1655

[rusi]

Hi, Which bracelet originally came with a 1655 OH of 1972-73 circa.

I have on hold a 7836, with 280 end links, but some doubts,

The bracelet has the markings 7836 on ONLY ONE END of the last link & not on both ends.

The folding clasp does not mention the "7836" no. other markings are present.

Is it possible that Rolex did not mark "7836" on both ends of the bracelet & also did not mark "7836" on the folding clasp during that time.

Pl. guide.

[mike]

Well, I'm not 100% on this. I know a lot of collectors use the 7836 folded bracelet with 280s on EXP IIs--usually from the mid to late 70s. (380s will work also).

Is your watch a straight second hand?(no lume dot).
Seems to me if that's the case your into a ser. no. in the 3.3 mil range?
I would wonder if a riveted bracelet might be the more correct option.
Possibly a 7206 with 58s or 7836 riveted with 80s?

I've not seen a bracelet that was not marked on both ends--doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

[rusi]

Thanks Mike.
My 1655 has sr. no.3686xxx. I have a 93150 on it, wish to have an original bracelet (as far as possible) , i have on hold a 7836 (folded links) with 280 end links, but with the above problems. The seller tells me that Rolex did not mark both ends of the bracelet & did not mark the bracelet no. on the folding clasp too.
Is this possible.

[mike]

Originally Posted by rusi

Thanks Mike.
My 1655 has sr. no.3686xxx. I have a 93150 on it, wish to have an original bracelet (as far as possible) , i have on hold a 7836 (folded links) with 280 end links, but with the above problems. The seller tells me that Rolex did not mark both ends of the bracelet & did not mark the bracelet no. on the folding clasp too.
Is this possible.

The 93150 is a flip lock clasp, replacement for the sub. It will work on a 1655, and is an option on the 1675,16750,1019 etc...
However the more correct option is a non fliplock on non diver models.
As far as not marking both ends....well.. they did this one



The clasp itself may not have a model number. but it should have a date code.

[JJ Irani]

Excellent info, Mike. Rusi will be thrilled!

[mike]

rusi,
Let me modify that answer just a bit. I just checked two old 9315 braclets I have thatwere orginal equiment on my 1680 red and 1680 white.
One clasp IS marked 9315 one IS NOT.

The bracelets have 9315 on ONE end. A later 93150 is marked on BOTH ends.
It would appear that both options would be correct on folding link bracelets.

Here's a quick photo of one of the 9315s and the 93150

[JJ Irani]

Thanks once again, Mike. I notice that the 9315 links are not completely closed...but have a visible joint in the middle.

JJ

[mike]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Thanks once again, Mike. I notice that the 9315 links are not completely closed...but have a visible joint in the middle.

JJ

That's correct JJ. Bracelets of that type were refered to as having folded links. (They simply "folded the link on itself)
While the bracelets were serviceable they were much more prone to stretch than the 93150 replacements. Additionally they were not as strong as their latter counterparts.
The early riveted bracelets (7206 etc...) that was orginal equiment on the early 5513s,5512s 1675s 1655s etc. were also subject to much more stretch than their modern counterparts.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by mike

That's correct JJ. Bracelets of that type were refered to as having folded links. (They simply "folded the link on itself)
While the bracelets were serviceable they were much more prone to stretch than the 93150 replacements. Additionally they were not as strong as their latter counterparts.
The early riveted bracelets (7206 etc...) that was orginal equiment on the early 5513s,5512s 1675s 1655s etc. were also subject to much more stretch than their modern counterparts.

Thanks, Mike...but that now brings me to a rather interesting question.

How do they manage to "seal" up the modern day bracelet links without any evidence of a joint or such?

Thanks - JJ

[mike]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Thanks, Mike...but that now brings me to a rather interesting question.

How do they manage to "seal" up the modern day bracelet links without any evidence of a joint or such?

Thanks - JJ

I believe the links are now machined and then assembled with the pins.
One of the reasons some like the hollow link bracelets is that the hollow links allow foreign material and dirt to "flush" through rather than grind on the pins causing the pins to stretch.
I'm a believer in washing the bracelet on occassion to remove any thing in there.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by mike

I believe the links are now machined and then assembled with the pins.
One of the reasons some like the hollow link bracelets is that the hollow links allow foreign material and dirt to "flush" through rather than grind on the pins causing the pins to stretch.
I'm a believer in washing the bracelet on occassion to remove any thing in there.

Thanks, Mike. Yes, the hollow links do have their own advantages; otherwise Rolex would not have still carried on with them in their leading sports models.

JJ

[mike]

Hey rusi,
This whole thread has got me curious so I did a little more research (so much to learn).
Found this photo of a riveted 7206--note the placement of the reference number and the lack of one on the other side.
Granted this is of a sub.



Food for thought.

[rusi]

A BIG thank you to you guys esp. MIKE, you have not only answered my problem but taken great pains in searching for evidence to prove your point.
I greatly appreciate it, as no where else have other friends helped in the way you have.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by rusi

A BIG thank you to you guys esp. MIKE, you have not only answered my problem but taken great pains in searching for evidence to prove your point.
I greatly appreciate it, as no where else have other friends helped in the way you have.

Hi Rusi,

All the more reason why this is the BEST forum on planet earth!!

[mike]

Hi Rusi,
That's always been one of the great things about wonderfull forums like this.
We can all collectively learn from each other and help one another.

Kudos to the mods and members that make this place what it is!!

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by mike

Hi Rusi,
That's always been one of the great things about wonderfull forums like this.
We can all collectively learn from each other and help one another.

Kudos to the mods and members that make this place what it is!!

[rusi]

Hi, YES i totally agree with both of you.

I basically love to have friends who help others with whatever info. they

have + strive to search for additional info. to help/guide.

Again a BIG thankyou MIKE you are great.

God Bless.