[moikas7]

Question:

Can you replace the bracelet on a Submariner 16610 with a newer one from a 116610?

I know this is not a straight swap, but I am wondering if it could be made possible. I have a Sub 16610LV with Solid end links. I also have a GMT Master IIc and I absolutely love the new bracelet and clasp. I am wondering if I can have someone (a jeweler maybe) take the new bracelet that comes with the Sub 116610 and make it fit my on my 50 Anniversary green sub.

I spoke to my AD and they can sell you the new bracelet, but of course they won't take it back if you make any modifications to it. Still the new bracelet by itself runs around $2,000, so this would not be a cheap experiment. I would rather know it can be done ahead of time.

Any ideas or experiences out there?

Thank you

 

[Scott D]

Considering the GMT IIc and the new Sub have the same end links how about testing it by putting the GMT IIC bracelet on the LV? If it fits then the new Sub bracelet should too.

However, this may be a tougher thing to get than just the money to pay for it. I believe the bracelet is a 'swap replacement' item, which means Rolex will not send one to their AD's or jewelers without getting the old one being replaced back. So unless you already have a 116610 bracelet to send back, you won't be able to get one. And to answer the question "what if I 'lost' my bracelet for my 116610", then you'd have to send the watch to Rolex to have a new one installed. They're not going to mail out just a bracelet. They've really cracked down on selling parts the past couple years, they won't even send an AD a replacement bezel for the LV anymore. Got to send it to Rolex or take it to a Rolex-authorized jeweler, and they're going to keep the old one. I think a link or leather strap is the only parts they'll sell without the old one anymore.

I also think that price is a bit on the low side. The LV bracelet is about $2K if memory serves. I think the 116610 is closer to $2,800 or so.

 

[moikas7]

Interesting approach, though here are some more details.

Thank you ScottD,

I have a couple more details on this. Yesterday I had a close look at both bracelets on the GMT IIc and the Sub 116610, and while they look the same, the end links are different. The case on the Sub is thicker (taller) than the GMT, and so the Sub's SELs are a little taller too (at least they seem to be) - So, the SELs are not only wider but also taller on the new bracelet compared to the one on the 16610LV. This would be a problem when trying to make them fit on my LV case.

Also, the Manager at this AD was very open with me when I told him what I wanted to do. I have bought several pieces of jewelry from them, including 3 Rolexes. He said he could actually order the bracelet and sell it to me - of course not stating what I'm trying to do. He also said that once I did anything to the bracelet he could not take it back. He did checked the price on the price list and it showed for just under $2,000 USD, he even showed it to me. Albeit, the list was about 8 months old, so the price may be higher now.

Maybe what I want to do is not worth it, or quite hard and expensive, but I am just looking at the options. I would still keep the original bracelet; but would wear the "new" one because I think it would look and feel just like the ones on the GMT IIc, and the latest Daytona, but with brushed center links.

Thanks everyone. All ideas are welcome... ok, all those that make sense :biggrin:

 

[Scott D]

I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure the new Sub is also a 20mm lug width. So it should fit, though it could be higher. If it really is thicker at the lugs then at that point you're really done, I'd think trying to 'fix' that wouldn't work very well. I still think if you can put your GMT IIc bracelet on the LV you'll be good. Since you already have it, it'll be easy & cheap to try it. Just get a spring-bar tool (if you don't have one) and try to put it on the Sub.

I still think your dealer is going to have a problem getting the bracelet, the dealer may not know he can't order it until he tries (I ran into this with my dealer recently on another part). But if he can and you're willing to pay the money the other option if the bracelet doesn't fit is to just swap out the clasp. You'd still have the LV bracelet and not the new SCL one, but you'd at least have the new clasp on it.

Just to keep in the back of your mind also, should you ever need to send the watch to Rolex for service make sure you remove the bracelet / clasp and put the original back on. Rolex won't work on the watch if it's not 'original'.

Good luck!

 

[moikas7]

I will try putting on the GMT IIc bracelet on the Sub LV, as you mentioned, and see if it fits. If it does it would save me a lot of headaches. If it doesn’t I would be interested in following your second suggestion: upgrading only the clasp.

The question is if I can buy only the clasp by itself. Do you know if that is possible? Where should I look for one, an AD? Also, will it fit the Sub 16610 Bracelet?

Finally what you said about the AD thinking they can order stuff from Rolex and then realizing they really cannot, is an excellent point. My AD may think he can do it, but he may have never tried to order a bracelet without shipping in the one that will be replaced.

Thank you

 

[Scott D]

The question is if I can buy only the clasp by itself. Do you know if that is possible? Where should I look for one, an AD? Also, will it fit the Sub 16610 Bracelet?

Nope, they stopped selling them awhile back. They're trying to prevent them from being installed on fakes I'd imagine. But bottom line they're no longer available. And even when they were the were outrageously priced. Last I saw was about $800-1,000 for the clasp alone. :scared: :scared: :scared: