Rolex wristband repair

[Hugh R]

The band on my submariner has got a bend in the link at the catch, and needs some real rolex work. Any experiences on whose good at this? I fear that it may cost what a tune up on a pcar costs, without me doing the work.

[Super_Dave_D]

Treat it just like you would your 911 - take it to someone who knows what they are doing.

[Isabo]

It should be no more than replacing the link. Take it to an official concessionaire if you don't know a good watch workshop in your area. Probably cost the same as a mid-price front tyre. Please post what it costs.

[Joeaksa]

Feel lucky you do not have an antique Rolex! I have a 1970's steel and gold GMT master that has the original old style band. Replaced the original band with a factory replacement out of the PX 15 years ago but its just not the same.

Cannot for the life of me find someone to overhaul it and the sticker shock of sending it back to the factory is more than I can handle right now. Replacing the gold links in the band are not going to be cheap.

Osidak on this forum used to work with them, forget how but he is a lot better versed in this area than I am. Might send him a PM or get him in this thread.

Joe

[Bob's Flat-Six]

Hey Hugh,
Try asking here..... message boards...watch repair.

I had a Submariner, but sold it. You might have to make a trip to downtown L.A. to the Jewelry mart on S. Hill Street. It's a nice day trip ( reminds me of the movie Blade Runner when I go there )

[Bob's Flat-Six]

Originally posted by Bob's Flat-Six
Hey Hugh,
Try asking here..... message boards...watch repair.
http://www.nawcc.org/

I had a Submariner, but sold it. You might have to make a trip to downtown L.A. to the Jewelry mart on S. Hill Street. It's a nice day trip ( reminds me of the movie Blade Runner when I go there )

[Bob's Flat-Six]

It's late, or early.

[Noah930]

You can try Chong Hing Jewelers. IIRC, there's one in L.A. Chinatown, and another in Monterey Park/Alhambra. We've always gotten pretty good prices on watches we purchased there. Haven't had any repair work done, there, but I wouldn't hesitate to take my watches back to them.

[Hugh R]

Thanks, I just don't want to go to a local jeweler and have him "figure it out".

[osidak]

Originally posted by Joeaksa

Osidak on this forum used to work with them, forget how but he is a lot better versed in this area than I am. Might send him a PM or get him in this thread.

Joe [/B]

I am sorry Joe you must have me confused with someone else. I have a sub and I think I chimmed in on a thread asking a question on one.

There is korean guy (i think he is still around) that is local to me. Does all the work for the Rolex dealers in the area. He did the cleaning service for half of what the dealers where charging, also did some repair work on an Omega and Vostak I have as well.

If interested I will see if he is still around

[Joeaksa]

Osidak,

Sorry... Damm, there was someone on the forum who did some selling of parts or watches and I was in touch with him at one time, and thought it was you.

Hope he sees this and chimes in...

Joe

[osidak]

if he does and you remember please shoot the info my way - just saw the other Rolex thread on parts not being available and that has me a little worried my guy may not be able to do the work anymore and I am coming due for another cleaning.

My sub was purchased new 20 years ago (1986). Didn't have anything done to it the first 13 years and it was in perfect mechanical condition bit I will have it cleaned again at the 10 year mark.

[scottmandue]

Originally posted by Bob's Flat-Six
Hey Hugh,
Try asking here..... message boards...watch repair.

I had a Submariner, but sold it. You might have to make a trip to downtown L.A. to the Jewelry mart on S. Hill Street. It's a nice day trip ( reminds me of the movie Blade Runner when I go there )

Hugh,

I'm pretty sure we have more than a few Rolex dealers here in L.A. I could post a feeler on the watch form I hang out at if you like... let me know... they have suggested the L.A. jewelry mart also for repair of a antique Seiko I have but you may find a Rolex shop nearer you. Have you tried going to Yahoo yellow pages> Los Angeles> Rolex?

[scottmandue]

Hugh, Where in So Cal. are you? If you go to the L.A. Jewery mart have lunch at the grand central market.

[Hugh R]

Hey Scott

I'm in Santa Clarita, but I work in Burbank. I'm sure I can find someone, with a Rolex logo, I was just looking for a referral, rather than just stopping in at a place.

[alf]

Post a pic of the problem. Like Cool said, it might just need a new link. I might have some in my watch drawer.

If you want it completely restored send it here...they do great work at very reasonable prices on Vintage and Morden Rolex. I used them and have been very happy.

www.classicwatchparts.com
michael.young@classicwatchparts.com

[Hugh R]

The link that connects the clasp to the rest on the band on the left of the fold-over clasp, you can see its really pulled and bent. Note the lower arrow, you can see it is broken. I think I need a new clasp. I found a used one for $135 advertised on line, but when I inquired, they were sold out. I have extra links, thanks, but that's not the problem.

[Dottore]

Hugh,

That watch is in serious need of a clean and polish!

[alf]

It looks like you just need a new spring bar. That usually breaks before anything else. Go find a watch maker they cost $1 or less, if original Rolex maybe $5 and takes 2 mins to install. There are 4 spring bars on your Sub, change them all while you are at it.

[alf]

Wait, that is a rivet not a spring bar. A competent jewler should be able to take care of that for you. You could also send your band to the guys i recommended above and in the meantime go NATO...