Dealer scratched my watch while removing a link

[OG1982]

Sorry this happened OP, I would also be upset if someone else scratched my new watch.

What I don't understand is why we feel the need to take a watch back to an AD to have a link added or removed. It is literally just a case of unscrewing, removing (or adding) a link and then tightening it all back up again. I've sized both of my Rolex watches and shock horror, I didn't even use a Bergen or swiss screwdriver… The watch survived and so did I!

If you absolutely have to have someone else undo a screw for you, then ask the sales advisor if it's going to be a watchmaker making the adjustment - if not let them know beforehand that any damage will not be tolerated and they will be required to replace any damaged items.

Sorry if I am coming across as dismissive or flippant, but my mind struggles to understand how someone can work their way up to being able to afford such a luxury item, but have no inclination of being able to perform the most simple adjustment. It’s a bit like buying a Porsche and not being able to adjust the seating position.

[AG23]

Originally Posted by Ollie1982

Sorry this happened OP, I would also be upset if someone else scratched my new watch.

What I don't understand is why we feel the need to take a watch back to an AD to have a link added or removed. It is literally just a case of unscrewing, removing (or adding) a link and then tightening it all back up again. I've sized both of my Rolex watches and shock horror, I didn't even use a Bergen or swiss screwdriver… The watch survived and so did I!

If you absolutely have to have someone else undo a screw for you, then ask the sales advisor if it's going to be a watchmaker making the adjustment - if not let them know beforehand that any damage will not be tolerated and they will be required to replace any damaged items.

Sorry if I am coming across as dismissive or flippant, but my mind struggles to understand how someone can work their way up to being able to afford such a luxury item, but have no inclination of being able to perform the most simple adjustment. It’s a bit like buying a Porsche and not being able to adjust the seating position.

I feel like it’s one of these things that you wouldn’t think twice about taking to a shop to do- it seems straightforward, so why not? Obviously the why not is this and the many other threads here describing damage but not everyone knows about them.

The seat analogy doesn’t quite work as there isn’t a specific tool required that not everyone has to hand. Unless there is for Porsche…

[HiBoost]

Originally Posted by Ollie1982

Sorry if I am coming across as dismissive or flippant, but my mind struggles to understand how someone can work their way up to being able to afford such a luxury item, but have no inclination of being able to perform the most simple adjustment. It’s a bit like buying a Porsche and not being able to adjust the seating position.

Well since we're all ruffling feathers here I'll jump in head first haha... I guess my world view is the opposite of yours. In my experience it is precisely the most wealthy and the consumers of luxury goods who are least likely to "get their hands dirty" with anything. I think the bracelet sizing is more akin to an oil change. You think the majority of Porsche owners do that themselves?
Adjusting the seat in the car is more like setting the date on the watch. Most on here are not going to the AD for that at least ;)

[garyk]

Originally Posted by HiBoost

Well since we're all ruffling feathers here I'll jump in head first haha... I guess my world view is the opposite of yours. In my experience it is precisely the most wealthy and the consumers of luxury goods who are least likely to "get their hands dirty" with anything. I think the bracelet sizing is more akin to an oil change. You think the majority of Porsche owners do that themselves?
Adjusting the seat in the car is more like setting the date on the watch. Most on here are not going to the AD for that at least ;)

I’m hesitant now to comment on anything but I totally agree with you.

[Watchdoyouwant?]

Originally Posted by Ollie1982

Sorry if I am coming across as dismissive or flippant, but my mind struggles to understand how someone can work their way up to being able to afford such a luxury item, but have no inclination of being able to perform the most simple adjustment.

Really? Time is money.

I used to do my own yardwork, household fixits, etc. Then I realized that by doing so I likely could make a claim for being the most expensive gardener/handyman in the country.

I save money by paying others to do less expensive tasks for me, which frees my time up to earn more money doing what I do.

Also, I scratch my watch, I'm SOL. AD scratches my watch, they're SOL.

[vh2k]

Originally Posted by Watchdoyouwant?

Really? Time is money.

I used to do my own yardwork, household fixits, etc. Then I realized that by doing so I likely could make a claim for being the most expensive gardener/handyman in the country.

I save money by paying others to do less expensive tasks for me, which frees my time up to earn more money doing what I do.

The global TRF community insists on full self reliance. Size your own watch. Change your own straps. Fire the landscapers. Change your own oil. Fire the housekeeper, handyman, butler, chefs, and personal trainers! Do your own taxes. And always self park; never use a valet.

[OG1982]

Originally Posted by Watchdoyouwant?

Really? Time is money.

I used to do my own yardwork, household fixits, etc. Then I realized that by doing so I likely could make a claim for being the most expensive gardener/handyman in the country.

I save money by paying others to do less expensive tasks for me, which frees my time up to earn more money doing what I do.

Also, I scratch my watch, I'm SOL. AD scratches my watch, they're SOL.

