18238 aftermarket link identification

[domthedon]

I’m hoping someone on the forum can assist me in identifying some aftermarket links amongst some genuine links for a 18238.

Long story short, back in 2015 I discovered two of the links on my watch were aftermarket when they were sent back by Rolex during service. They sent the watch back to me with the two removed so I knew at the time which were the aftermarket links.

I had to refit one of the links when I got it back so I could wear it until I could source a genuine one. Time passed and I just never bothered. Until today.

I have two genuine links now. There was a chap here (Crowncollection?) that told me in so many words that you could tell the aftermarket links apart from the genuine ones when looking at the hole that the screw goes into. The problem I have is, the new links I have just sourced have totally different holes to the links I know are genuine on my bracelet so I can’t use them as reference. (Probably from a more modern 18238) I can’t work out which one link on my bracelet currently is the aftermarket because they all look the same to me!

I have narrowed it down to 3 links. Two must be aftermarket and 1 is genuine.

I have posted some photos, if anyone can help me out you will save me sprouting some grey hairs.

I hope this postmakes sense!!

https://ibb.co/WKL76Gv

https://ibb.co/s32YXRh

https://ibb.co/6cML7Dd

https://ibb.co/WDJ2d5f

[offrdmania]

The biggest difference it the fit. The genuine fit into another link near perfectly. The aftermarket links sometimes feel like they are a tight fit or need a bit of massaging to make fit and then never look just right next to a genuine removable link. Also, look at the threads of the screw, compare the aftermarket with the genuine and you should see a difference in the finish work. Also, genuine screws will not fit in aftermarket threads and vice versa.
And, the wackiest of them all are the Italian aftermarket links, The screw enters the link on the opposite side of the genuine.

[spacebjorn]

Isn't the 18238 center links hollow by the way? Why do these look like they are solid.

[EagleBear]

If I were you I would have just had RSC install two brand new links when they found the fake ones.
Hind sight being 20/20 why not just take the watch back to RSC and have it done right? They will let you know if the two that you got from the member here are useable or not and if they are maybe you not only need the links you may need the screws as well.

[domthedon]

They are indeed hollow. There is a thin wall of gold either side of each end that makes them appear solid. The 118238 are genuinely solid all the way through from what I understand.

When it went in for service back then, I didn’t want to pay £500 per link. Couldn’t warrant the cost to be honest.

These aftermarket links I have are very good. Exceptional quality and fit exactly like the gen ones do. I have removed every link, studied and compared them and THINK I may have worked out which are which. Spotting the aftermarket screws was easy as they are a slightly different shade of gold. The genuine screws have a more reddish hue. Whereas the two stand out screws were more yellow.

Weighing them was no help, all range anywhere from 1.7-1.8g without a screw.

What I found was that although the genuine holes where the screw threads do vary slightly; there were two links that the thread holes were quite different. With a deep recess before getting to the thread. I think these are the aftermarket’s.

Does anyone have a link they know is genuine they can take a photo of to confirm my thoughts? I will post images below for reference.

Cheers,

https://ibb.co/S6d6gPr
https://ibb.co/QbPLYPB

[Kevin of Larchmont]

Why wouldn’t the RSC simply install two new links while they had it?

[domthedon]

Originally Posted by Kevin of Larchmont

Why wouldn’t the RSC simply install two new links while they had it?

They would have for around £1000.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

Seems like that would’ve saved a lot of trouble.