Rolex Leather Band

Congrats on the watch. I just picked up a brand-new Stainless Steel Daytona on my birthday from my Authorized Dealer last month. The Daytona is a really cool, different, watch.

If I were you, I'd ask some other local watch enthusiasts in Santa Monica about their recommendation for an independent shop. Depending on the job, I will use either my independent shop or my Rolex Dealer for work on one of my family's Rolex watches. My independent watchmaker is fortunate enough to have access to factory Rolex replacement parts, which I understand is increasingly rare.

I doubt that an authorized store would keep genuine straps in stock. Rolex is pretty tight with their factory parts, and they don't tend to let folks have stuff just out there where it can get into the wrong hands. I wonder why they rushed to get you out of their store, and also why they tried to tell you it would be a lengthy wait for a replacement. Maybe check with a different Authorized Dealer also?

If you want an "original" Rolex strap, that would be my recommendation. Otherwise, if you buy off the internet, you run a greater risk of counterfeit goods. Just my recommendation.

Good luck, and enjoy the watch.

PS: You said you have a two-tone Presidential? That confused me a little bit. My understanding is that Presidential-style bracelets have always (at least recently) been one color, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, or Platinum. Can you explain this, just for the sake of my own curiousity?
We also have a Day-Date President in our family - I bought it for my Dad as a retirement present, and it is Yellow Gold.

 

You might be able to take it to a Leather repair guy and have them cut and re attach the hardware with the original strap. It would be costly and time consuming. I cant belive Rolex will not custom the band for you? I'd contact them direct and tell them the issue... the total down side is you will be with out your watch for a while.

 

Here's a shot in the dark: You may be able to have a skilled leatherworker alter the end of the strap which is covered by the adjustable clasp. Some place that fixes shoes, belts and handbags. it appears that this alteration even if not perfect would be hidden by the clasp when worn. That watch is a large investment, and you deserve to get the strap to fit perfectly.

Also some watch straps come in regular and long sizes. (I have thick wrists and need longs) Maybe your watch has a "long" one. if so, you may be able to swap it for a regular one. see if it has any markings on it, or measure it to compare to a standard one. You may want to check on TRF, the rolex forum for more info. Good luck.

 

Drew

Put a WTB up on watchnet and timezone, maybe one of the guys there will have a factor strap for you.

There are also all sorts of people that do custom straps on the web. Measure your current strap - each side. Figure out how much smaller it should be. Have Blue Radish, Rob Montana etc make you a strap. You may also be able to find a nice strap from one of the known manufacturers that has a strap in the size and style you need. Buy an aftermarket strap that is the same quality and preserve the factory strap with your box and papers.

Your typical cobbler or luggage repair place is not going to be able to cut and re-sew your strap because the machines are different (been down that road).

 

Cool story, thanks for sharing, and congrats on the big win! Again, sorry your experience with the dealer was so disappointing. You could always write a letter to Rolex, and they'll slap the dealer around a little bit.
Sooooooooo, the picture you linked to is a classic Rolex Datejust with a two-tone Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold JUBILEE bracelet, not a President bracelet. it also has a fluted bezel. A great, classic choice!
The President bracelet looks like this:

That's the DD President I bought for my dad.

Thanks for helping me clear up my misunderstanding! Good luck with your hunt!