Damage from OF adjustment, or wear & tear?

[Apdl]

Originally Posted by KatGirl

Those are tool marks. Whoever adjusted the band effed it up, IMO.

Kat

Kat don't miss...

[Laszlo]

To me those marks are from swapping out or removing and remounting the bracelet/strap over and over and over again over the months or year and whoever is doing the swapping has no idea what they are doing and do not use the proper tool. Those marks are from the spring bars busting out every time the bracelet is removed. Even with 904L this will happen which is soft as well but obviously not as soft as g.

[SS Oyster]

OF bracelet changes / adjustments are not trivial. I learned before my first (2019) Daytona 116519, which I had RSC Beverly Hills change out for me. Even before turning it over to them, I asked to speak to the watchmaker to insist that they take every precaution, including taping the lugs, correct tools, experienced watchmaker, etc. I also said I would be inspecting with a loupe when completed to make sure there was no damage. It came out great!

Fast forward to my 116518 Paul Newman, which the AD said they could change for me to get perfect fit. The AD director was doing it herself, and was experienced and used special gold (color, not material) Rolex tape, slow and careful. Same great result … flawless.

Based on my experience, if I were buying any 11651X, I would first look at the lugs, inside and out.

I think Rolex should have done two things from the start with OF bracelets:
1. Put full Glidelock clasps on all (not just 12 versions)
2. Make OF quick release so no tools are necessary.

Until they do those two things, OF will continue to be a problem for lugs.

As for what I would recommend for the OP, I would definitely take the watch back to the AD so they can see the damage … does two things - allows lessons to be learned and maybe gets you some form of resolution to your satisfaction. It is were me, I would ask them to fix as best they can … can’t see in detail how deep, etc. but I’d want it made right. You might also prove yourself reasonable to them so they might get you the “next” watch you desire faster.


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[nyc2la]

Originally Posted by Laszlo

To me those marks are from swapping out or removing and remounting the bracelet/strap over and over and over again over the months or year and whoever is doing the swapping has no idea what they are doing and do not use the proper tool. Those marks are from the spring bars busting out every time the bracelet is removed. Even with 904L this will happen which is soft as well but obviously not as soft as g.

Sadly/Frustratingly, it has happened to many customers with only one strap change, when the AD resized the strap(s) that came from the factory.

[SS Oyster]

Oh yeah, forgot most important part. Next time take pics before and after any strap change or other service. Take a loupe with you and let them know you are expecting all care be taken as to not damage your watch because you have “heard horror stories” about this tricky procedure.


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[SS Oyster]

Originally Posted by Mystro

^^^^Bingo^^^^
I would want a new case as this is NOT normal wear and tear and you would never see this in 30 years of ownership.

Remember … a new case will come with a new serial number. Not exactly making the OP whole as resale in the future certainly impacted negatively.


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[Sergio_UKR]

I have a small mark on one of the lugs of my 126515 too, although replacement was done in RSC by an experienced watchmaker. But probably 10% of what you have here. Definitely poor job by your AD.


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[Sergio_UKR]

Although under closer look it does look pretty bad :)
Comparing the left side (undamaged) and the right side difference is clear.





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[Mr. Superlative]

Originally Posted by Sergio_UKR

I have a small mark on one of the lugs of my 126515 too, although replacement was done in RSC by an experienced watchmaker. But probably 10% of what you have here. Definitely poor job by your AD.


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Interesting to hear even an RSC watchmaker is prone to such mistakes. What did the RSC do to remediate the issue for you?

[tsekh]

Either tool marks or it was bumped into something with the OF strap taken off.

That's definitely not normal wear and tear, and you would have to try VERY hard to get spring bars to damage the lugs like that.

[Sergio_UKR]

Originally Posted by Mr. Superlative

Interesting to hear even an RSC watchmaker is prone to such mistakes. What did the RSC do to remediate the issue for you?

Nothing. I didn’t notice that damage. TBH it is rather difficult to notice when you wear the watch. Also on my other OF Daytona that was sized at the AD, damage was worse, but on a slightly different side of the lug. So that strap change is quite tough indeed.


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[springer]

Originally Posted by johnsonsxusfrt

that is tool damage from the spring bar being removed

Spring bar and spring bar tool damage indeed. Ouch!

[EyeoftheTiger]

Definitely damage from changing the strap, this happened to me , couldn’t live with it and even though I loved the watch I ended selling it

[Mr. Superlative]

Originally Posted by EyeoftheTiger

Definitely damage from changing the strap, this happened to me , couldn’t live with it and even though I loved the watch I ended selling it

Wow! That's quite extreme, but I respect your reasoning.

[Mr. Superlative]

Originally Posted by Sergio_UKR

Nothing. I didn’t notice that damage. TBH it is rather difficult to notice when you wear the watch. Also on my other OF Daytona that was sized at the AD, damage was worse, but on a slightly different side of the lug. So that strap change is quite tough indeed.


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Yes, the damage is near enough impossible to notice, unless one looks closely at the areas affected; then it's highly visible.


Seems 99% these OF strap changes result in marks to the case; not good!!
I wonder how many damaged watches have gone unnoticed by their owners.

[Mr. Superlative]

Originally Posted by Sergio_UKR

I have a small mark on one of the lugs of my 126515 too, although replacement was done in RSC by an experienced watchmaker. But probably 10% of what you have here. Definitely poor job by your AD.


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Thanks for sharing the pics. The damages are visibly clear when compared side by side.

[Mr. Superlative]

Originally Posted by SS Oyster

OF bracelet changes / adjustments are not trivial. I learned before my first (2019) Daytona 116519, which I had RSC Beverly Hills change out for me. Even before turning it over to them, I asked to speak to the watchmaker to insist that they take every precaution, including taping the lugs, correct tools, experienced watchmaker, etc. I also said I would be inspecting with a loupe when completed to make sure there was no damage. It came out great!

Fast forward to my 116518 Paul Newman, which the AD said they could change for me to get perfect fit. The AD director was doing it herself, and was experienced and used special gold (color, not material) Rolex tape, slow and careful. Same great result … flawless.

Based on my experience, if I were buying any 11651X, I would first look at the lugs, inside and out.

I think Rolex should have done two things from the start with OF bracelets:
1. Put full Glidelock clasps on all (not just 12 versions)
2. Make OF quick release so no tools are necessary.

Until they do those two things, OF will continue to be a problem for lugs.

As for what I would recommend for the OP, I would definitely take the watch back to the AD so they can see the damage … does two things - allows lessons to be learned and maybe gets you some form of resolution to your satisfaction. It is were me, I would ask them to fix as best they can … can’t see in detail how deep, etc. but I’d want it made right. You might also prove yourself reasonable to them so they might get you the “next” watch you desire faster.


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Thanks. The AD assured me the watchmaker took every precaution and thus did NOT cause the damages. I beg to differ, based on my own experience and the evidence widely available from a quick Google search.

I wish I'd known how prone to marking the WG watches are, prior to OF strap adjustments.

[Mr. Superlative]

Originally Posted by ap1

Sadly I've owned a few OF watches and had these same marks on 2 of them. It’s DEF from them changing the strap, either the tool or having the spring bar pop out against the gold while removing.

based on my own experience multiple times from different ADs I think marks are almost expected at this point.

It gives a pit in my stomach. I’m so jealous of those of you whom the stock sizes fit your wrist so you don’t have to even face this issue.

Btw, my favorite AD does this with a razor blade and it works like a charm. His changes are always perfect and he’s the only one i trust at this point with OF. Like if I buy another one, I’ll ask for the extra strap and bring it to him only. Then I’ll ship them the original side back.

I’ll add it amazes me that at this price point, they hand it to a rookie to change these things out.

I echo your sentiment. I'm super annoyed and rather upset at this situation. Even with the Glidelock on the 12 series, I still had to change the OF straps on both the 12 and 6 sides, hence the multiple marks. Really wish I'd been aware of this, prior to adjustment.

