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sambb · 15 December 2009, 11:51 AM

i am considering getting a SS band from qualitytyme for my SD. It is much cheaper than a rolex band. It does not purport to be a "fake" - it doesnt have the crown, and is meant to be an alternative. I am thinking of getting one, but i was wondering if anyone has any experience with replacement bracelets, are they sturdy?

Whiskey · 15 December 2009, 11:57 AM

Ask them what kind of steel it's made from.

Rolex uses 904L.

I don't believe the replacement would be 904L. More likely 314 or 404?

You may see a slight difference is steel-colour between the 904L in the case and your after-market bracelet.

You're turning your Rolex into a Frankenwatch by the way.

My suggestion is get a Nato or Leather straps.

submariner16610 · 15 December 2009, 11:59 AM

go for the original band buddy. dont make your rolex watch a frankenstein.. all original is the best...

submariner16610 · 15 December 2009, 12:01 PM

never never do it on a rolex. you will just ruin the looks and the value of the watch..pls take our advice for this one..

kyle L · 15 December 2009, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whiskey

Ask them what kind of steel it's made from.

Rolex uses 904L.

I don't believe the replacement would be 904L. More likely 314 or 404?

You may see a slight difference is steel-colour between the 904L in the case and your after-market bracelet.

You're turning your Rolex into a Frankenwatch by the way.

My suggestion is get a Nato or Leather straps.

How is it a Frankenwatch? I thought a frankenwatch was when people take genuine parts like the dial, movement, and then create a watch using genuine parts.

But I agree you should definitely check out Nato straps. They are comfy and light.

Tools · 15 December 2009, 12:14 PM

There is nothing wrong with an aftermarket bracelet........ so long as it's not one of the many counterfeits out there that are specifically to deceive.. No different than bying an aftermarket leather strap for a Panerai, Rolex, or Timex..

Aftermarket's are made by legitimate businesses and usually 316L Stainless..They are fit and finished very well..

It does not suddenly become a Frankenwatch because you wear it on an sftermarket bracelet..

As for NATO's..........

They're all fakes.......there isn't an authentic NATO for sale anywhere practically, so I would say, why would it be OK to but a fake NATO on, but not an aftermarket stainless steel bracelet...

However, it's clear that there are strong feelings either way.........

pz93c · 15 December 2009, 12:17 PM

I agree with Tools.

Nothing wrong with an aftermarket bracelet.

Here's mine. I like how it turned out.

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=92481

kyle L · 15 December 2009, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tools

There is nothing wrong with an aftermarket bracelet........ so long as it's not one of the many counterfeits out there that are specifically to deceive.. No different than bying an aftermarket leather strap for a Panerai, Rolex, or Timex..

Aftermarket's are made by legitimate businesses and usually 316L Stainless..They are fit and finished very well..

It does not suddenly become a Frankenwatch because you wear it on an sftermarket bracelet..

As for NATO's..........

They're all fakes.......there isn't an authentic NATO for sale anywhere practically, so I would say, why would it be OK to but a fake NATO on, but not an aftermarket stainless steel bracelet...

However, it's clear that there are strong feelings either way.........

Well put Larry. I was going to put the Explorer on a replacement Jubilee, but ultimately I decided to put it on a NATO. Either way, the decision is up to you, and let us know what you decide.

JimSnyder · 15 December 2009, 12:26 PM

They look great and are no problem at all, I think it is a good ideal

kyle L · 15 December 2009, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimSnyder

They look great and are no problem at all, I think it is a good ideal

Yeah, I proposed an aftermarket hidden clasp Jubilee to JJ and I got yelled at.

erock · 15 December 2009, 12:38 PM

personally i dont understand the problem with an aftermarket bracelet that is not a fake rolex one. i dont see this as being any different then the natos people seem to love so much. in the end its your watch and your money so id say do whatever makes you happy

WatchTimes · 15 December 2009, 12:51 PM

Perhaps it is not my Cup of tea
BUT
You are not putting on a fake as it does not have the crown or any of that on it.
You are putting on an aftermarket bracelet.
Myself I would MUCH rather get an authentic Rolex band but I understand that is not always an option due to cost so I say get what you are comfortable with. I do not think it will be as good or as solid as a Rolex bracelet but it will surely do the job.
Keep your original in case you ever do sell it or decide to send it to Rolex for service as you can include the bracelet and they will give you some credit for it towards a new one.
Make sure to post some pics and show us how it turns out.
Good luck!

