DD 1803 Bracelet Hunt

[adub206]

Hi TRF,

I’m currently on the hunt for a YG President bracelet for my 1803 DD. Just wanted to check here to see where might be the best places to look beyond eBay or Chrono.

Thanks for the help, here’s a pic of my DD on strap.


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[CTech]

A good alternative to on-line searching is to get access to dealers in the jewelry district in Los Angeles. As well as visiting individual stores there you could ask some of the small retail jewelers/watchmakers around the area if they could find you a good bracelet from their network of contacts.

There are several in Pasadena who have wide contacts within the trade and they might be willing to help you. As a first step I would recommend talking to Shant of Shant's Watch and Clock Repair as he has sourced things like this for me in the past and is generally very helpful and knowledgeable.

[TimeLord2]

You could post a want to buy (WTB) ad in the classifieds on this forum. Could also try getting a new one (not period correct…) from Rolex.

[rootbeer7]

Cannot help, but that is a beautiful dial.

[miamiclay]

I believe later 1803s were offered with either the adjustable or hidden clasps.

If you want period correct, I have a vague recall that the hidden clasp was available from 1971 on (but, as always, I could be wrong!)

[offrdmania]

Beautiful watch OP. It looks like at some point someone swapped out the wide boy hands for standard hands. See if you can track down wide boy hands again. It will make that dial pop with the correct hands.

[zapokee]

Rolex will indeed sell you a new one, but you'll need to open your wallet very wide.

Otherwise I'd go only with a highly trusted dealer rather than Ebay or Chrono24. There are a lot of fakes out there.

Personally I'd advise against the hidden clasp (I have one). It looks awesome, but it has zero capacity for micro-adjustment when your wrist size changes with temperature (and pie consumption ), so it's always too tight or too loose. Conversely, the one with the clasp has holes for micro-adjustment, making for a more comfortable experience.

And be sure to get a bracelet that already has the right number of links for your wrist size. Sourcing matching extra links in good condition for a vintage President bracelet is a huge PITA.

Good luck!

[adub206]

Originally Posted by CTech

A good alternative to on-line searching is to get access to dealers in the jewelry district in Los Angeles. As well as visiting individual stores there you could ask some of the small retail jewelers/watchmakers around the area if they could find you a good bracelet from their network of contacts.

There are several in Pasadena who have wide contacts within the trade and they might be willing to help you. As a first step I would recommend talking to Shant of Shant's Watch and Clock Repair as he has sourced things like this for me in the past and is generally very helpful and knowledgeable.

Oh this is great info, I'll definitely reach out.

[adub206]

Originally Posted by rootbeer7

Cannot help, but that is a beautiful dial.

Thank you! I love it, almost considered selling it, but I felt like it would be hard to find another.

[adub206]

Originally Posted by miamiclay

I believe later 1803s were offered with either the adjustable or hidden clasps.

If you want period correct, I have a vague recall that the hidden clasp was available from 1971 on (but, as always, I could be wrong!)

Appreciate it!

[adub206]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

Beautiful watch OP. It looks like at some point someone swapped out the wide boy hands for standard hands. See if you can track down wide boy hands again. It will make that dial pop with the correct hands.

That's definitely another hunt, I'm working on ha.

[adub206]

Originally Posted by zapokee

Rolex will indeed sell you a new one, but you'll need to open your wallet very wide.

Otherwise I'd go only with a highly trusted dealer rather than Ebay or Chrono24. There are a lot of fakes out there.

Personally I'd advise against the hidden clasp (I have one). It looks awesome, but it has zero capacity for micro-adjustment when your wrist size changes with temperature (and pie consumption ), so it's always too tight or too loose. Conversely, the one with the clasp has holes for micro-adjustment, making for a more comfortable experience.

And be sure to get a bracelet that already has the right number of links for your wrist size. Sourcing matching extra links in good condition for a vintage President bracelet is a huge PITA.

Good luck!

I had heard that about the hidden clasp, and I definitely eat my fair share of cookies, overall was feeling like this would look great with the clasp.

[mineral]

Finding the yellow gold President bracelet is not easy but still relatively easier than finding one in white gold or platinum. They still can be found but do prepare to pay significant amount for it. I know the good condition can command few thousands dollar anytime.

