someone ripped my dad off. (long time ago)

vash · vash's Garage

everytime i think of it, i fume with anger. along time ago, when i was 12, my dad was very sick with cancer. he owned a gold oyster perp Rolex. for some unknown reason, he took it into a shop for cleaning. he was doing radiation and chemo, so he i remember him being very loopy/tired. well, the shop took advantage of him and switched the bracelet out. took his legit rolex band and put on a copy. fast forward to 5 years ago. looking thru stuff and just reminencing about my dad, my family was going thru his stuff. when i was looking at the watch i noticed the band didnt have that oyster shell clasp part. comparing it to another identical watch (stepdad's) cofirmed it. i vowed to eventually put a new band on it. last check $7k. it will be awhile. the jeweler guy here in san fran will order me one. he was pissed too. my mom wants to give it to me or my bro. hopefully he takes it. too much bling for me. just bringing this up, because my mom tried to give it to me for the holidays. if it was complete, i would sell it and buy three lesser rolexes for me and my siblings. i think dad would approved.

Eric 951 · 01-03-2006, 08:12 AM

If you remember the shop, drive by and throw a brick through the front window, but don't steal anything. I hate scumbag thieves.

vash · vash's Garage

i am mostly pissed because i cant remember, or find a receipt. this was in el paso texas.

Ronbo · 01-03-2006, 08:38 AM

No question that is a shame, but even if you remember the shop that did it most probably there are different owners by now who had nothing to do with replacing the band.

Joeaksa · 01-03-2006, 11:39 AM

Do not ever go to a normal shop to buy Rolex parts and such. If you are looking, PM me for a couple of sources. If you buy a new one you will pay through the nose, but can find the same thing that it gently used but still factory for usually less than half price.

Also, the "older Rolex" stuff is nothing like the new replacement parts. I have a GMT master from the 70's. Wore out the band and replaced it with a new one through the PX direct from Rolex in the mid-80's. Quality was no where near the orginal but it was factory. Turns out that the 70's versions was hand made, the later ones not. You could tell...

Joe A

COLDBASS · 01-03-2006, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Joeaksa
Do not ever go to a normal shop to buy Rolex parts and such. If you are looking, PM me for a couple of sources. If you buy a new one you will pay through the nose, but can find the same thing that it gently used but still factory for usually less than half price.

Also, the "older Rolex" stuff is nothing like the new replacement parts. I have a GMT master from the 70's. Wore out the band and replaced it with a new one through the PX direct from Rolex in the mid-80's. Quality was no where near the orginal but it was factory. Turns out that the 70's versions was hand made, the later ones not. You could tell...

Joe A

Wait, the GMT is a metal band; how does one wear out a metal band? I currently own two Oysters and aside from breaking a Shappire Crystal (long ugly story), the bands look brand new

COLDBASS · 01-03-2006, 11:54 AM

Vash, the factory is truly the only way to go when it comes to maintenance on these watches...sorry to hear about the events...

Tobra · Tobra's Garage

If you can't remember the name of the shop, no joy on any thoughts of revenge. Karma is something, the miscreant will get his come-uppance even without your help. I have worn out metal bands, on a Seiko that I have had for 20 years, had to replace it a few years ago.

vash · vash's Garage

wow, good advice. joe i am gonna PM you for some info, and see if it is in the budget.. thanks.

i have a tudor, right now that needs work on the band. i think it just flexs a bit everywhere and just seems loose.

Joeaksa · 01-03-2006, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by COLDBASS
Wait, the GMT is a metal band; how does one wear out a metal band? I currently own two Oysters and aside from breaking a Shappire Crystal (long ugly story), the bands look brand new

This is a two tone, the steel and gold with the hand soldered gold individual bands attaching to the stainless links.

The new and improved are flat on the back, the old ones were rounded. Really easy to tell them apart and which one is worth more.

Joeaksa · 01-03-2006, 12:50 PM

Like this one:

Mulhollanddose · 01-03-2006, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by vash
i am mostly pissed because i cant remember, or find a receipt. this was in el paso texas.

Dude, let it go. Rest assured the guy will get his. Call it God, call it some new age hippy crap, what comes around goes around...Remember your father, remember the good times, be thankful that you had a father at all...Take it from me.

Joeaksa · 01-03-2006, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by COLDBASS
Vash, the factory is truly the only way to go when it comes to maintenance on these watches...sorry to hear about the events...

If you are rich, then that is correct. I used to use only factory maintenance, then got the bill on the cleaning/refurb of my President and GMT master within a few months. It was almost $1000 for the two of them and thats crazy for cleaning and re-assy.

Found a retired watchmaker locally who does mine now. $200 or less on my last clean/refurb with new glass and would rather support him than some company in Switzerland. I would rather not admit how many of these puppies I have but it was getting rather expensive to keep them in proper order!

JoeA

alf · 01-03-2006, 08:48 PM

Vash
Try the Rolex on a nice croc strap, takes away the bling and looks quite elegant. Keep the bogus bracelet where you could see it and let it remind you to be an honest person in your dealings with others.

alf · 01-03-2006, 08:54 PM

Here is a pic of mine, its from the 50s but you get the general idea...

COLDBASS · 01-03-2006, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Joeaksa
If you are rich, then that is correct. I used to use only factory maintenance, then got the bill on the cleaning/refurb of my President and GMT master within a few months. It was almost $1000 for the two of them and thats crazy for cleaning and re-assy.

Yes, but that is how his dad got ripped off in the first place...

Pay the extra, go factory and sleep well at night...