A stretched bracelet, RSC New York and a five digit cost to replace

[southtexas]

As you might have seen, I posted an incoming thread describing how my grandfather gave me his 14k YG date (1503) circa 1974. It had been his daily watch since that time. Needless to say, the bracelet is extremely stretched to the point that I won't wear it for fear it will give out at any moment.

After consulting with you guys, it seemed like I had 2 options: 1) See if Michael Young could fix it and 2) get a quote on a new one from RSC.

I called the RSC in NY a few minutes ago and spoke to a rep about it. She informed me that they no longer make the 14k YG jubilee and have none in stock. Therefore, I could purchase an 18K jubilee for $13,600 (yes, that's USD). Or, if I traded my other one in, the new one would cost only $11,400. She also stated that the new 18k yg would NOT match the color of the 14k yg 1503.

On a related note, she confirmed that the bracelet I have is not gold plated; rather, it is all gold.

This seems a little steep to me; any input would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Below are pics of my current bracelet:

[mannyv11]

Michael Young sounds like the way to go =)

[MonBK]

x2

[Cc1966]

Strap time.

[SALTY]

Leather straps look very nice - sometimes $uper nice!

[cop414]

I don't know if MY could fix the bracelet, it looks pertty far gone. He's a member here I'd PM him and have him look at your pics. The other option as noted would be a nice leather strap, possibly with custom endlinks by Smartyjones, another member here. If price were no object... but wow that's pretty steep!
Please keep us posted on your journey with your heirloom.

[Vincent65]

It may be beyond repair - maybe MY could do it, or a jeweller, but it will COST.
I agree; don't wear it on that one. Try a few nice straps.

[1675-David]

Send it to the strap God in Hong Kong…

[1kw]

i would put the deployment buckle on a new leather strap and call it a day.

[southtexas]

Thanks all. Can you tell me what is his user name? I searched and found no "Michael young"; however, I did find a "michaelyong".

I will also look here in the for sale section to see if anyone has one that will work and be (at least as close as I can get to) correct to the vintage. Any leads are appreciated! I will post in the WTB also.

Regards

[azguy]

$13,000, funny. It's a shame, but I'd be shocked if that could be restored...

[padi56]

Thats some badly worn bracelet I would go the repair option with Michael Young, but could take quite a few weeks or months depending on his work load.

Michael Young web site

http://www.classicwatchparts.com/index.php

[Knappo 1307]

Put it on a nice leather strap.....

[Keith1]

I would try Michael Young.

Let us know how it turns out....

[datejusting]

Originally Posted by 1kw

i would put the deployment buckle on a new leather strap and call it a day.

This sounds like a good idea, I would try it.

[southtexas]

Thanks all. I have sent an email and pics to Mr. Young. I'll keep you informed.

Regards

[mjclark32]

Hope he's able to restore it

[subtona]

I had a similar issue with my two tone sub and a friend had the same with his dads datejust, imho the best answer is this: get a SS bracelet to replace yours, you likely wont be able to get it from RSC (although they already seem to be in a grey area offering you the 18k version)

A SS bracelet sourced from wherever you can find it (patience may be needed) will look great.
Both my sub & friends datejust looked wonderful on the new & tight SS bracelets.

Ps i was able to sell my original very stretched TT bracelet at the cost of a new SS version.

[Solo118]

Originally Posted by southtexas

Thanks all. I have sent an email and pics to Mr. Young. I'll keep you informed.

Regards

I hope it's repairable. Buy a strap for the meantime and start enjoying.

[dysondiver]

thats maybe the most stretched ive seen , try the crescent picture , vvery interested to see how close to a full circle it is ,,
the only man for the job ,,,, mr young.
mean time nice strap. and enjoy
very good chance for befor e and after pics though

[Rashid.bk]

I'd strap that badboy right up. Nice croc will look nice and classy.


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[southtexas]

Originally Posted by dysondiver

thats maybe the most stretched ive seen , try the crescent picture , vvery interested to see how close to a full circle it is ,,
the only man for the job ,,,, mr young.
mean time nice strap. and enjoy
very good chance for befor e and after pics though

Almost! Note: all pieces laying flat on the granite.

[Steve748]

I used to make and repair jewellery and I think that the bracelet you have has reached the end of it's 'use by' life.

You could find a really skilled repairer but when something has been worn for a long time the links wear and repairing it is a job too far. When metal has worn away the only way to repair it is to replace the worn metal and on a bracelet it is a near impossible task.

One option open to you is to get some bracelet links from a similar sized piece of jewellery if the current end links and clasp are still usable but there might be a slight mis-match of the colour.

Another option is to buy a leather strap and a buckle or a deployant clasp and go for something different.

[dysondiver]

ill bet that combo could tell some storys if it could only just speak.

[T. Ferguson]

The good news (if you want to look at it this way) is that Rolex cannot replace the bracelet with a matching replacement anyway, so the 5 figures to do go that route doesn't even come into play.

You don't have to choose between an MY repair or a leather strap. Assuming Michael can fix it, you can do both.

[southtexas]

Originally Posted by T. Ferguson

The good news (if you want to look at it this way) is that Rolex cannot replace the bracelet with a matching replacement anyway, so the 5 figures to do go that route doesn't even come into play.

You don't have to choose between an MY repair or a leather strap. Assuming Michael can fix it, you can do both.

Agreed. I look forward to getting a response from him.

In the meantime, I called Rikki and the case will be on its way to him. The watch "works" in that the second hand moves fluidly; although I'm not sure yet how accurately it keeps time.

I was actually looking at it when the time was at 11:57:35 and the date wheel turned from the 1st to the 2nd, so that's sort of working.

I unscrewed the crown and (gently!) attempted to set the time, but was greeted with a terrible grinding noise, so I gave up on that.

The plexiglass is scratched up pretty good.

Also, when you gently shake the case, you can hear a loose piece rolling around behind the dial.

I told all of this to Rikki who, after listening patiently, said "no worries, send it in and I'll take care of it. You'll get it back in like-new condition". Given his performance with the last item I sent to him, I have no doubt I will get it back in great shape.

Thanks to all for your interest and feedback, I'll keep the updates with pics coming. For now, here's a few pics of the case pre-Rik.

And yes, if that watch could talk, I'm sure it would have a few interesting stories to share.

[Rags]

A nice new strap is the way to go..Oh and a service by either Rik or Bob Ridley.

[mfer]

Michael to restore and get some straps.

[Trouble15]

Originally Posted by Cc1966

Strap time.

[crowncollection]

My is the ticket in hk


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