The unofficial Rolex Band Restoration Manual

[classicwatchparts]

Originally Posted by Jollyclub

The centrelinks on a 93150 are not fixed to the adjacent links. If they were the bracelect wouldn't be flexible.

Once one outside link comes off, the centrelink will just slide right off.

The machine basically grips onto the two side links and a little protrusion goes into the gap between the center links and then it is forced open by pulling on opposite ends...

[classicwatchparts]

Originally Posted by Sparkle_zo

I am wondering if some bracelets stretch more then other, for example jubilee comparing to oyster.

I will vote for 2 tone D link Jubilee bands. They are the most worn bands out of the lot. Second are the Gold presidents.

[classicwatchparts]

Originally Posted by rmurphy

Wonderful post and very informative, it answered a lot of my questions concerning the whole band thing. I have a 2001 Model 16610 Sub that is in very good shape for its age but the band is starting to stretch more than I like. I have been searching for someone who will do a complete overhaul on it versus buying a whole other band, but now that makes sense why my AD looked at me crazy, they will replace those top two pins but I don't think they had any intention of doing the whole band. Is that normally done or is it just best for me to purchase another band and if so does anyone know of a 93250 that's available right now via the forum?

Just get it restored for USD120 instead of like USd1200 for a new one.

[joseluu]

I don´t know if this is the right place for this post, but I guess it is not the most wrong either. Well, here it goes:

I sent a two tone jubilee band to Michael for fixing. It was taking quite long and I was growing nervous. Eventually, I received the long awaited email: "Your band is ready". A week or so later, I receive the beautifully restored band, try it, and find it was too tight. I thought it was weird, as I had sent four extra links for Michael to add and it should have been OK. Then I count the links and find there are two less than were sent to HK.

I wrote to Michael: "Hey, there are two links missing and this thing is too short".

He replied: "I know. The band was so worn that wo links broke in the restoration process, but I though you knew and had sent the spares just in case that happened".

I say: "No. I needed them to be added for the band to fit".

He said: "Do you want me to look in my odds and ends box and see if I can find some".

I said: "Please do. Otherwise I cannot wear the watch".

Reply: "Nothing in the box, but don´t worry. I wear a two tone, so I can take a couple of links from it and sent them to you".

I say: "Thanks, but I cannot accept. I don´t want to wear my watch at the expense of you don´t wearing yours. I´ll find some on the web and add them myself".

Michael: "No way. Every time I look at my watch I will be seeing your sad face. The links are on their way".

A week later I received the links and now I am proudly wearing my " Clint Eastwood" GMT.

The moral is: It is easy to be nice when everything goes well. True colors show when something goes wrong. I know now Michael ´s true colours.

Thanks Michael. More bands coming your way!!

[Speed Metal Army]

Thats pretty darn cool.;)
My bracelet is at MY's as we speak!

[rmurphy]

Originally Posted by classicwatchparts

Just get it restored for USD120 instead of like USd1200 for a new one.

Well in my usual impatient fashion I went ahead and bought a new band before I even took the time to contemplate doing anything else. The plus side and even my wife agreed .... I have an extra band now. What a great wife.... She gets me (LOL)

[subtona]

interesting...

[shiroji]

hi Michael. Judging by some of your work. Sounds like replacing the rivet in the fold over clasp should be easy work for you? Now, is this something you would do anyways when you restore a vintage submariner bracelet?

thanks

[easygoer85]

For members who have sent Michael bands to work on, what is the best method to send a band to his shop in Hong Kong (USPS, FedEx) and what issues are there with customs and insurance that I should be concerned with??

Thank you

[Rags]

Great thread. Thanks Michael for posting all this info. You do fantastic work.

[MitchSteel]

Great thread, Michael.Welcome aboard.

[classicwatchparts]

Originally Posted by easygoer85

For members who have sent Michael bands to work on, what is the best method to send a band to his shop in Hong Kong (USPS, FedEx) and what issues are there with customs and insurance that I should be concerned with??

Thank you

sending into Hong KOng is simple since there is no import duty or tax, you can declare the value you wanted if you are buing insurance.

Fedex is faster but EMS by USPS is fine too.

[classicwatchparts]

Originally Posted by shiroji

hi Michael. Judging by some of your work. Sounds like replacing the rivet in the fold over clasp should be easy work for you? Now, is this something you would do anyways when you restore a vintage submariner bracelet?

thanks

The rivet can be fixed during the process, it is not always replaced, only as needed basis

[Runnin' Rebel]

Hi Michael,
Some posters were asking how the best way to get ahold of you. If I missed it in this thread I apologize.

Edit: found your web site

http://www.classicwatchrepair.com/

[classicwatchparts]

Originally Posted by JAGERVEGAS

Hi Michael,
Some posters were asking how the best way to get ahold of you. If I missed it in this thread I apologize.

Edit: found your web site

http://www.classicwatchrepair.com/

please Private mail on this forum or email directly to me on michael_ck_young@hotmail.com

[2ar2c1]

seems like this thread should be a sticky?

[Jason1972]

Good to hear back from you today MR. Young. I will be emailing you back in a few weeks to send my band to you.. Can't wait to have you work your magic on my SS jubilee bracelet..will be well worth the wait and money ..

[MJLCalifornia]

What a great thread! Thanks so much for doing this!

[dewjohns]

Hello everyone. I wanted to show Mr. Young's work and express my satisfaction with the band restoration on my two tone jubilee. The work is first rate and I'm extremely satisfied. I have attached before and after pictures. Enjoy.

The first three are before and the last three are after.

[mikkibarry]

Nice!!!

[Mickyfin]

Originally Posted by classicwatchparts

I mean just stating the obvious, if the link is a removable one with a screw on the side then its user removable, but for the fixed links its pretty much us or the RSC. I have not personally seen the RSC machine, but I know they can do it.

Thanks for the info Michael, and thanks again for this thread.

The tool you use to open the non-user removable links (to open them), it looks like a simple enough tool to make if familiar to CNC tooling.

[swish77]

Guess I should have posted this here:

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=291864

[classicwatchparts]

Originally Posted by Mickyfin

Thanks for the info Michael, and thanks again for this thread.

The tool you use to open the non-user removable links (to open them), it looks like a simple enough tool to make if familiar to CNC tooling.

Yes the tool is not rocket science, just clamps for the sides

[avusblue]

This is fantastic work. Bookmarking this thread for future reference. Cheers Michael!

[babaandboo]

WOW Micheal!
amazing work. I'd love for you to have a go at my vintage TT jubliee bracelet.
Think you can restore it to its past glory?

[dewjohns]

That looks like my bracelet in the pictures above before I sent it to Michael. The results on mine were great.

[Private]

My band arrived yesterday from Michael, after aprox. 7 weeks. The wait was worthwhile though, i am very pleased with the result.

Thanks.

[Wacker23]

Great thread. Thank you MY

[Robbyvm]

Hello Mister Young
great to have you on this forum
i was wondering how much shorter a bracelet gets after restauration ?
i'm sending a C&I 20mm and a 78360 your way this week but i don't have that much space left on the clasp to make it bigger...

regards

[jolimont]

Can I confirm from other satisfied customers that his address is:


Michael Young
PO Box 1556
General Post Office
Hong Kong.

Planning on sending out a bracelet today

Thanks