Is the newer 'heavy' jubilee bracelet better than the old ones?

[BonnyLass]

So I'm wondering about these new heavy style jubilee link bracelets, specifically for ladies watches (if that makes a difference). The links appear to be tighter and more compact- therefore are these new bracelets better at resisting the notorious jubilee stretch over time?

Also for the ladies models, is there such a thing as a DJ w/ jubilee bracelet that comes in white gold and steel bracelet? Or are all of them all steel? If the WG and steel bracelets do exist, are they a relatively new introduction? Thanks ya'll!

[2th Dr]

The "new" Jubilee bracelets have solid links, so there is little to no chance of stretching. The pins may "give" a little over time, but the links themselves won't stretch.

[BonnyLass]

Thanks 2th DR! Decisions, decisions. Do you know when the 'new' jubilee was introduced?

[kzm40]

Originally Posted by BonnyLass

Thanks 2th DR! Decisions, decisions. Do you know when the 'new' jubilee was introduced?

The new Jubilee is on the updated models with polished Lugs, and has a concealed clasp.. so very easy to spot... The time it was introduced is dependant on the model.

[zak98]

i put a 63200 jubilee on my GMT II (m series). looks super (IMO) pic below. it is a very substantial bracelet. compared to my 62510h jubilee, well no comparison really. if the new jubilee is going to stretch i am sure the extra weight of the gmt ii would do it. so i guess i will see.

[BonnyLass]

Originally Posted by zak98

i put a 63200 jubilee on my GMT II (m series). looks super (IMO) pic below. it is a very substantial bracelet. compared to my 62510h jubilee, well no comparison really. if the new jubilee is going to stretch i am sure the extra weight of the gmt ii would do it. so i guess i will see.

Excellent pictures and choice of bracelet! I really dig this new movement towards men switching out their original GMT bracelets for the jubilee. Who would've thought it would look even more rugged and masculine after the switch?

[rolexgiants]

Originally Posted by 2th DR

The "new" Jubilee bracelets have solid links, so there is little to no chance of stretching. The pins may "give" a little over time, but the links themselves won't stretch.

the new links can stretch...

[BonnyLass]

Originally Posted by rolexgiants

the new links can stretch...

But will they take longer to stretch or about the same time? I'm looking at some vintage watches and can't decide between the jubilee and oyster bracelets- leaning towards oyster for the older models b/c of the stretch issue.

[2th Dr]

Originally Posted by rolexgiants

the new links can stretch...

I don't see HOW solid metal can stretch, but as I said, the pins holding the links together can distort and wear over time, causing slight "stretching" if you want to call it that. I imagine it would take a long time for this to occur.

[2th Dr]

Originally Posted by BonnyLass

But will they take longer to stretch or about the same time? I'm looking at some vintage watches and can't decide between the jubilee and oyster bracelets- leaning towards oyster for the older models b/c of the stretch issue.

An Oyster bracelet can stretch as well, albeit less, I would think, than the Jubilee, unless it is one of the newer ones with solid center links.

[SUB4Me]

It also makes the watch heavy!

[BonnyLass]

Originally Posted by SUB4Me

It also makes the watch heavy!

I love the feeling of a heavy, substantial watch or piece of jewelry!

[2th Dr]

Me too!

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by rolexgiants

the new links can stretch...

The classic jubilee links did actually stretch. The new jubilee solid link pins can wear creating a loose bracelet.

Originally Posted by 2th DR

I don't see HOW solid metal can stretch, but as I said, the pins holding the links together can distort and wear over time, causing slight "stretching" if you want to call it that. I imagine it would take a long time for this to occur.

Mark is correct. Wearing your bracelet on the snug side and a regular cleaning regiment will keep the pins from wearing down causing any damage.

I've owned both the classic and new style jubilee. Both feel comfortable when worn but the new style is more substantial when held in hand. Btw, the classic jubilee was an option on GMT's for years.
dP

[emagni]

I want to say that the solid links date-just was introduced in mid-to-late 2005 or within 2006. I bought my men date-just in the summer of 2006 and still love it. Between all of my relatives and in-laws, I say we have already purchase about 12 date-justs. Both the older hollow links and solid links variations. The case for the solid link version is also different since it is now smooth and polishes versus the older one which had a brushed finished on the outer edge of the watch case.

For the solid link version, I would say that newer model is more substantial and with the extra weight, feels more expensive. I never heard any complaints nor seen any stretching effect unlike the hollow link version of prior. People I know who own both models commented that this is how it should have been made to begin with. Having own one, I really doubt this version will stretch over time even with daily wear.

In the solid link model, there is no stainless steel and white gold combo available in the bracelet unlike what was offered with the hollow version. The only thing that is offered in white gold is the bezel when it comes to the stainless steel "combo" version.

With women beginning to wear men size watch by prior standard, my wife is currently enjoying my date-just which of course is 36mm. It actually looks incredible on her tiny wrist. Her sisters both own the solid link date-just in the ladies size and although it looks much better than the older version, it's size now looks inadequate even for a lady.

[BonnyLass]

Originally Posted by emagni

I want to say that the solid links date-just was introduced in mid-to-late 2005 or within 2006. I bought my men date-just in the summer of 2006 and still love it. Between all of my relatives and in-laws, I say we have already purchase about 12 date-justs. Both the older hollow links and solid links variations. The case for the solid link version is also different since it is now smooth and polishes versus the older one which had a brushed finished on the outer edge of the watch case.

For the solid link version, I would say that newer model is more substantial and with the extra weight, feels more expensive. I never heard any complaints nor seen any stretching effect unlike the hollow link version of prior. People I know who own both models commented that this is how it should have been made to begin with. Having own one, I really doubt this version will stretch over time even with daily wear.

In the solid link model, there is no stainless steel and white gold combo available in the bracelet unlike what was offered with the hollow version. The only thing that is offered in white gold is the bezel when it comes to the stainless steel "combo" version.

With women beginning to wear men size watch by prior standard, my wife is currently enjoying my date-just which of course is 36mm. It actually looks incredible on her tiny wrist. Her sisters both own the solid link date-just in the ladies size and although it looks much better than the older version, it's size now looks inadequate even for a lady.

Thanks for all that detailed info Emagni. Since I'm interested in buying something used I haven't spent much time at all in an AD to compare the sizes and styles on my wrist. Maybe the midsize would look best on my small wrists? Who knows?

[emagni]

You can always go with the mid-size which is 31mm. But isn't bigger always better? LOL

[AngelaH]

Originally Posted by BonnyLass

Thanks for all that detailed info Emagni. Since I'm interested in buying something used I haven't spent much time at all in an AD to compare the sizes and styles on my wrist. Maybe the midsize would look best on my small wrists? Who knows?

Even thought you're looking for used, I think you should still go to a local AD just to try on different sizes and bands. I thought I knew for sure what I wanted, from one visit to the AD and browsing online. But after a few more trips to the AD, I completely changed direction.

BTW, I have small wrists--maybe 6" circumference, and I love the look of the 36mm DJ on me.

[BonnyLass]

Originally Posted by AngelaH

Even thought you're looking for used, I think you should still go to a local AD just to try on different sizes and bands. I thought I knew for sure what I wanted, from one visit to the AD and browsing online. But after a few more trips to the AD, I completely changed direction.

BTW, I have small wrists--maybe 6" circumference, and I love the look of the 36mm DJ on me.

Thanks for chiming in Angela. I think the men really outnumber us on here! I will definitely head to the AD to try them on. Can't wait. BTW, I just claimed this beauty of a vintage Rolex- it's a WWI era rose gold number with a 27mm case. Not everyone's cup of tea, I know, but I fell in love with it at first sight.

[BonnyLass]

LOL, sorry for hijacking my own thread and going on a tangent. Just so darn excited about this gorgeous, chic thing.

[JohnEaton]

I'm looking for a new solid SS jubilee with SEL's for my GMT II, any idea where to look and what the going price is?


