Almost lost my Datejust!

[Rickk]

In May 2012 I bought a new TT/DJ from Tony Geha (JUSTROLEXES). I absolutely love the watch and have worn it everyday since I got it.

A couple of months ago I moved from Southern California to Southern Indiana. I was cruising down the freeway somewhere in Oklahoma with my left hand hanging out the window. I brought my hand in to hold the steering wheel while I adjusted the radio and my watch slipped off my wrist onto my lap. One of the bracelet screws was laying in a crease in my pants. Whew, what a close call!!

The screw first started loosening up a month or so before I moved but I screwed it back in with a hi-tech screwdriver (my thumbnail) and it would stay tight for a week or so. However, over time, it stayed tight for shorter and shorter periods but I was so busy, I couldn't get to an AD. During the moving frenzy I didn't notice how loose the screw got until it fell out.

I put the bracelet back on at a truck stop and it looked like one of the small gold links was missing. I searched my truck and could not find it.

Within a few days of reaching my destination, I took it to an AD that had two rolex certified watch repairmen on staff. They told me they were going to remove and reseat all of the screws, deep clean the bracelet in a sonic cleaner and clean the watch, all at no charge. I could pick the watch up in two days but they would have to order a new gold link. When I picked the watch up, they had discovered that they had the link in stock and $40 bucks later I was on my way. Excellent service.

I guess the moral of this story is, don't put off those things that are truly important. The watch is insured but I would have hated to lose it.

[Presa canary]

I love a good happy ending

[Argentius]

WHEW!!!


Am curious, did you re-size the bracelet?

The screws have a little, little bit of threadlocker on them and I have heard Rolex official spec is to have that thread locker replaced any time they are removed.

I am not sure about this but sized my own bracelet and the same thing happened that you describe. It loosened a couple of more times and I ended up putting a tiny, tiny bit of blue thread lock on the pin. All has been good since then.

[sea-dweller]

Close call! I use Loctite on my screws.

[cop414]

You Sir are a very, very lucky man. The WIS Gods were watching out for you that day...

[Hairdude1]

Glad everything worked out

[rmfnla]

I've posted this many times but I'll do it once more; watchband screws (not just Rolex) are too small to torque down securely so you MUST use a thread locker to keep them from backing out... every time!

So gld you didn't lose that classic model; hope others will learn from your near disaster!

[Director EDTF]

Looks good Rick!

[Laszlo]

Close call, you're a fortunate man.

[DJJon]

And a TT Jubillee looks particularly stunning after an AD cleaning.

[Cesium133]

Wow! Not only did you not lose your watch but you found an amazing AD. Great story!

[Annan]

Never had a problem but I routinely (daily) take a look at all my bracelet screws......just something that has become a habit.

[Rickk]

Originally Posted by Argentius

WHEW!!!


Am curious, did you re-size the bracelet?

The screws have a little, little bit of threadlocker on them and I have heard Rolex official spec is to have that thread locker replaced any time they are removed.

I am not sure about this but sized my own bracelet and the same thing happened that you describe. It loosened a couple of more times and I ended up putting a tiny, tiny bit of blue thread lock on the pin. All has been good since then.

The bracelet had not been re-sized, I liked the way it fit as I received it. And yes, I agree the WIS gods were with me that day!!

[azguy]

Lucky break for sure

[mjclark32]

Lucky you, and sounds like you found a great AD

[TempoKing]

I am glad your datejust is still with you

[fisherman79]

Why would you even drive with your hand out of the window?
Maybe thats the lesson learned, never put out you arm outside of the window while driving.

[mikkolopez]

Cant have a closer call than that. I normally check my watch everytime i wear it.

Sent via Telepathy

[rmfnla]

Originally Posted by fisherman79

Why would you even drive with your hand out of the window?
Maybe thats the lesson learned, never put out you arm outside of the window while driving.

I remember seeing a Rockford Files where James Garner is driving in Los Angeles. He sticks his arm out the window to signal for a left turn and some guy runs up and snatches his watch off his wrist!

That must have been 35 years ago but I've never forgotten it...