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robbret · 4 January 2014, 02:30 AM

Hi all,

Although I have some experience with other brands, Rolex vintage is new to me. My budget simply never allowed me to look at Rolex seriously before.
I've come to a point in my life where I really want to own a vintage sub, preferably early 70' in good condition.

Today I finally had the time and the opportunity to handle a couple vintage ones at a local shop.
I was really surprised (maybe even a bit disappointed) how insubstantial and flimsy the vintage 91350 Oyster bracelets feel compared to the bracelets I'm used to.

Are these bracelets reliable ? I really don't want the watch falling from my wrist.
Has anyone here ever had a 91350 bracelet fail on them ? If so, how ?
Are there any signs of wear (apart from stretch obviously) I need to look for ?

Thanks,
Tom

Vincent65 · 4 January 2014, 02:35 AM

The 'flimsy' ones are 9315 - very tough and durable, and light… As long as it's in good condition - no problem at all.

billiards74 · 4 January 2014, 02:37 AM

You could always buy one of the newer solid-link Oyster bracelets or an aftermarket solid-link to use with the case. I'd suggest you keep the original though. In case you ever go to sell it.

There are some VERY good quality (and quite hefty) aftermarkets. You can even put your original clasp on them.

Cc1966 · 4 January 2014, 02:41 AM

The track records for those "flimsy" type bracelets are decades long ~ reliable to say the least.

MitchSteel · 4 January 2014, 02:54 AM

Here's my take on vintage bracelets, as I own both modern and vintage oysters.
Some guys complain about the stamped clasp, hollow links, rattle.....ok...

Function....the stamped clasps work just fine....for many years,with fewer parts to fail....can be adjusted with a pointy stick

Comfort.....I find, the older bracelets, whether an oyster or Jubilee, are just ultra comfortable.....which is pretty important to me...

Aesthetics.....an older bracelet, that's not beat to hell, looks just as good as a modern one...

Rattle.....well....I've learned how to live with it....it just ads to the allure of vintage.

dysondiver · 4 January 2014, 03:00 AM

the laser welding on the old bracelets seldom gives up , the glidelock never fails , and the quick link ,,, etc , they were simple and light .
heavy isnt always good , its just how people see things these days , must admit i do too to a certain extent , but the bracelets are designed to last and be light , and comfy , but strong . i think the quoted figure is 500 lbs to break one , there are lots f threads , but they are well up to the job , im sure the experts will be along ,
its just that they are different , thats all.

Robbyvm · 4 January 2014, 03:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billiards74

You could always buy one of the newer solid-link Oyster bracelets or an aftermarket solid-link to use with the case. I'd suggest you keep the original though. In case you ever go to sell it.

There are some VERY good quality (and quite hefty) aftermarkets. You can even put your original clasp on them.

Come on... Advising a new vintage Rolex collector to buy an aftermarket bracelet ??

93150 Oysters are very reliable, they were designed to be used on toolwatches !
If not overstreched they will hold your watch for many years...

billiards74 · 4 January 2014, 03:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robbyvm

Come on... Advising a new vintage Rolex collector to buy an aftermarket bracelet ??

93150 Oysters are very reliable, they were designed to be used on toolwatches !
If not overstreched they will hold your watch for many years...

Absolutely! I would do it in a heartbeat. However, if you noticed, I also suggested he buy an original. I wouldn't advise or condone attempting to pass it off as original when selling. But, for a watch that's going to get used. Sure. Put a GOOD aftermarket on it and KEEP the original. No harm, no foul! Really, it all depends on the OP's budget.

Were it mine, and I didn't trust the original bracelet, and I didn't have the funds to replace it with an original, I'd use an aftermarket until I could afford an original.

Saying "never use an aftermarket bracelet / strap" is ridiculous. How many owners of Subs, Sea-Dwellers, GMT's, and Daytonas routinely use aftermarket leather and NATO straps? No one sees a problem with that? I don't.

alex909 · 4 January 2014, 04:05 AM

I had the same hesitation about my 9135 that has a little stretch (came with my Tudor Snowflake). I decided to swap it out with a leather cordovan strap and stored the 9135 in a pouch for originality's sake.

anilzat · 4 January 2014, 05:17 AM

Mine has lasted decades of daily wear. :)

southtexas · 4 January 2014, 05:24 AM

I agree the 9315 feels flimsy, especially to those of us new to vintage rolex. We are accustomed to the heavy feel of the new bracelets.

I took off my 9315 and stuck it in a drawer.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

robbret · 4 January 2014, 05:59 AM

I was offered the possibility to choose a more recent, less stretched and more solid feeling 91350 from another watch, but the bracelet on the watch I really liked, had aged along with the watch and was visually a good match.
I'm afraid a more recent (better looking, less signs of wear) bracelet will take away from the vintage look of the watch.
From what you guys have been saying, I guess I should not worry about the bracelet failing.

