1601 datejust two-tone (early 70s) band question...

[Big Shrimpin]

First-time post, longtime lurker...(this site is immensely helpful)

I ran some searches but was not able to find a solid answer (so sorry in advance if this is like common knowledge)...anyway...on the 1601 datejust (early 70s, I believe), were there band options (i.e., "bean"-link, D-link, oval-link), or was there a standard band (e.g., oval-link jubilee), based upon the year? Sorry if vague - and thanks in advance!

-BS

[crowncollection]

depends where the watch was originally sold could be folded link or usa oval link in the early 70's

[Big Shrimpin]

Originally Posted by crowncollection

depends where the watch was originally sold could be folded link or usa oval link in the early 70's

Gotcha - thanks! So were D-link starting in 80s? My father gave me my grandfather's DJ two-tone and swears it was from the early 70s, but the band was D-link. So my guess was that (a) Dad's memory is foggy (possible) or and/or (b) my grandfather, at some point, replaced the band (this was his daily-wearer, so def could've worn out).

Unfortunately, just a few weeks ago, that watch was stolen, so I recently replaced it with an early-70s (SN: 3,3xx,xxx). The replacement has the oval-link band and, while in excellent condition, is still very loose on my wrist (I'm a tall and very skinny dude - thanks genetics). I have the thing tightened-up to the max, but I still need like 1/4" or so tighter. It's driving me nuts.

Should I suck it up and replace with a newer band, or return the watch for the 16013 with, I would imagine, a tighter (and more durable?) D-link band?

[ROLLiWORKS]

the oval jubilee has removable links. These are removed?

[Big Shrimpin]

Originally Posted by TG713

the oval jubilee has removable links. These are removed?

Just saw this one - yes, all removable links are gone and the clasp is at its tightest setting. I'm just a REALLY thin dude, and this bracelet is just a tad stretched out (but not too terribly).

[janice&fred]

Originally Posted by Big Shrimpin

Just saw this one - yes, all removable links are gone and the clasp is at its tightest setting. I'm just a REALLY thin dude, and this bracelet is just a tad stretched out (but not too terribly).

since you're in NYC simply go to 47th st and have a jeweler snip the gold center links and remove whatever links needed and soldier them back up. easy peasy for a jeweler and they do it all the time.

[ROLLiWORKS]

The oval jubilee is unique in that the center links connect directly to the clasp. (In all other instances there is a special link that is needed to attach the clasp) Pretty much any jeweler can cut links if needed and re-attach to clasp very simply.

[Big Shrimpin]

Thakns for the replies! I took it to the Rolex flagship store in NYC today, and they said that while they could remove some of the links, it would drastically reduce the structural integrity of the band...in part, apparently as I understand, because the links needed to be pried apart but could not be fused back together (maybe the goldsmith had left for the day?).

At any rate, I'm not sure what to do. I hate the idea of busting links out, but I also don't want the watch to slide around too much and make it worse. Considering trading this one in for a newer 80s 16013 with (hopefully) a tighter D-link band...or holding out and maybe getting lucky on the aftermarket with a tighter genuine D-link from someone.

Thanks all - this forum rocks!