I finally got around to buying a Rolex 16610 rep. Mine is the current BP offering with the sa3135 movement modified to include the prof crystal, drilled lugs and no engraving on the rehaut. I am not a perfectionist just yet. I might come around to that at some point, but right now I just want a watch that I actually like. I have a bunch of other watches that I do like and there is no way I am wearing a watch that I don't like so here is what I like and what I don't like about this one:
Like: Pretty much everything....
Don't Like (actually hate would be a better way of putting it) : The Bracelet & the Clasp
I know about period correctness and all that mumbo jumbo, but I am just not wearing a crappy, rattly, folded link, stamped clasp bracelet no matter how period correct or how beautiful some people think it is. So what are my options for a better strap/bracelet?
Leather:
I know about many of the custom makers and am aware that this could be a good option. Probably some sort of minimum stitch horween type of strap in brown or black could work. Any recommendations would be welcomed.
Rubber:
RubberB & Everest I am aware of. Is there anyone else that makes something decent along these lines that fits up next to the case, but doesn't cost $200 Everest and RubberB. I know I could buy a 20mm isofrane style from Toxic Nato or one of the others, but that just doesn't seem to do the watch justice. Any other ideas?
Bracelet:
Could I use the bracelet from another Rolex Rep watch that has something decent? Would the bracelet from a 116610 fit on the 16610? I know it isn't really correct, but are the rep bracelets on the 116610 decent? If not, are there any other bracelets from any other Rolex reps that are decent that would work?
Nato:
I am aware of this option, but I am not a fan
Like: Pretty much everything....
Don't Like (actually hate would be a better way of putting it) : The Bracelet & the Clasp
I know about period correctness and all that mumbo jumbo, but I am just not wearing a crappy, rattly, folded link, stamped clasp bracelet no matter how period correct or how beautiful some people think it is. So what are my options for a better strap/bracelet?
Leather:
I know about many of the custom makers and am aware that this could be a good option. Probably some sort of minimum stitch horween type of strap in brown or black could work. Any recommendations would be welcomed.
Rubber:
RubberB & Everest I am aware of. Is there anyone else that makes something decent along these lines that fits up next to the case, but doesn't cost $200 Everest and RubberB. I know I could buy a 20mm isofrane style from Toxic Nato or one of the others, but that just doesn't seem to do the watch justice. Any other ideas?
Bracelet:
Could I use the bracelet from another Rolex Rep watch that has something decent? Would the bracelet from a 116610 fit on the 16610? I know it isn't really correct, but are the rep bracelets on the 116610 decent? If not, are there any other bracelets from any other Rolex reps that are decent that would work?
Nato:
I am aware of this option, but I am not a fan