GMT Master II Oyster Clasp Concern

[Notsoprobro]

Sorry if this shows up twice, I submitted my thread a few minutes ago but didn't see it after.

I noticed something weird today while inspecting my new (to me) GMT Master II. Upon inspection of the clasp it would appear it is poorly welded to the bracelet. I tried to do some research but was unable to find any pictures that showed the bracelet. So I was hoping someone could provide a photo like mine to show that either I need to get in contact with the seller about the watch, or that I'm just crazy.

I do have an appointment with my local AD tomorrow to discuss some other things not fully disclosed by the seller (whom promptly compensated me for those issues, albeit not fully.) However if this is another issue, it might set it over the edge for me.

[JohnH86]

Hey,

I’ve just had a look at my 116710LN and there is no weld. I’ve tried to attach a pic but it was difficult to capture it with an iPhone. If I can get a better photo I will update my post.

Cheers.


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[Notsoprobro]

Originally Posted by JohnH86

Hey,

I’ve just had a look at my 116710LN and there is no weld. I’ve tried to attach a pic but it was difficult to capture it with an iPhone. If I can get a better photo I will update my post.

Cheers.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ugh, this is what I was worried about. I have a Z serial 116713 if that makes a difference at all..

[T.Mas]

I am sorry to say, but that does not look right. No way Rolex produced it like that. Can we see more pictures of the entire watch, and clasp?

[Notsoprobro]

Here you go, let me know if I can provide anything else.

Too delve further, there is a crack in the ceramic insert that wasn't disclosed.
The Crown has been over polished.

[georgekart]

Originally Posted by Notsoprobro

Here you go, let me know if I can provide anything else.

Too delve further, there is a crack in the ceramic insert that wasn't disclosed.
The Crown has been over polished.

My 116713 has no welds.



I think your edges are not sharp anymore as well. (Added extra lighting so edges are easier to see.)

And finally, rehaut engraving looks different to mine. Now it could be lighting/cameras, or I may just be paranoid, but here is my rehaut engraving in 2 different lighting conditions. (with additional and without additional lighting)

[inadeje]

The OEM parts are cold welded I believe. This means that the build up you see on your clasp indicates the parts were traditionally welded, after manufacture and, not by Rolex.

[Crown & Shield]

That's not how it should look, it seems as if it was soldered. So it has either been fixed -poorly-, or it is fake. What does it look like from underneath?

[sesmic]

I had the same issue with my clasp last year. The clasp just came off one day when I was taking off my watch.

Initiallyi I brought it back to Rolex service centre for them to look at it and they tried to rip me off by telling me that I had to change the whole bracelet for an exorbitant price. After consulting a second opinion and looking up the web, I found the GmT2 had batches that suffer weld failure maybe due to contamination.

After arming mysel with the info, I went back to the service centre again to nicely explain the matter to them. Their attitude was condescending and nonchalant. They even scoffed that I shouldn’t believe what I read on the internet. The customer service rep even chided me saying that it was her first time seeing something like that.

They eventually got their service manager to contact me and placate me that they now can change only the clasp and they would give me a discount on it. I again explained to them that it was a weld failure that is caused during production. I asked them to justify why I should bear the cost of the replacement. I was adamant that they get in touch with Rolex headquarters instead. Again the service manager was reluctant to do that saying telling me that it would be futile and that I would eventually be bearing the cost of the replacement.

After standing firm and insisting that they contact Rolex to clarify on the matter, the service manager did. After one month;Lo and behold, I got a clasp replacement from Rolex. No apologies from them. In fact they even gave me the feeling that I should be grateful.

The whole episode left a bad taste. The service centre was extreme unprofessional and unethical. They probably make more money from selling me a bracelet than doing what’s right. This is in Singapore.

[sesmic]

There’s a thread in here Google Rolex weld failure

[Notsoprobro]

Originally Posted by sesmic

There’s a thread in here Google Rolex weld failure

I'm reading now, this makes sense as I have an early watch (Z serial).. but still not sure how to feel.

[Crown & Shield]

Try from this angle to see how the weld is on the other side, please (with better lighting than my poor picture, just took it to show you the part I am interested in).

[Notsoprobro]

Originally Posted by Crown & Shield

Try from this angle to see how the weld is on the other side, please (with better lighting than my poor picture, just took it to show you the part I am interested in).

Here you go, its slightly visible from the other side.

[Crown & Shield]

Thanks, definitely not how it should be. Together with the other two issues you pointed out (cracked insert and over-polished crown) it gives you ample reasons to request a refund.

[Notsoprobro]

Originally Posted by Crown & Shield

Thanks, definitely not how it should be. Together with the other two issues you pointed out (cracked insert and over-polished crown) it gives you ample reasons to request a refund.

The seller refunded me the cost to have the insert replaced and partially what a crown replacement would cost. I don't plan on ever selling the watch, so the welds could be fine. I'm just disappointed that the site I purchased from apparently missed all of these issues and now its going to be my headache going forward.

If I return it I'm going to just go the AD route for a replacement but I really wanted a 116713 which is discontinued.

