freddy333 Posted September 23, 2009 Report Share Posted September 23, 2009 As it turns out, you CAN get an accurate, well-made riveted Rolex bracelet. And you can have your cake & stretch it, too (but you may not be able to fit it onto your watch). Read on......... I just received my black 62xx Daytona bezel & 7206 bracelet from Yuki & I have some good (actually HEADLINE-worthy) news & some bad news. The bezel The good news is that the factory finally got the spacing correct on the '110' The bad news is that the printing quality is not as good as DW's. Some of the printing is slightly off-axis, some numbered pairs' sizes do not match &/or not real crisp (typical aftermarket quality). So, compared to DW's bezels, it is 1 step forward (since the '110' spacing is no longer a dead give-away), but, once again, 1 step backward (the variable printing quality). The 7206 riveted (stretch) bracelet The good news is that the quality is light years better than any other non-Rolex 'rivet' bracelet I have ever seen (& I have seen ALOT of them). Although the gen is somewhat flimsy compared to many modern bracelets, Yuki's copy feels exactly the same. I suspect it weighs the same as well. The REAL good news is that, overall, the design is nearly a 1:1 copy. This thing even s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-s. Yes, just like my gens Overall, I would rate its accuracy at about 98% (by contrast, previous aftermarket rivets get about a 50% rate, at best). Good enough so that at an arm's length away (my benchmark for judging the credibility of a rep watch), I CANNOT tell it apart from my gen 7206s. And I am not exaggerating. Even next to each other in the palm of my hand, I can barely tell them apart & if the gen was not attached to my Sub, I am afraid I would be unable to reliably ID Yuki's from the gen without a close inspection. The clasp is nearly perfect & the individual links are nearly the same size & shape as the gen links. Even the (80) end links are an almost perfect match. This bracelet, like the recent crop of Asian-made ETAs, is so filthy good that it WILL be finding its way onto ebay & sold as gen -- either alone or attached to a gen watch & there is little you can do to protect yourself against paying gen prices for 1 of these. This bracelet is so good that I am (almost) kicking myself for spending so much for my last gen. Anyway, enough of my chatting, have a look for yourself (in case you are finding it difficult to tell them apart, the gen is attached to my watch) Now, the bad news. The leaves in the clasp lack either a date or date code. While I have seen a couple gens like this, I remain unconvinced that these undated bracelets ever left the (Rolex) factory that way. So that is an issue. The engravings also differ from those on the gen bracelets. But the worst news is that the tubes within the end links are too small to fit 2mm springbars, which are what the watches designed to accept a 7206/80 bracelet use (gen on top) I have contacted Yuki to let them know about these 2 issues & will update this thread as soon as I know more. Can you imagine the fun when these guys produce a 19mm 7205/71 or 7205/271 of similar quality (assuming they have not already done so)? Boggles the mind. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShawnBeever Posted September 23, 2009 Report Share Posted September 23, 2009 Thanks for the great braclet review. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeeJay Posted September 23, 2009 Report Share Posted September 23, 2009 That's a shame about the tube sizes, but the two bracelets are indeed scary-close. Not being a vintage expert, I wouldn't be able to tell the two apart without being told which was which. Possibly, in a side-by-side comparison, which might show one as having more wear than the other, but, by itself, (and knowing that there are sick individuals out there who scuff up watches for the fun of it ) I could easily see myself believing someone telling me it was a genuine bracelet... Out of curiosity, is the stretch on the bracelets enough to be able to remove the watch without using the clasp, or is the idea simply as a 'comfort thing', to allow for wrist expansion/contraction from heat? Or, another idea, is that how the watch would have been put over the sleeve of a wetsuit, without a diver's extension? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddy333 Posted September 23, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 23, 2009 Not being a vintage expert, I wouldn't be able to tell the two apart without being told which was which. Possibly, in a side-by-side comparison, which might show one as having more wear than the other, but, by itself, (and knowing that there are sick individuals out there who scuff up watches for the fun of it ) I could easily see myself believing someone telling me it was a genuine bracelet... Believe me, even an expert will have trouble ID'ing this bracelet if seen in the right context (like attached to a gen watch or sold by a generally reliable seller, who, himself, may not know). This thing is that good. Out of curiosity, is the stretch on the bracelets enough to be able to remove the watch without using the clasp, or is the idea simply as a 'comfort thing', to allow for wrist expansion/contraction from heat? Or, another idea, is that how the watch would have been put over the sleeve of a wetsuit, without a diver's extension? The intended purpose for the stretch-ability is comfort. In hot weather, when your wrist tends to expand, it allows the bracelet to expand so the owner does not have to manually enlarge the bracelet at the clasp & then reduce it when his wrist contracts again. I could also wear it over a wet suit or use the stretch to remove the bracelet without unclasping it. But, if the the internal springs on the rep bracelet are similar to the springs on the gen, I would not exercise the bracelet's stretching limits too far or too often. 1 of the reasons I paid $1,200 for my last gen is because the springs are all in perfect working order, which is rare for a 7206. The springs on most of these bracelets tend to wear out or break over time or if stressed frequently. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeeJay Posted September 23, 2009 Report Share Posted September 23, 2009 Believe me, even an expert will have trouble ID'ing this bracelet if seen in the right context (like attached to a gen watch or sold by a generally reliable seller, who, himself, may not know). This thing is that good. I know what you mean about the context, I think it's safe to say the line between 'replica' and 'aftermarket replacement' has been crossed with that piece. The intended purpose for the stretch-ability is comfort. In hot weather, when your wrist tends to expand, it allows the bracelet to expand so the owner does not have to manually enlarge the bracelet at the clasp & then reduce it when his wrist contracts again. I could also wear it over a wet suit or use the stretch to remove the bracelet without unclasping it. But, if the the internal springs on the rep bracelet are similar to the springs on the gen, I would not exercise the bracelet's stretching limits too far or too often. 1 of the reasons I paid $1,200 for my last gen is because the springs are all in perfect working order, which is rare for a 7206. The springs on most of these bracelets tend to wear out or break over time or if stressed frequently. That's interesting that it would stretch enough for removal from the wrist, but totally understandable that it's not an ability which should be over-taxed... Am I correct in thinking that you've said that the stretch bracelets are the least comfortable? If so, would that be due to it stretching, then 'pinching' on the wrist? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronin Posted September 23, 2009 Report Share Posted September 23, 2009 Hard to tell from the pics, is it screwless? Is resizing possible? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddy333 Posted September 23, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 23, 2009 Hard to tell from the pics, is it screwless? Is resizing possible? Yes, like the gen, it is screwless. To resize (assuming the clasp does not provide sufficient adjustment), you need to unfold 2 links & then either add another link (to enlarge) or remove a link (to reduce). Then, refold the 2 links. Unfortunately, very few watchmakers outside of the Rolex service network have the correct tool to perform this procedure. It can be done with a pair of screwdrivers, but, without having the proper jig to hold & shape the links during the unfolding/refolding, the end result (in my experience) is often bent &/or mangled links. Fortunately, because Yuki's bracelet is roughly 1/12th the cost of the average gen, you can always get another bracelet if the 1st 1 is less than wearable after a diy resizing job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vlydog Posted September 23, 2009 Report Share Posted September 23, 2009 Thanks freddy, I just sold one of these that was purchased originally from tmg and I can vouch for its' quality and accuracy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddy333 Posted September 23, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 23, 2009 Am I correct in thinking that you've said that the stretch bracelets are the least comfortable? If so, would that be due to it stretching, then 'pinching' on the wrist? Quite the contrary. In fact, the 7206 is 1 of, if not the most uncomfortable bracelet there is. The discomfort is not so much from the pinching (which they do), but from the fact that the springs maintain tension to keep the links drawn together, which leaves the links somewhat stiff & less pliable. These bracelets feel kind of like a cheap rep bracelet where the links bind a bit, making the bracelet feel stiff. This is 1 of the reasons I use only folded links on my Daytonas (62xx Daytonas were available with either folded links or rivets).I just sold one of these that was purchased originally from tmg and I can vouch for its' quality and accuracy. And you sold it why? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vlydog Posted September 24, 2009 Report Share Posted September 24, 2009 And you sold it why? No place to wear it to man. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddy333 Posted September 24, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 24, 2009 No place to wear it to man. What watch was it attached to? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vlydog Posted September 24, 2009 Report Share Posted September 24, 2009 had it on my 5512 for a few minutes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddy333 Posted September 24, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 24, 2009 had it on my 5512 for a few minutes. Did your fit gen (2mm) springbars or were they aftermarket (1.5mm) 'bars? And did you post any pics of the bracelet on your watch? If so, I wonder why no one spotted it (or mentioned it)? Considering how long the market has been crippled with junk bracelets, the appearance of an accurate sample is pretty newsworthy stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeeJay Posted September 24, 2009 Report Share Posted September 24, 2009 Quite the contrary. In fact, the 7206 is 1 of, if not the most uncomfortable bracelet there is. The discomfort is not so much from the pinching (which they do), but from the fact that the springs maintain tension to keep the links drawn together, which leaves the links somewhat stiff & less pliable. These bracelets feel kind of like a cheap rep bracelet where the links bind a bit, making the bracelet feel stiff. This is 1 of the reasons I use only folded links on my Daytonas (62xx Daytonas were available with either folded links or rivets). I must have miss-remembered, but I understand what you mean about the tension between the links. I guess because the tension comes from the springs, there's not really anything you could do to relieve it, where a regular bracelet can be lubricated... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddy333 Posted September 24, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 24, 2009 I must have miss-remembered, but I understand what you mean about the tension between the links. I guess because the tension comes from the springs, there's not really anything you could do to relieve it, where a regular bracelet can be lubricated... Exactly, it is the nature of the beast. Most people soak their rep bracelets in an attempt to loosen-up the few links that slightly bind (due to imprecise machining/assembly). Every link in a stretch bracelet binds & lubrication does little to change the way they feel. I guess if you like to wear bracelets tight against your wrist, the stretchability would be a welcome change. But, if you are like me (I wear my watch so that I can slip a pinky finger in between the bracelet & my wrist), the binding nature of a stretch rivet is just something you put up with in exchange for authenticity (which, for me, ranks above all else). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeeJay Posted September 24, 2009 Report Share Posted September 24, 2009 Exactly, it is the nature of the beast. Most people soak their rep bracelets in an attempt to loosen-up the few links that slightly bind (due to imprecise machining/assembly). Every link in a stretch bracelet binds & lubrication does little to change the way they feel. I guess if you like to wear bracelets tight against your wrist, the stretchability would be a welcome change. But, if you are like me (I wear my watch so that I can slip a pinky finger in between the bracelet & my wrist), the binding nature of a stretch rivet is just something you put up with in exchange for authenticity (which, for me, ranks above all else). I like to wear bracelets quite loose myself. I think if I could get a stretch bracelet loose enough through added links, then I'd probably be prepared to give one a try. My previous reluctance to try a riveted bracelet was the lack of diver's extension, but if the stretch can provide that facility, then I could be tempted to reconsider at some point Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vlydog Posted September 24, 2009 Report Share Posted September 24, 2009 Did your fit gen (2mm) springbars or were they aftermarket (1.5mm) 'bars? And did you post any pics of the bracelet on your watch? If so, I wonder why no one spotted it (or mentioned it)? Considering how long the market has been crippled with junk bracelets, the appearance of an accurate sample is pretty newsworthy stuff. aftermarket spring bars were needed. As a matter of fact, tmg delayed his shipment to me until the new SB arrived. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddy333 Posted September 24, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 24, 2009 Got it. So the narrow tubes on my bracelet are there by design & not a defect, which means that until/unless Yuki can get the factory to correct this, the bracelet will be a beautiful door stop. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bwhitesox Posted September 24, 2009 Report Share Posted September 24, 2009 Sorry for the noob question Freddy, Who is Yuki.?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddy333 Posted September 24, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 24, 2009 Click me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
indyberetta Posted September 24, 2009 Report Share Posted September 24, 2009 I purchased the same bracelet about a year and a half ago from a friend in Singapore. It is scary close to the gen, with the exception of the spring bar issue. I am fine with the 1.5 spring bars and have used it for a year now with no loss in spring action! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest OrenG Posted September 24, 2009 Report Share Posted September 24, 2009 Click me I've been looking for a parts dealer, I'm glad I clicked on this thread! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddy333 Posted September 24, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 24, 2009 I purchased the same bracelet about a year and a half ago from a friend in Singapore. It is scary close to the gen, with the exception of the spring bar issue. I am fine with the 1.5 spring bars and have used it for a year now with no loss in spring action! I am glad to hear the thin springbars work for you. But if these 7206s have been around for a year & a half, why has no one ever mentioned it? There have been numerous threads discussing how crummy the 'rivet' bracelets are that come with vintage Rolex reps & asking if a source of something better exists. The answer, until last week when I discovered the pics of the 7206 on Yuki's site, had always been that no one is making any good rivet bracelets. Anyway, the thin 'bars do not fit an accurately made early Sub or GMT (I have tried the thin 'bars in both my gen & Silix-modded 6542 cases). The lug holes in these watches are made to fit 2mm 'bars. The thinner 'bars look wrong (their pins do not fully fill the lug holes) & the end links are too loose. Unfortunately, I just received a reply from Yuki & it does not sound like they can (or will) correct the end links. They offered me a free pair of thin springbars, which do not properly fit my watches. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddy333 Posted September 24, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 24, 2009 I've been looking for a parts dealer, I'm glad I clicked on this thread! For a standard rep watch (most of which come with thin springbars), this bracelet should work great. But, for a franken or gen, or if you have drilled out your lugs to fit gen (2mm) springbars (as alot of MBW/MBK owners do), I would recommend that you see how these thin springbars fit in your case before you order anything. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docblackrock Posted September 24, 2009 Report Share Posted September 24, 2009 Yuki really ought to get busy making a folded links oyster 78360. Now THAT would be a money-spinner.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now