Bands Questions

[statsman]

If this has been covered on another thread, I apologize. I'm a newbie trying to refresh a neglected 1016. It has a broken cheapie aftermarket band. I'd like a 7836, but don't understand options and resources.

My preferences, in order (not taking cost into account) would be:

1. A genuine Rolex band from an original watch, in great shape
2. A genuine Rolex replacement band
3./4.: (I vacillate) a leather band (did Rolex ever produce leather bands?) or a high quality compatible non-Rolex aftermarket band with no Rolex markings

What are sources and costs for these options (I fear buying something purported as genuine on eBay)? What is the deal about yuki or cartel bands? They have the Rolex insignia- are they licensed?

I am a tightwad (I drive a ten years old Honda CR-V with 200k miles because I suspect t is immortal), but my wife is saying she wants me to do this right. If there was ever a time, ever a green light, it's now for me. Please help.

[Tools]

I would get a brand new bracelet directly from Rolex if I wanted to wear it all the time.. Cheaper and new, can't beat that.

[andromeda160]

You want a 7836 with 20mm endlinks, depends on how accurate you want to get. I managed to source the correct bracelet for my1963 1500, with correct date code and all. There's bracelet restorers out there, So personally id find one thats the same year as the watch and get it restored, if not a solid link 78360 will do, but I wouldn't buy direct from rolex, i'd find one lightly used and save a ton of money, since I'm a tightwad as well.

[joe100]

A 7836 is going to be fairly cheap anyway. Option 1

[statsman]

Thanks! Do you know what prices these choices would be?

[joe100]

Few hundred for a good one

[Paul]

Firstly, does anyone know what Rolex SA asks for a new 7836 ? Probably expensive but also probably viable.

Just like all things Rolex, the price for used 7836 bracelets has steadily risen in recent years.
The last couple on VRM were $ 750 and $ 650 respectively. Add $ 125 + shipping if a Michael Young service is needed.
Going used would however allow you to stay period correct, right down to the date-stamped clasp if you find one.

Many of the used bracelets that come up for sale are real dogs though, loose and baggy ..... exactly why they came off a watch.
If you go for a used bracelet and a rebuild, be aware that Michael does such a good job that your bracelet would lose some length.
So unless you have some adjustment available, add in another $ 100 for an extra link.

Always pros and cons. If you're a stickler for originality, source a used bracelet and budget for a rebuild if needed.
If you like a simple life, just buy a new one

O/T: I had the pleasure of meeting Michael Young in Hong Kong recently. A really nice fella and passionate about his craft

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Tools

I would get a brand new bracelet directly from Rolex if I wanted to wear it all the time.. Cheaper and new, can't beat that.

This

[RC2]

Rolex does not make the 7836 anymore. 78360 is the upgraded version

[statsman]

Thanks, all. I think my desire now is to get a genuine Rolex replacement band. It may not be period-authentic, but I intend to wear this watch and I expect a new band will be more durable.

I read elsewhere on this forum that, as I suspected, yuki bands are fakes. I just have no interest in that. If I had to choose between aftermarket bands- one not marked as anything (generic) and another that is marked as if it were official Rolex- I would choose the plain one (that at least is clear about what it is and is 't). Because, who am I trying to fool?

So, let's see what a genuine band costs, and if it's too high, I'll go with an unlabeled compatible band of some sort.