Rolex Oysterquartz on a Leather Strap

[Metlin]

Hi folks, new member here.

I just purchased a refurbished (what looks to be a 1980s) Rolex Oysterquartz as a gift for a family member. The watch just received full service from Rolex with new crystal, dial, hands, crown/tube, full movement service, case and bracelet refinished and came with a 2-year service warranty. Cost me a little over $2500 (which, not knowing enough about Rolexes, seems about decent for a watch in good condition).



While the watch and the strap seem to be in great condition, the person I'm gifting it to prefers leather straps over metal straps. I was wondering if anyone has seen the Rolex Oysterquartz on a leather strap? Is it even possible to put a leather strap on the watch?

And if so, any pictures (and pointers) would be great! Thank you, folks.

[TSW]

Beautiful OQ

[Metlin]

Originally Posted by TSW

Beautiful OQ

Thank you. I thought so!

[Dweller of the Sea]

No straps available.

I have however seen one OQ been customized. A son had uínherited his fathers OQ, and had the bracelet removed, and then filed, so a regular 20mm strap would fit. It looked like normal lugs, nicely made.

[Metlin]

Originally Posted by Dweller of the Sea

No straps available.

I have however seen one OQ been customized. A son had uínherited his fathers OQ, and had the bracelet removed, and then filed, so a regular 20mm strap would fit. It looked like normal lugs, nicely made.

That's very interesting. Any pictures? :-)

But I'd imagine that the "originality" of the watch would be lost if you filed down the lugs, correct? And unfortunately, I'm not sure I know anyone who'd be capable of performing something like that. Oh well, I guess this person will just have to be happy with a metal bracelet! It could be worse -- he couldn't be getting a Rolex as a gift!

[Grumpy Badger]

I'm by no means an expert but I wonder if a precision engineer could mill you a pair of small steel brackets which would fit between the original lugs of the watch and could then have it's own lugs for a strap...
I've got a leather strap for my tag link with that kind of arrangement. I'll take a pic in half an hour or so to help you visualise what I'm on about!
Just seems a better option since it would leave the case untouched and let you put the bracelet back on if desired. Plus Rolex would still service it.

[Metlin]

Originally Posted by Grumpy Badger

I'm by no means an expert but I wonder if a precision engineer could mill you a pair of small steel brackets which would fit between the original lugs of the watch and could then have it's own lugs for a strap...
I've got a leather strap for my tag link with that kind of arrangement. I'll take a pic in half an hour or so to help you visualise what I'm on about!
Just seems a better option since it would leave the case untouched and let you put the bracelet back on if desired. Plus Rolex would still service it.

That's an excellent idea. I'll perhaps see if that could be done, and that way, you could have the best of both worlds. Thank you.

[Grumpy Badger]

Ok, here's my TAG. Different lug arrangement, but you get the idea.


Here it is with the leather strap.


And a close up of the strap.


Hope you can get the idea of what I'm on about. I'm sure a decent engineer could whip up something for you