sambb · 15 December 2009, 01:11 PM

TO clarify-
I wanted to use aftermarket, I have a gorgeous rolex authentic SEL bracelet, but I work in a job that produces lots of scratches in the wrist area, because of how i place my arms. The watch case would be fine, but the bracelet and clasp area would be severely affected. I usually wear a leather band, so who cares, but with my SD I prefer the bracelet. Hence, I want to wear an aftermarket alternative until my job situation changes. At qualitytyme, I see ones that seem nice (not meant to be a fake - no crown, etc... just an alternative). Looking for comments.

kyle L · 15 December 2009, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sambb

TO clarify-
I wanted to use aftermarket, I have a gorgeous rolex authentic SEL bracelet, but I work in a job that produces lots of scratches in the wrist area, because of how i place my arms. The watch case would be fine, but the bracelet and clasp area would be severely affected. I usually wear a leather band, so who cares, but with my SD I prefer the bracelet. Hence, I want to wear an aftermarket alternative until my job situation changes. At qualitytyme, I see ones that seem nice (not meant to be a fake - no crown, etc... just an alternative). Looking for comments.

I understand your situation, and I can totally understand your reason for doing it. I say go for it!

submariner16610 · 15 December 2009, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sambb

TO clarify-
I wanted to use aftermarket, I have a gorgeous rolex authentic SEL bracelet, but I work in a job that produces lots of scratches in the wrist area, because of how i place my arms. The watch case would be fine, but the bracelet and clasp area would be severely affected. I usually wear a leather band, so who cares, but with my SD I prefer the bracelet. Hence, I want to wear an aftermarket alternative until my job situation changes. At qualitytyme, I see ones that seem nice (not meant to be a fake - no crown, etc... just an alternative). Looking for comments.

now i got you.. agree!!

Speed · 15 December 2009, 01:41 PM

Larry, you used an aftermarket bracelet in a demo in which you trimmed the end links.... Where did you get that bracelet???

tomee · 15 December 2009, 01:46 PM

im contemplating it too.
getting a aftermarket bracelet and just putting the original clasp on it.

dont worry what others say, its your watch, do with it what you want.

Tools · 15 December 2009, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by masugu

Larry, you used an aftermarket bracelet in a demo in which you trimmed the end links.... Where did you get that bracelet???

I got it from Qalitytyme.. The owner is a knowledgeable Rolex enthusiast, and I feel the products offered there may be of better quality than just buying off the bay, or known inexpensive (cheap) alternatives...

However, I will tell you...absolutely, after disassembling the aftermarket bracelet, removing a permanent link to see how it is built, and the tech work demonstrated.... it is simply not the same quality as a Rolex bracelet. I would much prefer a Rolex hollow link 93150 than an aftermarket solid link offering...

But, I do recognise that not everybody has the 1000 bucks it takes to buy an authentic Rolex replacement............ that's 10 times an aftermarket replacement.

Speed · 15 December 2009, 03:49 PM

Thanks Larry good to know. I would prefer to buy genuine if / when I need to.

I purchase some bits / pieces to complete my Sub accoutrements from Qualitytyme. Did not know they sold parts as well. John seems like a good guy.

Dr. Robert · 15 December 2009, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sambb

TO clarify-
I wanted to use aftermarket, I have a gorgeous rolex authentic SEL bracelet, but I work in a job that produces lots of scratches in the wrist area, because of how i place my arms. The watch case would be fine, but the bracelet and clasp area would be severely affected. I usually wear a leather band, so who cares, but with my SD I prefer the bracelet. Hence, I want to wear an aftermarket alternative until my job situation changes. At qualitytyme, I see ones that seem nice (not meant to be a fake - no crown, etc... just an alternative). Looking for comments.

