Scratched screws & mysterious scuff on links, AD issue?

[henry_b]

Hi,

I bought a submariner and had the bracelet adjusted at the AD, I thought this was safer than me doing it.

The screws seems to be badly marred, and there is a bad scuff on the surface of the links. It's hard to see but there are small scratches by the screws too.

Please take a look here: imgur(dot)com/a/Uvezd5g

The manual was creased also, but maybe that isn't a big deal.

Do you guys think this is worth bring up with the jeweller, can something be done? I don't have a lot of faith in them to not make it worse.

Thanks for your input.

[watchmaker]

The screws are marred, but I wouldn't say they are 'badly marred'. I've certainly seen much worse.

I would give them the opportunity to sort it but if you don't trust them not to make it worse then don't bother talking to them about it. Sort it yourself.

[Henrimontgomery]

I know people are going to laugh at you probably, tell you to man up and that scratches are part of life. And I agree with them on the last point. My first time scratching my 2000$ a piece car wheels, I couldn't sleep. Then after numerous years, learned to let go and to embrace the impermanence of things.

However! This is not acceptable IMO, if you bought new. You are entitled to excellent service, and this, to me, shows little care and haste. I understand you are not feeling very happy about the experience. This is where you need to decide though. Do you go back and tell them, expecting what, I don't know (certainly not money, maybe a polish, apology, and ban from any rarer model waiting list), or learn to let go, and enjoy your purchase, which is definitely not decreased in its value, and will, anyhow, get in a much more scratched, dinged (wait for your first doorknob impact!) and whatnot.

Live and let die

[henry_b]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

The screws are marred, but I wouldn't say they are 'badly marred'. I've certainly seen much worse.

I would give them the opportunity to sort it but if you don't trust them not to make it worse then don't bother talking to them about it. Sort it yourself.

Thanks,

What should I expect from them in that case? Replacement screws or a fitting of the replacement screws? For context this is a literally brand new watch, and my first rolex.

The scuff on the outside of the bracelet, I know it sounds silly, but I have had the watch only a few days and it is already scuffed and likely by them, is it plausible that their watch clamp caused them?

[henry_b]

Originally Posted by Henrimontgomery

I know people are going to laugh at you probably, tell you to man up and that scratches are part of life. And I agree with them on the last point. My first time scratching my 2000$ a piece car wheels, I couldn't sleep. Then after numerous years, learned to let go and to embrace the impermanence of things.

However! This is not acceptable IMO, if you bought new. You are entitled to excellent service, and this, to me, shows little care and haste. I understand you are not feeling very happy about the experience. This is where you need to decide though. Do you go back and tell them, expecting what, I don't know (certainly not money, maybe a polish, apology, and ban from any rarer model waiting list), or learn to let go, and enjoy your purchase, which is definitely not decreased in its value, and will, anyhow, get in a much more scratched, dinged (wait for your first doorknob impact!) and whatnot.

Live and let die

Yes, you are saying what I am thinking. If I scratched the watch, c'est la vie, but this is my first rolex and a branch new one at that, and it's in worse shape than if I'd have had a go at the screws

[Off Script]

I took a look at the pictures and although everything is easily fixable, they were a bit careless with your watch.

What I would probably do is have them order replacement screws for the ones that were damaged and have them swap out the booklet for one in the back. It should definitely be brought to management's attention if an associate is ham fisting watches, so they can be retrained. The scuffs/scratches will be followed by many more. If you wait until service they will make your watch look like new. If it bothers you, and you aren't willing to wait, request that they send it into RSC for a light polish on the bracelet only. If you're willing to wait on the polish maybe use the mediocre experience in their store as leverage towards another piece. Good luck!

Also, I bought my own screwdriver to avoid this sort of thing. Apparently it's quite common.

http://www.ofrei.com/page1436.html I'm not at home, but I think it's 1.6mm you need. Tape off the links around the screws and turn carefully. Don't use a normal screwdriver. You want a hollow ground tip.

[Benzsiam]

If it's SS Sub, you better let it go, because he might tell you that you don't have to buy. He can sell to other people easily.

If it's PM Sub, you can ask him to do something to make it look better.

[watchmaker]

Originally Posted by henry_b

Thanks,

What should I expect from them in that case? Replacement screws or a fitting of the replacement screws? For context this is a literally brand new watch, and my first rolex.

The scuff on the outside of the bracelet, I know it sounds silly, but I have had the watch only a few days and it is already scuffed and likely by them, is it plausible that their watch clamp caused them?

It would be reasonable to expect them to fit new screws for you.

