Hollow end links for 16610 Sub?

[Hinclimincli]

Hi everyone!

I am contemplating swapping the bracelet on my Ginault Ocean Rover for a hollow end links bracelet, and I also have a 16610LN on the way which I’d like to swap its bracelet too. I really like the way the old HEL hang straight from the case instead of the protruding SEL on the more modern bracelets.

Now the questions are three:

1. None of the watches has lug holes. I can imagine they wouldn’t be period correct at all as all HEL bracelets went on drilled lugs Submariners, right?

2. Will it be difficult to fit/remove if no holes are drilled in the lugs? I suppose it won’t be easy as the end links won’t have the small window for the tool to get in and push the springbars. I tried with a Tiger Concept rivet bracelet I have and it’s not straightforward but also not impossible at all.

3. Last but not least, bracelet quality. So far I have seen Raffles selling them and WSO. I’m not worried about the clasp being Rolex-marked as I can use the ARF case for one and an unmarked one for the Ginault. But Raffles and WSO don’t have a particular reputation for quality, though. Has anyone tried any of their bracelets? To be fair, HEL bracelets aren’t rocket science so maybe they are decent regardless of where you buy them.

Thank you so much everyone!

 

[Hinclimincli]

Sorry, I know! Thread is worthless without pics, sorry!

 

[tripdog]

Raffles (both Dials & Time) are over priced and not great quality. WSO bracelets that I've bought in the past were OK, but I've noticed recently they've changed suppliers on a lot of stuff - spring bars, bezel assemblies etc and the new stuff is pure crap.

Yuki used to do the best 93150 bracelets, but his idea of restocking an item is to buy a box of 3.

 

[Hinclimincli]

Well that is really useful indeed. Will take a look at Yuki, wouldn't mind buying three if that's what it takes (I mean, I need two already). Is this the one you mention? https://www.yukiwatch.com/catalog/item/6784664/10429201.htm

I see the clasp is not a submariner clasp but I can leave it as it is for the Ginault, and swap it for the Rolex one on the ARF I guess. Or I can just ask Yuki about a Submariner bracelet, of course.

And as a second option I'll look into WSO, leaving Raffles as a last resort. Thanks a lot tripdog

 

[tripdog]

Well that is really useful indeed. Will take a look at Yuki, wouldn't mind buying three if that's what it takes (I mean, I need two already). Is this the one you mention? https://www.yukiwatch.com/catalog/item/6784664/10429201.htm

I see the clasp is not a submariner clasp but I can leave it as it is for the Ginault, and swap it for the Rolex one on the ARF I guess. Or I can just ask Yuki about a Submariner bracelet, of course.

And as a second option I'll look into WSO, leaving Raffles as a last resort. Thanks a lot tripdog

No, that's a GMT/DJ bracelet, he's out of stock of 93150's - when I say a box of 3, that's what he purchases to restock = he's always out of stock of half of what he sells.

 

[Hinclimincli]

Oh well, haha. I guess I'll have to email Yuki and get myself a whole load of patience. Thanks anyway, this is really useful indeed!

 

[Perpetual]

Oh well, haha. I guess I'll have to email Yuki and get myself a whole load of patience. Thanks anyway, this is really useful indeed!

I have st end-links for your sub pm me if interested

 

[Hinclimincli]

I have st end-links for your sub pm me if interested

Well isn't this a coincidence! Guess who's review/tutorial have I been looking at this afternoon (the use of wooden clothes pegs should give you a good hint, haha):

I'm looking at the whole bracelet, though, not sure if you have one of those. Happy to email Yuki towards the end of the month, though. After all I won't have the 16610LN until CNY is finished, so no hurry at all.

 

[Hinclimincli]

I completely forgot about the good old JKF Subs/SDs, actually: https://forum.replica-watch.info/fo...ge-rolex-1680-5512-5513-5514-5517-1665-series

Does anyone know how is the bracelet on these? They are $100, but hey, they come with a watch too! (And I wouldn't mind having a COMEX or a double red in the collection...).

 

[LetMeHearItNow]

I’ve had a bit of experience with this and nearly every aftermarket end link you can find.

So far WSO has been closest to look, quality, etc. IF you don’t have to bend them, tweak them, twist a little, whatever necessary to fit your case perfectly and not have them be too recessed or rattling or have a corner sticking up or what have you. The little cylinders on the inside which your spring bar goes through are attached to the actual end link very VERY poorly on most aftermarket end links and they tend to break off if you mess with them too much.

I’m sure you could solder them a bit if necessary. The cylinders are also much smaller. See my gen 558 in the front vs WSO 555 in the back:

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[Hinclimincli]

What about the bracelet, actually? Is the bracelet from WSO decent, or still subpar?

 

[LetMeHearItNow]

Subpar. I think the cartel links mentioned above and the endlinks are better. And like he said, free watch. Seriously, that’s probably the best way to go.


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[Hinclimincli]

Subpar. I think the cartel links mentioned above and the endlinks are better. And like he said, free watch. Seriously, that’s probably the best way to go.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I might do that once CNY finishes, then. Thank you!

 

[Perpetual]

Well isn't this a coincidence! Guess who's review/tutorial have I been looking at this afternoon (the use of wooden clothes pegs should give you a good hint, haha):

I'm looking at the whole bracelet, though, not sure if you have one of those. Happy to email Yuki towards the end of the month, though. After all I won't have the 16610LN until CNY is finished, so no hurry at all.

Yea! Good job looks like my tutorial worked for you! Looks great man

 

[Perpetual]

them ginault cases :drool:them long lugs & proper crown guards :drool:

Not to worry! I have one coming my way I have plans for! Stay tuned keep an eye out for the thread :xj4:

 

[Hinclimincli]

Mate, the Ginault case is an absolute dream. Notice the big chamfers?

...of course you don’t. Because there aren’t any big chamfers, as it should be ;-)