If you're gonna scratch the band, why take a chance, leave your Rolex & its band alone and get a less expensive watch to wear at work. Just my 2 cents.

shandy · 15 December 2009, 03:58 PM

I really do not see a problem with it as long as it is quality, it is just a band after all, not the important part! For so many years folks have not had a problem with putting on aftermarket bands, as long as it does not have fake markers it is not fake!
As for franken watch, well with respect I think that is taken the term to the extreem for a strap for heavens sake, if you were buggering about with the dial it would be different but the strap is just something to hang the watch on!

shandy · 15 December 2009, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tools

There is nothing wrong with an aftermarket bracelet........ so long as it's not one of the many counterfeits out there that are specifically to deceive.. No different than bying an aftermarket leather strap for a Panerai, Rolex, or Timex..

Aftermarket's are made by legitimate businesses and usually 316L Stainless..They are fit and finished very well..

It does not suddenly become a Frankenwatch because you wear it on an sftermarket bracelet..

As for NATO's..........

They're all fakes.......there isn't an authentic NATO for sale anywhere practically, so I would say, why would it be OK to but a fake NATO on, but not an aftermarket stainless steel bracelet...

However, it's clear that there are strong feelings either way.........

As per usual Larry, the voice and common sense and good reason

Poohsan · 16 December 2009, 04:50 PM

It is your watch. Do with it what you like.
I understand the desire to protect your band. I change mine out all the time. I have one band I don’t mind destroying so I put it onto which ever what I travel with.

ed54 · 17 December 2009, 12:55 AM

I've thought about using an aftermarket band to take the wear and tear while keeping the original band to reinstall if I sell the watch. Can the original clasp be installed on the aftermarket bracelet?
Ed

pz93c · 17 December 2009, 01:15 AM

Yep. It sure can, Ed. See my original post for a link to mine. It has a friction pin on one end and a spring bar on the other.

And you can use your original end links, as long as it has seperate endlinks and it is the same style bracelet.

BarkMaster · 17 December 2009, 01:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by erock

personally i dont understand the problem with an aftermarket bracelet that is not a fake rolex one. i dont see this as being any different then the natos people seem to love so much. in the end its your watch and your money so id say do whatever makes you happy

15 December 2009, 11:51 AM	#1
sambb "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: USA/UK Posts: 1,296	replacement with non rolex band i am considering getting a SS band from qualitytyme for my SD. It is much cheaper than a rolex band. It does not purport to be a "fake" - it doesnt have the crown, and is meant to be an alternative. I am thinking of getting one, but i was wondering if anyone has any experience with replacement bracelets, are they sturdy?

15 December 2009, 12:14 PM	#6
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 DATE-JUST41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,170	There is nothing wrong with an aftermarket bracelet........ so long as it's not one of the many counterfeits out there that are specifically to deceive.. No different than bying an aftermarket leather strap for a Panerai, Rolex, or Timex.. Aftermarket's are made by legitimate businesses and usually 316L Stainless..They are fit and finished very well.. It does not suddenly become a Frankenwatch because you wear it on an sftermarket bracelet.. As for NATO's.......... They're all fakes.......there isn't an authentic NATO for sale anywhere practically, so I would say, why would it be OK to but a fake NATO on, but not an aftermarket stainless steel bracelet... However, it's clear that there are strong feelings either way......... __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

15 December 2009, 12:26 PM	#9
JimSnyder "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Real Name: Jim Snyder Location: Ohio Watch: Ask me later..... Posts: 7,712	They look great and are no problem at all, I think it is a good ideal __________________ "You ain't lived, 'til you've had your tires rotated by a red-headed women."

15 December 2009, 12:51 PM	#12
WatchTimes 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Real Name: JYogi/Jeremy Location: Metro Detroit USA Watch: It's a Rolex! Posts: 5,554	Perhaps it is not my Cup of tea BUT You are not putting on a fake as it does not have the crown or any of that on it. You are putting on an aftermarket bracelet. Myself I would MUCH rather get an authentic Rolex band but I understand that is not always an option due to cost so I say get what you are comfortable with. I do not think it will be as good or as solid as a Rolex bracelet but it will surely do the job. Keep your original in case you ever do sell it or decide to send it to Rolex for service as you can include the bracelet and they will give you some credit for it towards a new one. Make sure to post some pics and show us how it turns out. Good luck! __________________ "You won't rise to the occasion - you'll default to your level of training." Barrett Tillman Kentucky Colonel, Tennessee Squire & Combat Leprechaun

15 December 2009, 11:57 AM	#2
Whiskey Banned Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Toronto, Canada Watch: Deepsea Posts: 521	Ask them what kind of steel it's made from. Rolex uses 904L. I don't believe the replacement would be 904L. More likely 314 or 404? You may see a slight difference is steel-colour between the 904L in the case and your after-market bracelet. You're turning your Rolex into a Frankenwatch by the way. My suggestion is get a Nato or Leather straps.

