Need ideas...MIL's ladies "president" bracelet beyond repair?

[greg325i]

Hi all,

I need some advice that I can pass on to my mother-in-law. She has a late-80's/early-90's ladies yellow-gold Datejust with a "president" bracelet. She's in need of a service, as you can see. Her main problem (besides a general overhaul/polish) is that her bracelet is really messed up by the endlinks. I thought pins could be replaced, but I guess I don't know what I'm talking about ;)

She has taken it to a few Rolex dealers, but they give her the standard, "it needs replacement." Well, for a solid 18k gold bracelet...from Rolex...that's pretty pricey. She has a few other nice watches, so this has just sat.

On the advice of some members here, I've taken my wife's DJ to Jean-Claude, a local Rolex-certified watchmaker who did a fantastic job bringing her DJ to tip-top shape. On the strength of his work, I suggest that my mother-in-law let me take her watch to see what he could do. Obviously he'll do a full (and excellent) service.

My question is on the bracelet however. He didn't think much could be done either. So that leaves a few open questions I'd like some input on. First, he told me that there are aftermarket options that look exactly like a president bracelet that are designed to replace a Rolex bracelet and look identical...also made of 18k gold. He said that he would look into that option, and let me know. The clasp on hers is still in good shape, so it would just be some links that are replacement. This was his option if the price of a new solid gold Rolex part was too astronomical.

I suppose another option would be to get a leather strap and a Rolex 18k tang buckle.

Finally, is there an option for repair that I've not heard about possibly?

I'd love to hear some suggestions, as it would be great if I could help her with a solution that was not "oh well, new bracelet from Rolex like everyone has said - open thine wallet!" I'd love the mother-in-law cred. I'd earn ;)

Some pics: