New guy here... first thread, with questions and pic!

[wren57]

Greetings, all. I'm glad I found this place, looks to be a good resource with lots of good people. That said, I am new here. Eight years ago I inherited a Rolex from my grandfather (silver&gold Oyster Perpetual). I have worn it every day since and taken great care of it, although it is due for a service. Last year I inherited another Rolex, this time from my dad (silver&gold&black Submariner). The band on it is a jubilee and it is in seriously bad shape. Every Rolex place I go to will not replace it with a jubilee because it "didn't come with one." So, here are my questions.

1: Why will they not order another Jubilee bracelet? They want to order one just like the one on the Oyster Perpetual.

2. Is there ANY chance this band can be repaired?

3: Is there a cheaper place I could get an authentic Rolex bracelet than a dealer? I find it absurd paying ~$5k for a band when I've just graduated law school, have loans and no job as of yet.

4: If the answer to #2 is no, where is the best place to get a high quality non-Rolex brand bracelet? I hate going "replica", but it is because of financial constraints. Paying for two servicings and a new band is out of my league right now.

5: Is it pretty easy to swap out a regular bracelet with a nato style band? I have small wrists and since this watch face is huge I'd like to get a smaller/thinner and less gaudy band for being more casual.

Thanks and I look forward to learning. Hopefully I'll learn enough to be able to contribute later down the road!

[ecsub44]

I can't really answer most of your questions. Sorry.

However...it is EXTRAORDINARILY easy to swap out a NATO.

Also...I'd be EXTRAORDINARILY cautious wearing that jubilee bracelet. Those link pins are very worn/bent and I'd be afraid that it could break at any second.

Be careful!

[mjclark32]

Agree. Be very careful wearing that. I don't know about RSC policy, but google or search here for Michael Young and you can have it restored for less.
Welcome to TRF

[Tools]

Welcome to the Forum..

1. They won't order a Jubilee for your Sub because the Sub never came with that option...

2. No, that bracelet is trashed..

3. It's expensive because it's gold. Your schooling has nothing to do with it.

4. "replicas" are counterfeit and illegal. They are usually not made very well because they are made by illegal enterprises with the only intent being to deceive. However, there are some excellent "aftermarket" Italian bracelets that are about half the price of a Rolex bracelet.

5. It's easy to put a strap or bracelet on... doesn't matter what kind it is..

[Solo118]

Buy a nice leather strap for that Sub. Might be better off as that Jubilee is pretty much done

[mmmk604]

I would send both those watches for service.
Get a leather strap for your Sub. That jubilee bracelet looks fragile.

[wren57]

Originally Posted by ecsub44

I can't really answer most of your questions. Sorry.

However...it is EXTRAORDINARILY easy to swap out a NATO.

Also...I'd be EXTRAORDINARILY cautious wearing that jubilee bracelet. Those link pins are very worn/bent and I'd be afraid that it could break at any second.

Be careful!

Yeah, I'm not wearing the Submariner at the moment. It is in a drawer until it is fixed.

Originally Posted by mjclark32

Agree. Be very careful wearing that. I don't know about RSC policy, but google or search here for Michael Young and you can have it restored for less.
Welcome to TRF

Restoring the bracelet or doing the full service?

Originally Posted by Tools

Welcome to the Forum..

1. They won't order a Jubilee for your Sub because the Sub never came with that option...

2. No, that bracelet is trashed..

3. It's expensive because it's gold. Your schooling has nothing to do with it.

4. "replicas" are counterfeit and illegal. They are usually not made very well because they are made by illegal enterprises with the only intent being to deceive. However, there are some excellent "aftermarket" Italian bracelets that are about half the price of a Rolex bracelet.

5. It's easy to put a strap or bracelet on... doesn't matter what kind it is..

Obviously the cost of a band has nothing to do with my schooling . I'm just saying I can't justify the cost at this moment.

Can someone point me towards a good aftermarket band? That's what I meant when I said replica. I don't care if it has a crown on the clasp or not.

Originally Posted by Solo118

Buy a nice leather strap for that Sub. Might be better off as that Jubilee is pretty much done

Good option for sure.

Originally Posted by mmmk604

I would send both those watches for service.
Get a leather strap for your Sub. That jubilee bracelet looks fragile.

They're both going in for service once I decide how to reband the sub.

[Art 1]

Welcome.

[Mickey®]

A nice Crocodile strap would be nice...

[Deep-House]

Don't bother with a Rolex dealer. You can easily get a Rolex Jubilee bracelet from many other places including pre-owned dealers and eBay. You'll pay a lot less too.

[Deep-House]

I could help you find an aftermarket bracelet if that's what you wanted, it would be much cheaper. If I see one I can give you the dealers phone number.

[pol]

Welcome!