Aftermarket strap for modern Rolex case: a more difficult problem to solve than anticipated
Hey everyone,
I've recently looked into purchasing an aftermarket leather strap for my Rolex Datejust 116234 to spice things up a bit and add a more toned down look (that hidden-clasp jubilee is beautiful but not the most suitable for all occasions). In my research, I've discovered a common issue with newer datejusts (and Rolexes in general) with the lugs being more robust and thus causing most aftermarket straps to wear down as they make significant contact with the case during wear.
Has anyone found a solution to this? The only one I've managed to find is to try to buy straps with curved ends and spring bars, though I've only found Everest as a brand and their stock is limited.
Any recommendations regarding other solutions or other strap manufacturers would be greatly appreciated!
When watches stopped just being a cool way to accessorize and turned into works of art on the wrist, I fell off the deep end into the world of watches...based in Seattle, lover of coffee, the outdoors...
I've always liked the 116234 reference, please post pictures when you can
in the past I have I have either 1)used curved spring bars to "bend" the strap slightly enough to clear the case and/or 2) use straps with a "thin" end to clear the case.
though these examples are an Explorer and not DJ, you get the idea
the first is using curved spring bars in a straight end strap that gives just enough clearance and the second is using a thin ended straight strap that, again, provides just enough space
I've always liked the 116234 reference, please post pictures when you can
in the past I have I have either 1)used curved spring bars to "bend" the strap slightly enough to clear the case and/or 2) use straps with a "thin" end to clear the case.
though these examples are an Explorer and not DJ, you get the idea
the first is using curved spring bars in a straight end strap that gives just enough clearance and the second is using a thin ended straight strap that, again, provides just enough space
Awesome options! Do you mind sharing where you've purchased each, both the straps and curved spring bars? Trusting the DJ with aftermarket spring bars frightens me slightly but I'm sure quality ones can be obtained.
Here's the 116234. This configuration sang to me before my purchase and still does to this day...
That is one good looking watch!
The strap is from Strap Tailor (I think) but you can look for any strap with a think lug end
I find curved spring bars on Amazon and look for the size to match the watch so 1.8mm or 2mm for example
I also have used a spring bar bending tool (also from Amazon) if you want to use OEM spring bars instead of aftermarket ones