Hope you find one soon and keep us posted


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[Bill2]

I feel the places you mention might be the best place to find except you get lucky here on TRF, Just put a wtb and see what will pop up.

[Toronto Soup King]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

Beautiful watch OP. It looks like at some point someone swapped out the wide boy hands for standard hands. See if you can track down wide boy hands again. It will make that dial pop with the correct hands.

+1 on the right hands. I just recently got the right hands on my 1016 (thanks mb75!) and they make a surprising difference.

That watch is going to look like a million bucks with the right bracelet. Good luck.

[carwashchris]

To the OP, I'm in the same spot but I'm looking for the WG version, like others have said all we can do is put the word out to various vendors and collectors/dealers.

I do have a question for the community, if I can get some 1803 end links {#53 } can they be fitted to a later 5 digit Bracelet ? That I think use #55 end links .

Thanks

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by carwashchris

To the OP, I'm in the same spot but I'm looking for the WG version

Crikey, good luck with that. Even finding single WG links is almost impossible, never mind a full bracelet...

I guess a dealer might part one out to maximize profit if you're lucky and make the right offer.

[roh123]

Originally Posted by miamiclay

I believe later 1803s were offered with either the adjustable or hidden clasps.

If you want period correct, I have a vague recall that the hidden clasp was available from 1971 on (but, as always, I could be wrong!)

I have a hidden clasp dated 70. :)

But yes. That’s around the time when they were introduced.

[Slimpee]

You may be better off buying another 1803 with the President, swapping the bracelet, and the selling the head.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Slimpee

You may be better off buying another 1803 with the President, swapping the bracelet, and the selling the head.

That's a very good option.

My WG 1803 came on the bracelet. It had 23 links, and I had to source another two because it was a little tight. They were a nightmare to find. Rolex quoted me 600 USD per link, but I eventually managed to find some decent used ones cheaper.

Just to make carwashchris envious, here she is...

[mineral]

Originally Posted by zapokee

That's a very good option.

My WG 1803 came on the bracelet. It had 23 links, and I had to source another two because it was a little tight. They were a nightmare to find. Rolex quoted me 600 USD per link, but I eventually managed to find some decent used ones cheaper.

Just to make carwashchris envious, here she is...

I’m jealous and the WG 1803 look so good on president bracelet.


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[L.K Johnson]

Hidden vs “normal” clasp:




photos of as

[Zaslice]

There is one on watchrecon. I’ve reached out to seller about the 18038 bracelet in the same ad several times with no response. Just FYI

[Wahlberg]

Originally Posted by Slimpee

You may be better off buying another 1803 with the President, swapping the bracelet, and the selling the head.

I would do this to be honest, much easier in the end. And simply keep both watches.

[roh123]

Originally Posted by Zaslice

There is one on watchrecon. I’ve reached out to seller about the 18038 bracelet in the same ad several times with no response. Just FYI

Endlinks from a 18038 will not fit well on a 1803.

[Zaslice]

Originally Posted by roh123

Endlinks from a 18038 will not fit well on a 1803.

I know. The ad is for two bracelets. One for a 1803 and one for a 18038

[roh123]

Originally Posted by Zaslice

I know. The ad is for two bracelets. One for a 1803 and one for a 18038

Ah ok. Just wanted to save someone from a potential mistake. Misread your comment slightly.

[carwashchris]

Originally Posted by zapokee

That's a very good option.

My WG 1803 came on the bracelet. It had 23 links, and I had to source another two because it was a little tight. They were a nightmare to find. Rolex quoted me 600 USD per link, but I eventually managed to find some decent used ones cheaper.

Just to make carwashchris envious, here she is...

Please do that watch some justice ! Send it to me, where it will be appreciated.
Unlike there where it's overshadowed by some old MILGAUSS ! I'll even pay the shipping fees

Now to my question, will 1803 end links fit on a 18038 band ?

[carwashchris]

Originally Posted by L.K Johnson

Hidden vs “normal” clasp:




photos of as

Great shots

[L.K Johnson]

Originally Posted by carwashchris

Great shots

Thanks! Hope it helps to make the decision easier