Does an SS Rolex 18mm buckle exist?

[Zamenhof]

For a long time, I've had a Hirsch leather strap on my Datejust 16030 from 1979 (to spare the old Jubilee). The buckle is pretty basic (that is, boring) so now I'm looking for a genuine Rolex buckle to replace it.

But it seems that there are no Rolex 18mm buckles in stainless steel. Is that really true? What about discontinued models? (The watch is 40 years old so a vintage buckle would be great too.)

On eBay, there are lots of 18mm "Rolex" buckles, but the prices and looks scream fake.

Kind regards
Zamenhof

[Adam K.]

They were produced for some time, but don’t know what the current situation is concerning availability. Back in the late 1990s, I was able to order via my local AD a new OEM Rolex 20mm crocodile strap complete with a polished stainless steel 18mm coronet tang buckle. Maybe I just got lucky, but it was a good score I’ve never regretted.

I’ll try to post some pictures someday soon. Currently have that buckle on a Horween shell cordovan strap that I occasionally use for my 79190 Tudor Sub the odd time the watch isn’t on some form of NATO.

[Zamenhof]

Wauw, that buckle must be a true collectable today. I would love to see pictures.

I'm surprised that the demand for an original 18-20mm buckle isn't higher, but I guess most high-end Rolexes on leather straps use deployment clasps (for good reason).

[Adam K.]

As requested, the Rolex 18mm stainless steel buckle on well-worn Horween strap, accompanying the 79190. Better late than never!

[Y2kRolex]

"but the prices and looks scream fake" Zarenhof
I'm looking for the same OEM buckle; so it's safe to assume that they'll all clever fakes?

[DP63]

This should be interesting as a thread .... I'd add that official Rolex straps seem to be few and far between so I'm keen on hearing what the ref numbers "should" be with regards to those as well.

I see watchfinder has a leather strap on the fleabay and they are not associated with fakery but .... belt and braces and all that.