Small gap between end link and case - rolex rivet bracelets - common issue?

[journemaster]

I've recently acquired a rolex rivet bracelet circa 1965 to fit on my 6205, as a start, the end links are not very tight fitting. As the bracelet gets stretched and the end links start to tilt ever so slightly, there's always this tiny tiny gap between the end links and the case

I do see this being quite a common feature on some of the earlier subs (no crown guards) on IG and elsewhere.

I just want to know if this is what it's supposed to be like and something I have to live with. If not, is there any way I can fix it so to speak.

Here's a a photo to illustrate the problem:

[Hub6152]

70 year old parts not fitting very well on a different watch. Yes can be improved at a cost (Classic Watch Repair in TST - if you trust them enough) or live with it.

[Old Expat Beast]

Yes, it's normal and can be fixed but it's better to let someone with experience do it. If you're in HK, try Raymond's watch-repair booth on the junction of Pottinger St and Queen's Road. He'll probably be able to fix it for a few bucks. He has a lot of experience with Rolex and you can admire his vintage Rolex offerings while you wait. Otherwise try the RSC, but they probably won't do it.

[Hub6152]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Yes, it's normal and can be fixed but it's better to let someone with experience do it. If you're in HK, try Raymond's watch-repair booth on the junction of Pottinger St and Queen's Road. He'll probably be able to fix it for a few bucks. He has a lot of experience with Rolex and you can admire his vintage Rolex offerings while you wait. Otherwise try the RSC, but they probably won't do it.

If you go to Raymond tell him Mark sent you

[journemaster]

Appreciate the constructive responses, let me go hit up Raymond and see what he recommends and I'll be sure to send him your regards Mark!

My experience is that his business hours is a bit arbitrary, he's not open last couple of times when I passed by Pottinger, any idea what's his usual business hrs?

[Hub6152]

Originally Posted by journemaster

Appreciate the constructive responses, let me go hit up Raymond and see what he recommends and I'll be sure to send him your regards Mark!

My experience is that his business hours is a bit arbitrary, he's not open last couple of times when I passed by Pottinger, any idea what's his usual business hrs?

He’s usually open by 8.30am and closes around 4.30-5pm.

[Old Expat Beast]

I'll PM you his phone number so you can call ahead.

Lovely Sub-Aqua dial by the way.

[L.K Johnson]

C & I rivet bracelets have the worse end links fit for sure…I tried everything to have it fit to my 1675 but it’s nearly impossible to get a nice fit…

[Oyster Perp]

Michael Young will sort that for you.
michael_ck_young@hotmail.com,
Tell him I sent you.

Tony Smith
UK

[journemaster]

Originally Posted by L.K Johnson

C & I rivet bracelets have the worse end links fit for sure…I tried everything to have it fit to my 1675 but it’s nearly impossible to get a nice fit…

Yes, that's exactly my situation - trying to fit a C&I rivet bracelet onto the 6205. So I take it it's quite a common issue with C&I bracelets. Thanks for the wisdom

[Hub6152]

Originally Posted by Oyster Perp

Michael Young will sort that for you.
michael_ck_young@hotmail.com,
Tell him I sent you.

Tony Smith
UK

Except he doesn’t. They usually get sent to Vietnam!

[Dan S]

In my experience, it can definitely be a struggle to get C&I bracelets to fit snugly. Various strategies have been discussed in detail in previous threads. I searched at one point and found some good advice since I'm a DIYer at heart. But having an expert do it for you also seems like a viable alternative.

[harry in montreal]

My advices is to make sure the spring bar diameter is correct and snug. Too small can lead to movement and the hole can open up.

I would not use this band on that watch I would not want to risk wear to the searial numbers between the lugs

All my comments are moot if this is only something worn occasionally. Still decent advice to all that a wobbly band can damage the case

[Oyster Perp]

Originally Posted by Hub6152

Except he doesn’t. They usually get sent to Vietnam!

Is that true ?

[Kingface66]

I want to love C&I riveted Oysters, and I’ve had several, but the old adage is pretty accurate:
“One size fits nothing”

[Kingface66]

(Double post)

[Hub6152]

Originally Posted by Oyster Perp

Is that true ?

