97200 Bracelet Variation

[Lane123]

To my knowledge there are two versions of the 97200 bracelet used for the 116610 and 114060. The first iteration having a sandblasted finish on the inside of the clasp where the Rolex logo is and the second iteration with this area being polished. From what I’ve gathered online this change took place at some point between 2015-2016. Is this accurate?

For my question - would you consider it a red flag if a 2018 model 116610 has the sand blasted clasp? Or could this simply be due to Rolex running through their previous inventory? Bracelet itself appears to be in great shape and looks consistent with the age of watch. AD has it for sale as pre owned (not CPO) and their Rolex watchmaker stated the bracelet/clasp was correct.

[dukie748]

The sandblasted finish was on earlier watches, don't know if there was a definitive date for the change.

[Lane123]

Originally Posted by dukie748

The sandblasted finish was on earlier watches, don't know if there was a definitive date for the change.

True, but I do know the watch and bracelet are not married from day 1. Wondering if it’s a red flag that this 2018 has a sand blasted bracelet and if most people would be concerned by that. It’s possible the 2018 was manufactured a year prior to the sale and just happened to be paired with an older style bracelet.

[cascadez71]

Does anyone have a simple photo of sandblasted vs polished? When was the 'switch' made?

Also looking at a 116610 in the near future. Many examples out there, just trying to educate myself.

[Lane123]

Originally Posted by cascadez71

Does anyone have a simple photo of sandblasted vs polished? When was the 'switch' made?

Also looking at a 116610 in the near future. Many examples out there, just trying to educate myself.

Hard for me to share photos on mobile but they’re easy to find online and very easy to tell the difference between.

[Ravager135]

I got a 216570 in 2012 and it had the sandblasted finish for sure. I believe my next Rolex was in 2015 and that had a polished finished on the interior of the clasp. I actually think the sandblasted finish looks better, but I suppose since it didn't really match anywhere else on the case or bracelet they did away with it.

[Lane123]

Originally Posted by Ravager135

I got a 216570 in 2012 and it had the sandblasted finish for sure. I believe my next Rolex was in 2015 and that had a polished finished on the interior of the clasp. I actually think the sandblasted finish looks better, but I suppose since it didn't really match anywhere else on the case or bracelet they did away with it.

I agree honestly, the sand blasted finish just adds something the polished version lacks. I like how the logo is stained black and stands out depending on lighting. In my scenario would you view this as a problem and assume the bracelet was swapped or wouldn’t really matter? Not a question of authenticity, more about the watch being period correct/original

[offrdmania]

There wont be any definitive dating because there could have been leftover clasps from earlier watches used on newer watches and since the 3-digit code is random, it is no longer used for dating. I would say roughly between 2014-2016 is when the transition took place.

Now, if you have a 2012 watch with a polished inner clasp blade then it was most definitely swapped out at a later date, either by a reseller or at a service.

[Jonny8]

Again, I much prefer the sandblasted having had both.

To answer your question, I wouldn’t be too bothered as there are always cross overs either side of the date of changes.

My 114060 had sand blasted and think that was a 2016, same with my 214270.

[Lane123]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

There wont be any definitive dating because there could have been leftover clasps from earlier watches used on newer watches and since the 3-digit code is random, it is no longer used for dating. I would say roughly between 2014-2016 is when the transition took place.

Now, if you have a 2012 watch with a polished inner clasp blade then it was most definitely swapped out at a later date, either by a reseller or at a service.

Makes complete sense. With this being a 2018 and a sand blasted clasp it very well could be original, just a leftover clasp was used. Especially considering the card date doesn’t = manufacture date. Watch is pristine otherwise, only off by half a second for 3 days so far.