I had a new one ordered from my AD and then they called up and refunded my money as Rolex USA would not give them one for sale without turning in an old one.

[rolexgiants]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

The classic jubilee links did actually stretch. The new jubilee solid link pins can wear creating a loose bracelet.




Mark is correct. Wearing your bracelet on the snug side and a regular cleaning regiment will keep the pins from wearing down causing any damage.

I've owned both the classic and new style jubilee. Both feel comfortable when worn but the new style is more substantial when held in hand. Btw, the classic jubilee was an option on GMT's for years.
dP

the solid links can stretch as well.... it wont be as substantial as the hollow ones.....

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by rolexgiants

the solid links can stretch as well.... it wont be as substantial as the hollow ones.....

That's something I haven't seen but I'm still young enough to have not seen it all, barely.
dP

[rolexgiants]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

That's something I haven't seen but I'm still young enough to have not seen it all, barely.
dP

we really need to wait 10 years for this to happen... the heavy jub. is only out for around 4-5 years.... thousands of the older style jub. bracelet in the wild...

[AngelaH]

Originally Posted by BonnyLass

Thanks for chiming in Angela. I think the men really outnumber us on here! I will definitely head to the AD to try them on. Can't wait. BTW, I just claimed this beauty of a vintage Rolex- it's a WWI era rose gold number with a 27mm case. Not everyone's cup of tea, I know, but I fell in love with it at first sight.

that is beautiful! I love vintage watches. I just don't know enough about them to make an informed purchase.

oh, and to your original question. I tried on some pre-owned rolexes with the older jubilee bracelet, and I like the feel and the look of the newer ones much much better.

Tourneau at Pentagon City has some pre-owned watches. but they have terrible prices.

[BonnyLass]

Yeah I've heard to steer clear of Tourneau like the plague. I found this watch then did tons of research in a couple days. I had to have it and the price was so reasonable. I adore antique furniture and jewelry, so why not have an antique Rolex. So chic I think.

[lm21]

Sorry - at the risk of semi-hijacking... What's the official term for the 'starburst' dial on the gold DJ that emagni posted previously?? Look freakin' awesome - never seen one like that before!

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by JohnEaton

I'm looking for a new solid SS jubilee with SEL's for my GMT II, any idea where to look and what the going price is?


I had a new one ordered from my AD and then they called up and refunded my money as Rolex USA would not give them one for sale without turning in an old one.

John,
Your only option stateside is finding one on the open market. We had a member selling them here on TRF for about $1150.00 new, I think. On rare occasion you'll find them on the various forums but not very often.
If you have a friend in Europe maybe they could procure one from an AD.
Good luck, they're worth the effort.
dP

[emagni]

Originally Posted by lm21

Sorry - at the risk of semi-hijacking... What's the official term for the 'starburst' dial on the gold DJ that emagni posted previously?? Look freakin' awesome - never seen one like that before!

I believe the official name is the "sunbeam" dial but I have seen people used "sunburst" for the gold on gold version (dial) and "sunbeam" on the steel on gold version (dial).

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by BonnyLass

So I'm wondering about these new heavy style jubilee link bracelets, specifically for ladies watches (if that makes a difference). The links appear to be tighter and more compact- therefore are these new bracelets better at resisting the notorious jubilee stretch over time?

Also for the ladies models, is there such a thing as a DJ w/ jubilee bracelet that comes in white gold and steel bracelet? Or are all of them all steel? If the WG and steel bracelets do exist, are they a relatively new introduction? Thanks ya'll!

At more than double the price of the older one, they jolly well better be damn good. In fact, they are much better. The Super Jubilee 63200 has ALL solid links with a superbly concealed clasp not unlike the President bracelet.

It's a great looking bracelet and sits beautifully on the wrist as is evident from those excellent pics above.

As far as I know, the Super Jubilee is definitely available in SS and TT versions. Not sure about the full YG version (used to have one in the past); but definitely not in WG or Platinum.

JJ