Value of original rolex strap

[unoyew]

Hello, new here. Does having the original strap that came with your Rolex increase the value or lack of the strap decrease it at all? I see alot of people putting aftermarket straps on so I'm just wondering. Thanks

[Dan S]

Are you talking about the metal bracelet?

[unoyew]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Are you talking about the metal bracelet?

Yep.

[Tools]

People prefer to spend their money on authentic Rolex watches and accessories. Having the original strap doesn't necessarily increase it's value, but the condition of that strap can mean the difference between top-dollar and a lower value.

Having an aftermarket strap or bracelet on a watch will decrease it's value to prospective buyers.

[jrs146]

Originally Posted by unoyew

Yep.

If you’re referring to an OEM bracelet having the original will help significantly. An after market bracelet will reduce the value by thousands. They’re not cheap to replace.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[unoyew]

Is there a place to easily source a genuine replacement or do you have to hunt around a bit?

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by unoyew

Is there a place to easily source a genuine replacement or do you have to hunt around a bit?

Many are available on eBay and other places, but it depends on the specific bracelet you are looking for. Some are always available and others are less common. There is good reference information in this thread:
https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=73646

[zapokee]

The metal type is a bracelet, and the leather/fabric/rubber type is a strap.

For me, aftermarket straps are acceptable - you're essentially buying a head-only watch, and you can either get a bracelet for it or wear it on a strap of your choice. Aftermarket bracelets are not acceptable, as they're purporting to be something that they're not.

A second-hand Rolex leather strap with somebody else's sweaty grossness all over it would certainly not increase value. An original stainless steel bracelet would.

[jhew]

agreed-A second-hand Rolex leather strap with somebody else's sweaty grossness all over it. I would change the strap immediately. Leather always absorb sweat dirt etc and difficult to wash, unlike bracelet i can soak it in soapy water.

[watchlovr]

And of course it all depends on which model we are talking about.
An original 9315 with 285 (i think?) ends for a Double Red is worth a lot of $$
An original single model only bracelet for a single red SD? Big bucks.

[Toronto Soup King]

And if you're looking for something like a rose gold Jubilee bracelet with endlinks for a 1012 head, you may never find it!

[springer]

As always, be careful when buying any vintage bracelet. The "bad guys" know what you are looking for and are more than happy to accommodate you with one of their fake vintage bracelets - many of which are fairly deceptive.