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statsman · 12 January 2020, 08:28 AM

I am, by necessity, a tightwad. My wife and I are one of those couples that care for a child and a parent. And we need to live our own lives and save for retirement.

And I like vintage Swiss watches.

I have a well used C&I bracelet that could use a restoration. I sent pics to Michael Young (such great reviews here) and his prices sound fantastic. So I took the bracelet to Fedex to ship (from Dallas-Fort Worth) to Hong Kong. I was quoted $145. They suggested DHL, who quoted $105. The post office was closed by this time, Saturday afternoon.

Is there a secret? Am I doing this wrong? Will the post office be the way to go? Is there any option for around $50? How do you ship to Hong Kong and what prices do you pay? Thanks for any tips.

southtexas · 12 January 2020, 09:27 AM

I just texted you.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Juhuatai · 12 January 2020, 09:40 AM

I too have been thinking of sending something to Michael. Would love any input on this question as well.

Tools · 12 January 2020, 11:20 AM

I would use one of the several well respected US bracelet specialists to avoid the shipping and waiting issues sending to China.

Dan S · 12 January 2020, 12:22 PM

The postal service will be slower but much less expensive. I would guess $25 or so for first class, $40 if you send it registered. It could take a couple of weeks to get there.

Filipão · 12 January 2020, 12:50 PM

I have sent several bracelets to Michael Young from Europe via regular signed for post.

Not a single problem!

Return from him (also for some other items, like plexis) was a 3 day FedEx delivery.

Couldn't be happier, really.

pwojnar · 13 January 2020, 10:38 AM

I was thinking of sending my bracelet to him as well. I have heard great reviews. I recently also found out about a place called RolliWorks, has anyone had experience with them? They are in Cali, so it would be easier to send to.

Dan S · 13 January 2020, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pwojnar

I was thinking of sending my bracelet to him as well. I have heard great reviews. I recently also found out about a place called RolliWorks, has anyone had experience with them? They are in Cali, so it would be easier to send to.

Search the forum and you will find them mentioned many times, and you can read the comments for yourself.

Old Expat Beast · 13 January 2020, 12:23 PM

I send a lot of stuff to the USA and get a lot of stuff sent to me here in HK, always with tracked express registered mail (EMS c/o USPS and HK Post) and never had a problem/loss. Costs about US$40 for a small packet like a watch from here to the US. Assume similar from there to here.

forgedblades · 13 January 2020, 12:26 PM

I have used Micheal 3 times and sent it via USPS priority mail. While it takes some time he does fantastic work and I would recommend his services. He also does dial restorations and services movements. While I have never had a problem I think I would think twice before sending him an entire watch.

116710er · 13 January 2020, 03:34 PM

I would just Rollieworks. They do a fantastic job. I had one of my 93150 bracelets "corrected" after it was repair poorly by another repair center.

statsman · 14 January 2020, 02:36 AM

Thanks for all the tips and comments. I followed some good advice and sent regular registered US mail international, at $30.25 (estimate 10 business days). Regular priority mail (5 business days) would have been almost $50.

Isn’t it interesting that the postal service costs so much less? Are there that many cost savings by shipping slower? Or is the government subsidizing international mail?

statsman · 23 January 2020, 02:04 AM

On Monday, January 13, I mailed the bracelet via USPS. Last night, January 21, I got an email that Michael Young’s office received it. That works out to nine days, or seven business days. I offer that as a datapoint for others.

zapokee · 23 January 2020, 03:27 PM

Don't know if it's ideal to try to save 20 bucks on the delivery of a bracelet worth that much...

SubMarine · 23 January 2020, 09:22 PM

Exactly. FedEx overnight with signature confirmation for me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by zapokee

Don't know if it's ideal to try to save 20 bucks on the delivery of a bracelet worth that much...

statsman · 23 January 2020, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zapokee

Don't know if it's ideal to try to save 20 bucks on the delivery of a bracelet worth that much...

See the top post. Saving $120 over Fedex. $75 over DHL.

I am a tightwad. I have, as my mom would say, “champagne tastes on a beer budget”. I watch expenditures, which is not the same as being poor. I have savings, and I try to make my budget cover a lot of ground (child’s tuition, elder care for MIL). For $120 on a stretched C I 19mm bracelet, I’ll self-insure. (I self-insure on a lot of things, foregoing extended warranties as a rule. I think I’m ahead of the game, net). In the end, it’s a math problem, right?

By paying $30 to the USPS, I surrendered about a week in delivery time. Given the nature of the process (Young’s shop says it will take 4-6 weeks, but circumstances could stretch it), I was fine with that.

77T · 23 January 2020, 10:44 PM

Not only did you save the fees, USPS Registered is a safe route.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Styles Bitchley · 24 January 2020, 06:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 77T

Not only did you save the fees, USPS Registered is a safe route.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Agreed. OP sounds a lot like me! Lol. Look forward to a photo of the finished product.

