78360 nightmare - can Micheal Young fix over polished links

[tekno]

Half my 78360 was ruined, the replacement links are better but older or more worn then the other side of the band.

I am just wanting to let someone else fix it. Can he match the condition of the two sides.

The side I owned/that wasn’t ruined.


The replacement links sent to me, the four non removables. For the record the ones damaged by the attempted repair were way worse. I don’t want to go into the details of that BS, it’s my problem now.




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[offrdmania]

They would just replace the worn parts instead of polishing more

[tekno]

MY has replacement parts? Would it be cheaper for me to do it or let him.

I haven’t found a nice half a 78360, so I am probably going to just send it to him.

[Gee2789]

If you're in the US, I'd recommend giving Rolliworks a call in california. I've had some bracelet work done with Mike and he is phenomenal. It'd be less of a hassle to ship stateside and you'd avoid some of the pain of dealing with customs as well.

[Dan S]

I think you will also find pieces of bracelets on eBay with a little patience. I seem them quite often.

[Tools]

you're going to send a bracelet half way around the world for somebody to rub it a few times with the right grit paper.

[tekno]

I found the original section in the bag. If I could take the first two Links from the original section, use the third and fourth link of the replacement and the band was disassembled and each section was polished - I believe it would look ok.

So are y’all saying to try Rollieworks? I haven’t heard anything bad about MY, but I have heard some negative about RW.

I could also take Dans advice, buy a section and sell the other two.

[77T]

Before you pay a bunch of money, and risk the loss of your bracelet in the mail, perhaps a little DIY would help match up your two different looking bracelet links.

Perhaps try a Bergeon 2834-C pen to stroke all the links to the same finish for $20-30.




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[SunTzu]

If you want something polished, send it RolliWorks here in California. He's done magic on my jubilee bracelet restoration. His work is equally as good and it'll cost you less and less to ship not to mention travel times during the COVID situation.

These genuine links are also on eBay if you want to find replacement ones. Buy the seller.

[tekno]

This is not a polish job guys. I know that anyone can polish the band. I would have my watchmaker Polish it in TX or LAWW if that was the issue.

One side is almost perfect, square. The symmetry of the links are perfect, the other side has been polished over time, the center of the band is dished in some, the links aren’t symmetrical.

I think the first two links from the old section would work well with the third and fourth links of the new section.

Good side:



Bad side:



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[Dan S]

It's hard to see in the photos, but we will take your word for it. The bottom line is that some links are in good shape and some are not, and you'd like the bad ones to be replaced with the same size link in better condition. Then everything needs to be refinished to match. I would trust either classicwatchrepair or rolliworks with this job, it's solidly in their wheelhouse for bracelet repair/restoration. You should have them tighten up the entire bracelet at the same time. I would contact both Mike (Rolliworks) and Michael and explain what you are asking for. I suspect that both have a stock of links that they can use to replace your bad links. Obviously, you can also provide your spare links. When they restore the bracelets they completely disassemble the links, replace the pins, and reassemble. So they can definitely re-build the bracelet as you suggest.

[tekno]

10-4, I reached out to MY. Sent pics. I’ll hit up RW tomorrow.

It is hard to photograph. I appreciate the suggestions.

[Pocosso]

I had the same problem, I sent it the Roberto Lenti in Milan, few bugs and he did a miracle.
PM me if you want his contacts. This Guy do really great jobs.

[Woody]

I would just order two new bracelet sections from your AD. You can then reattach to your end-links and the clasp.......job done and no more stress.

[subx]

hey, I mean I barely see the issue here, talking about RUINED is a bit over reacting !

[Styles Bitchley]

I think it’s hard to see the problem but I’m sure it’s noticeable to you. Michael Young or RW can most likely fix it. If you need metal added though, it may cost you more than buying some new links. I’ve not used RW, but MY is truly a magician. He added a totally trashed and bent link I picked up cheap to my bracelet and it looked as good as new. As good as he is though, I’m not sure he’ll be able to UN-polish anything!

[tekno]

Ruined is referring to a link section that is ruined, there are no photos of it. This band was nice before Edward Grinder hands got ahold of it.

Someone used a rotary tool and just ground down the imperfections, and then tried to use a buffing wheel to polish it out. It’s f’ed.

I have a solid plan, links 1/2 of the original section (3/4 are f’ed) and links 3/4 of the ones on the watch will fix it.

I have asked both shops for a quote. I appreciate the input, I usually have a plan.. but I like to make sure I am not missing something because a lot of you guys are more experienced than I am.

If you look at the way light shines off the bottom section compared to the top, that may show you what I am saying. Over polishing a band incorrectly rounds the links out on the face, they should be square. I want to send it out to be fixed. I’ll weigh all options.

[Jackie Daytona]

Nice - 16750

Its certainly not ruined, shouldn’t be a difficult fix. have the same band I sent to Rolliworks about a month ago on my 16750 as well. Should be back late next week. First time it’s ever been touched and excited to see the results.

[77T]

I think that last picture gives us all a better perspective and the differences are visible.

Unfortunately the only refinishing options would be to grind down the nice half to be equivalent to Edward Grinder-hands handiwork. Not good.

Next option is replacing the bad links wholesale - a rebuild of half of the bracelet. That is MY or Rolliworks fortè.

Would another option be sourcing a very good bracelet and moving your clasp to it (for era correctness)? Save the good side of the existing one as spare side in case you get damage in future.


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[tekno]

Here is the four link section that was ground down. This is the one that was replaced by the less ugly link set on the watch. Link 1/2 of this could be repaired and added to the band.
3/4 on this section are probably too far gone. It’s going to be hard to see in photos. I am a shade tree Machinest, the surface of the links are what metal looks like after using a dremel.

Thanks for the help guys. This is an expensive lesson.




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[JustinK]

As already stated just buy a nice used band and swap the clasp and end links from yours. I suspect you will never be happy with this band after what has happened.

[tekno]

I’m leaning that way. I missed a 83 78360 that was perfect.




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[tekno]

Talked to RW, I like this option and have committed. He knows what’s going on here and can fix the issue. Pick the best sections out of the parts I have. Fix stretch.

Then I’ll sell the spare parts.

—————-

Other options:
•NOS - 4 link section in the Rolex packaging $800
•NOS 78360 - $1600

Problem solved. Thanks guys

[Nunez. Jacob]

Originally Posted by tools

you're going to send a bracelet half way around the world for somebody to rub it a few times with the right grit paper.

lol

[zapokee]

I'm still not seeing the issue... Lots of vintage bracelets have a "sleeve polish" after years of wear that looks like this anyway. It's rare to find one that still has its original brushing.

But I understand that when something bugs you about a watch, the bug doesn't go away. Hope you get it sorted out to your liking.

[tekno]

It’s such a minor issue some won’t see it. If you held the watch you would, it is not from normal wear. It’s just an older section then what’s on the watch that has been polished over time.

This is a 83 and it had a crisp square, beautiful Bracelet on it.

OG side - links are pretty flat on the face


Replaced side - not flat




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