TAG quote for new bracelet

[DaveR]

The bracelet on my S/EL failed recently so, as it was due a seals and battery replacement, I sent it to them via the local Ernest Jones emporium (as I have done in the past for this purpose) asking if they could do the battery/seal and let me know about the bracelet. It's 15 years old so I didn't know what to expect. Back then, the watch cost just over £1,000 if I recall.

The verdict just in: "It needs a new bracelet."

The quote (feel free to deduct £60 for the battery/seal job)....

£900.

Nine hundred quid. For a stainless bracelet. In which parallel universe is that justifiable?

I love that watch but that is just beyond the pale. As a piss take, it's right up there with Miele trying to tell me that a failed plastic catch for my oven that would have been manufactured for pennies was £25.

Any suggestions (please) ??

[Ikemi]

Is it made of unobtainium?

I'd head over to Goldsmiths and ask for a quote in order to compare ... £900 is ridiculous! What's wrong with the bracelet?

Just had a quick look on eBay and a genuine SE/L bracelet is £370 from the US + 20% import tax. It's still cheaper, but expensive. Alternatively, there are replica bracelets for around £40! It might be worth hunting for one second hand ... Can the existing bracelet not be refurbished?

[MercuryRises]

Yeah, I think a second opinion is the way forward, that's a hideous amount just for a strap

[SeanWF]

Hi DaveR,

Can I ask what part of the bracelet has failed?

[andy tims]

Whilst I'm not trying to justify the price - £900 is sort of what you'd expect Tag Heuer to charge - Breitling ask £2k for some of theirs.

Sounds like the best bet would be to stick it on a nice aftermarket leather strap.

[DaveR]

SeanWF said:

Hi DaveR,

Can I ask what part of the bracelet has failed?

Each link on the S/EL bracelet is effectively two halves with the connecting pins concealed at both ends. The connections are essentially interference/push-fit joints. Over time it would seem that tiny amounts of bracelet wiggle during normal wearing of the watch gradually weaken the joints until there’s insufficient friction to hold them together at which point they part company. That’s what happened to one of mine.

[Ikemi]

Genuine Bracelet (Brushed Finish): http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GENUINE-OEM-TAG-HEUER-SE...
Genuine Bracelet (Polished Finish): http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GENUINE-OEM-TAG-HEUER-SE...

Bracelet: £380
Shipping: £15
Import tax: ~£80
Handling fee: ~£20
Total: ~£500

Replica (Polished or Brushed): http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Solid-S-Steel-bracel...

Total including postage: £40

You'll hopefully dodge taxes with the latter option too! I think I know which one I'd go for, even if it is a replica ...