New to forum and IWC ... bracelet question

Hi all, I'm new to the forum and also I'm just about to be the new owner of a IWC Electronic ref 3402 watch. (1971). Currently it's on a leather strap but I'd like to go back to the original bracelet (or one very much like it if they are unobtainable.) Has anyone any recommendations on where to look for this kind of thing? I'd expect they're rarer than the watch itself.
Should I be lucky enough to come across one what sort of value would they be? I realise condition is everything but let's say general wear for a bracelet this age.

This is the type I'm after .... [](s289.photobucket.com/user/flatspots_pics/media/15MR8-4_zpsy69ysr21.jpg.html)

Many thanks,

Spud.

Aren't we all... :-)

Can I take it from that they are rare/expensive? Why did people remove them ?

Those vintage IWC Oyster style bracelets are sought after by collectors, and used most widely on ref. 866 Ingenieurs and Yacht Club models. In better than good condition they do tend to be quite expensive, as in up to and around four figures.

They were removed to frustrate subsequent owner/collectors. Seriously, they were most likely removed because some people prefer leather straps.

You can source them by doing a simple search for "IWC Oyster bracelet".

Regards,

Tony C.

Wow, I see some on Chrono24 site and yes they seem awfully expensive. More so than the watch!

Beware that the end pieces for Ingenieur and Yacht Club are curved and diferent from the ones for electronic which in most cases have a solid straight end and if not mistaken are 19mm wide and not 18mm.

Yes they are straight on the electronic. Also I believe it is 20mmm between lugs.

Yes, the ref 10 bracelets are most often 18mm but there are (were) 20mm versions to fit some other models.

Keep an eye on well known online auction sites, sooner or later one will pop up.

Good luck!
/Anders

OK I'll keep my eye out but I won't be holding my breath by the looks of it.

Ref 10 us a great looking and comfortable bracelet, actually the only one from that period that is wearable with today's standard if you ask me.

Good hunting luck!

/Anders