Thanks for the advice, guys.

Tom

powerfunk · 4 January 2014, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billiards74

Saying "never use an aftermarket bracelet / strap" is ridiculous.

He didn't mention aftermarket straps, just aftermarket bracelets. I enjoy aftermarket leather/NATO straps from time to time, but I (like many people here) would never ever put an aftermarket bracelet on a Rolex. An aftermarket bracelet will always be inferior to a Rolex bracelet, but a NATO/leather strap can provide a nice option that Rolex doesn't offer.

I agree with the general consensus to keep and enjoy the existing 9315 bracelet, unless its stretch is really significant. And you can always try out a NATO.

Robbyvm · 4 January 2014, 07:52 AM

Nato or leather to me are not aftermarket, they are alternatives to a ss bracelet... An aftermarket bracelet is a copy of the original thing... I personally don't think a Rolex deserves a copy.. If you can afford to buy a nice vintage Rolex, you can afford a bracelet.
If it gets stretched, send it to M Young, get it back as new for max 150$ And you are set for the next 10 years

But this is just my opinion...

MitchSteel · 4 January 2014, 07:56 AM

Exactly!

crowncollection · 4 January 2014, 02:07 PM

Very good string band it has lasted the test of time.

CrownMe · 4 January 2014, 02:18 PM

I will only be using 93150s on my vintage pieces. I save the folded link bracelets in the safe but nothing feels and looks better then a 93150. I actually prefer the hollow end links now. The watch lays better on my wrist.

Beelzy · 6 January 2014, 02:42 AM

The 93150 is extremely reliable.....at ripping the hair off of your wrist! Lol!!

MitchSteel · 6 January 2014, 02:53 AM

Both of mine are ultra comfy, no hair pulling.....and I'm a bit of a monkey man

CrownMe · 6 January 2014, 02:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MitchSteel

Both of mine are ultra comfy, no hair pulling.....and I'm a bit of a monkey man

i have never heard of a 93150 to pull hair....even for a monkey man

sgmgolf · 6 January 2014, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrownMe

I will only be using 93150s on my vintage pieces. I save the folded link bracelets in the safe but nothing feels and looks better then a 93150. I actually prefer the hollow end links now. The watch lays better on my wrist.

X2. I have a 93150 bracelet I use on my Tudor Blue Snowflake sub and Big Block Chrono. It works great and very reliable. I agree with Kevin.....
I actually prefer the hollow end links.

strafer_kid · 6 January 2014, 09:32 AM

93150 works just fine and will give you great wear if looked after and not abused. Classic look to it!

4 January 2014, 02:30 AM	#1
robbret "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: N/A Posts: 48	Vintage 91350 bracelet : reliable ? Hi all, Although I have some experience with other brands, Rolex vintage is new to me. My budget simply never allowed me to look at Rolex seriously before. I've come to a point in my life where I really want to own a vintage sub, preferably early 70' in good condition. Today I finally had the time and the opportunity to handle a couple vintage ones at a local shop. I was really surprised (maybe even a bit disappointed) how insubstantial and flimsy the vintage 91350 Oyster bracelets feel compared to the bracelets I'm used to. Are these bracelets reliable ? I really don't want the watch falling from my wrist. Has anyone here ever had a 91350 bracelet fail on them ? If so, how ? Are there any signs of wear (apart from stretch obviously) I need to look for ? Thanks, Tom

4 January 2014, 02:41 AM	#4
Cc1966 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Real Name: Christopher Location: Georgia, USA Watch: ing the Sea... Posts: 6,713	The track records for those "flimsy" type bracelets are decades long ~ reliable to say the least. __________________ "I wish to have no Connection with any Ship that does not Sail fast for I intend to go in harm's way." Captain John Paul Jones, 16 November 1778 "*Curmudgeons* " Favorites: 1665 SD, Sub Date, DSSD, Exp II, Sub LV, GMTIIc

4 January 2014, 02:54 AM	#5
MitchSteel "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Real Name: MDangerSteel Location: Canada Watch: Vintage Rolex Posts: 2,301	Here's my take on vintage bracelets, as I own both modern and vintage oysters. Some guys complain about the stamped clasp, hollow links, rattle.....ok... Function....the stamped clasps work just fine....for many years,with fewer parts to fail....can be adjusted with a pointy stick Comfort.....I find, the older bracelets, whether an oyster or Jubilee, are just ultra comfortable.....which is pretty important to me... Aesthetics.....an older bracelet, that's not beat to hell, looks just as good as a modern one... Rattle.....well....I've learned how to live with it....it just ads to the allure of vintage. __________________ Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons Probability of survival is inversely proportional to the angle of arrival---Capt. Rage Don't believe anything in aviation, 'till V1---Mitch Danger Steel

