97200 Bracelet Variation

[Lane123]

To my knowledge there are two versions of the 97200 bracelet used for the 116610 and 114060. The first iteration having a sandblasted finish on the inside of the clasp where the Rolex logo is and the second iteration with this area being polished. From what I’ve gathered online this change took place at some point between 2015-2016. Is this accurate?

For my question - would you consider it a red flag if a 2018 model 116610 has the sand blasted clasp? Or could this simply be due to Rolex running through their previous inventory? Bracelet itself appears to be in great shape and looks consistent with the age of watch. AD has it for sale as pre owned (not CPO) and their Rolex watchmaker stated the bracelet/clasp was correct.

[dukie748]

The sandblasted finish was on earlier watches, don't know if there was a definitive date for the change.

[Lane123]

Originally Posted by dukie748

The sandblasted finish was on earlier watches, don't know if there was a definitive date for the change.

True, but I do know the watch and bracelet are not married from day 1. Wondering if it’s a red flag that this 2018 has a sand blasted bracelet and if most people would be concerned by that. It’s possible the 2018 was manufactured a year prior to the sale and just happened to be paired with an older style bracelet.

[cascadez71]

Does anyone have a simple photo of sandblasted vs polished? When was the 'switch' made?

Also looking at a 116610 in the near future. Many examples out there, just trying to educate myself.

[Lane123]

Originally Posted by cascadez71

Does anyone have a simple photo of sandblasted vs polished? When was the 'switch' made?

Also looking at a 116610 in the near future. Many examples out there, just trying to educate myself.

Hard for me to share photos on mobile but they’re easy to find online and very easy to tell the difference between.

[Ravager135]

I got a 216570 in 2012 and it had the sandblasted finish for sure. I believe my next Rolex was in 2015 and that had a polished finished on the interior of the clasp. I actually think the sandblasted finish looks better, but I suppose since it didn't really match anywhere else on the case or bracelet they did away with it.

[Lane123]

Originally Posted by Ravager135

I got a 216570 in 2012 and it had the sandblasted finish for sure. I believe my next Rolex was in 2015 and that had a polished finished on the interior of the clasp. I actually think the sandblasted finish looks better, but I suppose since it didn't really match anywhere else on the case or bracelet they did away with it.

I agree honestly, the sand blasted finish just adds something the polished version lacks. I like how the logo is stained black and stands out depending on lighting. In my scenario would you view this as a problem and assume the bracelet was swapped or wouldn’t really matter? Not a question of authenticity, more about the watch being period correct/original

[offrdmania]

There wont be any definitive dating because there could have been leftover clasps from earlier watches used on newer watches and since the 3-digit code is random, it is no longer used for dating. I would say roughly between 2014-2016 is when the transition took place.

Now, if you have a 2012 watch with a polished inner clasp blade then it was most definitely swapped out at a later date, either by a reseller or at a service.

[Jonny8]

Again, I much prefer the sandblasted having had both.

To answer your question, I wouldn’t be too bothered as there are always cross overs either side of the date of changes.

My 114060 had sand blasted and think that was a 2016, same with my 214270.

[Lane123]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

There wont be any definitive dating because there could have been leftover clasps from earlier watches used on newer watches and since the 3-digit code is random, it is no longer used for dating. I would say roughly between 2014-2016 is when the transition took place.

Now, if you have a 2012 watch with a polished inner clasp blade then it was most definitely swapped out at a later date, either by a reseller or at a service.

Makes complete sense. With this being a 2018 and a sand blasted clasp it very well could be original, just a leftover clasp was used. Especially considering the card date doesn’t = manufacture date. Watch is pristine otherwise, only off by half a second for 3 days so far.

[thesharkfactor]

Early 116610 (2010-2014/5 approx)
Sandblasted clasp
Double line rehaut

Later 116610 (2014/5 onwards)
Smooth clasp
Single line rehaut
Slight update to crown guards

[cascadez71]

Originally Posted by thesharkfactor

Early 116610 (2010-2014/5 approx)
Sandblasted clasp
Double line rehaut

Later 116610 (2014/5 onwards)
Smooth clasp
Single line rehaut
Slight update to crown guards

What is the double line rehaut? Are you referring the "hollowed out" look of the letters in the early engraved rehauts?

[Lane123]

Originally Posted by cascadez71

What is the double line rehaut? Are you referring the "hollowed out" look of the letters in the early engraved rehauts?

Yeah especially if you look at the O, the first iteration it has an O inside the O, ie double lines.

[Lane123]

Originally Posted by thesharkfactor

Early 116610 (2010-2014/5 approx)
Sandblasted clasp
Double line rehaut

Later 116610 (2014/5 onwards)
Smooth clasp
Single line rehaut
Slight update to crown guards

That was my understanding as well, until seeing this 2018 with modern everything else but an old style sand blasted clasp and the ADs Rolex watchmaker sayings it correct.

[toolr]

How do you know it's a 2018 model?

[Lane123]

Originally Posted by toolr

How do you know it's a 2018 model?

The card says 2018. The dial is also is consistent with a 2018 model (dials varied quite a bit over the years).

[cascadez71]

Originally Posted by Lane123

The card says 2018. The dial is also is consistent with a 2018 model (dials varied quite a bit over the years).

Bolded Submariner text with small angled = sign?

I think that is what came on the later models.

[Lane123]

Originally Posted by cascadez71

Bolded Submariner text with small angled = sign?

I think that is what came on the later models.

Yep exactly

[toolr]

Date on the card isn't really definiitive.

[Lane123]

Originally Posted by toolr

Date on the card isn't really definiitive.

Are you talking about card date vs manufacture date? Because yeah, the card is dated early 2018 so it could definitively have been manufactured in early 17 for example.

[Duey]

The Glide-Lock was Re-engineered some time around 2011 - 2012

Here's 3 photos of the changes that I noticed to the new glidelock.

I first noticed it on my 114060 and then I picked up a second 116610LV random and it was the same way.

The changes are basically the length of the swivel clasp (photo 2 & 3) and the arm that attaches the bracelet to the glidelock is solid now. (photo 1)

If you look at the pictures I pointed the changes out. It's minor, but now the half length is usable in other parts of the bracelet rather than just as a connector piece.

This is a great update in my opinion. Both bracelets are still labeled 97200.

[Lane123]

Originally Posted by Duey

The Glide-Lock was Re-engineered some time around 2011 - 2012

Here's 3 photos of the changes that I noticed to the new glidelock.

I first noticed it on my 114060 and then I picked up a second 116610LV random and it was the same way.

The changes are basically the length of the swivel clasp (photo 2 & 3) and the arm that attaches the bracelet to the glidelock is solid now. (photo 1)

If you look at the pictures I pointed the changes out. It's minor, but now the half length is usable in other parts of the bracelet rather than just as a connector piece

This is a great update in my opinion. Both bracelets are still labeled 97200.

That’s interesting, I didn’t realize there were changes to the clasp apart from the logo (polish vs sandblast). Mine definitely resembles the newer 97200. Appreciate you posting that, love learning stuff like this.