Considering vintage roloxes and their bracelets

[kopykopy]

Hi. First time posting in the vintage section. I am new to "vintage" and do not know anything about "vintage" collecting. I have several rolexes comprising of 5 digits (only with SEL bracelets) and 6 digits. Lately I have been thinking of getting 4 digits namely :-

1. Submariner 1680 (white markings) or 5512 / 5513
2. Explorer 1016
3. Explorer II 1655

I can't stand the non SEL bracelets and worse still, many vintage pieces will already have bracelet stretch. I also do not like wearing my Rolexes in NATO/leather/rubber straps. So its gotta be steel bracelets for me. My questions are as follows:-

1. Is it a convention that when you acquire vintage pieces, you wear the original bracelet despite its non SEL and bracelet stretch?

2. How about replacing the original old bracelet with a new identical one (the correct bracelet which goes with the case) at Rolex Service Centre?

2.1 Are they easily available?
2.2 How much it costs?
2.3 Does it affect the value of the vintage piece?

3. What are other alternatives regarding the bracelets?

Thank you for your time.

[exador]

LOL love the precise question numbering. Are you a Project Manager by any chance?
Here's my 2c:

1. Yes that's part of the charm of vintage.
2. Don't do it. RSC will (usually) ask for the old bracelet in exchange.
2.1 Yes
2.2 Around $1200 for a new Oyster service bracelet.
2.3 Yes
3. Buy a used bracelet on eBay, sales forums etc. Buy a new third party bracelet. Send original bracelet to Michael Young for refurbishing. Always keep the original bracelet for sales time.

[kopykopy]

Originally Posted by exador

LOL love the precise question numbering. Are you a Project Manager by any chance?
Here's my 2c:

1. Yes that's part of the charm of vintage.
2. Don't do it. RSC will (usually) ask for the old bracelet in exchange.
2.1 Yes
2.2 Around $1200 for a new Oyster service bracelet.
2.3 Yes
3. Buy a used bracelet on eBay, sales forums etc. Buy a new third party bracelet. Send original bracelet to Michael Young for refurbishing. Always keep the original bracelet for sales time.

Thank you. All is clear to me now.

[Richard Carver]

Puddles of old Rolex steel. :)









Couple of 50 year old bracelets. :)

[strafer_kid]

Don't be put off by the older type bracelets - whilst perhaps not constructed to the same quality as the latest ones, they are still pretty good and tend to look best on the older watches.

[Blakerhodes]

I had been wearing my gilt 1675 on a newer style 93150. Then i realized that the old rivet bracelets look a lot better. It takes some getting used to , they weigh a lot less it seems like but I agree that the watches look best with a period correct bracelet usuallly

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by exador

2. Don't do it. RSC will (usually) ask for the old bracelet in exchange.

I've had success taking my 1675 to the RCS on a NATO and telling them I didn't have the original bracelet. They sold me a new steel Jubilee with no problem.

I now have the original rickety old rivet Oyster and the new Jubilee, which I alternate between depending on my mood/risk tolerance. I'd suggest this might be a good direction to take if you want both.

[rootbeer7]

Originally Posted by zapokee

I've had success taking my 1675 to the RCS on a NATO and telling them I didn't have the original bracelet. They sold me a new steel Jubilee with no problem.

I now have the original rickety old rivet Oyster and the new Jubilee, which I alternate between depending on my mood/risk tolerance. I'd suggest this might be a good direction to take if you want both.

This, if you want a new replacement

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by rootbeer7

This, if you want a new replacement

...Or if you want both vintage and new, which was the point of my post.

[rootbeer7]

Originally Posted by zapokee

...Or if you want both vintage and new, which was the point of my post.

Oops yes!!

[U5512]

Vintage Rolex oyster bracelets might look and feel flimsy, but they are worth their weight in gold if you have to buy one.