Leather Band on Vintage 1625?

[23109VC]

I have a 18k gold 1625 Thunderbird that my late grandfather left to me. It is all 18k gold case and jubilee bracelet. The original band is quite stretched, and I have thought about sending it off to be repaired - I have contacted the fellow overseas…. It will cost me about $2000 to get it fixed.

Another thought I had was until I get around to dropping $2k to fix the bracelet, is to get a nice leather band to put on it. The all gold bracelet is quite “loud”… and putting a leather band might give the watch a more casual look…. It woudl still look nice but less blingy.

I found a place online that sells curved bands called Everestbands.com… they appear to have a band that may fit my vintage rolex… i have seen many other options out there.

I’m curious what the general consensus is about putting a leather band onto a vintage watch like mine. Do you think it would look good? Tacky? If I did go leather band - at least until I fix the jubilee - is there a specific source I shoudl focus on that is better quality / better fit / etc?

Any one with photos of what it might look like? I think on a solid gold case like mine, black might look too much contract, something like a dark brown or merlot might look nice.

I’m open to suggestions. Thanks i advance.

[996marty]

Personally I think it would look great check out Camille fournet they do some brilliant work with an amazing colour selection

[rootbeer7]

I had a tt 1625 which arrived on brown leather strap. I’d definitely look at brown. I’m also a big fan of suede. How about brown suede on gold Rolex buckle? Or, nato?

[londondude]

I really like the idea of a leather strap on a vintage watch. It will make the watch a lot classier and less loud. Do it and post pictures!

[TuRo]

There is a company in the UK that I got to my 16758 very stretched bracelet done by.... they charged under £400 a few years back and are near Leigh on Sea - they were well under half the price of others and did a great job. Overseas jobs done a lot.

TWD Services PO Box 2166 Leigh on Sea Essex SS9 0AQ

Telephone : 0044 1702 416316

[pk552502]

Does that model need a curved watch strap? If not, I would go with a straight strap. I have a leather strap on a 16030 datejust and it isn't curved.

I'm impressed with the price/quality ratio of some straps from Holbens fine watchbands. For instance, I got this strap and for $70, I think it's a great deal:

Fluco Chicago Horween Shell Cordovan Brown Flat Leather Watch Strap.

[23109VC]

I had an issue loading an actual photo of my watch, but googled and found THIS watch for sale. This is IDENTICAL to mine.. 100%. even the same year. the case, the band, etc..all is a mirror image of what I have..so if you can access the chrono24 link… you will see what I have.. goal is to fix the jubilee but also have a nice brown / tan leaher band to swap out and wear to make it more casual. and enjoy wearing it until I find the time and funds to have the jubile bracelet properly restored.

i'm curious if the watch repair people can actually fix the bracelet back to original condition or at least get it so close that it will "feel" like it's new.



http://https://www.chrono24.com/rolex/datejust-turn-o-graph--id23624565.htm

Here are some images of the watch as it appear now with the original 18k jubilee band. I don’t wear the watch very often, I sometimes wonder if the band could break and I could lose it? I do plan to have the band services to get it back to original condition or at least as close as can be done. The original band is sentimental as it is the band my grandfather wore daily..so I’d rather repair this one vs getting a “new” one…

The image doesn’t appear to show up by trying to insert it here…not sure if the link i inserted will work for you guys.


https://photos.shutterfly.com/full/93103248544



I also found this company that makes leather bands for Rolex watches. I”m not 100% sure their bands will fit my watch, I have emailed them an inquiry and am waiting to hear back. They hae curved straps that appear to perfectly fit the cutout between the lugs..if this would fit i think it would look fantastic.

https://www.everestbands.com/product...nt=25070402568

[Styles Bitchley]

I think you’re overthinking this. Just buy a nice leather or suede strap. Those curved end straps look strange in most cases. You can get the bracelet repaired in time when you’re ready. It’s nice to have the strap option regardless. Lots of photos of gold on gold Rolexes on various straps if you do an image search.