RSC bracelet replacement

[Dalton121]

If an older hollow center link Rolex with the old style clasp comes in for a bracelet replacement will Rolex replace it with the same bracelet or will they put a newer solid center link bracelet with the new clasp?

[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by Dalton121

If an older hollow center link Rolex with the old style clasp comes in for a bracelet replacement will Rolex replace it with the same bracelet or will they put a newer solid center link bracelet with the new clasp?

It will be replaced with the same exact style bracelet. They will not "upgrade" to a modern style.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Dalton121

If an older hollow center link Rolex with the old style clasp comes in for a bracelet replacement will Rolex replace it with the same bracelet or will they put a newer solid center link bracelet with the new clasp?

They will replace it to whatever reference bracelet watch had original to that reference watch.But today this Internet term "hollow link" is a complete and utter misnomer all it means in the real world, is simply this. All the links are made from heavy solid gold or solid S.steel tubing and then formed into shape in a press. This leaves a void in the center, just like any other piece of tube,however, the tubes are still made from solid 18Ct gold or solid SS.

While the newer so called solid link bracelet might feel more substantial the newer type or so called solid links are still machined but they are machined with holes drilled right through the metal. So in the real world they are as well technically hollow but not to the same extent as the older type.And in every day wearing would doubt if any real difference in strength or longevity of life as long as you keep them clean. Thats the simple answer in the life of any Rolex oyster bracelet keep it clean and they will last 20-30 years plus.

[jlovda]

Are the early "hollow" links made of flat metal folded over or extrusions with no seam?

[joli160]

Seamless

[Dalton121]

Surely at some point Rolex will stop making the old style claps and bracelets? Or will they concurrently produce both just for replacement parts?

[Chadridv]

Originally Posted by Dalton121

If an older hollow center link Rolex with the old style clasp comes in for a bracelet replacement will Rolex replace it with the same bracelet or will they put a newer solid center link bracelet with the new clasp?

Generally they will only replace with the exact same reference or what was originally offered with that watch reference.

RSC once told me they could replace my dads 1655 with the same bracelet. I entertained the idea, and when I got there they had a modernized version of the original bracelet. Needless to say, it wasn't exactly consistent with the reference so I passed. I only mention it because it does depend on how old your bracelet is. If it's a real vintage bracelet they may not have the parts.

[Dalton121]

So basically they will replace it with whatever is most similar to what it originally had but that might be a more modern version? I wonder how long they will continure to offer support for the older pieces

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by Bigblu10

It will be replaced with the same exact style bracelet. They will not "upgrade" to a modern style.

Perhaps not.

Ther have been examples of different/updated bracelets supplied before.
Essentially they are the same as the original visually from the outside but a more modern update version with slight changes to the internal folding parts.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by Dalton121

So basically they will replace it with whatever is most similar to what it originally had but that might be a more modern version? I wonder how long they will continure to offer support for the older pieces

Essentially this is the case.
How long support is provided is up to Rolex.
But it's essentially for a very, very long time.

[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by Dirt

Perhaps not.

Ther have been examples of different/updated bracelets supplied before.
Essentially they are the same as the original visually from the outside but a more modern update version with slight changes to the internal folding parts.

In the example of a 5 digit reference Sub bracelet, RSC will replace as the same. They will not install a solid link 6 digit with glide lock clasp. I believe this is the example the OP is inquiring about.

[SS Oyster]

There are no, for example, riveted bracelets being replaced by riveted bracelets. They will be replaced with something available that is as close to the bracelet original to the watch.


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[Tools]

Originally Posted by Dalton121

So basically they will replace it with whatever is most similar to what it originally had but that might be a more modern version? I wonder how long they will continure to offer support for the older pieces

Yes. They no longer replace flat/folded link bracelets but offer a later version of the same style.

How long?, hard to say. Many of the Rolex models still in service cannot fit a modern SEL bracelet (pre-90's and the 14060M up to 2015), and so I would say that the older style stamped end-link and formed links will be around for quite a while.

[Likestheshiny]

It'll be replaced with whatever Rolex has decided is the designated replacement part. Often that will be the exact same part, sometimes it won't be.

[77T]

Already saw the question answered by Larry correctly.
I would only add this: You can almost predict any part’s production end-of-life if you knew its sales volume.

Rolex is likely to continue making original design bracelets as long as it is economically feasible. The bracelet sales volume through RSC’s will stay strong for some models like 5 digits that were made in the tens of millions. Four digit models were made in less volume and that installed base may not support continued original design bracelet production. But Rolex will have a perfectly useful replacement design that may fit 5 digit models.

For example, 93150’s will be made for many decades. And it may become the replacement bracelet for older models in the future. I know this type of change would diminish future value of a vintage model - but most Non-WIS owners just want a useful, attractive and authentic bracelet replacement.


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