Bracelet for 1501 - Used Vintage or New Options?

[LegB4Wicket]

Hello everyone,

I'm going to get this 1501 with the non-quick set 1570 caliber movement from 1971 serviced, as the last time one was carried out was over 20 years ago.

While the crystal obviously needs replacing, a bracelet also needs to be acquired as the original was destroyed several decades ago and was replaced with a rather nasty department store brand.

Here's my conundrum. Most of the period-correct authentic Oyster 19mm bracelets for the 1501 that I've found for sale on eBay, Chrono24 and this forum tend to be in ratty condition and half-decent ones cost a bomb. I don't really want to spend $1,500 or more for a bracelet that's in less than pristine condition. Plus I'm in Canada, so I'll have to pay duties and taxes if it comes from a seller in the U.S. or Europe.

Does anyone know if an AD carries or be able to order a period-correct bracelet for me or would they require me to acquire a modern version? Conversely, should I buy a quality period-correct unbranded Oyster-style bracelet and call it a day?

The watch belongs to my father and he purchased it new in 1972. I'm pretty sure it came with a riveted style bracelet, as opposed to the folding links - although my childhood memory could be a bit fuzzy.

Thank you for your thoughts!

EDIT: Links to pictures below. For some reason, I can't post them directly into the thread.

https://imgur.com/HZKzJUM

https://imgur.com/Ck2Nr2B

https://imgur.com/K8jZYUP

[alwayshere]

Originally Posted by LegB4Wicket

Hello everyone,

I'm going to get this 1501 with the non-quick set 1570 caliber movement from 1971 serviced, as the last time one was carried out was over 20 years ago.

While the crystal obviously needs replacing, a bracelet also needs to be acquired as the original was destroyed several decades ago and was replaced with a rather nasty department store brand.

Here's my conundrum. Most of the period-correct authentic Oyster 19mm bracelets for the 1501 that I've found for sale on eBay, Chrono24 and this forum tend to be in ratty condition and half-decent ones cost a bomb. I don't really want to spend $1,500 or more for a bracelet that's in less than pristine condition. Plus I'm in Canada, so I'll have to pay duties and taxes if it comes from a seller in the U.S. or Europe.

Does anyone know if an AD carries or be able to order a period-correct bracelet for me or would they require me to acquire a modern version? Conversely, should I buy a quality period-correct unbranded Oyster-style bracelet and call it a day?

The watch belongs to my father and he purchased it new in 1972. I'm pretty sure it came with a riveted style bracelet, as opposed to the folding links - although my childhood memory could be a bit fuzzy.

Thank you for your thoughts!

EDIT: Links to pictures below. For some reason, I can't post them directly into the thread.

https://imgur.com/HZKzJUM

https://imgur.com/Ck2Nr2B

https://imgur.com/K8jZYUP

I recently sourced a bracelet for my 1500. It was a 7835 folded bracelet. They aren't too expensive - $400-500. You could also look for a 78350.

[Dan S]

An AD can provide a modern replacement oyster bracelet. Alternatively, if you buy a period-correct bracelet on eBay that isn't in satisfactory condition, you can have it restored by an expert.

[LegB4Wicket]

Originally Posted by alwayshere

I recently sourced a bracelet for my 1500. It was a 7835 folded bracelet. They aren't too expensive - $400-500. You could also look for a 78350.

That's a great price! I'm following a few eBay auctions right now, so perhaps I'll get lucky.

Originally Posted by Dan S

An AD can provide a modern replacement oyster bracelet. Alternatively, if you buy a period-correct bracelet on eBay that isn't in satisfactory condition, you can have it restored by an expert.

Thanks! I'll drop by one of the Vancouver ADs this week and see what they have. I'd prefer to find a period-correct bracelet though as I'm not too keen on the double locking clasps.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by LegB4Wicket

I'd prefer to find a period-correct bracelet though as I'm not too keen on the double locking clasps.

You should have modern options without a flip-lock clasp. But I agree, period-correct would be more appealing to me as well, especially if you think that the watch originally had a rivet bracelet.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by LegB4Wicket

That's a great price! I'm following a few eBay auctions right now, so perhaps I'll get lucky.



Thanks! I'll drop by one of the Vancouver ADs this week and see what they have. I'd prefer to find a period-correct bracelet though as I'm not too keen on the double locking clasps.

I wouldn't chance Ebay unless you're an expert in the field. There are a lot of replicas/fakes on there.

Get one from and AD or an RSC, then you know you're getting the real thing.

[snakeeyes]

When bracelets for the 1501 turn up they are usually not expensive, sub 1k kiwi money. So $5 USD :D

Just depends on if you want solid or rolled metal links.

[LegB4Wicket]

Originally Posted by zapokee

I wouldn't chance Ebay unless you're an expert in the field. There are a lot of replicas/fakes on there.

Get one from and AD or an RSC, then you know you're getting the real thing.

I'm not new to eBay, so I don't have a problem buying from that platform. I've purchased watches, including a couple of Rolexes, a Tudor, a Hamilton, a Tissot and others from reputable sellers.

But I'll drop by an AD in the next day or two as today is Thanksgiving here in Canada.

[alwayshere]

Originally Posted by LegB4Wicket

I'm not new to eBay, so I don't have a problem buying from that platform. I've purchased watches, including a couple of Rolexes, a Tudor, a Hamilton, a Tissot and others from reputable sellers.

But I'll drop by an AD in the next day or two as today is Thanksgiving here in Canada.

I haven't really seen any fake 7835 floating around so your risk of getting ripped off is arguably lower. The issue will be end links which may not fit the 1501 case as well since the 7835 comes with many end link variations.

I think the right one is the 357.... but worth checking yourself. Maybe let us know once you have confirmed?

[LegB4Wicket]

Originally Posted by alwayshere

I haven't really seen any fake 7835 floating around so your risk of getting ripped off is arguably lower. The issue will be end links which may not fit the 1501 case as well since the 7835 comes with many end link variations.

I think the right one is the 357.... but worth checking yourself. Maybe let us know once you have confirmed?

Based on my research here and looking at used 1501 models on Chrono24, 557, 357 and 57 end links fit.

[alwayshere]

Originally Posted by LegB4Wicket

Based on my research here and looking at used 1501 models on Chrono24, 557, 357 and 57 end links fit.

Thanks for confirming. Mine is a 361 end link which fits poorly on my 1500.

[LegB4Wicket]

Originally Posted by alwayshere

Thanks for confirming. Mine is a 361 end link which fits poorly on my 1500.

You're most welcome!

[sleepydoc]

There's a very reputable guy in Kelowna who services vintage Rolex (including my own). He would probably be worth a try. PM me if you want his contact details.