[Crown & Shield]

Originally Posted by Notsoprobro

The seller refunded me the cost to have the insert replaced and partially what a crown replacement would cost. I don't plan on ever selling the watch, so the welds could be fine. I'm just disappointed that the site I purchased from apparently missed all of these issues and now its going to be my headache going forward.

If I return it I'm going to just go the AD route for a replacement but I really wanted a 116713 which is discontinued.

I am sorry to hear that. Anyway, when you send that watch to Rolex for service they will probably require that part to be replaced, although I am not sure whether it will be the whole clasp or just the blade...

[Notsoprobro]

Originally Posted by Crown & Shield

I am sorry to hear that. Anyway, when you send that watch to Rolex for service they will probably require that part to be replaced, although I am not sure whether it will be the whole clasp or just the blade...

Hopefully its just the blade; I can't imagine that piece costing too much. I guess I'll add that to my list tomorrow of stuff to ask while having it checked out. Notice anything else off about it that I should bring up?

[Crown & Shield]

Originally Posted by Notsoprobro

Hopefully its just the blade; I can't imagine that piece costing too much. I guess I'll add that to my list tomorrow of stuff to ask while having it checked out. Notice anything else off about it that I should bring up?

Have the movement checked to see if it needs to be serviced.
Oh, and see if they let you keep the old insert.

[sesmic]

I brought mine back to Rolex service centre. And they replaced it. Albeit some drama. I posted the whole drama initially. But it has to be vetted by moderators.

[ppalasthira]

Hope you get it sorted out.

It sure does not look normal unfortunately.


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[Minimalist]

In my opinion and what I would do with a watch with this many issues would be to return it and get a full refund. They obviously hid/didn't disclose all the 'isssues' as no one in their right mind would probably buy it otherwise. Can you not return the watch and get a full refund?

[Lemonvr6]

OP’s watch looks over polished

I’d return it

[Cryten]

That part of the clasp is resistance welded (like a spot weld) so you shouldn't see any of the weld. Yours has clearly been fillet welded, which although whoever did it did a good job (that's a small weld) it's clearly wrong.

We've had a few instances of that weld failing reported in this forum, so that's most likely what happened to yours. You can console your self with the fact that with a fillet weld the chance of a second failure are virtually zero, but it isn't pretty.

[Notsoprobro]

Originally Posted by Cryten

That part of the clasp is resistance welded (like a spot weld) so you shouldn't see any of the weld. Yours has clearly been fillet welded, which although whoever did it did a good job (that's a small weld) it's clearly wrong.

We've had a few instances of that weld failing reported in this forum, so that's most likely what happened to yours. You can console your self with the fact that with a fillet weld the chance of a second failure are virtually zero, but it isn't pretty.

Yeah; this is similar to what I’m finding online. Depending what AD says about the watch will determine my next steps going further. I’ll be heading there in about an hour or two. I almost feel that I should disclose the site that I purchased from as they as held as being pretty reputable on TRF.

They did offer a full refund when I brought up the bezel insert being cracked; or they would refund me the cost to have it replaced. Then I brought up the crown and they included a partial refund for that. I’m still under market value for what I should’ve paid but not by much. I think if my AD can source me a GMT I’ll probably go the route of returning this one if he believes I should.

[Crown & Shield]

Originally Posted by Notsoprobro

Yeah; this is similar to what I’m finding online. Depending what AD says about the watch will determine my next steps going further. I’ll be heading there in about an hour or two. I almost feel that I should disclose the site that I purchased from as they as held as being pretty reputable on TRF.

They did offer a full refund when I brought up the bezel insert being cracked; or they would refund me the cost to have it replaced. Then I brought up the crown and they included a partial refund for that. I’m still under market value for what I should’ve paid but not by much. I think if my AD can source me a GMT I’ll probably go the route of returning this one if he believes I should.

I know you said you were leaning towards keeping the watch because it has been discontinued but I would seriously consider getting a 126710CHNR instead if a two-tone GMT is what you are after. Ask the AD if he can get you one in a reasonable amount of time and in case he does, get a refund.

[georgekart]

Originally Posted by Notsoprobro

Yeah; this is similar to what I’m finding online. Depending what AD says about the watch will determine my next steps going further. I’ll be heading there in about an hour or two. I almost feel that I should disclose the site that I purchased from as they as held as being pretty reputable on TRF.

They did offer a full refund when I brought up the bezel insert being cracked; or they would refund me the cost to have it replaced. Then I brought up the crown and they included a partial refund for that. I’m still under market value for what I should’ve paid but not by much. I think if my AD can source me a GMT I’ll probably go the route of returning this one if he believes I should.

I'd probably return it and get a better condition 116713.

[Deep18]

Got to be honest, return the watch and demand a full refund. Too many red flags here for me and the seller sounds unbelievably shady.

Keep us posted.

[ltmgeller]

As mentioned above, there are other threads about wed failures. Looks like an aftermarket repair.

[Turpentine]

Date is also not centered in the window.....I’d get my money back and get a better example for your forever watch. If it bugs you now, it won’t go away.

All the best!


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[Tools]

The original poorly welded clasp has been properly repaired and will last forever now.