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Can this Explorer 1 36mm 76890 bracelet be repaired?

Mozziebite
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While shaving the other morning, I noticed in the mirror that there was a gap at the 12 o'clock side between the end link and the next "permanent" link. Upon examination, it seems that the pin in there has somehow got bent and there's now 2-3mm vertical "travel" between the two links. I have no idea how this happened, but I've just got it back from a "non-official" service centre where they were recalibrating the watch. I don't remember this gap being there before, but I can't be certain. Anyway. Here's a couple of pics..

fullsizeoutput_354.jpeg fullsizeoutput_355.jpeg fullsizeoutput_356.jpeg fullsizeoutput_357.jpeg


So I take it to the AD and they take a look, get onto Rolex and get back to me saying no, it can't be repaired because it's a non-removable link. I'll have to buy a whole new bracelet, at a cost of £1010 😲 Now I don't know if they're just toeing the party line here, but I can't believe this can't be fixed. Does anyone know of a place in the UK who I could contact to ask? I've had a hunt around on the interweb and there are a couple of places who claim to be able to fix bracelets, but I thought I'd ask here first.

Any help appreciated guys..
 
omegastar
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Mozziebite Mozziebite
While shaving the other morning, I noticed in the mirror that there was a gap at the 12 o'clock side between the end link and the next "permanent" link. Upon examination, it seems that the pin in there has somehow got bent and there's now 2-3mm vertical "travel" between the two links. I have no idea how this happened, but I've just got it back from a "non-official" service centre where they were recalibrating the watch. I don't remember this gap being there before, but I can't be certain. Anyway. Here's a couple of pics..

fullsizeoutput_354.jpeg fullsizeoutput_355.jpeg fullsizeoutput_356.jpeg fullsizeoutput_357.jpeg


So I take it to the AD and they take a look, get onto Rolex and get back to me saying no, it can't be repaired because it's a non-removable link. I'll have to buy a whole new bracelet, at a cost of £1010 😲 Now I don't know if they're just toeing the party line here, but I can't believe this can't be fixed. Does anyone know of a place in the UK who I could contact to ask? I've had a hunt around on the interweb and there are a couple of places who claim to be able to fix bracelets, but I thought I'd ask here first.

Any help appreciated guys..

Just push the pin out and put a right sized spring bar instead, it will work for the next 5 years.
 
Mozziebite
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omegastar omegastar
Just push the pin out and put a right sized spring bar instead, it will work for the next 5 years.
It's a "permanent" link. You can't just push the pin out..
 
ICONO
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Trust me…It’s worth it to have the original bracelet restored back to ‘factory condition’…and a damn sight cheaper, than a new one

The last thing you need, is the bracelet snapping,… and the Explorer bouncing down, the pavement

Michael Young’s work, is beyond excellent

Many people on this Forum can vouch for the quality of his work…I am sending a 1039 Omega to him, to have some springs replaced



 
connieseamaster
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Mozziebite Mozziebite
Long way to send it. Was hoping there might be a specialist in the UK. But cheers for the link..
He/his shop is recognized pretty universally as the best in the business of rehabbing vintage bracelets with no close peers.
 
ICONO
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Looking closely at your images, of the damaged bracelet…I would send it as soon as possible

It simply is not worth the risk…

Pick up a cheap NATO, in the interim…in the current UK ‘heat wave’ …you might prefer it ?
 
Mozziebite
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ICONO ICONO
Looking closely at your images, of the damaged bracelet…I would send it as soon as possible

It simply is not worth the risk…

Pick up a cheap NATO, in the interim…in the current UK ‘heat wave’ …you might prefer it ?
Way ahead of you there matey...

Just don't feel the love for NATOs..

8228D44A-42AE-43E4-9A0D-1E73D61CFFD8.jpeg


But looks pretty good on the B&S strap..

87F00B9F-73B5-4ECE-9808-3559E4578BDF.jpeg
 
Mücke
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I would recommend
Uhrmachermeister Ulrich Kriescher
Kaiserstr. 104
D 52146 Würselen
Germany
http://www.uhren-kriescher.de
He is a watchmaker master and certified watch expert. He has serviced my Zenith El Primero chronograph with calendar and moonphase very well.
You should ask him if he could repair your Explorer I bracelet.
 
T
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Your location may help to give out references..
 
Mozziebite
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T TTG
Your location may help to give out references..
Like I said, I'm in the UK. I've contacted Michael Young and had a look at his website, and the price is pretty reasonable.
 
T
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Prices for basic restoration are reasonable but then the add on's...
Careful there. They may tell you you need a little laser welding, screws, etc.. And also be wary of the over polishing..
Just a heads up.
 
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