Advice Re: Broken Band on GMT IIC

[thecoinopcollector]

Yesterday the band on my GMT IIC broke. I was very surprised at the same. I did not do anything particular to cause it harm or damage. I took my watch with the broken band to my Rolex dealer today. I am way out of warranty as I purchased the watch in 2007. My Rolex authorized dealer told me that in order to have the band repaired that they would have to send the watch and band together back to Rolex and that Rolex would only repair the band as part of a full Rolex service.
I had to watch serviced two and a half years ago by a Rolex authorized repair man who was referred to me by this group. I have not yet checked with him to see if he can repair the band. I simply want to know if it is true that Rolex only repair of the band is part of the food watch service.
Also, can anyone recommend someone that could repair my band and has a Rolex parts account because it appears that all I really need is a link and one of the clasp pieces. Thanks.