4 January 2014, 05:24 AM	#11
southtexas 2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Great State of TX Posts: 5,764	I agree the 9315 feels flimsy, especially to those of us new to vintage rolex. We are accustomed to the heavy feel of the new bracelets. I took off my 9315 and stuck it in a drawer. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ Forty six & 2 are just ahead of me. Follow me on Instagram @ccrolex

4 January 2014, 07:56 AM	#15
MitchSteel "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Real Name: MDangerSteel Location: Canada Watch: Vintage Rolex Posts: 2,301	Exactly! __________________ Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons Probability of survival is inversely proportional to the angle of arrival---Capt. Rage Don't believe anything in aviation, 'till V1---Mitch Danger Steel

4 January 2014, 02:35 AM	#2
Vincent65 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Switzerland Posts: 14,298	The 'flimsy' ones are 9315 - very tough and durable, and light… As long as it's in good condition - no problem at all.

4 January 2014, 02:37 AM	#3
billiards74 Banned Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Louisiana Posts: 58	You could always buy one of the newer solid-link Oyster bracelets or an aftermarket solid-link to use with the case. I'd suggest you keep the original though. In case you ever go to sell it. There are some VERY good quality (and quite hefty) aftermarkets. You can even put your original clasp on them.

4 January 2014, 03:00 AM	#6
dysondiver "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: tom Location: northern ireland Watch: my fins Posts: 10,063	the laser welding on the old bracelets seldom gives up , the glidelock never fails , and the quick link ,,, etc , they were simple and light . heavy isnt always good , its just how people see things these days , must admit i do too to a certain extent , but the bracelets are designed to last and be light , and comfy , but strong . i think the quoted figure is 500 lbs to break one , there are lots f threads , but they are well up to the job , im sure the experts will be along , its just that they are different , thats all.

4 January 2014, 04:05 AM	#9
alex909 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Manhattan Posts: 4	I had the same hesitation about my 9135 that has a little stretch (came with my Tudor Snowflake). I decided to swap it out with a leather cordovan strap and stored the 9135 in a pouch for originality's sake.

4 January 2014, 05:17 AM	#10
anilzat Banned Join Date: Sep 2013 Real Name: John Williams Location: Alaska outback Watch: GMT Posts: 1,051	Mine has lasted decades of daily wear. :)

4 January 2014, 05:59 AM	#12
robbret "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: N/A Posts: 48	I was offered the possibility to choose a more recent, less stretched and more solid feeling 91350 from another watch, but the bracelet on the watch I really liked, had aged along with the watch and was visually a good match. I'm afraid a more recent (better looking, less signs of wear) bracelet will take away from the vintage look of the watch. From what you guys have been saying, I guess I should not worry about the bracelet failing. Thanks for the advice, guys. Tom

4 January 2014, 07:52 AM	#14
Robbyvm "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Belgium Posts: 2,239	Nato or leather to me are not aftermarket, they are alternatives to a ss bracelet... An aftermarket bracelet is a copy of the original thing... I personally don't think a Rolex deserves a copy.. If you can afford to buy a nice vintage Rolex, you can afford a bracelet. If it gets stretched, send it to M Young, get it back as new for max 150$ And you are set for the next 10 years But this is just my opinion...

4 January 2014, 02:07 PM	#16
crowncollection "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Real Name: David Location: australia Posts: 20,216	Very good string band it has lasted the test of time. __________________ watches many

4 January 2014, 02:18 PM	#17
CrownMe "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Real Name: Kevin Location: Maryland Watch: My Open 6 Posts: 3,433	I will only be using 93150s on my vintage pieces. I save the folded link bracelets in the safe but nothing feels and looks better then a 93150. I actually prefer the hollow end links now. The watch lays better on my wrist.

6 January 2014, 02:42 AM	#18
Beelzy "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Real Name: Chris Location: Cen-Cal Watch: 16610 Posts: 869	The 93150 is extremely reliable.....at ripping the hair off of your wrist! Lol!!

6 January 2014, 02:53 AM	#19
MitchSteel "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Real Name: MDangerSteel Location: Canada Watch: Vintage Rolex Posts: 2,301	Both of mine are ultra comfy, no hair pulling.....and I'm a bit of a monkey man __________________ Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons Probability of survival is inversely proportional to the angle of arrival---Capt. Rage Don't believe anything in aviation, 'till V1---Mitch Danger Steel

6 January 2014, 09:32 AM	#22
strafer_kid "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Real Name: Kenny Location: northern ireland Watch: SDs, Subs & GMTs Posts: 5,136	93150 works just fine and will give you great wear if looked after and not abused. Classic look to it!

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