Dear All,
Ever since I am a member, I keep reading comments on the Noobmariner's bracelet that is like the real deal…almost of course.
Because, if Rolex has the best sub, they might have the best Oyster bracelet too
I heard the words "Hollow mid link", "Solid mid link" and same goes for the end links.
I was very confused.
So are you I guess looking at this first picture!
I thought I might do this little review for the community to clarify the differences.
I placed an order for a Noobmariner bracelet from BKLM1234 to make myself an opinion and compare it with my MBW/MBK's Rolex Submariner 16610 bracelet that I got from TTK.
Of course, TTK can get you a Noobmariner too.
Weight figures
First, let's check the weight issue.
The MBW/MBK 16610 weights 79 grams on its own, without any bracelet or springbars.
The solid mid/end link bracelet from MBK and its springbars weight 78 grams.
The hollow mid/end link one (Noobmariner) and its springbars weight 73 grams.
The full watch equipped with the MBK solid mid/end link weights thus 157 grams where mounted with the Noobmariner bracelet it only weights 152 grams.
I can't believe the feeling is so different with only 5 grams less for the Noob on the balance!
Here a couple of pictures to show what means "hollow" or "solid" link.
The noob is under the MBW/MBK.
The end link difference looks like this
Colour
I have a real preference for the Noobmariner bracelet.
It is not totally obvious from my pics, but the Noob's overall colour and shine is better, smoother, more yellowish grey, less bluish like the MBW/MBK one.
Noob is on the right.
The clasp
The clasp of the Noobmariner bracelet is a little shorter than the MBK one.
Noob is on the right.
The crown on the clasp
The one on the Noob is more precisely stamped.
Noob is on the right.
The finish
The Noobmariner bracelet is better finished.
If you take the time to look very close to these pictures, it's obvious.
Noob is on the right.
Noob still on the right (Look at the pins holding the clasp to the first link)
Noob on the bottom (Look at the middle of the unfolded clasp)
Would you wear the Noobmariner or the solid mid/end link one?
Personally I still prefer the solid mid/end link one but will have the Noobmariner installed at a certain point.
I'm sure these 5 grams difference will attract more "Is it real or fake?" type of questions as I said before, but who cares.
Aren't we wearing reps ?
I guess you have to make your self a personal opinion.
Fitting issues
Now, for sure, I'm not able to fit it my self so I wouldn't recommend you try it unless you have some serious skills.
I spend 30 minutes to try to get the springbars in the lugholes, but no way.
Rather send it to Ziggy, Tribal or some of your favourite watchmaker.
Conclusion
The whole idea of this thread is to show the differences of two of the most common rep bracelets of the most popular rep, the Sub.
I am in no way meaning this one is better than the other!
It's anyway a matter of taste.
Hope it helped you a bit.
Thanks for looking,
Cheers
Stephane