Will Rolex Service Require Me to Buy a Bracelet??

[chrishendrixson]

I recently got my first Rolex: a beautiful 1966 Oysterdate.

It's in service right now with Rolex. I bought the watch with an aftermarket leather band. The Rolex AD here in Dayton, OH said that Rolex may require me to purchase an oyster bracelet in order to service the watch.

Is this true?

[16610v]

If so that's a bonus for you.

As usual practice Rolex would need you to have the original (authentic) bracelet and take it back in order to sell you a new bracelet.

[roh123]

I highly doubt that. I am sure oyster dates were sold on leather bands in 1966.

[airchitect]

Two things.... one, always send pieces like that in sans strap so there’s no questions. two, they may not even have a 100% correct bracelet for something of that vintage in stock so.....


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[Woody]

You should be fine. Bracelets often wear out and I have seen plenty of Oysterdates on leather straps that have been happily serviced by the RSC. If you would like the RSC to supply and fit a new bracelet then I am sure they will be happy to oblige. I would have thought that they would offer a 78350 which is the modern equivalent of the 7835 and 7205, either of which could have been on your watch when first sold.

[1William]

They will not require it but you might want to inquire and see what it would cost. If the price is not restrictive then pick one up for more options.

[Toronto Soup King]

RSC didn't require me to buy a bracelet when I sent them a wrecked 1018 to restore. But if it's an Oysterdate, its a 19mm bracelet, and didn't someone mention recently being offered two for their Tudor for €330 each? Should RSC follow suit, for that price I'd buy one for sure.

[brandrea]

Welcome to the forum OP. I hope you get it sorted

[chrishendrixson]

Thanks for the tips! I'll keep you all posted. Happy to be here. :)

[AJMarcus]

Congrats! Now to your question. Even Rolex is running out of vintage parts. They will surely present you with an option of buying a replacement bracelet but highly doubt it will be period specific. They won’t require you to buy it. Please keep us posted.

[chrishendrixson]

Originally Posted by AJMarcus

Congrats! Now to your question. Even Rolex is running out of vintage parts. They will surely present you with an option of buying a replacement bracelet but highly doubt it will be period specific. They won’t require you to buy it. Please keep us posted.

I’m not as concerned with the bracelet being period specific, just that it looks good with the watch and is a quality bracelet. Having said that, is there a huge difference in quality between a $500-$1000 Rolex bracelet and a $100 off-brand bracelet? I have a feeling the answer is yes but I am curious what you all think.

[joli160]

Originally Posted by chrishendrixson

I’m not as concerned with the bracelet being period specific, just that it looks good with the watch and is a quality bracelet. Having said that, is there a huge difference in quality between a $500-$1000 Rolex bracelet and a $100 off-brand bracelet? I have a feeling the answer is yes but I am curious what you all think.

For that you need to do a destructive test between the two. Steel is steel, don’t think they differ a lot. I like only original parts so never an option

[214270Explorer]

You are not "required" to buy a bracelet to get a watch serviced.

If Rolex gives you any mouth about that - simply take the watch to an independently run Rolex-certified repair depot or a good CW21 watchmaker.

[Sublovin]

No. I never send for service with a bracelet at a all

[Tools]

Originally Posted by chrishendrixson

. . . The Rolex AD here in Dayton, OH said that Rolex may require me to purchase an oyster bracelet in order to service the watch.

Is this true?

No, it is not true. They usually take straps off and send them back with the watch, unattached.