The scuff on the side is problematic as you say it is 'likely by them', implying you are not sure. It's a very common mark to make from wearing it, but it could have been them. In this situation I'd take the 'you catch more flies with honey than vinegar' approach. In future, inspect your item before accepting it. Finding ambiguous marks on it when you get home a few days later isn't conclusively their fault I'm afraid.

I'm sure they would still be willing to have it brushed out for you.

[henry_b]

Originally Posted by Henrimontgomery

I know people are going to laugh at you probably, tell you to man up and that scratches are part of life. And I agree with them on the last point. My first time scratching my 2000$ a piece car wheels, I couldn't sleep. Then after numerous years, learned to let go and to embrace the impermanence of things.

However! This is not acceptable IMO, if you bought new. You are entitled to excellent service, and this, to me, shows little care and haste. I understand you are not feeling very happy about the experience. This is where you need to decide though. Do you go back and tell them, expecting what, I don't know (certainly not money, maybe a polish, apology, and ban from any rarer model waiting list), or learn to let go, and enjoy your purchase, which is definitely not decreased in its value, and will, anyhow, get in a much more scratched, dinged (wait for your first doorknob impact!) and whatnot.

Live and let die

Thanks, that is what I was thinking. If I had scratched it, I wouldn't be nearly as frustrated. This is my first rolex and a brand new one at that, and the first day that it fits me I have scratches on it.

Originally Posted by Off Script

I took a look at the pictures and although everything is easily fixable, they were a bit careless with your watch.

What I would probably do is have them order replacement screws for the ones that were damaged and have them swap out the booklet for one in the back. It should definitely be brought to management's attention if an associate is ham fisting watches, so they can be retrained. The scuffs/scratches will be followed by many more. If you wait until service they will make your watch look like new. If it bothers you, and you aren't willing to wait, request that they send it into RSC for a light polish on the bracelet only. If you're willing to wait on the polish maybe use the mediocre experience in their store as leverage towards another piece. Good luck!

Also, I bought my own screwdriver to avoid this sort of thing. Apparently it's quite common.

I had considered that, getting a screwdriver, but I thought this was the safer route ironically.

Originally Posted by Benzsiam

If it's SS Sub, you better let it go, because he might tell you that you don't have to buy. He can sell to other people easily.

If it's PM Sub, you can ask him to do something to make it look better.

I have already bought it, they then resized it for me, and I have only just taken a closer look at their handywork.

[Off Script]

I edited my post with the screwdriver info. You should definitely consider one. It's not that expensive. I bought a springbar tool from there as well.

[henry_b]

Originally Posted by Off Script

I edited my post with the screwdriver info. You should definitely consider one. It's not that expensive. I bought a springbar tool from there as well.

I heard Panerai screwdrivers are a good option, one I will be investing in it seems.

[watchmaker]

Originally Posted by henry_b

I heard Panerai screwdrivers are a good option, one I will be investing in it seems.

Panerai screwdriver is the best fit for the Oyster bracelet I’ve ever seen (including Rolex’s own)

[MacanS]

So here is the thing. If the order you replacement screws, the ends may not sit totally flush with the links as they finish the screws in the kinks to make them even.

You would need to order a whole new link so it would be perfect. If you don’t believe me, take some of your screws you have and swap them in different links. You will see.

I say leave them. While not optimal, zero people will ever notice and the watch will continue to pick up scratches.

[Off Script]

Originally Posted by henry_b

I heard Panerai screwdrivers are a good option, one I will be investing in it seems.

Originally Posted by watchmaker

Panerai screwdriver is the best fit for the Oyster bracelet I’ve ever seen (including Rolex’s own)

Well, there you go

[fsprow]

I suggest leaving alone and learning (search this site) how to adjust a bracelet yourself, with a proper screwdriver (suggest Horofix 1.7mm) and purple locktite to install. Removing screws that are very tight might need some heat applied to the threaded end (opposite of the screwdriver groove).

[nighthawk77]

OP - congrats on the watch, and sorry that you've been left in this situation. A couple of points;

1 - the screws once removed will never look completely fresh. From what I understand and as mentioned above, the link flanks are given a final polish once the screws are in situ. Take a look at a screw (that's not AD scratched) which has been removed and compare this to one which has never been removed and you should be able to tell the difference. In other words, if you've had to resize the bracelet it's unlikely they'll ever look as fresh as the untouched factory polished ones.