Be prepared to pay a bit of duty on the parcel when it arrives.

southtexas · 24 January 2020, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Styles Bitchley

Agreed. OP sounds a lot like me! Lol. Look forward to a photo of the finished product.

Be prepared to pay a bit of duty on the parcel when it arrives.

I’ve never paid any duties on any item coming in from MY.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Styles Bitchley · 24 January 2020, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by southtexas

I’ve never paid any duties on any item coming in from MY.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That's great. Canada customs dings you for EVERYTHING!!!

jlovda · 24 January 2020, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Styles Bitchley

That's great. Canada customs dings you for EVERYTHING!!!

@Trog from BC had his 5513 worked on by RolliWorks in San Francisco. Maybe he can share his experience regarding sending things out of Canada for repair.

zapokee · 24 January 2020, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by statsman

I am a tightwad.

Fair enough, then.

Whether you earn a dollar or save a dollar, you're going in the right direction.

TurboWatch · 24 January 2020, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Styles Bitchley

Agreed. OP sounds a lot like me! Lol. Look forward to a photo of the finished product.

Be prepared to pay a bit of duty on the parcel when it arrives.

Mike has repaired 13 of bracelets over the past 10 years. It has always been USPS International on the way to Hong Kong and FedEx back to me. Never had to pay duty.

Fredrik · 25 January 2020, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Styles Bitchley

That's great. Canada customs dings you for EVERYTHING!!!

You need to fill in a form at customs for a temporary export. Then you will only pay for the increased value of the bracelet when it comes back. Maybe that is what you meant...?

Styles Bitchley · 25 January 2020, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fredrik

You need to fill in a form at customs for a temporary export. Then you will only pay for the increased value of the bracelet when it comes back. Maybe that is what you meant...?

It’s a huge pain in the a$$. You have to bring it to a special building where they review it and approve it, etc. Worth it if you’re sending an expensive watch but not a bracelet.

Fredrik · 25 January 2020, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Styles Bitchley

It’s a huge pain in the a$$. You have to bring it to a special building where they review it and approve it, etc. Worth it if you’re sending an expensive watch but not a bracelet.

Oh, how annoying. Getting an ATA Carnet for a bracelet is also overkill, but that really simplifies stuff.

BigBlue1 · 28 January 2020, 09:50 PM

Hi guys and girls,

I am 75% sure I will be using Michael Young. I have been in contact with him, but his communication I found a little confusing. He quoted me prices on my Bracelet restoration, serving of movement and Lug Build up.

I am curious if anyone here has ever sent them their watch head and if so how you went about it? Who did you use for a carrier? Is it safe to do so? Any guidance is much appreciated.

Thank you
John

Watchasizer · 30 January 2020, 05:52 AM

DHL $95 from Los Angeles. Michael Young originally quoted me 3-4 weeks. He ended up finishing the whole thing in 12 days and had back to me by the end of the week . 16 days total and the Bracelet looks brand new with zero stretch.

LnL · 2 February 2020, 02:10 AM

When I sent an oyster bracelet to him a couple years ago, FedEx cost me about $75. I packaged it myself. Don't remember what the insured amount was.

FWIW, my fliplock broke a few months after I got the band back. Michael had me return it to him (I paid to ship it), and he "fixed" it and sent it back for no additional charge.

Maybe a year later, it broke again. He had me send photos, and he told me he could not fix it.

A local shop fixed it for $75.

LnL · 2 February 2020, 02:12 AM

double post, sorry

12 January 2020, 08:28 AM	#1
statsman "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Arlington, TX Posts: 394	Question About Shipping to Michael Young I am, by necessity, a tightwad. My wife and I are one of those couples that care for a child and a parent. And we need to live our own lives and save for retirement. And I like vintage Swiss watches. I have a well used C&I bracelet that could use a restoration. I sent pics to Michael Young (such great reviews here) and his prices sound fantastic. So I took the bracelet to Fedex to ship (from Dallas-Fort Worth) to Hong Kong. I was quoted $145. They suggested DHL, who quoted $105. The post office was closed by this time, Saturday afternoon. Is there a secret? Am I doing this wrong? Will the post office be the way to go? Is there any option for around $50? How do you ship to Hong Kong and what prices do you pay? Thanks for any tips.

12 January 2020, 09:27 AM	#2
southtexas 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Great State of TX Posts: 5,683	I just texted you. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ Forty six & 2 are just ahead of me. Follow me on Instagram @ccrolex

12 January 2020, 11:20 AM	#4
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 DATE-JUST41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,039	I would use one of the several well respected US bracelet specialists to avoid the shipping and waiting issues sending to China. __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

12 January 2020, 12:22 PM	#5
Dan S 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 5,893	The postal service will be slower but much less expensive. I would guess $25 or so for first class, $40 if you send it registered. It could take a couple of weeks to get there. __________________ @oldwatchdan on IG

13 January 2020, 12:23 PM	#9
Old Expat Beast TRF Moderator & 2024 DATE-JUST41 Patron Join Date: Jul 2013 Real Name: Adam Location: Hong Kong Watch: SEIKO Posts: 28,356	I send a lot of stuff to the USA and get a lot of stuff sent to me here in HK, always with tracked express registered mail (EMS c/o USPS and HK Post) and never had a problem/loss. Costs about US$40 for a small packet like a watch from here to the US. Assume similar from there to here. __________________ _______________________

12 January 2020, 09:40 AM	#3
Juhuatai 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Chicago Watch: 5508 & 9401 Posts: 639	I too have been thinking of sending something to Michael. Would love any input on this question as well.

