Young is one of the good guys.

see, there's no such thing as bad publicity.

Hopefully this thread will do MY business more good than bad.

[Gundam]

Originally Posted by MonBK

Did I read this right?

Is he threatning to close down an already non profitable business to make it even less profitable because of a few negative comments?

I think he's saying that his Rolex bracelet stretch refurbishment service isn't his main breadwinner, and it won't make much difference to his overall business if he withdrew or restrict this service and no longer offer it to everyone.

And quite frankly I wouldn't blame him if he chooses to do so.

[mmmk604]

Originally Posted by Gundam

I think he's saying that his Rolex bracelet stretch refurbishment service isn't his main breadwinner, and it won't make much difference to his overall business if he withdrew or restrict this service and no longer offer it to everyone.

And quite frankly I wouldn't blame him if he chooses to do so.

I think that's what he meant too. However, closing shop because of one bad review doesn't sound reasonable.

This thread should be locked! New thread will be opened when the OP receives his bracelet again.

[threemonkeys]

Originally Posted by Greg G

I don't think that bracelet should have ever been returned to the customer in that condition. I would be insulted if I got that back. I don't care what it looked like before. If it was "that bad" it should have been returned with a note stating "This is too far gone to fix".

The man had a valid complaint and was well within his right to talk about it. I probably would not have put it on the internet, not wanting to get piled upon, which is what happened. Too bad when a guy is expected to take the short end of the stick and be happy with it because the other guy is popular.

All I know is that it's easy to say " he always did right by me" when it's someone else watch.

Bingo. They should have had the common sense to contact the OP rather than send the band back in that condition. I don't subscribe to the 'it's cheap so shut up and be grateful' belief.

I think all you MY fan-boys should chip in and send the gent a gift wrapped summer sausage. Then you and everyone else will feel happy.

[polarinda]

MY probably would end up doing this for free with the shipping and time costs.
So, really, give the guy a break. If he'd let it slip with one pin sticking out, he made a mistake.
At least he saved you $900 tightening that loose bracelet.
Do you want him to buy you a new bracelet?
I hope next time someone gets in a tight situation like this, the opposing party would give you hell.

[AnnemarieGirl]

Ignore.

[TurboWatch]

Originally Posted by threemonkeys

Bingo. They should have had the common sense to contact the OP rather than send the band back in that condition. I don't subscribe to the 'it's cheap so shut up and be grateful' belief.

I think all you MY fan-boys should chip in and send the gent a gift wrapped summer sausage. Then you and everyone else will feel happy.

if you re-read the entire threads, nobody has told the OP to "shut up and accept it because it's cheap".

It's common courtesy. We're all adults and wear Rolex, so act like one. It was the OP who knocked on MY's door soliciting his service, why couldn't he contact MY and have this handled behind the closed door? MY is a reasonable guy.

Yes, I probably am what you call a MY's fan-boy as I have been using his service for the last 5-6 years and I've been happy with his works, and the fee he charges. He has not raised his $120.00 for years while very watchmaker and Rolex have raised their prices upward 60%+ during the same period. That's 1 /5 of what being charged here in the States.

BTW: When the time comes, those who shout " he lost my business " the loudest will be the first to knock on Michael's door, and not the other way around.

[Eagle7222]

I was looking at an older 1675 on eBay that had a good amount of stretch in the band. My 1st thought was to send to MY just from what I have read here in a short amount of time. This thread only reinforces my thought process For when I do get one in the near future...