Correct, time is money.

It would take me a couple of hours to drive into town and have a ‘watchmaker’ adjust a watch. Whereas, I can adjust my own in around ten minutes.


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[crazycarlitos]

Originally Posted by Ollie1982

Correct, time is money.

It would take me a couple of hours to drive into town and have a ‘watchmaker’ adjust a watch. Whereas, I can adjust my own in around ten minutes.


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Agreed.
10 minutes only because I need to look for the proper screwdriver. Lol

Two screws out. One screw back in. Done.

It’s not rocket science.. or even changing engine oil.

Good thing some of u don’t own a Panerai.
How would u change ur strap without a watch tech doing it for u? Lol

Time is money, yes.
But we still can and actually do few thing by ourselves, no?
Obviously, if u feel more comfortable with others doing it for u, by all means.
But if the argument is that it’s not worth ur time because u can make more money during that period, that’s just silly. Lol

[HiBoost]

Originally Posted by crazycarlitos

But if the argument is that it’s not worth ur time because u can make more money during that period, that’s just silly. Lol

Agree. I don't sit down at the table after making dinner and think "well, I just lost out on $300 I could have billed clients, FML". Life would be pretty joyless if every action were a "what makes me the most money" proposition.

[Watchdoyouwant?]

Originally Posted by Ollie1982

Sorry this happened OP, I would also be upset if someone else scratched my new watch.

What I don't understand is why we feel the need to take a watch back to an AD to have a link added or removed. It is literally just a case of unscrewing, removing (or adding) a link and then tightening it all back up again. I've sized both of my Rolex watches and shock horror, I didn't even use a Bergen or swiss screwdriver… The watch survived and so did I!

If you absolutely have to have someone else undo a screw for you, then ask the sales advisor if it's going to be a watchmaker making the adjustment - if not let them know beforehand that any damage will not be tolerated and they will be required to replace any damaged items.

Sorry if I am coming across as dismissive or flippant, but my mind struggles to understand how someone can work their way up to being able to afford such a luxury item, but have no inclination of being able to perform the most simple adjustment. It’s a bit like buying a Porsche and not being able to adjust the seating position.

Originally Posted by crazycarlitos

Agreed.
10 minutes only because I need to look for the proper screwdriver. Lol

But if the argument is that it’s not worth ur time because u can make more money during that period, that’s just silly. Lol

I don't want to judge what your time is worth. I know mine is worth more doing other things other than sizing my watch, especially when the liability for any error is borne by the AD when he/she does it. That being said, if you enjoy sizing your watch, go for it. But don't pretend that this whole "do it yourself" fetish is rational.

As I said, I get my watches sized when I buy them from the AD. I'm there already. No sunk time. My wrist also doesn't expand like a blowfish, so I've never had to resize any watch thereafter. My AD also doesn't scratch my watches.

Furthermore, properly removing links from a bracelet--especially a PM bracelet--is clearly not a job any moron can do properly. This is evidenced by the experience the OP has had.

[Driver8]

Originally Posted by Ollie1982

What I don't understand is why we feel the need to take a watch back to an AD to have a link added or removed. It is literally just a case of unscrewing, removing (or adding) a link and then tightening it all back up again.

I tend to agree. And at the end of the day, NO-ONE is ever going to be as careful with your watch as you are. As soon as you outsource any task to someone else, you're implicitly accepting how they choose to perform that task.

[M45]

Originally Posted by Ollie1982

Sorry this happened OP, I would also be upset if someone else scratched my new watch.

What I don't understand is why we feel the need to take a watch back to an AD to have a link added or removed. It is literally just a case of unscrewing, removing (or adding) a link and then tightening it all back up again. I've sized both of my Rolex watches and shock horror, I didn't even use a Bergen or swiss screwdriver… The watch survived and so did I!

If you absolutely have to have someone else undo a screw for you, then ask the sales advisor if it's going to be a watchmaker making the adjustment - if not let them know beforehand that any damage will not be tolerated and they will be required to replace any damaged items.

Sorry if I am coming across as dismissive or flippant, but my mind struggles to understand how someone can work their way up to being able to afford such a luxury item, but have no inclination of being able to perform the most simple adjustment. It’s a bit like buying a Porsche and not being able to adjust the seating position.

Adjusting the bracelets is a bit more technically ambitious than moving a seat by pushing a button.

It requires the proper tools, knowledge that Loctite will break when heated, although if they use the proper color and amount (blue) it will break when cold, patience, and an ability to do very fine motor skills without your hands slipping or shaking.

Most Rolex dealers have some guy in a lab coat they keep chained to a table in the back room who allegedly is a factory authorized? watch repair dude and who allegedly is the guy who does these adjustments.

Or so I’ve been told.

The Rolex dealers I go to will only let their watch lab coat guy adjust bracelets.

I’ve never had to adjust a bracelet because I have a gorilla wrists. But my wife will not let me do it on her watches and lets the dude do it.

