Rolex Changes
I had this vintage Datejust serviced by Rolex about 7 years ago, and they told me prior that the bracelet was “dangerous “ and that I had to buy a new one for @ $4000AUD. I reluctantly agreed, but then they said that they had the right to keep the original bracelet (for free).
I naturally refused and removed the bracelet, for the watch to be serviced, and then reattached it after the service. After wearing the watch (safely) all these years later, the tiny clasp at the end of the bracelet has finally given way.
Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to best repair the clasp/bracelet, without having to pay Rolex thousands for a new bracelet?
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Thomas Ede
Welcome to my WatchCrunch profile.
Melbourne VIC, Australia
Member since
Last active: 8 min ago
Without seeing it in person I’m not sure, but I bet it can be done. I would think a springbar or something that size and shape might work.
And it’s crazy they would demand you give back a bracelet you’ve already paid for. Not surprising, but crazy.
My last experience with Rolex Canada was sometime in the early 90s when my older brother asked me to deliver a few of his watches for servicing since the head office/ service centre was very near by office but stories that I hear about Rolex from many sources convince me that I made the proper decision for myself when I moved on from the company’s products decades ago.
Dangerous? Dangerous the way Rolex steal you if you let.
Believe it or not, there are specialists who will repair vintage Rolex bracelets. I can’t remember where I read or heard about it but good place to start is the Rolex Forums.
Speaking of bracelets, the Casio bracelet you have on there is probably the most comfortable I've worn yet. I love my A164w.
It Is borderline outrageous.
How on earth can a bracelet be classified as “dangerous” usual Rolex nonsense
Google is your friend.
There’s a couple of bracelet restoration services out there. Micheal Young in Hong Kong (I think) and Rolliworks in the US. I’m sure there are more but I’ve used those two in the past. Not particularly cheap, but certainly the better value than purchasing a whole new bracelet
Man I have a feeling that you only need a spring bar. Is that correct?
I ended up witha new bracelet on my early 70's version. They had a tendency to 'stretch'. ..Maybe a jeweler can repair the clasp..
From Aus you are probably best sending to Michael Young in HK. Likely around 500 to 600 USD for a two tone jubilee restoration. Will come back looking completely solid without the stretch.
Man I have a feeling that you only need a spring bar. Is that correct?
No, the link that attaches to the spring bar has broken 😬
Speaking of bracelets, the Casio bracelet you have on there is probably the most comfortable I've worn yet. I love my A164w.
What a beauty! I have to say, I think I get more enjoyment out of my Casio than any of my other watches.