Rolex solid gold watch bracelet questions

[timlo]

Hi all,

I would like to know if all Rolex gold sports models have solid link bracelets. The hollow center links only happen on steel sports Rolex right? All gold bracelets should have all solid center links?

Thank you.

[Largoshark]

We're talking used I assume? Unless I'm mistaken all Rolex watches, regardless of material, have had full solid link bracelets since at least the start of 6 digit references.

[timlo]

How about 16618? The five digit ones?
Or all Rolex solid gold models have solid center links?

[Solo118]

Originally Posted by timlo

How about 16618? The five digit ones?
Or all Rolex solid gold models have solid center links?

5 Digit 16618 should have solid center links, even the two tone 16613 had solid center links.

[SN13]

Originally Posted by Solo118

5 Digit 16618 should have solid center links, even the two tone 16613 had solid center links.

16613 did not have solid center links early on at least.

I've owned one, from 1992. Hollow, oblong, tube centerlinks.


24k = 19.32g per Cubic Centimeter.
18k = 15.58g per Cubic Centimeter.
904L = 7.9g per Cubic Centimeter.

Therefore, a SOLID Link of 904L should weigh right around 50% of the same link in 18k. If two SS links weight 93 grains, two Solid, 18k, Links would weigh 186 grains.... they do not.







Everyone knows that Rolex Cases have cutouts to reduce gold content. You can find photos of the empty Cases:


http://www.horologist.com/rolexmetals.htm

The math says that early 90's Gold Links have voids in either the center link or the outside links. (I believe Center).

A fully solid gold pair of 18k Links should weigh approx 186 grains... they weigh in at 122 grains... This means only 65% of the volume is "SOLID".

Now, maybe someone can post up their own digital jeweler scale photos weighing one or two removed Links from a 116618 Sub or even a later 16618 (early 2000s?) and we can re-evaluate.

[envuks]

Originally Posted by timlo

How about 16618? The five digit ones?
Or all Rolex solid gold models have solid center links?

The center links are solid, but I believe the end links are not. Stamped bracelet clasp also feels chincy on 5 digit models, but that’s subjective.

[envuks]

Originally Posted by SN13

Now, maybe someone can post up their own digital jeweler scale photos weighing one or two removed Links from a 116618 Sub or even a later 16618 (early 2000s?) and we can re-evaluate.

One removable link from my 116718 weighs exactly 4.5 grams

The links on the 116618 should be the same

[SN13]

Originally Posted by envuks

One removable link from my 116718 weighs exactly 4.5 grams

The links on the 116618 should be the same

4.5 grams = 69 grains.
9.0 grams = 138 grains.

Was this with the Gold Screw in the link? Or without?

Theoretically that still means about 75% "Solid"....

[SN13]

Originally Posted by envuks

The center links are solid, but I believe the end links are not. Stamped bracelet clasp also feels chincy on 5 digit models, but that’s subjective.

As far as I know, the end links that attach to the case have been solid for a long time. 5 digits subs should all have SEL in Gold.... my 5 digit YM is SEL.

The 1680/8 etc, may have had hollow end links (See below)

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=506888

[envuks]

Originally Posted by SN13

4.5 grams = 69 grains.

9.0 grams = 138 grains.



Was this with the Gold Screw in the link? Or without?



Theoretically that still means about 75% "Solid"....

With the screw


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[SN13]

Originally Posted by envuks

With the screw


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks! I did mine with the screw as well...

I never thought about gold screws and springbars until I had mine and was like

"Oh, that makes sense, but damn, it's an expensive loss if a springbar flies accross the room..."

[Calatrava r]

Originally Posted by SN13

16613 did not have solid center links early on at least.

I've owned one, from 1992. Hollow, oblong, tube centerlinks.


24k = 19.32g per Cubic Centimeter.
18k = 15.58g per Cubic Centimeter.
904L = 7.9g per Cubic Centimeter.

Therefore, a SOLID Link of 904L should weigh right around 50% of the same link in 18k. If two SS links weight 93 grains, two Solid, 18k, Links would weigh 186 grains.... they do not.







