16600 Sea Dweller bracelet advice

[dbmccaskill]

My dad is giving me his 16600 Sea Dweller that he doesn't wear anymore. He's almost 80 and just isn't the watch guy he used to be. This will almost immediately be one of my most treasured possessions.

But he wore it for over 20 years and the bracelet is quite stretched/loose.

I've searched the site a bit, but couldn't quite find the exact answer, so I wanted to ask advice. I've seen quite a few repair/restoration sites for watches/bracelets. I'm in North Carolina. Does it make sense to look for a Rolex shop nearby, or should I look into something like Michael Young's shop?

How much might I be looking to spend on a restored bracelet?

Thanks in advance for any insight!

[mudd]

My first Rolex and an amazing one at that. The members will give you some good advice shortly as I cannot and do not have first hand experience with repair and restoration.

[rushca01]

Welcome to the forum, first post some pics! Second, check out rolliworks for refurbing that bracelet.

[Marcjvr]

Stop in at Sumpters Jewelry and show it to one of their watchmakers and get their advice. That would be my first move

[Jackie Daytona]

I went through the exact same situation. My first Rolex was a pass down/trade from my father, but after I had it for a few years the bracelet was pretty sloppy.

My advice is like someone else above said, have someone take a look at it and advise just how stretched it really is. Honestly some pictures here wouldn’t hurt. Then go from there.

I sent my band off to one of the more reputable ones on here for these bracelet restorations, and laser welding to fill in the gaps. At first it wasn’t right and I sent it back. They made it as right as they could, but it still doesn’t have that original feel to it where it flexes and moves smoothly, or naturally if you will.

Since I’m sure you likely have a memory of it being a certain way after all the time it’s been in the family I would take that in consideration first if the bracelet isn’t too bad. From my experience fixing the stretch isn’t as easy as it sounds online.

With my father personally having passed, and some of the sentimental memories of the watch, I’m not positive I made the right choice in restoring the band. Don’t get me wrong, it looks great, but it’s not exactly the same band I remember.

[dbmccaskill]

Yes, good idea, I should have posted pics. Unfortunately, COVID has prevented me from seeing the Parents and obtaining said watch, but I can get some pics for sure. This is great advice as well.

[swish77]

Two options: Buy a new or used 93160 bracelet that is not stretched, or repair your current bracelet.

With option No. 2, Michael Young in Hong Kong does good work (but do NOT let them polish your bracelet), or Rolliworks in CA has good reviews for bracelet restoration work and you avoid having to ship overseas.

[LSU-MOOSE]

Buy a second bracelet and have it installed. There are many options for style and material.
Never have your dad’s bracelet altered. I think you would regret it. Keep it as it is.
Maybe reinstall it one day to keep him in your thoughts. Original Rolex bracelets are very durable even when old and worn. Maybe you wear it until it fails and then decide what to do.
Heirlooms in original condition have more meaning to me.

[pbubsy]

Have Rolliworks do a service on it and rebuild your bracelet. They can do all this while keeping your watch original/not swapping out the dial, hands, bezel etc.

[RotaryRider]

Send it to Mike Bui @ Rolliworks

[WhiteRhino]

Another vote for Rolliworks. I hear good things about the shop in Hong Kong, but I would avoid shipping OCONUS unless a last resort. Rolliworks is based in Cali and quite capable of doing this exact bracelet restoration.