Vintage Bracelet Questions

[Nick9]

Hi, all. Looking for some advice about a vintage bracelet.

My stepson inherited a vintage Air-King from his grandfather. (Not kidding…)

The bracelet is a riveted 7205 Oyster, with 11 links (so missing 2, I think), and stamped 4 70, which I understand as fourth quarter of 1970. The end links are 57.

It is stretched. I’ve used Rolliworks in the past with a good result.

I’m considering sending it out to be restored, and I’d like some advice about whether the value of the bracelet would justify the cost of restoration, around $600 USD according to Rolliworks.

Also, since the restoration would shrink it, whether links for it are available at a reasonable cost.

Any thoughts or advice is welcomed, with many thanks.

[swish77]

If the bracelet is original to the watch, with a date that matches the watch, I'd have it restored. It's not about the value/cost, IMHO. It's about keeping the original watch and bracelet together, especially since I assume you're not going to sell a cool family heirloom.

Getting additional rivet links in good shape would be tough, and incorporating them into the watch is tricky. Unless the bracelet wouldn't fit whoever's going to wear it, I wouldn't worry about having it fully linked.

[TimeToGo]

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I would get a new one (used in great condition) and keep the other one.

These bracelets are not expensive.

[Dan S]

Rolliworks will have links probably.

[TuRo]

Links for 7205 are cheap (unlike 7206) I bought three for £45 recently on eBay. £600 is very strong coin. I bought a full link 7205/57s for just £395 recently and as ttg says folded link 19mm are inexpensive unless Daytona spec (E/links). If it was me I'd just replace it and keep or sell the old bracelet. If heavily attached to bracelet then so be it....it's only money !

[Nick9]

Thanks, guys. Very much appreciate the comments.

Of course, the watch has a lot of sentimental value. The bracelet perhaps not so much, but certainly a part of the inheritance.

I’m glad to know that the 7205 isn’t enormously valuable.

I’ll chew on this a while longer. Thanks again for helping toward a decision.

[TimeLord2]

Originally Posted by TimeToGo

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I would get a new one (used in great condition) and keep the other one.

These bracelets are not expensive.

I too would go this route. Had my Bracelet refurbished at Rolliworks too. In hindsight I would have been better off IMHO purchasing a gently used one on EBAY for about the same price. They will most likely just go up in value. Something like this in your case:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/387373398018

[swish77]

Originally Posted by TimeLord2

I too would go this route. Had my Bracelet refurbished at Rolliworks too. In hindsight I would have been better off IMHO purchasing a gently used one on EBAY for about the same price. They will most likely just go up in value. Something like this in your case:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/387373398018

Keeping the original bracelet that has the matching date code to the watch would be important for me. Maybe I'm weird.

[TimeLord2]

Originally Posted by swish77

Keeping the original bracelet that has the matching date code to the watch would be important for me. Maybe I'm weird.

No, not weird. Just saying I would keep the original and get another as cost to refurbish is about the same as buying another gently used one. I would definitely keep the original and put some wear on a replacement of sorts.

[dg8dg7]

I would echo others in that that you are better to just put aside this bracelet and buy another gently used one.

I had my 7205 fixed up by rolliworks, and the final cost was significantly higher than the initial quoted $600. It was good work, but had I known I would have just bought another myself from eBay that had some stretch and enjoyed it care free. It makes wearing on the newer bracelet much easier knowing you've got a back-up. You'll end up getting more enjoyment out of it.

Sent from my SM-S916W using Tapatalk

[TimeLord2]

Most likely you can find one that matches the year and maybe even the month as your original bracelet. Another example: https://www.ebay.com/itm/266951564182

[haute.baviere]

I can stand behind everything written above, but having been in a similar situation, would ask the stepson whether the bracelet does indeed have sentimental for him.

My father-in-law was in a similar situation, albeit not with a riveted Rolex bracelet. I proposed just changing the bracelet as the one was in an etremely bad shape and no additional links in sight, but the bracelet was part of the story for him. He gladly paid for a restoration - I would not.

[Exceeder]

id have it restored and see if they can give you authentic links. ebay has alot of vintage bracelets for 500- 1000 usd, but good chance of getting a franken

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by Exceeder

id have it restored and see if they can give you authentic links. ebay has alot of vintage bracelets for 500- 1000 usd, but good chance of getting a franken

With some experience you can probably find a legit bracelet, but it might also need some repair.