New bracelet vs "old" bracelet

[jay1988]

I am seriously considering picking up a 16570 Polar dial.

I have found a few online and was very happy to see things like an unworn 16570 with stickers on and warranty card dates 2011.

I figure that the window before unworn 16570's are impossible to find can't be far from closing.

I've never really had a chance to try on the old bracelet but I'm fairly put off by some of the stuff that I heard on a recent video from Talking Hands (prodigal guide?). Apparently the old bracelet doesn't feel very solid and "let down" Rolex.

Has anyone gone from owning the newer bracelet to owning an older one ? A friend told me that I may struggle going from new to old because I will notice the difference in quality.

The other option being I just get my DJII smooth bezel and then move on to saving for my first Patek.

What do you guys think ?

[jlc123]

I have 2 Rolexes, one with the old and one with the new. Is there a noticable difference? Absolutely, but it is worth it to get the watch you want. I knew I wanted the 114270, so I got it despite the old bracelet. If the 16570 is what you have your heart set on, then get it and the bracelet won't even matter, just don't settle for something you don't want.

[mltworldwide]

I have a SD and a GMT II on the old style bracelet and I have a c-Sub on the new style. The old style is definitely cheaper feeling but still very comfortable to wear. You only notice it when you put it on. Once it's on it looks very similar and you forget about it.

[andyol1966]

The bracelet quality is very important to me, so I couldn't go back to the old cheaper feeling tin can clasps. True you don't notice it visually when wearing, but personally the new bracelet is far superior and makes a big difference.

[jay1988]

Originally Posted by andyol1966

The bracelet quality is very important to me, so I couldn't go back to the old cheaper feeling tin can clasps. True you don't notice it visually when wearing, but personally the new bracelet is far superior and makes a big difference.

I have a feeling I may have a similar opinion.

I'll know for sure when I try one on but that could be a while.

[andyol1966]

Originally Posted by jay1988

I have a feeling I may have a similar opinion.

I'll know for sure when I try one on but that could be a while.

Certainly the old bracelets are extremely comfortable and work well, but after being use to the upgraded glidelock on your Sub, you might find the lighter/thinner bracelet and clasp a disappointment. However many members on here prefer the old bracelet, so all down to personal preference. You definitely need to try it before deciding

[Tools]

Originally Posted by jay1988

. . .I've never really had a chance to try on the old bracelet but I'm fairly put off by some of the stuff that I heard on a recent video from Talking Hands (prodigal guide?). Apparently the old bracelet doesn't feel very solid and "let down" Rolex.

. . .
What do you guys think ?

I wonder why you would believe a slam against bracelets that have withstood decades of use has somehow "let down" Rolex or anybody else..

It is true that the new bracelets and clasps bring Rolex into the 21st century and will carry on for many more decades, so too is it true that the previous bracelets were of high quality, virtually bulletproof, and outlast other watch manufacturers early efforts by years...

[ROGERWILCO357]

My thoughts exactly..I have no problem going from new to old love the feel of both ..
I would just save the cash for the patek..

Originally Posted by Tools

I wonder why you would believe a slam against bracelets that have withstood decades of use has somehow "let down" Rolex or anybody else..

It is true that the new bracelets and clasps bring Rolex into the 21st century and will carry on for many more decades, so too is it true that the previous bracelets were of high quality, virtually bulletproof, and outlast other watch manufacturers early efforts by years...

[jay1988]

Originally Posted by Tools

I wonder why you would believe a slam against bracelets that have withstood decades of use has somehow "let down" Rolex or anybody else..

It is true that the new bracelets and clasps bring Rolex into the 21st century and will carry on for many more decades, so too is it true that the previous bracelets were of high quality, virtually bulletproof, and outlast other watch manufacturers early efforts by years...

Why I would believe ? I started that sentence with the word "Apparently" which means the words that follow aren't my own ... If I actually knew about the bracelet then I wouldn't have started this thread would I ? The part about them letting down Rolex was from a youtube video from two watch bloggers whose opinions on most other watches I respect.

I also mentioned in the post about how a concern of mine was about going from the newer bracelets to the older one. Regardless of how much you are a fan of the older bracelets, it doesn't mean I will be happy with them after wearing my Subc with glidelock everyday since I got it.

I wasn't attacking the old Rolex bracelets. I was presenting an opinion I received on them and asking people for their opinions. What I believe will only be apparent after trying one on. I've asked a friend to try and find someone who will let me try theirs on but until then I've got this thread.

[cornerstore]

Originally Posted by Tools

I wonder why you would believe a slam against bracelets that have withstood decades of use has somehow "let down" Rolex or anybody else..

It is true that the new bracelets and clasps bring Rolex into the 21st century and will carry on for many more decades, so too is it true that the previous bracelets were of high quality, virtually bulletproof, and outlast other watch manufacturers early efforts by years...

what Tools said ,I have both styles myself

[Passionata]

New bracelet looks better old bracelet works better


Best
George

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[build4boost]

Originally Posted by Passionata

New bracelet looks better old bracelet works

I agree.

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by Passionata

New bracelet looks better old bracelet works better


Best
George

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

This.
dP

[nch209]

Old- tried and true. New- heavier and feel more solid, time will tell how they hold up.

For me, while the old have stood the test of time, I choose the newer style. Opinions vary, which is why you need to try both and suit yourself!!!

Good luck!
Nate

[dddrees]

I have both styles and there a good reasons for either one. Go for the one your most comfortable with.

I wouldn't get one I didn't like as much now however just because it would help me out with a later purchase. If you don't really want it, just wait to get the one you want.

[ChuckFinlay]

I'd say its as fail safe as its ever been, BUT I'm not sure i could go back to an old style bracelet from a new style, just because of the perceived lack of quality in going back.

[gwozhog]

Just picked up a sea dweller That was purchased brand-new in 2006. The case is in great condition but the bracelet however it is pretty stretched. I'm even contemplating buying a new one. I'm sure there are bracelets out there the last 40 years but they are as stretched as wet noodle. The only good news about the old bracelet is that it's pretty inexpensive to replace Considering the cost of buying a brand-new Rolex. I don't know if the previous owner wore it tight or loose but six years is a pretty short time to stretch a bracelet.

[mrbill2mrbill2]

For me it's the old tuna can bracelet. Light (heavy does not mean better), comfortable, time tested, never fails.

Just my opinion.

[ecsub44]

Old style for me...all day, every day.

There isn't a single "feature" on the modern Rolex that I prefer...bracelet, lugs, case shape, ceramic bezel, etc.

Well, I take that back...I like the maxi dial/hands...

[Cru Jones]

You seem concened about the bracelet. Nothing anyone can say on this very well-discussed topic (new vs old bracelet) will compare to trying it on. So, my advice is to go to a used watch store, try one on and judge for yourself.

[jot_]

I own two Rolexes - an Air King with a modern style bracelet and a 14060M with an older style bracelet. They're both good. I like how solidly built the AK's bracelet feels, but the Sub's bracelet is very comfortable and time tested.

All in all, both good!

[wokafu]

love the new bracelet but cant affort it..:'(

[AlbyCrowned]

Huge difference. Once tried the new generation it's very difficult to come back to the old bracelets. I'd say that they seem quite embarrassing compared to this beauty:

[Vincent65]

just try one on and see if you like it

they served the world for 50 years or so...

[padi56]

Originally Posted by jay1988

I am seriously considering picking up a 16570 Polar dial.

I have found a few online and was very happy to see things like an unworn 16570 with stickers on and warranty card dates 2011.

I figure that the window before unworn 16570's are impossible to find can't be far from closing.

I've never really had a chance to try on the old bracelet but I'm fairly put off by some of the stuff that I heard on a recent video from Talking Hands (prodigal guide?). Apparently the old bracelet doesn't feel very solid and "let down" Rolex.

Has anyone gone from owning the newer bracelet to owning an older one ? A friend told me that I may struggle going from new to old because I will notice the difference in quality.

The other option being I just get my DJII smooth bezel and then move on to saving for my first Patek.

What do you guys think ?

While the new clasp could prove to be a improvement over the older clasp.But there have been a few reports of weld failure on the new clasp,myself have not heard of any failure in the older simple less moving parts clasp.This Internet term "hollow link" is a complete and utter misnomer all it means in the real world. Is simply this the links are made from heavy solid gold or S.steel tubing and then formed to shape. 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.

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.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.Some of my watches were used and abused as proper tool watches for years yet they show no sign of so called stretch or wear yes they are scratched but thats all.Even the older type Oyster bracelets have been stress tested and will take 525 lbs pressure before breaking and that's enough to seriously damage your wrist.

[Mystro]

X2.... My thoughts and observations exactly. Seeing welds break on a new bracelet that cant be fixed is disturbing to say the least.

Originally Posted by padi56

While the new clasp could prove to be a improvement over the older clasp.But there have been a few reports of weld failure on the new clasp,myself have not heard of any failure in the older simple less moving parts clasp.This Internet term "hollow link" is a complete and utter misnomer all it means in the real world. Is simply this the links are made from heavy solid gold or S.steel tubing and then formed to shape. 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.

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.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.Some of my watches were used and abused as proper tool watches for years yet they show no sign of so called stretch or wear yes they are scratched but thats all.Even the older type Oyster bracelets have been stress tested and will take 525 lbs pressure before breaking and that's enough to seriously damage your wrist.

The older style bracelet just works. Its easy to fine tune and comfortable. The design is reallly a industry standard.

[superdog]

Thankfully, I haven't seen any evidence of weakness on the new bracelets. If I had, I might feel different.

However, the old bracelet is a turn off for me. I get why people love them, my dad far prefers them. For me, my biggest turn on about a watch is the look and feel. To me, the newer style just "feels", that much more solid.

I tried with the older style as I prefer the cases, but I just could not get on board. I tried a few times.

[subtona]

Had both, Old one for me.

Plenty reliable.

[gpfps]

Had the new back to the old and staying!

[mcorliss]

It's funny but the old bracelet feels very comfortable on me, but I prefer the solidity and adjustability of my new Sub-C. That glide lock clasp should be standard on every single model going forward.