New Bracelet for my Zenith Daytona 16520

[rarecooled]

Esteemed horologists,

I purchased my white dial A serial solid end link 16520 in 2008 and have used it as a daily watch for many of those years. Its been great, and only recently have I felt the need to replace it with the new Sub LV.

However the bracelet is now significantly stretched and out of shape, and despite its semi retirement I'm looking to upgrade.

I understand that the bracelet from a 116520 will fit, but I was wondering if anyone here is able to confirm whether a 78590 bracelet from a 116500LN will also be suitable?

Any details or links appreciated.

Many thanks.

Alex

[hutch300]

Have you considered going to RSC for a proper replacement? Probably the most economical option unless you just want it rebuilt.

[rarecooled]

Thanks for the reply. I had it serviced last year at the service centre in LA which I believe is now closed. Would rather not send it out again if i can pick one up online somewhere.

[0nly5iv3Digits]

RSC or rebuild are your answers ^

[inadeje]

I replaced the SEL bracelet on my 99 Daytona Zenith with one I bought on C24. My reasons were as follows. RSC wanted approx $1600 + obligatory service $900. I bought a NoS for $2600 including shipping and sold my old bracelet on ebay for $1500.

There wasn’t an economic reason to do it that way since the difference was minimal. However, my watch had just been serviced less than a year earlier so I didn’t want to pay again or be without it for the habitual period while the service is underway.

The 5 digit bracelets when new are extremely solid and in my view, with the exception of the clasp, no different to the later bracelets I have on my modern Rolex’s.

Don’t overlook purists who will frown on your Frankenwatch plan to add the wrong era bracelet. You might not care but a buyer will discount heavily for such a mismatch.

[rarecooled]

Im in a similar position, had it serviced recently and dont want to send out again. Also prefer the feel of the newer bracelet.

I dont plan on selling the watch, so not concerned by the pruists view. I can always replace with the old strap if necessary.

Still unclear whether the 78590 bracelet will fit though.

[Greg.A]

Send to Michael young

[karleone]

You should be able to order / buy a brand new bracelet (the exact same as on your SEL 16520) from a Rolex AD or RSC. If they ask you to give back your old bracelet - just remove it and say you don’t have the bracelet.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by rarecooled

Im in a similar position, had it serviced recently and dont want to send out again. Also prefer the feel of the newer bracelet.

I dont plan on selling the watch, so not concerned by the pruists view. I can always replace with the old strap if necessary.

Still unclear whether the 78590 bracelet will fit though.

No reason why it wouldn't fit.

Bracelets are expendable and replaced all of the time. There is no reason at all why you wouldn't/couldn't put a newer one on. There is simply no law, or good reason, why so many seem to think a "proper era" bracelet is needed. A replacement is a replacement, no matter what it looks like.

[MRBolton]

Originally Posted by karleone

You should be able to order / buy a brand new bracelet (the exact same as on your SEL 16520) from a Rolex AD or RSC. If they ask you to give back your old bracelet - just remove it and say you don’t have the bracelet.

This is the way to go!

[0nly5iv3Digits]

Originally Posted by karleone

You should be able to order / buy a brand new bracelet (the exact same as on your SEL 16520) from a Rolex AD or RSC. If they ask you to give back your old bracelet - just remove it and say you don’t have the bracelet.

I'm a huge proponent of being "less" than truthful with AD's :D

Rolex and their bloody policies about not returning parts