Breathing Life into Vintage Rolex - Request

[Errsomeone]

All,

Request assistance on how to source an authentic rose gold pin buckle in 16mm.

Story in brief: As I am about to walk towards marriage my fiancee's family introduced a beautiful vintage piece that was her grandfather's Rolex and that she had carefully restored over time given the difficulty of parts. I am out of my depths when it comes to vintage.

The band seems to have been replaced at some point where we would like to return it to a nice tobacco shaded alligator band that would taper from 19mm at the case to 16mm at the buckle. We have gone to many ADs and Rolex themselves without any ability to bring this beautiful watch back into use.

Could anyone help me in sourcing an authentic pin buckle in rose gold at 16mm and/or genuine strap?

Attached is a pic for those who just would like to see the vintage piece itself.

[southtexas]

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding. Nice Bombay case! Is the bracelet gold as well? Is it original to the watch?

As to your search for a rose gold buckle, I’d suggest keeping your eye on the parts for sale section here and VRF. You can also search eBay but, in any case, be careful. There are lots of fakes out there. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a RG one, but I’m sure they’re out there.

[zapokee]

Pretty sure Rolex still supplies spring bars, but they might insist on a full service.

Pop that beauty in the pre-nup.

[Dan S]

You can follow the website rules, pay for a pledge membership, and post a want-to-buy listing in the proper location.

[Tools]

You shouldn't have any difficulty buying a Rolex branded strap if that is what you want. As you have found, Rolex does not have parts stores that sell the buckles or clasps because you are expected to re use the one you have.

Personally, if you are going to wear it, I would put it on a good quality strap and either a butterfly or deployant clasp. The tang buckle will always bend and wear where the ends go through and reduce the life of the strap.

If the goal is true restoration, it won't be a wearable watch and the parts you seek will be a long road of vintage shops and dealers who may have older parts.