Talked to RSC Dallas Today

[pol]

I recently inherited my fathers 1963 ss oysterdate...a simple, yet wonderful watch, as it was my fathers.

Unfortunatly its condition was not the best...not bad, just not the best. It kept slow time, had a crack in the crystal near 6 and the band was worn...the pins connecting the links near the clasp are bending and I was concerned they might break.

So I decided to send it to Dallas....they got back to me indicating that they could do the service...it may take longer than usual due to the need to order parts from out of the country. I had a long talk with the female rep in customer service and she was quite nice. Then I started talking about the band. She said that it had not been marked for work on the pins. I was kind of surprised...this was a major concern of mine. I asked her to inquire about it and she said that for older models pins may not be available and other pins as substitutes may make the situation worse by causing more strain on the links. This didn't make sense to me. She then asked about a new bracelet...I told her I wanted the watch kept in as original condition as possible...replacing the crystal is one thing, the whole damn bracelet is another. I told her the watch was special to me...if I wanted another brand new watch I would go out and buy another. She said she was going to talk to the service guys and call back...

Sure enough she called me back today and said they were going to work with me in an attempt to repair the bracelet as best as could be....she was going to have to talk to more people in Geneva to see if the right parts were available and would contact me prior to any work being done on the bracelet.

What do you guys think? Repairing the bracelet (not the links but the pins) doesn't seem like it would be too hard to me...but I am not a watchmaker. Does she know what she is talking about...it seems to me this is a no-brainer and an easy fix....thanks in advance for any advice!

[abigsecret]

I don't really understand the situation fully I think...
Because if it's just a spring bar issue, that's an easy fix.
Do you happen to have a picture of the watch from the condition it was in before you sent it?
Anyways, I think you did well in not letting them change the bracelet (unless it becomes a liabilty), like you said, it's special the way it is because that's how your father wore it.
Good luck!

[BiG JeEzY]

I would also keep the bracelet original if I was you.

I do not think it would be a hard fix, the RSC is always spectacular when it comes to making a vintage watch look like its brand new again.

However, since the links on the bracelet are already 40+ years old, I would keep a careful eye on their condition as you continue to wear the watch. Maybe send the watch for service around every 3-5 years so that the bracelet is looked at more frequently.

Rolex bracelets will last a lifetime as long as you always
1. Wear the watch correctly, not too loose or tight
2. Keep the links clean by washing them periodically. A buildup of dirt is not too friendly on the pins and links.

I have a GMT Master from 1978 and it hardly shows any "stretch" on the bracelet. Pretty outstanding for a 29 year old watch.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Oh, yes! Definately keep that bracelet!

[mike]

To be honest, it's great to hear RSC Dallas is willing to make the attempt to fix it. RUSA normally wants to replace rather than repair bracelets(other than polish).

Contacting Geneva to see if parts are available would be the normal procedure. My guess is it's a riveted bracelet, and I would doubt RUSA has any parts for one that old.--By the way, the bracelet is worth some $$$

[pol]

Great! Thanks for the advice guys...I'm glad that they seem to be operating according to standard procedure. I'll wait to hear from them and keep all updated. Its a great watch, so I really hope all turns out well. Thanks again!