Italian Bracelets

[ma93z71]

I noticed that several online resellers offer pre-owned where the bracelet has been replaced with an aftermarket Italian bracelet. What is the impact on resale value when the watch is not 100% original Rolex parts?

[TimeToGo]

WELCOME TO THE FORUM!

First, there is no problem with having an aftermarket bracelet AS LONG as it does not have any Rolex markings, otherwise it is a trademark violation.

An aftermarket Stainless Steel may run you $20-50. A Rolex band $300-500. That would be the difference.

As far as gold, it is what the market demands (as far as value).

[padi56]

At one time many genuine Rolex gold bracelets were made in Italy.But if any after market part was fitted to a Rolex watch it would effect the resale value.But like poster above the scrap value of say a gold bracelet,is the same value no matter what the brand.

[Puffy]

Welcome!

[Renoir]

Originally Posted by padi56

At one time many genuine Rolex gold bracelets were made in Italy.But if any after market part was fitted to a Rolex watch it would effect the resale value.But like poster above the scrap value of say a gold bracelet,is the same value no matter what the brand.

+1

One must also be aware of these bracelets fitted/swapped out with authentic clasps.

[Tools]

Most of the watches with the Italian aftermarket bands are the solid gold models.. An Italian band can cost half oar better what a replacement Rolex bracelet would cost.. There is at least one on-line seller with ...rose in their name that uses these cheaper bracelets a lot because they look good and cost less..

It is a shame that Rolex won't provide more reasonably priced gold and TT bracelets because the softer gold has a much shorter life than Stainless Steel..

So, if you have an older gold or TT watch, a new bracelet can cost more than the value of the watch - an Italian replacement can add a few more years to its usefulness....

[Zephyr]

Originally Posted by Tools

Most of the watches with the Italian aftermarket bands are the solid gold models.. An Italian band can cost half oar better what a replacement Rolex bracelet would cost.. There is at least one on-line seller with ...rose in their name that uses these cheaper bracelets a lot because they look good and cost less..

It is a shame that Rolex won't provide more reasonably priced gold and TT bracelets because the softer gold has a much shorter life than Stainless Steel..

So, if you have an older gold or TT watch, a new bracelet can cost more than the value of the watch - an Italian replacement can add a few more years to its usefulness....

Roger that. Rolex bracelet prices are absolutely ridiculous!

What is your opinion about quality differences? I recently bought a solid 14K Italian TT jubilee for my Zepher that looks and wears fantastic. It was so sterile by way of markings that Rolex NY actually remounted it on the watch after a service return.

I don't have an authentic Jubilee band to compare it with, but I can actually buy 13 Italian bands for the price of the one Rolex quoted. The difference, as far as I can tell, is the crown stamped on the clasp.

Ed

[patek5107]

I hate Italian bracelets.... like having a Rolls Royce with a Chevy engine installed....

A great shame and the true collector will scorn upon it.

[Zephyr]

I think ya got it backwards...it's like having a Chevy with a RR engine installed.

To me, the band just holds the watch on my wrist, so I'd like it to look great, be the best quality, and not be a huge rip-off.

[Alcan]

Originally Posted by padi56

At one time many genuine Rolex gold bracelets were made in Italy.

Yep.

[BASSETHOUNDS]

Well , it is a matter of economics against being happy with the idea that only "half" of your Rolex is genuine .

[padi56]

Originally Posted by patek5107

I hate Italian bracelets.... like having a Rolls Royce with a Chevy engine installed....

A great shame and the true collector will scorn upon it.

Well if its a say gold bracelet, and say hallmarked 18kt, and the same weight
as Rolex one.Italian gold bracelets are very well made the only difference would be the price and the name on the clasp.The main value is in the gold and if you was to scrap the gold,you get the same price no matter what name was on clasp.And many Rolex genuine gold cases and bracelets were made in Italy and the UK at one time.