[joeboy]

Unacceptable on multiple levels. Keep pursuing this and contact Rolex head office.

[KyloRen]

Thats really bad, i would ask for a replacement clasp.

[Deepseadoug]

I could after a few days live with the muff on the clasp but man o man those bracelet screw heads are an eyesore. You need to be made good on this. 2 links with 2 fresh screws and a clasp. The clasp is prob 300$ and each link 60 bucks. I’d have them order everything for you and you can buy the correct screwdriver and with a little tape and patience put your baby back together again. Ad has gotta eat the cost of the parts it’s the only way. A polish n 2 screws just wouldn’t do it for me but me thinks that’s the route they will go. Play hard ball.

[Corius]

To be fair, some people are more confident than others when it comes to DIY. If in doubt let the professionals do it (OPs experience excepted of course)

You don't need dedicated tools to remove a link or adjust the bracelet in the clasp but it does make life easier. However, you do need good screwdrivers e.g Bergeon, and you must have the correct size. Good eyesight or a loupe can help. Apply gentle, slowly increasing force to break the loctite and stop if you think the screwdriver bit is about to break or slip.

I wouldn't be confident about applying heat, so that's the point when I would go to the AD.

To adjust the spring bar position in the clasp just use the screwdriver between the two rings to compress the link and ease it out of the dimple. keep your free thumb over the top of the clasp to endure the spring bar doesn't sing out to the blue yonder. Then do the same on the other side of the spring bar and gently slide it to the new position.

[rolexako]

In the end, it's the principle of it all. I would have it replaced and you have the right to request that it be replaced.

[Widows Son]

Since retirement I have to watch my $$$$ a little more closely. I used to have somebody come to the house and detail my cars, I figured they needed the money more than I did. I'd work a side job and it would pay for 2X what it cost to do the cars. I do the cars myself now. I do have a lawn service do the weed and feed 3x a year though. I figured the cost of the materials and it's cheaper to have them do it. A neighbor does my driveway plowing. For $250.00 a year he'll do it 3X a day if needed. I'll change the oil in the tractor and pushmower, but the cars still go to the shop.

[ynos1000]

Those where some crazy scratches you have every reason to be mad

[Highend7]

Really though the lady was rude to give such response. That's bad service

[joeboy]

Originally Posted by Highend7

Really though the lady was rude to give such response. That's bad service

Exactly.

[russ86]

Ufff, sucks mate

[Driver8]

Sorry guys, but this Gordon Gecko “time is money” stuff is hilarious. We’re not talking about taking a weeks holiday here - we’re talking about 10 mins out of your life to NOT have your watch butchered by some cack-handed SA like the unfortunate OP. I’m just taking a wild guess, but I can only assume you spend more than 10 mins posting on here each day…

Still, priorities I guess…

[azizu]

Originally Posted by LeftieUSA

I had a link removed today on and about 10 minutes after I left I went to adjust the easy link part on my watch and noticed two scratches one on a link on the bracelet and a bad one on the shiny part of the clasp.

I went back in and politely voiced my concern and then once the lady buffed the one scratch out on the clasp she made a snarky comment and said it’s like a new car eventually you’ll get a scratch on it. I told her, yes but I wasn’t the one who caused the scratch, should be more careful when changing links.

Like seriously, I would go remove a link at the AD exactly so that the watch don’t get scratched.
You might as well removed it yourself


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[LeftieUSA]

Update. Dealer ordered new link & clasp from Rolex and will be replacing it. Couple of weeks before it gets here


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[2loaded]

Originally Posted by LeftieUSA

Update. Dealer ordered new link & clasp from Rolex and will be replacing it. Couple of weeks before it gets here


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Great outcome and accountability by the AD - !

[Wahlberg]

Originally Posted by LeftieUSA

and will be replacing it

Second try

[drrd]

Originally Posted by LeftieUSA

Update. Dealer ordered new link & clasp from Rolex and will be replacing it. Couple of weeks before it gets here


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Post a pic so we can rest easy

[214270Explorer]

Originally Posted by LeftieUSA

Update. Dealer ordered new link & clasp from Rolex and will be replacing it. Couple of weeks before it gets here


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Check for more damage after they re-do the link and clasp. Just sayin'.

[JAEP]

Originally Posted by LeftieUSA

Update. Dealer ordered new link & clasp from Rolex and will be replacing it. Couple of weeks before it gets here


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Glad you are coming to a happy ending!

When I was picking up my BLNR some weeks ago, my SA was wearing a glove only on her right hand and she had a wedding ring and another ring on her left hand. When she was about to remove the stickers and resize the bracelet, I politely asked her to put another glove on her left hand. She said “Oh that is right”.

Those rings can scratch watches while handing them without gloves. And those micro fiber cleaning clothes that they use to “clean and polish” brand new watches. Who knows how clean those are.