Help with Bands

[rolexconfuse]

Maybe someone can offer me some advice.

I wanted to save some wear and tear on my SS band after getting it replaced again at a RSC and costing me some $$$. So i figured why not try my luck on those SS replacement bands. You know the ones sold on Ebay and other places. Just google rolex replacement band (oyster style band, no Rolex logo) and you'll find a ton of them.

So I've done this twice already and both times I've been disappointed. The first time my 316L band was loose even band new. But it was cheap ($25) so i figure well maybe that's why it cost $25. My 2nd band cost me 70 bucks, 316L SS. And while it was differently better than my $25 buck one, it was still loose, much looser than my actual Rolex Band. Color of steel was not exactly the same. Slightly off And while I can't weigh the band, i can tell that they just don't weigh the same. My replacement band is lighter than the real thing.

And the band just looks bad on the watch. it makes the watch look old and like it was refinished or something.

I mean are there any good quality oyster replacement bands that i can put on the watch?

Not something that's already loose even when brand new.

I just want to save myself from spending $$$ on replacing my band again.

[ohsixx]

I am surprised the original would need replacement very frequently. You say it was just replaced "again" implies you have already replaced it at least two times. Seems unusual!

Do you work in the construction business or something?

[Dan Pierce]

We don't really like to promote non Rolex parts here at TRF. It's your watch and you can do what is right for you. The fact you find a difference in quality speak volumes. Even though the traditional stamped Rolex bracelet clasps and the lack of solid center links have been criticized by some they sure work great.
One option could be a NATO [sorry JJ] strap. If it were me, I'd use the OEM bracelet till it needs replacement. Costly, yes. But the quality should last the test of time.
Good luck,
dP

[rolexconfuse]

For some odd reason i keep band my band into the desk, around corners, into doors. But it's just always the band. And after 2 years of constant abuse.. it was pretty much pretty bad. I don't work in the construction business, IT but I'm around servers and equipment enough where sometimes things just happen.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Originally Posted by rolexconfuse

I mean are there any good quality oyster replacement bands that i can put on the watch?

There SURE is!

"Replace" with an ORIGINAL Rolex band and stop fooling around with lousy after market bracelets, please

If you wear your ORIGINAL Rolex bracelet "snug" (so that you can put your little finger under the clasp).

If you wash it on a weekly basis, using lukewarm water and MILD soap (and a toothpiece - SOFT ONE!! - between the link

Then you can make a Rolex bracelet last for a LIFE TIME!

So be clever and don't spend $$$ on crappy bracelets but buy the REAL THING!

[OysterDavid]

Here's a suggestion for you...at your next service, take off your banged up Rolex band and send in just the watch head for service, also requesting a replacement (non trade) band. It will cost about double what a trade would be, but then you'll have a banged up bracelet to wear everyday and a like new bracelet for weekends.

You obviously have mastered the art of swapping bracelets, so there you are. Another suggestion is to get set up to remove the scratches from the bracelet, assuming that's all the damage you do. Some here have posted getting results with a green scotch brite pad or you can get fancy and get an 'official' brushed finish sanding block from one of the watchmaker supply houses.

Forget my advice if you're talking about dings and gouges in your bracelet. Under those circumstances you'll need more help than I can offer.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Also, you might consider:

www.classicwatchparts.com

Proprietor: Mr. Michael Young.

They would fix pretty much EVERY original Rolex band, if it needs fixin'!

[Destroy]

why don't you buy a kevlar band - stick the original band away?

[ohsixx]

How about a nice leather strap?

[Gaijin]

Help with Bands? I always like the Beatles. Too bad its impossible for them to do a another nostalgic tour now.

[Erix]

Nato nato nato...takes away the prob and is really comfy too..

[nko51]

A genuine Rolex! must stay a genuine Rolex.

[frostie]

I do agree that a genuine rolex shoud stay a genuine rolex but i do like the nato starps and they are really comfortable also

[bwalkerVintage]

I'm not sure if you'll ever be happy with or find a replacement band that matches the color correctly. Rolex steel is fairly unique which is part of what makes the color so appealing to the eyes.

[frostie]

I thinks you should try a nato band. Most of the rolexes look fine with a nato band or try a leather strap