SS spring bars in a gold day date

[NB93]

Hi there,

Seeking some advice regarding SS Spring bars in my 18038.

When I purchased the watch it had after market spring bars which quite honestly were super annoying as they were worn down and difficult to take out without the watch copping a scratch. So I decided to replace them with eBay after market spring bars for the time being for ease of removing the bracelet when required for cleaning. I have read in a few older threads that SS on gold presents a major issue with hollowing out the lug holes over time.

But at the time I figured I just need something more practical in there rather than the plated worn down rubbish currently. The watch at some stage will need servicing to replace the glass/dial, is it worth waiting until then to rectify it and get proper spring bars or should I sort this out soon? The watch is worn roughly twice a week at the moment.

Cheers everyone!

[joli160]

I would change those earliest for original ones. Even if that means a service is required. Rolex did not make them for nothing out of gold.
Once your holes are worn the end links never fit nicely again and it will be a difficult fix.

[robinmgb]

Originally Posted by joli160

I would change those earliest for original ones. Even if that means a service is required. Rolex did not make them for nothing out of gold.
Once your holes are worn the end links never fit nicely again and it will be a difficult fix.

I agree with this, as an 18038 owner myself, spring bars must be made of 18ct gold

[robinmgb]

Just had a quick look on eBay and there are a pair of genuine Rolex gold spring bars listed for £139, I’d buy them if I was you