Educate me about Submariner bracelets.

[Piemuncher22]

I have a hankering for a ND sub at some point in the near future.
Obviously I have had a a good scout around, and it seems that even what I would class as the later models (there is a 2010 example of SC at present) look in the photos to have non SEL bracelets which seems a bit odd to me - my 16710 is a 2001 example and has solid end links.
Could anyone educate me on submariner bracelet evolution or point me in the right direction for some light reading??
Many thanks.
Paul.

[phil h]

The 14060 never had SELs, all have drilled lugs. SELs came in with the 114060 (ceramic model) along with an updated clasp. I'm not sure if the links were updated.

[Piemuncher22]

Nice one Phil, that kind of answers me question, seems strange not to fit SELs when other models had them. I wonder what the reasoning is for that??

[phil h]

Nice one Phil, that kind of answers me question, seems strange not to fit SELs when other models had them. I wonder what the reasoning is for that??

If you like the watch I wouldn't let it put you off. You won't be risking your money if you buy one then move it on. The bracelet is comfortable and secure.

[Foodle]

I wonder what the reasoning is for that??

Rolex does what Rolex does. Some of their decisions are unfathomable.

[Piemuncher22]

No, it won't put me off, just seems strange to me, logic would dictate that they'd just change bracelets across the board, but then again, logic doesn't really come into it!

[Jocke]

Nice one Phil, that kind of answers me question, seems strange not to fit SELs when other models had them. I wonder what the reasoning is for that??

The reason is to keep it simple and inexpensive. You can put a SEL bracelet from a 16610 if you grind the endlinks a bit.
You will not find a Rolex SEL bracelet that will fit without some customizing.

[SlimJim16v]

The old hollow link bracelets were at least with the separate end links you have, you can look for an aftermarket, solid link, bracelet to replace it.

[APguy1]

Generally the difference between the new and old bracelets is massive !! the old bracelets have HCL's (Hollow Centre Links) and the watch rattles a bit. The clasp is also noticeably changes. The new version is quite square looking where as the old clasp is stamped out with little machining. They wear quite a lot a posed to the new shape.



Olly

[Martin123]

I have a 16710 SEL bracelet like the OP and a Tudor without SEL's and on the wrist I don't notice any difference, what are these massive differences people talk about, I'm genuinely interested.