What's the deal with Rolex?

Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
1

This is not Pit-worthy (besides, I don’t want to start any Pit threads), but I do want to rant a little.

I like my watch, but sometimes I’d like a different bracelet for it. I called the dealer to see about getting a stainless steel “Jubilee” bracelet so that I can switch between that and the standard “Oyster” bracelet. I was told that bracelets are “sold as replacements only”. That is, I have to send in the bracelet I have in order to get a new one. What? It’s kind of hard to swap back and forth when you have to send the original in! I understand that they want to keep original parts off of the many, many counterfeits out there; but as a consumer with a legitimate desire to be a little different, I think they’re being too strict.

The dealer went on to say that since my watch is not offered with the Jubilee bracelet in stainless steel (it is offered that way in stainless/gold or gold) that Rolex would not allow a stainless steel Jubilee bracelet to be put on the watch. They want to “maintain the integrity of their product”. Fine, but they do much worse things to them than what I want to do. Here is a pic (with a little help from my PhotoImpact program) of what I want to do. The way it looks now is on the right, and the bracelet I want to put on is on the left. Is that so bad?

What’s the deal with Rolex? Why can’t I change the bracelet on my watch and keep my original one so that I can change it back whenever I feel like it? Is it a “Swiss thing” that everyone must conform to the norm? I don’t get it. And where’s the e-mail address on their web site?

2

GAH! Rolex’s arrogance! You can do whatever you want as long as the bracelet lug design and spacing will accomodate the bracelet.

You can go here and post your question in the Rolex brand forum about how to accomplish this and will likely be soaked with a with a flood of good info. incuding jewelers in your area that will do this for you, the best deals in the SS Jubilee bracelet and/or how to do it yourself if you are so inclined).

“Welcome to the TimeZone Rolex Forum. This is the place for Rolex enthusiasts and collectors to share information, stories and experiences about Rolex watches. We welcome all questions, from the elementary to the technical. We’re here to learn, and to have fun! We ask only that you keep the discussion civil, and treat everyone with respect.”

3

Thanks, astro. I’ve posted over there.