Rolex REFUSED to do this so I tried…

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I took this vintage watch in to have a few things sorted and the rolex watchmaker refused to work on the bracelet because he said the bracelet is so delicate and they dont want to work on it.
So I had a go!
#Rolex #Watch #Repair

[@SRQmoviemaker]

Just wanna say as someone who basically grew up in a jewelry store (and did countless watch repairs) this was neat to watch

[@TomsBackyardWorkshop]

I think the reason they didnt want to do that is because it would show that they ripped you off on the cleaning.

[@rashira9610]

While I'm no expert at watches or ultra sonic cleaning. I cant help but feel like there wasn't much they could do without prying open the links and risking damaging them. I mean with the links that tightly closed where was the dirt and grime going to go?

[@Hayatory]

@@rashira9610 It is kind of expected that a link is going to get bent and potentially damaged if you're sizing a metal band on an older watch

[@capturedlondon]

Erm…. Which Rolex authorised shop did you get this cleaned at? 🤮 you need a sonic wave cleaner there mate 👍🏼

[@QuintusAntonious]

I use ultrasonic cleaners regularly and they absolutely get into little nooks and crannies like this wristband's. I have real doubts that they really ultrasonic cleaned this, it looks basically like it was wiped down with a cleaning solution and maybe lightly scrubbed.

[@hoennnoodle]

generally if you send your rolex in for a service, you don’t have much of an option except opt for a full service (with the exception of a case polish). can’t really pick and choose if you want to just get a cleaning done, for example. rolex will also replace any part they find in your watch if it’s not up to the original manufactured standards unless you have something really special. so for a watch like this, with an old caliber that is far outside the rolex 50 year parts guarantee and which was not even an original rolex manufacture movement… not super surprising a rolex ad declined to service it. not to say that the work isn’t overpriced but there are also legitimate reasons why old watches won’t get serviced

[@Punmaster9001]

If you have any thicker plastic (From something you'd recycle anyway) you don't care about getting damaged, you could place pieces on either side of the metal part and then use pliers or a vice to close it and avoid damaging the metal. Maybe. In theory, the plastic would take the burnt of the plier's teeth while still applying enough pressure to close it again

[@Makeit101]

Yes. I was thinking the same thing, except to just use small blocks of a medium hardness wood instead of plastic, especially as proper wood will not crack under pressure and it can easily be cut to the proper desired size for the job.

[@__vha]

Generally speaking based on how our wrists are shaped with the bone you'd want one link fewer on one side than the other to have a centred clasp. So the side toward the inside of your wrist ideally should be shorter to help centre the clasp.

[@shiny4842]

Great video! All watches feature spring bars, the hole on the side is drilled lugs. Don't use vintage tools in the way that could damage it ;), personally for closing it i would use watchmaker's hammer, the one with rubber tip. Looking forward for more watch related content!

[@kbramlett6877]

What Elliot is referring to as a "spring bar," I always thought of it as working like the plastic thing that you put through the middle of a roll of toilet paper.

[@QuintusAntonious]

Take some pliers and put cotton or fabric pads between the pliers and the wristband, then squeeze firmly but slowly until it closes. I use this trick on metal parts all the time and as long as the padding is thick enough that the pliers won't cut through it, you typically won't do damage.

[@goatreviews]

Great stuff, Elliot. I admire the "have a go" approach when the watch vendors won't do it for you! It's how I got in to doing my own repairs and mods with Casio watches. As 'Risky' as it may be, you could afford to lose ONE more link on the top side, (Don't worry, removing the smallest one would NOT significantly effect the step-down pattern), which would allow you to move the 'micro-adjust' clasp to its maximum setting, granting you with perfectly centralized clasp 🤩 For the protruding link piece, I would advise using a small, flat nail to press on it, and gently tap it down with a hammer. Best of luck! 🤞

[@officialroxxmusic]

Holy shit, I never thought one youtuber would cover two of my favorite things, Nintendo and Rolex. Also your lingo was fine and the watch looks great on the bracelet.

[@trevor245]

I would imagine that this issue with the link not closing is mainly due to how you bent it back into place. Ironically I think your tactic of applying some force on the 'hinge' part may have causes it to slightly flatten. This could have caused there to not be enough play left for you to bend it back fully, the link being strong and not moving around much might be an indication of this. It could also be due to the initial crease on the outside still for the same reason as stated earlier except now the lack of metal is because the outside side having ever so slightly lengthened. Either why I don't know how you would remedy this without scratching it as all the ways to solve this that I can think of would require quite a bit of force and metal tools. One thing you could try is pulling on the side that has the end piece and keeping it in place on the other side so that the rod get forced to the hinge part. If you then where to to try and apply some force close to the hinge/rod part you would maybe have some more success.

[@vincenzo938]

this, i was going to say, he flattened the link ever so slightly

[@retrorewind6042]

you got me into watches again. after watching your videos ive gotten a seiko and orient ray2, and just recently got a fully custom seiko datejust homage. thank you

[@CarlosPerez-iw4iq]

use some heat and then push down the metal should help as it relaxes the metal a bit to push it into place.

[@No1Noz]

Elliot Coll: The Restoration King! Another great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@basvanderwerff2725]

how hard the tool is wont matter if you cant press it down any further, when you bend metal it always springs back a bit so to have it stay down you whould have to be able to bend it past that point, hard to tel if it possible with this bracelet from just seeing it on video, you could try apply some small force right on the gap where it likely has some room to bend down slightly but not guaranteed that works.

[@TheMysteryDriver]

The question becomes how they did it originally

[@rylanwessel1576]

If you notice, that link is a bit flatter on the side that is shown when being worn, if you round that side ofer the gap should be the same as the other links. Grab it by the side that is larger (on the under side) and work it so it bends inwards, from the top

[@gracefulannie-grcflannie-]

My guess is the Rolex shop didn't want to be liable if something went wrong. I was once refused a new watch battery somewhere because I didn't buy the watch there. If you're still looking for a fix to flatten the piece out a bit more, coated jewelry pliers might work?

[@HypocritesExposd]

I enjoyed this video even though it’s quite different from what you normally do! I had no idea how to do this stuff to watches until now. Thanks!

[@skateecho]

That was really satisfying! not a big watch guy but i really enjoy the watch videos and learning a little something! really do dig the subtle styling of that nice an subdued Rolex. i dont think i would know was it was at a glance but im sure some watch folks out there would catch it. do really love the worn in and slight yellowed face. well done!

[@stusorrell721]

I love it when two of my hobbies cross over.. 😍😍 Proper quality content I have a few vintages pieces in my collection! I also have a rivet bracelet rolex explorer but I sent it to a 3rd party watch maker. Never send vintage watches back to their AD as they will either replace the vintage stuff that's worth the money with new reproduction "service items" and dramatically de value your watch! Very lovely tudor OP

[@thepenultimateninja5797]

0:40 an individual marker is called an 'index'. The plural of 'index' is either 'indexes' or 'indices', with 'indices' being more common among watch people.

[@tompratt2381]

Your videos are so nice and therapeutic. You mentioned that you've also been working with bicycles and gardening. I would gladly watch videos about those if you wanted to document them on your channel! Why not? I like to restore old Volkswagens and my partner is into knitting and stitching. There are loads of hobbies I'd love to try if there was time but watching some KZbins before bed is a good substitute.

[@rockaholictom]

They properly shafted you on the cleaning mate 😂 60 year old wrist goo is always satisfying to clean out.

[@Iamzogia]

i just started getting into watches like a week ago, so this video was perfectly timed for me. id love to see more watch content!

[@zanderstigen]

Dang, those go for $1,200-1,800 USD . Definitely love the more classic, simple and elegant watches. If you had a channels all about watches I’d definitely be all in on that too

[@FreakishWizardthegamingwizard]

Why can't he upload watch stuff here

[@zanderstigen]

@@FreakishWizardthegamingwizard well of course he can, all I was saying that if he wanted to have a watch dedicated channel that’d be cool too, but this is his 2nd channel which he also uploads anything and everything else. Either way I really enjoy it

[@FreakishWizardthegamingwizard]

@@zanderstigen yea but I hate how every yter lately has been making multiple channels like I don't need another one just keep it one channel you know I don't need to sub to 3 channels of the same guy

[@zanderstigen]

@@FreakishWizardthegamingwizard I can agree to that sentiment.

[@Tink-GB]

That seems to be running very fast...gonna love you servicing it...nice cannon pinion tool too...

[@ATF_CA]

It's not. That's just how Rolexes tick

[@tomasmcmarques]

Maybe use some pliers perpendicular to the chain and pinch the link to close the gap (fold the strap before and after the link so you can just pinch that one)

[@gnarltonfischer960]

I dunno if anyone else has suggested this, but focus your force toward the end with the pin in it, that will force the metal to bend around it and angle the flap down

[@ryanparrott6866]

Quite liked this video. Never been interested in watches before, but you've inspired me to learn more. Keep up the good work!

[@OmarKhanUK]

Very brave man for trying this, but EXCELLENT job! Soak it in hot water and dish soap for a few hours, then use an Espresso steam want from any espresso machine to clean it (better than an ultrasonic). To close up, and tiny watchmakers vice would do it. Can try it with any smooth jawed tool, wrap the jaws in masking tape first, and then pinch it closed.

[@kaysee013]

You could try using pliers either end of the loop to close the ‘c’ shape in on itself, kind of like you were doing with the blade handle, but with a pair of pliers then you are putting more consistent force into closing it.

[@ryanbane]

We want to see the rest of your collection!

[@BOBs1973]

Try moving one of the small lower links to the upper links on the other side of the clasp

[@LukeZalvino]

The problem was obvious when u were prying it up and bending. U needed to bend it all the way at the bend itself. The reason u have a gap and spring back is because you bent the straight part and warped it a bit

[@umerasim7465]

You could cover the bracelet with a cloth and gently press it down with pliers to close the link fully

[@MaxRide1]

only 7 minutes in but all I can think is you shoulda sent it to the nekkid watchmaker (I believe he's in Birmingham) - has a youtube account entirely based on watch repairs, restorations, fixes, customisations etc. woulda been the _perfect_ job for him!

[@SK-xg9rs]

Kudos to you… definitely a job for him 👍🏻

[@timothypender401]

I’ve been following you for quite awhile. It’s really weird that I was into gameboys and modding them ( which is obviously your thing ) I kinda of strayed from that and started getting into watches and you upload a video of a vintage Tudor 🎉

[@MrZaphodDent]

Heyho, Great work!!! Just a short note and I hate to say it, but to make it fit better you should move one link from from the 6 position to the 12 position part of the bracelet. The 6 side should always be shorter. Than it would fit bang on 😊

[@blisz2718]

All watches should have drilled lugs imo. Would recommend quick release springbars too.

[@nerfgodbigguy1405]

The little opening wont close because its at a point where that little bend your doing to try to push in doesnt affect it ,try to apply heat to the part and try to bend it again.👍

[@Lord_Mad_Dog]

you did a better job resizing it than they did cleaning it

[@grafxgear]

Could you use a ratcheting bar clamp to try and force to two sixes closed? they have them with rubber ends

[@pilotreaux]

I would love to see a video of you cleaning the band. This was very entertaining

[@Waytt_]

Approx. 4 minutes, those are called drilled lugs when they're accessible from the side, and yes they are very useful

[@RDeathmark]

What you should do now is take it into the Rolex shop and have them fix the hinge thing

[@TomGreen99]

Curved segment vs. flat table, Elliot. Try pushing down on it on a curvy table. 😉

[@Heymrk]

You can get silicone caps for your pliers. Squeeze both ends of the link.

