AD damaged screws and links on a new watch. Exchange watch or replace links?

[Jordanesque23]

Just wanted to get your thoughts on what I should do about a brand new (unworn with stickers) white OP 39 that I bought four days ago from an AD. Exchange for a bnew watch or opt for link replacement?

Bought the watch in store and AD offered to resize the bracelet and ship out of state to save on taxes. Upon receiving the package, I inspected the new watch and was disappointed to see that the screw pins got mangled and the links were scratched during the adjustment. I was so disappointed since it's my first time to pay MSRP from an AD. It totally ruined the experience and the excitement of having my first Rolex watch. I was under the assumption that they would take care of the watch during sizing.

I'm heading to the AD tomorrow to discuss the issue but first I want to get your thoughts if it's reasonable for me to ask for a bnew replacement watch or should I just settle for link replacement. Tbh, I'm leaning towards the former since I paid for a bnew watch to ensure that it's free from any blemishes. Also, all the stickers are still in place and haven't worn it yet. I'm worried that they might damage the screws again if I opt for the link replacement.

Attached are some images for your reference. And any inputs and feedback are appreciated. Thanks.

[Simmer007]

I'm surprised they would actually ship a watch like that. I personally would ask for a new watch. Hopefully it can be replaced in a timely manner. If not I would get a refund and find a new AD.

Like you mention they obviously don't know how to properly add/remove links.

[Brian Page]

Wow, bad deal on the link - I would just get new links.

[Masteryacht]

Rolex really needs to do something about incompetent ADs that can’t properly size a bracelet without damaging it.

[FreshPrince14]

It actually baffles me how anyone could possibly cause that much damage to a screw head, particular an AD who you would expect to have experience with this sort of thing. You couldn't do that much damage even if you were trying! And then to feel it's okay to send the watch to you in that condition.... Amazing.

Sent from my CLT-L09 using Tapatalk

[offrdmania]

Thats from the wrong size screwdriver most likely in the hands of someone who doesnt know how to properly size a Rolex bracelet.

[JodyHighroller]

I had the same issue (although not as severe as yours), and they swapped the damaged links with another oyster bracelet they had in stock. Their watchmaker wasn't in as it was late in the day.

[Richard Carver]

If the warranty card is filled out I doubt you'll win the new watch battle but a brand new bracelet might be in your future. Damage like that is incomprehensible from a supposedly professional AD.

[Mystro]

Epic amateur blunder. Looks like a kid in the back did it.

[Jackumi]

Unbelievable! so many threads on here regarding finding the perfect quality screwdriver to use for bracelet adjustments to ensure there is not the slightest distortion of the screw heads. Then there is this from an official Rolex AD! which to me is beyond incompetence, it is nothing short of vandalism. I would be so pixxxd off I would demand a new watch, I would not trust that AD to remove the stickers for risk of them trashing the whole watch.

[s.m.b.]

Wow. Looks like somebody either drank before noon or needs to start drinking before noon.

[Wcdhtwn]

I'd ask for a full replacement of the bracelet. At least replace the mangled and scratched parts. But this is going to be your word against theirs. What are you going to do when the AD claims it didn't leave his shop in that condition and someone else did the damage between you receiving it and bringing it to him? If they are this inept at making these adjustments I'd plan on them being less than forthright in their business dealings.

[ronricks]

Originally Posted by Masteryacht

Rolex really needs to do something about incompetent ADs that can’t properly size a bracelet without damaging it.

They tried to. Made them all attend a class and even handed out the proper tools. It hasn’t worked.

[05carbondrz]

Originally Posted by Masteryacht

Rolex really needs to do something about incompetent ADs that can’t properly size a bracelet without damaging it.

My thoughts exactly.

[42itus]

That’s horrible. Good luck and keep us posted. I would ask for new links and screws and do it myself.

[Dr Watches]

If the watch is otherwise good, swap the links. There's no guarantee that the replacement (if you could actually get one) wouldn't have some problem with the dial or movement.

[brucethemanlee]

butchered!

[Nadster]

Brought in a new Explorer to have a link removed to an AD. After inspecting it when I got home I noticed that one of the screws was nearly as bad as yours. I took it back the next day and they replaced it with a slightly used one that was much better. Should have replaced it with a new screw. Won't be back to that AD

[SLS]

Wow, that is pretty bad...sorry to see this happened. Ask them to send you some new links and a proper size screw driver and you will fix it yourself.

[ap1]

I’d have blown a gasket. Demand new links/screws and leave absolutely satisfied. No way I’d ship that off to RSC. If that’s what they say, I’d demand new piece or refund.

[SemperFi]

This seems to be an issue quite frequently with AD’s.
Considering the warranty card issue I would ask for an entirely new bracelet.

[pedersenkl]

Good luck. That damage is really unacceptable at any Rolex AD. I would ask for bracelet replace and/or links at a minimum. I would bet they forgot the Loctite also, which would make me very nervous!

Something similar happened to me at a Rolex AD in past when sizing my Daytona Oyster bracelet. Messed up the screw and small scratch on one link. Not nearly as bad as above.

I have to resize a watch for me now and a brand new one for my wife. Rather than ask a jeweler or Rolex AD....I've chosen to do myself. AS such, trying to figure out which tools I need. I trust my DIY more than anyone else.

[BillA]

Get new links and screws from the AD.
In the future buy a proper screw driver and do it yourself, it is easy

[Cryten]

Demand a new watch or a new bracelet? Come on, who does that?

Ask nicely (but firmly) that they replace the damaged links. It's a mess but it can be solved easily.

[blown5.0]

Sorry to see this OP. I would probably just ask for replacement links and remind them of your patience/flexibility in this situation next time a piece you want comes in.

I'm surprised they would send it off like that and probably would ask for an explanation on what happened.

[lamnyc]

That's terribly. I have to say most AD doesn't know how to sizes a bracelet.

[t65tampa]

That's pretty sloppy work! I'd request replacement links and screws. No need to replace the entire watch. Have them make sure not to botch it when they size it again for you.

[Jim Smyth]

I would at the very least ask to get a new bracelet and then have it sized somewhere else by someone who knows how to do it properly. They dont understand you need to heat the screw threads up to loosen the locktite before they try to unscrew the screw. This happens way too often and is why I bought my own 1.7mm hollow ground screwdriver.

[MTBer]

If they do agree to a new bracelet, be very careful about who you allow to do the switch. As it stands, you have a few mangled links, but a full bracelet swap means they could also destroy the lugs of the watch case.

[Zuger]

What a terrible job they did. As a compensation, they should give you the right of first refusal on the next SS Daytona they get!