Getting new springbars for the SD 16600?

[Eric88]

I think it is pretty tough to find Rolex springbars unless one has a tight AD relationship, right? Ofrei has a bunch of springbars and I'm pretty sure I need these for a modern 16600 without lug holes. I'm hoping someone can confirm and also let me know if there is anywhere else to source these.

http://www.ofrei.com/page1229.html

FB-7864 - Swiss Made 2.0 mm Thick Double Flange 20 mm Spring Bar

Thanks.

[dddrees]

Sorry I cant help with what kind you need, however I don't see why any AD would refuse to help you with springbars. Have you tried to call one?

[psv]

Dude, just call your AD and double-check if they have them in stock, the'll gladly change them for you.

[subtona]

Originally Posted by psv

Dude, just call your AD and double-check if they have them in stock, the'll gladly change them for you.

x2

they will give them up immediately if they have them, i don't believe i have ever been charged for them, provided you bring in the watch.

my AD swaps them for free as a rule if you purchased your watch from them.

[zeuloa]

Originally Posted by subtona

x2

they will give them up immediately if they have them, i don't believe i have ever been charged for them, provided you bring in the watch.

my AD swaps them for free as a rule if you purchased your watch from them.

I would just make sure they use Rolex spring bars. I had an AD use a different kind once.

[psv]

Exactly, that is why I said call first. Mine actually charged $4 for 1 spring bar for my 16600 last time, which I thought was kind of cheap, but then again, very little money to make sure your watch stays put.

[mdtddd2007]

Ask your AD. I am sure they will help.

[Eric88]

I figured that everyone would recommend the AD route. Here's the conundrum.

There's only one Rolex AD near me as far as I know. The last time I went in there to buy my wife some David Yurman earrings, I was wearing a Sub-C and I did take a quick glance at the Rolex case. The salesperson was a bit uppity with an odd look and unpleasant tone "where did you get that Rolex?" I got the sense they were not real keen on my wearing a nearly brand new watch that they knew was not from their shop (I prefer trusted TRF sellers). Anyways, I got a bad vibe and ended up leaving without making a purchase.

Based on this experience, I'd be a little shy to walk in and ask them for help on a watch I did not purchase there, but maybe on my next business trip, I'll try a different AD.

In the meantime, I wonder if I'll go too far wrong with the Ofrei springbars? Perhaps I'll try a WTB on the FS boards. Thanks.

[Dr.Brian]

Just tell him you got it while you were on vacation to commemorate a great trip. If he says you should have gotten it there, just say "next time". Uncomfortable moment over.
If he still looks obviously annoyed, point it out in a mildly condescending way and move on. They don't deserve your business.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Eric88

I figured that everyone would recommend the AD route. Here's the conundrum.

There's only one Rolex AD near me as far as I know. The last time I went in there to buy my wife some David Yurman earrings, I was wearing a Sub-C and I did take a quick glance at the Rolex case. The salesperson was a bit uppity with an odd look and unpleasant tone "where did you get that Rolex?" I got the sense they were not real keen on my wearing a nearly brand new watch that they knew was not from their shop (I prefer trusted TRF sellers). Anyways, I got a bad vibe and ended up leaving without making a purchase.

Based on this experience, I'd be a little shy to walk in and ask them for help on a watch I did not purchase there, but maybe on my next business trip, I'll try a different AD.

In the meantime, I wonder if I'll go too far wrong with the Ofrei springbars? Perhaps I'll try a WTB on the FS boards. Thanks.

The Ofrei Swiss ones are of equal quality to Rolex own, but make sure you get the correct ones for lug hole or non lug hole case.

[psv]

Originally Posted by Eric88

I figured that everyone would recommend the AD route. Here's the conundrum.

There's only one Rolex AD near me as far as I know. The last time I went in there to buy my wife some David Yurman earrings, I was wearing a Sub-C and I did take a quick glance at the Rolex case. The salesperson was a bit uppity with an odd look and unpleasant tone "where did you get that Rolex?" I got the sense they were not real keen on my wearing a nearly brand new watch that they knew was not from their shop (I prefer trusted TRF sellers). Anyways, I got a bad vibe and ended up leaving without making a purchase.

Based on this experience, I'd be a little shy to walk in and ask them for help on a watch I did not purchase there, but maybe on my next business trip, I'll try a different AD.

In the meantime, I wonder if I'll go too far wrong with the Ofrei springbars? Perhaps I'll try a WTB on the FS boards. Thanks.

They are the ones working retail on Saturday for $15/hr - they have nothing to be uptight about. Nothing wrong with that, it is a good honest job but I hate snobby sales people because it a luxury shop.

Ignore what people may or may not think of you, if you need the service done I'm fairly certain they would help.

[dnagwhogas]

That's why I would call first.....

[tattooedfagin]

ordered mine from my local AD, £8.00 for a sealed pack of 5.....no experience of Ofrei bars but i certainly wouldn't chance any from Fleabay

[subtona]

Originally Posted by zeuloa

I would just make sure they use Rolex spring bars. I had an AD use a different kind once.

i completely agree, given the choice i would want nothing less. AD's may use generic spring bars of not the greatest quality

as far as i can tell, there are no markings on the springbars that indicate rolex parts, which makes it difficult to know?

if Padi recommends Otto Frei... good enough for me.... better to have strong functional spring bars vs an old set that are in need of replacement.
use Otto Frei until proper spring bars can be sourced from a RSC.

as an added measure of comfort, a comparative look at the replacements with some magnification to see if they match up in diameter and length, keeping in mind the old ones have likely deformed a bit.

[harry in montreal]

my AD sold me and installed two bars and drilled out a blocked lug hole. total cost; 15 bux

dont skimp on this, or else you may be priming yourself for the Most Depressing Post of the Year if it fails.

[azguy]

Don't feel that way, a good AD should do almost anything within reason in the hopes of getting your business in the future. You are a great prospect for them.

I bought a watch from a private party a few weeks ago and brought it to the local AD and asked if they would size it. The girl was very nice, sized the washed, steam cleaned it, lightly buffed it and set the time, date and gave it a wind. When I asked her how much she said "zero". She asked me where I got the watch and I told her a friend had fallen on hard times and we made a deal.

She commented on how nice of condition it was in, GMT Master II w/coke, and proceeded to show me a great sub they had just taken in on trade, gave me her card and a cold bottle water and sent me on my way feeling great.

Plus, I read something once that 80% of all art, jewelry and watches were bought while on vacation. You could have just said "Vegas"

[Perdu]

You need the 20mm/2.0mm Double Flange for the no drill holes case Oyster band.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Eric88

I think it is pretty tough to find Rolex springbars unless one has a tight AD relationship, right? Ofrei has a bunch of springbars and I'm pretty sure I need these for a modern 16600 without lug holes. I'm hoping someone can confirm and also let me know if there is anywhere else to source these.

http://www.ofrei.com/page1229.html

FB-7864 - Swiss Made 2.0 mm Thick Double Flange 20 mm Spring Bar

Thanks.

Yes, those are correct for a Sub or an SD without through lug holes..