Alternative to the Zenith / Gay Freres "ladder" style bracelet?

Posts
91
Likes
207
Hi all,

I've scoured the internet and keep coming up short. I am not a Zenith owner - the bracelet alone is worth approx. the value of my entire collection currently - but nonetheless the bracelet is a beauty (not to mention the watches themselves). Is anyone on this forum aware of any manufacturers of a similar, robust ladder bracelet at a lower cost? Straight or curved ends, preferably straight, but at this point, ANY sighting of such a mythical bracelet would be a positive outcome.

The only ones I've been able to find are vintage ladders that are simply too thin or flimsy (specifically for a vintage dive watch) and remind me more of a jewelry-style bracelet rather than the firm build of a Zenith ladder watch bracelet.

Perhaps it just doesn't exist in today's marketplace, but I'd appreciate a point towards the right direction if anyone has come across such a product.

Much appreciated.

Alex

(P.S. I'm more active on a couple other forums but do appreciate the posts I've seen here, just have not been able to contribute yet)
 
Posts
1,461
Likes
2,353
Zenith does make a new ladder bracelet that is a replica of the old one for the new version of the a384. It will be significantly cheaper than an old one. Having Zenith end links on a Seiko isn’t going to work. You said straight or curved doesn’t matter but it’ll look weird if it doesn’t match the watch. What watch are you trying to put this mythical bracelet on?
 
Posts
208
Likes
436
Try to search on the Bay, you can find something very cheap, I don’t know if also robust
 
Posts
91
Likes
207
Zenith does make a new ladder bracelet that is a replica of the old one for the new version of the a384. It will be significantly cheaper than an old one. Having Zenith end links on a Seiko isn’t going to work. You said straight or curved doesn’t matter but it’ll look weird if it doesn’t match the watch. What watch are you trying to put this mythical bracelet on?

Well I'm thinking of putting it on this Candino (en route to me but not yet in my possession, photos are from the seller). However the oyster it's on might be a fine choice. Of course I won't know until I get it on the wrist.
 
Posts
91
Likes
207
Try to search on the Bay, you can find something very cheap, I don’t know if also robust

Literally just stumbled on these as well, though there doesn't seem to be a 20mm at the moment, they're cheap enough to give it a shot once one in my size goes up. Thanks for the suggestion though!
 
Posts
110
Likes
119
I have been thinking about this alternative for my a386 for awhile as I got it head only. The last 'correct' bracelet and end links I saw was $4k and I would rather another watch for that price.
 
Posts
94
Likes
118
I have been thinking about this alternative for my a386 for awhile as I got it head only. The last 'correct' bracelet and end links I saw was $4k and I would rather another watch for that price.

Zenith currently makes a ladder bracelet for the vintage a386 that looks exactly like the vintage Gay Freres ladder bracelets. Available to order for less than $500.
 
Posts
1,606
Likes
4,976
What is the reference code for the new ladder bracelet? I have managed to get some scratches on my Cover Girl’s bracelet and want new one for case I sell the watch.
 
Posts
585
Likes
1,220
What is the reference code for the new ladder bracelet? I have managed to get some scratches on my Cover Girl’s bracelet and want new one for case I sell the watch.

27.03.1916.384

Would love for someone to confirm that the bracelet fits vintage A384/A3817/A3818 cases
 
Posts
70
Likes
517
I have a Zenith A384 with ladder bracelet and it's great, but pricey. Forstner makes a very high quality ladder bracelet I just put on my Zenith 1969 for $125 and extremely good quality. Very happy.