[@noeldoesthings]

I didn't thought I liked the video as much as I do when I clicked it

[@cybercj99]

You want to use clamping pressure on both sides of the link possibly a mini vice or c-clamps with soft jaws

[@dodgydruid]

I am working on a Rolex right now lol Soviet Molnija 3602, bought by the Soviets when Rolex stopped using the movement and powered just about every Russian pocket watch since and is probably the longest running movement in production, the watch I am working on is a Zlatoust deep sea diver watch, 750m certified, great big chunk o' brass with a 4mm piece of plate glass as the crystal protected with a solid brass grille and 70mm diameter case on a 24mm strap... it was my last watch purchase as I have reached almost the 500 working mark in my collection, Vince's fault he got me hooked doing his watch repair videos and I am going to relaunch my KZbin channel fairly soon as I have some delicious Seiko's to show off including my modded 6309 "turtle" I am wearing now, the original iconic Seiko diver.

[@dodgydruid]

For my Alpha Industries Paul Newman Daytona Mechanical Chrono, I acquired at great expense a Rolex deep sea glidelock bracelet with the central part of a clasp to unlock the glidelock, very cool and will fit my AI watch perfectly.

[@MN12BIRD]

I wonder if you take the band off, pop both sides of the clasp off, flip the clasp (install the ends to the opposite sides of the band) and then flip the whole band (install it so the part that was at the top is now at the bottom) would it help center the clasp? Basically flipping the whole band but reversing the clasp so it still opens/wears the same direction. Would save taking off and adding links to opposite sides to get it centered. The drilled lugs are a nice feature funny how watches today still have to advertise as having drilled lugs when this one had it back then. You have great taste in watches I've seen you wearing a retro diver that looks like a Tutor Black Bay (San Martan maybe?) and I love it. Like the explorer vibes here too. Part dress part sporty.

[@willemdevries-vh9cr]

that wouldnt really work here because he made both sides have a even amount of links so it would result in the same length

[@robert.sec2]

Pliers, leave pressure applied overnight

[@DaxtonAnderson]

Absolutely adore the StrangeParts crossover~! Cheers from Canada! Hope to see you at LTX24 !~

[@Jackzira]

HIGHLY recommend the channel Wristwatch Revival. Very detailed close up shots. Videos are around an hour long and very informative. Each one is for an individual watch but after you watch enough of them you should be able to understand all the workings of fixing a watch

[@BRAVOROBINSON]

Heat the metal up first to help bend back to shape.

[@The1Aroma]

You could just use clamps to close it or a vice grip

[@kevins4229]

Pretty sure you got ripped off on the ultrasonic cleaning after seeing the gunk when you opened that link

[@jameslangridge5878]

Well done Vince, soo good to see you trying new things 🤪. Hold on wait a minute!!?? Elliot???? Lol. Good job young man 😊 nothing ventured, nothing gained 🎉

[@robertostefanowicz9749]

Wear it In health. Great watch. You have put your mark on it

[@aromaticsnail]

Hey Elliot, did you by any chance ask the dealer to have a look inside the watch? I noticed that the crown has the Rolex logo instead of Tudor's. If that's the case this could be a franken watch, one that is overhauled with wrong parts from other models/brands. Since you don't care about the resale value, it's more about the longevity and maintenance of the watch.

[@asterius4271]

I believe that because Tudor still used Rolex up to the 90's, the crown's maintained a Rolex logo at least in watches from the 50's after looking up other Tudor's of that period

[@Gabriel-mq1hi]

Vintage Tudor used Rolex Oyster cases and the crowns had the Rolex logo.

[@giuseppeslr]

Very good job!! Can you tell me what size is the case?

[@RisingRevengeance]

Perhaps just a little bit of heat while pushing down on it?

[@XanderNotZander]

Run the risk of charring the metal or bluing it a little, I'd take a slight deformation over discolouration

[@RisingRevengeance]

@@XanderNotZander Its possible but you should be able to avoid it by not going too hot. I would only try it myself if the piece felt noticably different on my wrist.

[@ryanbane]

4:30 “drilled lugs”

[@malazar9565]

I think pressing down the same way yku were but with a small piece of plastic or wood underneath it to lift the edge as you push down.

[@malazar9565]

I think this would also close the gap.

