17013 replacement band

[Learnedpaw]

Hi all. New to the Rolex world. I recently received my grandfather's 17013 piece. It is beautiful but I would like to replace the gold bracelet with something more functional. I've spoken with a few Rolex dealers who have said that the integrated design on the piece will complicate the replacement process. The consensus seems to be that a custom work is necessary but nobody has been able to point me to a place which would be able to do the work.

I was hoping someone on this board would be willing to share their insights.

Thank you very much!

[chocopeluche]

Ive seen some custom leather bands for this model. Or you could get a replacement bracelet from RSC. I dont think it makes sense to go any other route for example trying to fit a jubilee from a 16013 will look terrible.

[Learnedpaw]

Thank you! I was hoping for a leather band so I am happy to hear it is possible.

[JustinK]

Originally Posted by Learnedpaw

Thank you! I was hoping for a leather band so I am happy to hear it is possible.

It's possible but you will likely have to have it custom made. Not a lot of people wear these on leather.

[Learnedpaw]

Originally Posted by JustinK

It's possible but you will likely have to have it custom made. Not a lot of people wear these on leather.

Thanks! Would I speak to a jeweler for this? A leather worker? Both?

Would truly appreciate suggestions for vendors to contact!

[goldfixer21]

Originally Posted by Learnedpaw

Thanks! Would I speak to a jeweler for this? A leather worker? Both?

Would truly appreciate suggestions for vendors to contact!

A competent jeweler could make what you need. I doubt you would need a custom band made, if the metal adapter is made correctly you could slightly alter a standard leather strap to fit it. I’ve made similar parts for watches before.

[Learnedpaw]

Originally Posted by goldfixer21

A competent jeweler could make what you need. I doubt you would need a custom band made, if the metal adapter is made correctly you could slightly alter a standard leather strap to fit it. I’ve made similar parts for watches before.

Thank you! So I would just ask a jeweler to make an adapter?

[L.K Johnson]

Never been a fan of leather on a 17013…think pics like this one scared me away…

[TimeToGo]

Originally Posted by L.K Johnson

Never been a fan of leather on a 17013…think pics like this one scared me away…

Nice find.

I don't think I would do or recommend that set up..

[L.K Johnson]

Originally Posted by TimeToGo

Nice find.

I don't think I would do or recommend that set up..

An adapter of sorts might solve the “ugliness” factor…

[TimeToGo]

Yes, rather than the leather to the case, I would prefer stainless steel rings to the case supported by a steel bar at the junction of the band.. i.e., similar to a spring bar..

[Dan S]

It's a bracelet watch IMO. What's wrong with the bracelet?

[zapokee]

Don't rush into anything. Have a look around and get used to the Rolex world. You'll get a sense what works and what doesn't. This integrated case isn't made for a leather strap.

How is the steel Oyster bracelet not functional? You can get it tightened up if it's stretched.

Best of luck with it. How about a pic?

[Learnedpaw]

Originally Posted by zapokee

Don't rush into anything. Have a look around and get used to the Rolex world. You'll get a sense what works and what doesn't. This integrated case isn't made for a leather strap.

How is the steel Oyster bracelet not functional? You can get it tightened up if it's stretched.

Best of luck with it. How about a pic?

Here it is! I was thinking a midnight blue leather would look nice with it.

ETA: Couldn't do a higher-res image because of file size constraints.

[Learnedpaw]

Originally Posted by Dan S

It's a bracelet watch IMO. What's wrong with the bracelet?

I just don't like the look of it. I guess I could leave it be and not wear it that often, but since it is sentimental I would prefer to wear it with some frequency.

[Sjmoore11]

The bracelets for this model are very durable. If yours is damaged I’m sure it could be fixed up so you could wear it without worry.

That said, if you want leather I recommend reaching out to a custom strap maker. I’m sure they could make you something that would work. In particular, check out Aaron at Combat Straps; on his site there are lots of custom examples for difficult to fit cases (AP, Oris, etc)

Good luck!

[Learnedpaw]

Originally Posted by Sjmoore11

The bracelets for this model are very durable. If yours is damaged I’m sure it could be fixed up so you could wear it without worry.

That said, if you want leather I recommend reaching out to a custom strap maker. I’m sure they could make you something that would work. In particular, check out Aaron at Combat Straps; on his site there are lots of custom examples for difficult to fit cases (AP, Oris, etc)

Good luck!

Thank you! I just emailed Aaron. I really like his work.

[GTS Dean]

Not a single OQ was ever meant to be on a leather strap. Please, don't.