15 December 2009, 11:59 AM	#3
submariner16610 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: united states Watch: submariner,daytona Posts: 707	go for the original band buddy. dont make your rolex watch a frankenstein.. all original is the best...

15 December 2009, 12:01 PM	#4
submariner16610 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: united states Watch: submariner,daytona Posts: 707	never never do it on a rolex. you will just ruin the looks and the value of the watch..pls take our advice for this one..

15 December 2009, 12:17 PM	#7
pz93c "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: Brian Location: Republic of Texas Posts: 2,776	I agree with Tools. Nothing wrong with an aftermarket bracelet. Here's mine. I like how it turned out. http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=92481

15 December 2009, 12:38 PM	#11
erock Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Real Name: Erick Location: US Watch: 16220 DJ Posts: 109	personally i dont understand the problem with an aftermarket bracelet that is not a fake rolex one. i dont see this as being any different then the natos people seem to love so much. in the end its your watch and your money so id say do whatever makes you happy

15 December 2009, 01:11 PM	#13
sambb "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: USA/UK Posts: 1,296	TO clarify- I wanted to use aftermarket, I have a gorgeous rolex authentic SEL bracelet, but I work in a job that produces lots of scratches in the wrist area, because of how i place my arms. The watch case would be fine, but the bracelet and clasp area would be severely affected. I usually wear a leather band, so who cares, but with my SD I prefer the bracelet. Hence, I want to wear an aftermarket alternative until my job situation changes. At qualitytyme, I see ones that seem nice (not meant to be a fake - no crown, etc... just an alternative). Looking for comments.

15 December 2009, 01:41 PM	#16
Speed "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: USA Posts: 19,703	Larry, you used an aftermarket bracelet in a demo in which you trimmed the end links.... Where did you get that bracelet???

15 December 2009, 01:46 PM	#17
tomee "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Australia Posts: 446	im contemplating it too. getting a aftermarket bracelet and just putting the original clasp on it. dont worry what others say, its your watch, do with it what you want.

15 December 2009, 03:49 PM	#19
Speed "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: USA Posts: 19,703	Thanks Larry good to know. I would prefer to buy genuine if / when I need to. I purchase some bits / pieces to complete my Sub accoutrements from Qualitytyme. Did not know they sold parts as well. John seems like a good guy.

15 December 2009, 03:58 PM	#21
shandy Banned Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: Ian Location: canada Posts: 1,724	I really do not see a problem with it as long as it is quality, it is just a band after all, not the important part! For so many years folks have not had a problem with putting on aftermarket bands, as long as it does not have fake markers it is not fake! As for franken watch, well with respect I think that is taken the term to the extreem for a strap for heavens sake, if you were buggering about with the dial it would be different but the strap is just something to hang the watch on!

16 December 2009, 04:50 PM	#23
Poohsan "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Real Name: Arron Location: phoenix, AZ Watch: GMT 1675 Posts: 764	It is your watch. Do with it what you like. I understand the desire to protect your band. I change mine out all the time. I have one band I don’t mind destroying so I put it onto which ever what I travel with.

17 December 2009, 12:55 AM	#24
ed54 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Ed Location: New York Watch: 16234, Speedy Pro Posts: 128	I've thought about using an aftermarket band to take the wear and tear while keeping the original band to reinstall if I sell the watch. Can the original clasp be installed on the aftermarket bracelet? Ed

17 December 2009, 01:15 AM	#25
pz93c "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: Brian Location: Republic of Texas Posts: 2,776	Yep. It sure can, Ed. See my original post for a link to mine. It has a friction pin on one end and a spring bar on the other. And you can use your original end links, as long as it has seperate endlinks and it is the same style bracelet.

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