I simply presumed a Rolex AD selling a $40,000 watch would be highly accurate and very skilled at adjusting such straps.

It's been a painful lesson thus far...

[Vipes]

My first WG Daytona on OF had similar marks from strap change at the AD. My last two were done at different ADs but fortunately, no marks. These OF are so hard to change that one minor slip and damage occurs.

[HogwldFLTR]

Now I've got to go home and examine my SkyD with OF. They had to change size of the bracelet for my skinny wrist when I got it. I've never inspected the work that was done other than to wear the watch. I fully believe laser welding would take care of this issue.

[Sergio_UKR]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

Now I've got to go home and examine my SkyD with OF. They had to change size of the bracelet for my skinny wrist when I got it. I've never inspected the work that was done other than to wear the watch. I fully believe laser welding would take care of this issue.

Share your findings!


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[reypad]

I had the same issue with my new 126515 but not to your extent. My AD didn’t take any responsibility for the damage. I was fortunate that damage was closer to the inside of the lug. AD did a very light polish and it was gone. Hope things work out for you.

[MRBolton]

Originally Posted by ap1

Sadly I've owned a few OF watches and had these same marks on 2 of them. It’s DEF from them changing the strap, either the tool or having the spring bar pop out against the gold while removing.

based on my own experience multiple times from different ADs I think marks are almost expected at this point.

It gives a pit in my stomach. I’m so jealous of those of you whom the stock sizes fit your wrist so you don’t have to even face this issue.

Btw, my favorite AD does this with a razor blade and it works like a charm. His changes are always perfect and he’s the only one i trust at this point with OF. Like if I buy another one, I’ll ask for the extra strap and bring it to him only. Then I’ll ship them the original side back.

I’ll add it amazes me that at this price point, they hand it to a rookie to change these things out.

How does he use the razor blade?

[ap1]

Originally Posted by MRBolton

How does he use the razor blade?

While holding vertical he gets out the spring bar . As I think about it it probably blocks the Spring bar from touching the gold on its way out. He did this while holding a conversation with me and standing. It was amazing. Took 2 seconds


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[Mr. Superlative]

Quick update: Dealer has not admitted liability, however, has offered to rectify damages via a polish. An agreement is made for the case to be replaced, should the repair not be to expected standards.

Watch this space (no pun intended).

[Sergio_UKR]

Originally Posted by Mr. Superlative

Quick update: Dealer has not admitted liability, however, has offered to rectify damages via a polish. An agreement is made for the case to be replaced, should the repair not be to expected standards.

Watch this space (no pun intended).

Is this damage visible during normal daily wear? I can’t really see mine.
Not sure if I would want a case replacement or polish if damage is not visible outside of macro photos.


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[Mr. Superlative]

Originally Posted by Sergio_UKR

Is this damage visible during normal daily wear? I can’t really see mine.
Not sure if I would want a case replacement or polish if damage is not visible outside of macro photos.


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It’s not, no. I considered letting it go, however, the damage is quite extensive and not caused by me. Given the price of the piece and its young age, I want it rectified. I’m not keen on the case replacement for obvious reasons, too. However, it’s all pending the outcome of the polish.

[tutu2008]

I’m just catching up after your post on my thread. I’m hoping a polish will be all that it needs!
We’ll be going in, likely next week, for the adjustment on my husband’s same watch. I will make a note to self to take before photos, and pray for the best.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Mr. Superlative

Quick update: Dealer has not admitted liability, however, has offered to rectify damages via a polish. An agreement is made for the case to be replaced, should the repair not be to expected standards.

Watch this space (no pun intended).

Thanks for the update

[Mr. Superlative]

Originally Posted by tutu2008

I’m just catching up after your post on my thread. I’m hoping a polish will be all that it needs!
We’ll be going in, likely next week, for the adjustment on my husband’s same watch. I will make a note to self to take before photos, and pray for the best.

Yes - be sure to take very clear, close-up photos of each lug on each inside corner. Use a loupe to perform the close up inspection post OF adjustment. Good luck, hopefully you'll get an experience watch maker.