2 - the bracelet will get marked. Even if you are extremely careful with the watch, the glidelock on my Sub has scratched the links adjacent to it, and use of the easylink on my Explorer has scratched the links adjacent to the clasp too. I also imagine that if it wasn't raised at the time of re-sizing, it will be incredibly difficult to prove that you haven't caused the scratch yourself.

3 - learning to re-size the bracelet will serve you well. Get the correct tools and materials then you don't need to count on others. It shouldn't cost you much for a screwdriver, loctite and some other basics. There's plenty of threads on here which explain how to do this and detail whats required. My advice - don't forget to heat up the screws you're removing...I missed this step on my first attempt and scratched up a screw. I had a replacement so was not an issue, but I always make sure to use a lighter to release any loctite on the screws.

Ultimately it's your call as to what to do with the AD. They may be able to make things look a little better, but based on their handywork so far, they may also make it worse. If you plan on wearing the watch then it wont stay in a perfect condition anyway and you may be better off letting this one slide and chalking it up to experience to always check the watch after letting someone else handle it...hope you get sorted.

[Xenon]

Scratches from the AD sizing a new Rolex you purchased from them are not a part of life so bring the watch back and have them fix it.

[henry_b]

Thanks everyone.

Wearing the new watch and getting it scuffed is one thing, receiving it brand new in less that perfect order is another, and is doubly frustrating as I chose not to work on the watch myself to avoid issues like this.

I'll see what the AD has to say now I've reached out.

[mr ling]

I enjoy the scratches and dings I put on my watches. Makes the watch mine. That said, I find it unacceptable for this level of service from an AD. If they can't size watches without creating any damage then they should not offer that as a service to their clients, and send them on down the road to someone who can. If my AD is going to offer to size my bracelet for me, I am going to agree to this on the condition that any damage they create they fix/ replace.

[drrd]

If they're Rolex authorised they should not be doing that to screws and links.

If you don't point this out to them and get them to correct it then they'll keep on doing it.

If the AD are in some way unsure about their responsibilities on the matter then discuss it with RSC.

[-dustin]

how long has it been since the bracelet was sized?

[Mr DateJust]

This is one of my pet hates. It’s caused when AD’s don’t use a proper hollow ground screwdriver and have just grabbed what ever they have close to hand and done a hack job. It is absolutely inexcusable when this happens. Why Rolex hasn’t cracked down on this I have no idea. I agree watches are to be worn and have loads of scratches on mine but this is out and out damage to to watch. It’s no different to a card dealer scratching your brand new vehicle.

I’ve had this happen to me before and the links themselves have to be replaced as replacement screws won’t sit flush. This should be done at the AD cost. If they won’t sort it contact Rolex and report them for not using the correct tools.

I don’t let anyone in an AD touch any of my watches with regards to sizing. Get yourself a Rolex SD screwdriver and do your own sizing. No one will be as careful as you with your own watch.

[RolexRog]

Taking the links out of a Rolex bracelet is a very simple thing - unless for some reason they have a difficult time removing the screws...

[Off Script]

So, the responses about replacement screws (and swapping screws around) not sitting flush has me curious about why this isn't really a noticeable issue when removing links for resizing. I've resized all of my pieces and never paid close attention to which screw went with which link. I understand that they would have all been polished with the links but I typically remove one link from the bottom by the clasp. Shouldn't the screw in this tapered link be really noticeable if it were polished to sit flush in a larger link? Please tell me what I'm missing here.

[RolexRog]

QUESTION for the OP: did you not examine your watch before leaving the store? It sure would have been a lot easier to point these things out immediately instead of after the fact.

[HogwldFLTR]

That really doesn't look bad to me; I must be pretty easy going.

[henry_b]

Originally Posted by -dustin

how long has it been since the bracelet was sized?

Yesterday, I contacted them today.

Originally Posted by RolexRog

QUESTION for the OP: did you not examine your watch before leaving the store? It sure would have been a lot easier to point these things out immediately instead of after the fact.

I had them resize the bracelet precicely because I thought they were best equiped to do so, I didn't expect this from an AD. There's no ambiguity about who did it though.

[Vinnee]

Learnt new stuffs from this thread.

[Ntoz]

The scuff on the side is problematic, you need to point it out to them else they will keep doing it.

[-dustin]

Originally Posted by henry_b

Yesterday, I contacted them today.



I had them resize the bracelet precicely because I thought they were best equiped to do so, I didn't expect this from an AD. There's no ambiguity about who did it though.

Oh good. You didn’t wait. Was afraid you’d say “last week” or something like that. I imagine they’ll take care of it. Good faith and whatnot. I’d even buy the scuffed links and marred screws if you could get them back.