Why are replacement bracelets so expensive?

[HeartRolex007]

So I’m looking to replace my 126300 jubilee bracelet with an oyster and everything I’m seeing is like 3 grand. I’d understand if the bracelet was gold or something but 3 grand for a stainless steel band is insanity. Anyone know of a reliable aftermarket source? There are copies out there and I don’t want to get scammed.

[Old Geezer]

Where are you looking for the replacement ?
Have you gone to your AD to see if the bracelet can be sourced directly from Rolex ? They don't make it easy. The configuration of watch / bracelet had to be an available option for them to even consider selling you a bracelet and sometimes they still won't do it.
If it was an option and they source it for you, the price may be closer to USD2k than 3k for an SS bracelet.
Good luck finding what you want.

[HeartRolex007]

Originally Posted by Old Geezer

Where are you looking for the replacement ?
Have you gone to your AD to see if the bracelet can be sourced directly from Rolex ? They don't make it easy. The configuration of watch / bracelet had to be an available option for them to even consider selling you a bracelet and sometimes they still won't do it.
If it was an option and they source it for you, the price may be closer to USD2k than 3k for an SS bracelet.
Good luck finding what you want.

Thanks, I tried that and they said they had no way of ordering or requesting it and that I’d have to reach out to Rolex directly.

[thatswhatshesaid]

Originally Posted by HeartRolex007

So I’m looking to replace my 126300 jubilee bracelet with an oyster and everything I’m seeing is like 3 grand. I’d understand if the bracelet was gold or something but 3 grand for a stainless steel band is insanity. Anyone know of a reliable aftermarket source? There are copies out there and I don’t want to get scammed.

And if I remember correctly, if you send to RSC and request a new bracelet, they keep the old one.

[SkyDFan]

Originally Posted by thatswhatshesaid

And if I remember correctly, if you send to RSC and request a new bracelet, they keep the old one.

I just replaced an Oyster on a GMT and a Datejust with Jubilee and I got to keep both Oysters I switched out. I got the Jubilee's from my AD.

[mf44]

A brand new oyster bracelet with glidelock is ~$2200 straight from Rolex. I would imagine an oyster without glidelock would be slightly less. Talk to your AD about ordering one for you.

[Coronette]

Originally Posted by thatswhatshesaid

And if I remember correctly, if you send to RSC and request a new bracelet, they keep the old one.

Send it to them without the band then. Just send the watch head.

[ChronoZach]

3K seems a little steep for a SS bracelet. The AD would be your best bet for a new bracelet and it should be $1,600-1,800 maybe more because the recent price increases and you will lose your old bracelet. If you have a watchmaker near you with a Rolex parts account, they should be able to order you one. How much depends on the watchmaker.

I agree that the bracelet pricing is insane but even a Tudor bracelet is $1K?

Cheers,

[HeartRolex007]

Thanks Everyone!

[ZOOK]

Originally Posted by HeartRolex007

So I’m looking to replace my 126300 jubilee bracelet with an oyster and everything I’m seeing is like 3 grand. I’d understand if the bracelet was gold or something but 3 grand for a stainless steel band is insanity. Anyone know of a reliable aftermarket source? There are copies out there and I don’t want to get scammed.

Call or visit an AD that has a watchmaker in the building. They should be able to help you.

[CarlOver]

Just another reason to buy a watch on Ouster that has same lid width.

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by Zach69SS

I agree that the bracelet pricing is insane but even a Tudor bracelet is $1K?

Cheers,

Yep, they ain't cheap, even for Tudor. In Tudor's defense the 5 link is every bit as luxurious as the Rolex super jubilee and has the amazingly engineered T-Fit clasp.
dP

[hojlund]

because rolex bracelet is the best in terms of appearance, comfort and durability.

[Gazoak]

Originally Posted by Coronette

Send it to them without the band then. Just send the watch head.

According to my AD, Rolex won't even service a watch now if it isn't accompanied by the bracelet on which it was first sold.

[brandrea]

Welcome to the forum and good luck in sourcing one

[MrAtomic]

Originally Posted by Gazoak

According to my AD, Rolex won't even service a watch now if it isn't accompanied by the bracelet on which it was first sold.

For what it's worth, I had my 16700 GMT serviced in September 2024. The original oyster bracelet has hollow endlinks and no fliplock on the clasp. When I handed over the watch, it was mounted on a later oyster bracelet with solid endlinks and a fliplock. Rolex serviced the watch without comment and my dealer also sold me a hollow endlink Jubilee bracelet that cost somewhere around $1800 (don't have the receipt nearby).

My GMT was originally sold with a black bezel. At the time of service I had a worn red/black bezel mounted, which Rolex replaced at my request with a new red/black bezel.

I tried to buy a clasp and mounting hardware for my 16610LV Sub at the same time, and was told "no" without much explanation. I bet if I'd asked to buy a solid endlink oyster with fliplock for my GMT they would have said "no," too.

Like the OP, I find it all ridiculous and pretty much the opposite of a "luxury experience."