Rolex Leather Strap Question

[JediRolex]

Hello All,

Just a quick question. If I waltz into an AD will they be able to outfit me with an official Rolex Leather Band for a vintage Datejust via special order? If so, what cost should I expect to pay? Thanks in advance, Derek

[Tools]

Yes, they should be able to hook you up..

Expect to pay many more times what a good band should cost... depending on the material you choose...200 to 500 bucks..

But it will say Rolex on the back............

[GerardoG]

They will order it for you, the selection is impressive and price will vary on material and size. Yes, expect 200-500 easily.

[allanofcalifornia]

That's the one problem with leather straps if you wear your watch often. You might have to buy another strap every 6 to 12 months.


Allan

[GerardoG]

Originally Posted by allanofcalifornia

That's the one problem with leather straps if you wear your watch often. You might have to buy another strap every 6 to 12 months.


Allan

Deployment buckles help a lot.

[allanofcalifornia]

Originally Posted by GerardoG

Deployment buckles help a lot.

So, how much longer does the deployment buckle extend the lifetime of the leather strap?


Allan

[Tools]

Originally Posted by allanofcalifornia

So, how much longer does the deployment buckle extend the lifetime of the leather strap?


Allan

Actually, quite a bit..

Most of the wear on leather is where the buckle is bent and pulled each time it is put on to secure the tang into the hole..'

With the deployant (correct spelling) style, the strap is permanently fixed to the buckle and the buckle is opened and closed the same as it is on a bracelet....

This means that the only real wear is along the sides where it is subject to the wear only associated with contact at the wrist...........

I would say that with a good deployant, a strap should last for years......

.............

[SLS]

Originally Posted by allanofcalifornia

That's the one problem with leather straps if you wear your watch often. You might have to buy another strap every 6 to 12 months.


Allan

That is why I have chosen to go with bracelets....It's not like Panerai where there are nice straps available everywhere! Rolex gouges you then takes a little more!
Scott

[McGary911]

I considered buying one a while back, as kind of an experiment to see if I'd like it. Well, my experiment wasn't worth that the dealer would get for the strap. I got a nice croc strap instead, and put it on my DJ from time to time for a different look. One nice thing about the Rolex strap, is that it fills in the voids by the case nicely. You can get other straps like that, but they're not as common as ones without the contours. Here's a pic.

[slcbbrown]

Unless you just HAVE to have a Rolex strap, buy any good leather strap. My first Rolex was a 1973 GMT root beer. I had my choice of SS Sub w/band or TT GMT with leather for the same money.

The leather lasts a year, maybe, unless you only wear it in an office (no sweating, rain, etc.) setting. $100 will buy one heck of a band, and $200 should get you a really nice alligator. I think you can find a huge selection in the $30-$40 range. No one but you will ever notice whether or not it has the little crown on the buckle.

[slcbbrown]

Unless you just HAVE to have a Rolex strap, buy any good leather strap. My first Rolex was a 1973 GMT root beer. I had my choice of SS Sub w/band or TT GMT with leather for the same money.

The leather lasts a year, maybe, unless you only wear it in an office (no sweating, rain, etc.) setting. $100 will buy one heck of a band, and $200 should get you a really nice alligator. I think you can find a huge selection in the $30-$40 range. No one but you will ever notice whether or not it has the little crown on the buckle.

I agree that a lot of wear happens near the buckle, and a deployant may help. However, the thin leather around the pins can degrade quickly, and you migh not notice till it lets go.

[Skutt50]

I have had several watches with leather bands.

My problem is sweat and humidity. The leather actually starts to smell after a few months.

I have more or less given up leather bands on watches I wear often.