12 January 2020, 12:50 PM	#6
Filipão "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Real Name: Filipe Location: Lisbon & Wadesdah Watch: Never too many Posts: 1,898	I have sent several bracelets to Michael Young from Europe via regular signed for post. Not a single problem! Return from him (also for some other items, like plexis) was a 3 day FedEx delivery. Couldn't be happier, really.

13 January 2020, 10:38 AM	#7
pwojnar "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Hawaii Posts: 14	I was thinking of sending my bracelet to him as well. I have heard great reviews. I recently also found out about a place called RolliWorks, has anyone had experience with them? They are in Cali, so it would be easier to send to.

13 January 2020, 12:26 PM	#10
forgedblades "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Real Name: Dave Location: Memphis Watch: 16610LV/CokeGMT II Posts: 395	I have used Micheal 3 times and sent it via USPS priority mail. While it takes some time he does fantastic work and I would recommend his services. He also does dial restorations and services movements. While I have never had a problem I think I would think twice before sending him an entire watch.

13 January 2020, 03:34 PM	#11
116710er "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: 'murica Watch: yer six. Posts: 576	I would just Rollieworks. They do a fantastic job. I had one of my 93150 bracelets "corrected" after it was repair poorly by another repair center. __________________ "Change friends. Keep Comex." -Haywood_Milton

14 January 2020, 02:36 AM	#12
statsman "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Arlington, TX Posts: 394	Thanks for all the tips and comments. I followed some good advice and sent regular registered US mail international, at $30.25 (estimate 10 business days). Regular priority mail (5 business days) would have been almost $50. Isn’t it interesting that the postal service costs so much less? Are there that many cost savings by shipping slower? Or is the government subsidizing international mail?

23 January 2020, 02:04 AM	#13
statsman "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Arlington, TX Posts: 394	On Monday, January 13, I mailed the bracelet via USPS. Last night, January 21, I got an email that Michael Young’s office received it. That works out to nine days, or seven business days. I offer that as a datapoint for others.

23 January 2020, 03:27 PM	#14
zapokee "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Japan Posts: 4,344	Don't know if it's ideal to try to save 20 bucks on the delivery of a bracelet worth that much...

23 January 2020, 10:44 PM	#17
77T 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: PaulG Location: Georgia Posts: 40,694	Not only did you save the fees, USPS Registered is a safe route. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro __________________ Does anyone really know what time it is?

28 January 2020, 09:50 PM	#27
BigBlue1 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Feb 2018 Real Name: Webmaster Location: Space Watch: it pal ! Posts: 2,955	Hi guys and girls, I am 75% sure I will be using Michael Young. I have been in contact with him, but his communication I found a little confusing. He quoted me prices on my Bracelet restoration, serving of movement and Lug Build up. I am curious if anyone here has ever sent them their watch head and if so how you went about it? Who did you use for a carrier? Is it safe to do so? Any guidance is much appreciated. Thank you John __________________ " Even I don't wake up looking like Cindy Crawford". Cindy Crawford Hypochondria is the only disease I haven't got RIP Mikey

30 January 2020, 05:52 AM	#28
Watchasizer "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Irvine, CA Posts: 3	DHL $95 from Los Angeles. Michael Young originally quoted me 3-4 weeks. He ended up finishing the whole thing in 12 days and had back to me by the end of the week . 16 days total and the Bracelet looks brand new with zero stretch.

2 February 2020, 02:10 AM	#29
LnL "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Seabrook, Tx Watch: 6263 Daytona Posts: 82	When I sent an oyster bracelet to him a couple years ago, FedEx cost me about $75. I packaged it myself. Don't remember what the insured amount was. FWIW, my fliplock broke a few months after I got the band back. Michael had me return it to him (I paid to ship it), and he "fixed" it and sent it back for no additional charge. Maybe a year later, it broke again. He had me send photos, and he told me he could not fix it. A local shop fixed it for $75. __________________ Red Sub "A" Zenith-era Daytona 16760 Fat Lady

2 February 2020, 02:12 AM	#30
LnL "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Seabrook, Tx Watch: 6263 Daytona Posts: 82	double post, sorry __________________ Red Sub "A" Zenith-era Daytona 16760 Fat Lady Last edited by LnL; 2 February 2020 at 02:13 AM.. Reason: DELETE, double-posted.

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