Requesting recommendation for an aftermarket Jubilee style bracelet

[Smaug]

So, the bracelet that came with my used 1980 Datejust is bad. Some monkey got at the screw heads and either cross-threaded the screws or something. I can't get the end ones out, even with proper watchmaking screwdrivers.

I can't size this bracelet to fit me, as a result.

So I'm on the hunt for a Jubilee bracelet. I can use original the end pieces and clasp for a good fit.

Looking around a bit, I see generic ones and Speidel.

I need 20mm width and solid side links.

Has anyone bought one they're happy with who can make me a recommendation? I'd rather avoid the return game if possible.

Thanks!

[JohnBoy]

Nix on the aftermarket junk - you can find really good used genuine jubilees almost everywhere, and they are not always that expensive if you have ends pieces and clasp (say $200). Some aftermarket bracelets sell for just $15 and you almost get your money's worth. Just be careful and buy the seller, not the cheapie deal. If that doesn't work for you now, put on a classy black croc or lizard strap (Hadley Roma/INOX buckle, Hirsch, Fox, w/Rolex buckle, etc.) and save up your money for the bracelet. Do right by your vintage '80 Rolex. Good luck!

[Richard.]

Just go to a watchmaker or jeweller and have the damaged screws removed and replaced.

[azguy]

Originally Posted by Richard.

Just go to a watchmaker or jeweller and have the damaged screws removed and replaced.

x2

[slcbbrown]

Originally Posted by Richard.

Just go to a watchmaker or jeweller and have the damaged screws removed and replaced.

Almost anything can be fixed with Rolex.

If you need an aftermarket stainless bracelet, I've been impressed with a few I bought for non-Rolex watches. I know I bought Hadley Roma for one or two, but other brands seem similar, quality wise.

[esspee1200]

or, get a leather horween strap. they look great!

[Kingair]

There has to be difference
Rolex charges around $ 1200.00 (I believe) and some are talking of a copy for $ 15.00 . . . .
We'll you know better than that . . .
Adding a really cheap bracelet to a nice watch . . .
Otherwise there is the leather bracelet option ;-)

Keep us updated !

HAGWe

[powerfunk]

Originally Posted by esspee1200

or, get a leather horween strap. they look great!

x2, horween leather straps are very comfortable and would look great on a DJ. The steel on aftermarket bracelets is just never going to match the quality of Rolex steel; for me, every time my fingers touched the aftermarket bracelet on my beater Air-King (before I got a genuine bracelet) it was a tactile reminder of what my watch was missing. I sourced a Rolex SS jubilee bracelet for about $200 not long ago for a GMT; IMHO I'd either go for the real deal or a nice comfy leather strap. Good luck whatever you decide!

[Keeperoftime]

Originally Posted by esspee1200

or, get a leather horween strap. they look great!

+1

[Passionata]

Make a WTB for a nice used oem

Better

[harry in montreal]

Measure the distance carefully between the lugs. Should be 20mm. Then go on eBay and look up '62510h' on eBay. These go for 250-350 in Used condition. H

[Stevro]

For what it's worth, I bought a replacement (unbranded) Jubilee from an ebay dealer in China and I thought it was perfect. Yes, perfect! I know many will disagree and have already said you get what you pay for, but stainless steel is stainless steel.

I even bought replacement Oyster links (from the same guy) to lengthen my Explorer bracelet and I can't tell them apart from the real links!

[Warnsboy]

Had these thoughts....get a nice OEM at reasonable price

No regreats.....

[ncstate1201]

plus aftermarket isn't bad, i personally hate the jubilee anyways, get's stretched out too easily. I would buy an aftermarket oyster.

[ncstate1201]

I have never done this on a jubilee, but I did do it on an oyster bracelet that had an issue with one of the screws. Probably a couple of you will cringe when I type what I did...

I took a lighter to the bottom of the link where the threaded end of the screw is and held it in the flame. After doing that for a while I then simply unscrewed. Have an oven mitt or pot holder ready it can get hot, but believe it or not this has worked for me.

[the417source]

I would agree with the users who say don't disrespect your Rolex by putting on an aftermarket bracelet. While they look good upfront, they decrease the value of your watch and tend to stretch quickly. In the end, you will just want to replace it with a genuine, anyway!

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Smaug

So, the bracelet that came with my used 1980 Datejust is bad. Some monkey got at the screw heads and either cross-threaded the screws or something. I can't get the end ones out, even with proper watchmaking screwdrivers.

I can't size this bracelet to fit me, as a result.

Most screws are fitted with loc-tite. The release for loc-tite is heat.. Either a hot soldering iron touched to the thread ends, then a brisk screwdriver applied, or a hair-dryer type of heat source.

As mentioned, a good watchmaker has a fixture that holds the bracelet and screwdriver in fixed alignment...