Everyone knows that Rolex Cases have cutouts to reduce gold content. You can find photos of the empty Cases:


http://www.horologist.com/rolexmetals.htm

The math says that early 90's Gold Links have voids in either the center link or the outside links. (I believe Center).

A fully solid gold pair of 18k Links should weigh approx 186 grains... they weigh in at 122 grains... This means only 65% of the volume is "SOLID".

Now, maybe someone can post up their own digital jeweler scale photos weighing one or two removed Links from a 116618 Sub or even a later 16618 (early 2000s?) and we can re-evaluate.

I remember reading that about the cases being cut out to save metal. Wonder if they still do that, Thanks for the photos.

[RJRJRJ]

Originally Posted by SN13

Thanks! I did mine with the screw as well...

I never thought about gold screws and springbars until I had mine and was like

"Oh, that makes sense, but damn, it's an expensive loss if a springbar flies accross the room..."

I don't think the spring bars are gold. Just steel but gold colored to match. I could be wrong.

[SN13]

Originally Posted by RJRJRJ

I don't think the spring bars are gold. Just steel but gold colored to match. I could be wrong.

They are gold. The tips and tubes. The spring itself inside is steel.


One of my tips popped out of the tube on me... So I got to look inside :D

[RJRJRJ]

Originally Posted by SN13

They are gold. The tips and tubes. The spring itself inside is steel.


One of my tips popped out of the tube on me... So I got to look inside :D

Great, now I have to be worried now.

The thought crossed my mind while changing the strap a couple of months ago, and I thought I read that they were steel.

[SN13]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

I remember reading that about the cases being cut out to save metal. Wonder if they still do that, Thanks for the photos.

Here's a 16808 from the early 80s, you can see the cutout.

I haven't been able to get my YM open or i'd show you photos of it as well (1992).

[SN13]

Originally Posted by RJRJRJ

Great, now I have to be worried now.

The thought crossed my mind while changing the strap a couple of months ago, and I thought I read that they were steel.

Don't worry, if you lose one, you can get a replacement for about .... $200?

[timlo]

So all gold Rolex should have solid center links? At least in 5 digit ones?

[thesharkfactor]

Originally Posted by Solo118

5 Digit 16618 should have solid center links, even the two tone 16613 had solid center links.

Wrong, don't mislead folk. You been here 12yrs, you should know these facts.

All 5 digit full gold Sub has solid links.
All 5 digit TT Sub has hollow links.
All 6 digits have solid links..SS, TT and full 18k.
Facts.

[MTdweller]

Originally Posted by thesharkfactor

Wrong, don't mislead folk. You been here 12yrs, you should know these facts.

All 5 digit full gold Sub has solid links.
All 5 digit TT Sub has hollow links.
All 6 digits have solid links..SS, TT and full 18k.
Facts.

This. I always wanted a 16613LB but the hollow center links were one of the big reasons I went for the 6-digit instead.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by timlo

Hi all,

I would like to know if all Rolex gold sports models have solid link bracelets. The hollow center links only happen on steel sports Rolex right? All gold bracelets should have all solid center links?

Thank you.

So called solid centre links, starting with the GMT-Master II Ceramic, Milgauss, and Daytona from around 2005 -2007 on.Now today this Internet term "hollow link" is a complete and utter misnomer all it means in the real world, is simply this. All the links are made from heavy solid gold or solid S.steel tubing and then formed into shape in a press. This leaves a void in the centre, just like any other piece of tube,however, the tubes are still made from solid 18Ct gold or solid SS.

While the newer so called solid link bracelet might feel more substantial the newer type or so called solid links are still machined but they are machined with holes drilled right through the metal links. So in the real world they are as well technically hollow but not to the same extent as the older type.And in every day wearing would doubt if any real difference in strength or longevity of life as long as you keep them clean. Thats the simple answer in the life of any Rolex oyster bracelet keep it clean and they will last 20-30 years plus.