From my understanding yes. He doesn’t do anything himself as he’s too busy downstairs running his “Undone” brand anyway. Amy runs the repair side of things.

After an absolute disaster with my Explorer II, and a shambolic example of how not to do customer service, I stay well away from them personally. It’s a shame because I was friends with Amy prior to that.

[Oyster Perp]

Originally Posted by Hub6152

From my understanding yes. He doesn’t do anything himself as he’s too busy downstairs running his “Undone” brand anyway. Amy runs the repair side of things.

After an absolute disaster with my Explorer II, and a shambolic example of how not to do customer service, I stay well away from them personally. It’s a shame because I was friends with Amy prior to that.

Ive got one with Michael currently, he's come highly recommended from several sources. I'll report back when its received.

[Hub6152]

Originally Posted by Oyster Perp

Ive got one with Michael currently, he's come highly recommended from several sources. I'll report back when its received.

Yes I’m sure it will be fine. They do pretty good work on bracelets generally, and are often recommended here. It’s other service things they sometimes let themselves down with. I’m HK based hence knowing them a little more.

[Jmbarrack]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

I want to love C&I riveted Oysters, and I’ve had several, but the old adage is pretty accurate:
“One size fits nothing”

But isn't that indicative of how the C&I's always/originally fit?

I've read before that the C&I bracelets produced for the 1675's had protruding end links and usually folded down inwards toward the case. The fit was terrible, but that was just how C&I's were.

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by Jmbarrack

But isn't that indicative of how the C&I's always/originally fit?

I was speaking more facetiously, but, yup.

[Wahlberg]

Originally Posted by Hub6152

as he’s too busy downstairs running his “Undone” brand anyway.

What's the story behind his brand, doesn't look impressive to be honest.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Oyster Perp

Ive got one with Michael currently, he's come highly recommended from several sources. I'll report back when its received.

I've had about 20 or so vintage watches serviced at Classic Watch Repair (Michael Young's company) and no issues except one that stopped working after a couple of days. It got fixed and returned to me promptly. Never had a bracelet worked on though.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Hub6152

From my understanding yes. He doesn’t do anything himself as he’s too busy downstairs running his “Undone” brand anyway. Amy runs the repair side of things.

After an absolute disaster with my Explorer II, and a shambolic example of how not to do customer service, I stay well away from them personally. It’s a shame because I was friends with Amy prior to that.

It seems the days when you had to send a bracelet to HK to be restored are gone.

Over the last few years, competent bracelet tightening services have sprung up in the US and the UK. Why send it halfway around the world when you can have it done in-country?

[Hub6152]

Originally Posted by zapokee

It seems the days when you had to send a bracelet to HK to be restored are gone.

Over the last few years, competent bracelet tightening services have sprung up in the US and the UK. Why send it halfway around the world when you can have it done in-country?

The OP is HK based and the question of where to send it was already answered early on. But like social media everyone feels the need to add their comments regardless.

But yes there are many other competent restorers other than just HK as you say.

[Hub6152]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

I've had about 20 or so vintage watches serviced at Classic Watch Repair (Michael Young's company) and no issues except one that stopped working after a couple of days. It got fixed and returned to me promptly. Never had a bracelet worked on though.

And I’m sure many others would also attest to equally good service. However there are also many that have had extremely shoddy work carried out with poor service. Working in the industry means I’m perhaps privy to certain information as well as my own direct experience.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Hub6152

The OP is HK based and the question of where to send it was already answered early on.

Yes, I did realize that. I was making a comment for the majority of the general community who don't live in HK, rather than specifically for the OP.

[Oyster Perp]

Originally Posted by zapokee

It seems the days when you had to send a bracelet to HK to be restored are gone.

Over the last few years, competent bracelet tightening services have sprung up in the US and the UK. Why send it halfway around the world when you can have it done in-country?

I did try 'in country' but Champion bracelets cannot be refurbished here for less than a mortgage. That left me either the US or HK.