[@frogdude1337]

show this video to that watch smith and piss them off

[@dodgydruid]

Retro and Vintage Watches & Restorations is the one, sorry dropped off the Restorations bit lol

[@Muckian1992]

Just an observation, but i believe you removed a link from the wrong side. To better centre the face on top of your qrist you want to remove the inner links (ie. The ones facing into your body).

[@panzer_pantsu]

That's so difficult i would eat more and become more fat than risk the bracelet 😂

[@makedaevilmage]

"You line it up very very carefully, and then once you're confidend you have it in the hole you can push" - Elliot Coll (2023)

[@Gorillarevolta]

Could you use a vice to close it up more?

[@Calamity-Spice]

Now try shortening an expander bracelet. They are not fun.

[@juju007007MC]

Hey Eliott, if I were in your position where you don't really care about market value and just wanna wear a nice watch I would try different techniques on the spare link that you removed, I feel like applying heat could help but not sure it wouldn't leave a mark

[@richardcooper]

I'm happy with that too ;) nice job!

[@ARandomAussie]

You could use the ball peen end of a jewellery hammer to close that gap up nicely I reckon. Just lots of tiny little taps so you don’t cause any damage just slowly bend the metal back.

[@EternalGamingNet]

This was an enjoyable video.

[@luthelunatic1364]

Love seeing watch content. :D

[@auntyviral82]

Why didn't you put the tape on the tool?

[@_BangDroid_]

Any watch repairer can and will remove links and do ultrasonic cleaning; it's the most basic of tasks! No need to visit a Rolex store and be messed around. DIY however is probably more rewarding anyway, and ultrasonic cleaners are pretty cheap as well. I don't know what Rolex charged you for cleaning - I can't imagine it was cheap, but if it were me, I'd put the money toward buying a ultrasonic cleaner myself.

[@NicksStuff]

It's surprising how flimsy Rolex bracelets used to be

[@Unlucky1776]

That's all watch bracelets before omega forced the industry to make better bracelets in the 90s

[@NicksStuff]

@@Unlucky1776 Thank you for that piece of information

[@antigovernmentrhetoric]

How do you go around verifying a watch's authenticity? There are a lot of fakes around, and I am looking at buying a Grand Seiko myself, but don't want to get scammed.

[@Phantom77_]

Maybe the black gunk was once many years ago some type of filler

[@Orax1701]

More likely all the dead skin from everybody who's ever worn that strap... 🤢

[@lindastone6868]

I was expecting a Father Ted car raffle style moment!

[@Albert-ru7ob]

I love your videos

[@FERNO210]

maybe u can heat that link to be abel to bend it easyer

[@Tim_3100]

Rolex/ specialist watch repairer have a habit of refusing repairs or alterations even though they have tools to do it

[@Chris-du3jc]

A £10 ultrasonic cleaner off Amazon would be worthwhile. I bought one and use it on bracelets regularly. None as gunky as yours was!

[@jackiechan8840]

Where's the moped resto?!?

[@colinmartin9797]

Ah Elliot has those tone tiny children's wrists like I do. Getting a nice looking watch is such a pain as a guy with the wrists of a damn 14 year old girl.

[@paulsteele6120]

$300 for THAT strap. M.M.T.S. !

[@SuperMarioAPA3968]

Nice

[@curtis8516]

Pliers and some cloth.

[@xnamkcor]

You can tell this is an older watch because it doesn't use Metric.

[@13slot28]

Why would you feel unsafe wearing a watch?

[@zeroyume4328]

I need help to find shells for DSI and 3DS

[@ElderPinto254]

yeah but what was rolex thinking when they made this ? one size fit all lol

[@pallsmortion4750]

May I say, that's what she said

[@i-k1567]

Did bro center the wrong side?

[@AgonyOST1998]

The "garage sale" Rolex

[@pauliewalnuts5241]

Still a rolex

[@csachevauxsansabri2612]

Use your small hammer and a piece of wood sort if like a hammer and chisel.

[@SRMB1]

Needle nosed pliers on the bend

[@donandkoko]

Just get some GAINZ bro and it will be fine 😅😂.