Band for Rolex

S

stich

Joined
May 21, 2003
Messages
366
I have a vintage late '50's Oyster Perpetual Date Just in SS that I need a new band for. Years ago I put a new clasp on it, a SS generic. Now the band is missing an interior link and my WatchMaker, Julian, says it's only a matter of time...bummer. Can y'all please point me in the right direction for a good quality yet inexpensive band that will fit? I wouldn't mind the logo... Mom bought it for Dad when he made Captain, 'cause every **** hot Fighter Pilot needs a fancy watch.:D Thanks
 
I wouldn't screw around. For a watch with that kind of provenance, I'd just bite the bullet and get a genuine Rolex bracelet. It might cost you more, but for that watch, why not the best?
 
You're right, Bob. But right now I can't afford a Rolex brand unless I happen to find one real cheap. Practically impossible. I will eventually put it back to "like original" for my eldest (or his brother if I'm pissed at him:D ), but for now it is my favorite watch that I wear every day, and I don't want to lose/break it due to the band going to pieces. Hand me downs are the absolute best. I wish I could be there when my boys go to divying up my goodies, but I can't bear to give them up before it's time. Of course, 20 years from now I may feel different.
 
Good Evening All-

Stich, I'm with BobHWD on this one... I gotta' believe there is a trashed Rolex in the world with an undamaged, functioning bracelet looking for a home. You might also have luck on eBay or with small, independent jewelers.

Think about the heartache that would be caused when your new Taiwanese P.O.S. replacement bracelet allows your vintage, family heirloom to unclasp, clatter across the pavement, and then finally be run-over by a passing Kenworth 18-wheeler. Crazier things have happened!

If you use the watch everyday, ensure that it gets cleaned, relubed, and resealed every five years or so. More often if used in saltwater environments or diving. If need for new parts is discovered during the check-up process, ensure the shop ALWAYS calls you first to arrange that you don't receive a "Frankenstein" of a watch upon return. A mechanical will last for GENERATIONS with proper care, without need for replacement parts.

Good luck on your search for a cost-effective bracelet. Please consider the long-term benefit of making an investment now.

~ Blue Jays ~
 
i faced a similar dilemma when i inherited my dads '60s vintage date just, he had put a leather band on it and did something w/the rolex band, i wanted to replace the leather w/a rolex band and they are hard to find, and expensive if ya do find them.

i finally bit the bullet and got a rolex band, and am happy i did.

of course AFTER i tried 2 cheap replacement bands which made the watch look cheap/fake, and didnt match up well either (2 tone band), nor did they work well.

greg
 
Thanks for all the tips and leads, guys. Good and sound advice all around. I have a friend who is a semi-retired watchmaker and does all my watch service, not just the rolex. When he first serviced my watch about 15 years ago, he told me that there were several non-rolex parts in it from previous watchmakers, and he hoped I didn't mind that he took the liberty of changing them out for some genuine parts, no charge.:rolleyes: He charges me $100 every five years, guarrantees the entire watch for a year, and his work for five. UNreal fair. He also has sold me some great used watches through the years. When he calls me out of the blue and says he has something I might like, I start planning a road trip. He just doesn't have a bracelet right now. By the way, a Rolex clasp was $250 when I was pricing them years ago. Ouch. If I remember correctly the bracelet was $750. Mom says she thinks the watch was $150 new.:)
 
I've never been real impressed with Rolex bands, especially in relation to their cost. There is nothing at all in them to justify a $700+ price tag, except that little logo on the clasp.

Sandoz apparently makes some Rolex style bands that are good quality and very close to the real thing. I think they cost around fifty dollars.
 
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