Gold v steel spring bar pins ?

[Diva]

I very recently purchased an 18k Day-Date from circa 1980, I have had the watch itself authenticated by a Rolex AD, however it is the bracelet which is causing concern. Due to its age the AD is unfamiliar with this style and is unable to say whether it is genuine or not.

He also pointed out that it has steel spring bar pins instead of the original gold, the concern is that the bracelet may not be authentic. As I was planning on sending it to Rolex to be re-sized and the gold spring bars pins replaced I am fearful if the bracelet is found to be fake it will be seized.

The seller insists that it is genuine, however it is flimsier and lighter than I expected.

Can someone please view my photo album and give me their opinion so I can decide which action I should take? Send happily to Rolex or contact the seller.

Thank you in advance.



http://s1262.photobucket.com/albums/ii605/rolexdiva/

[Diva]

Hi,

I am sending my gold Day-Date to Rolex Service Centre to have the president bracelet re-sized (it is circa 1980 and cannot be done in the shop). The AD pointed out that it has (for some reason) steel spring bar pins instead of the original gold. He has suggested these will wear the bracelet quicker and has suggested I have them replaced.

Does anyone have any idea of the cost involved? Is it really necessary?

Thanks

[padi56]

Well the gold spring-bars used to be $100 a pair might have gone up now, but think the internal spring inside is steel.And if the steel ones have been on the watch for a long time whatever extra wear on the lug holes have been done.

[Diva]

Originally Posted by padi56

Well the gold spring-bars used to be $100 a pair might have gone up now, but think the internal spring inside is steel.And if the steel ones have been on the watch for a long time whatever extra wear on the lug holes have been done.

Thank you - I appreciate your help.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Diva

I very recently purchased an 18k Day-Date from circa 1980, I have had the watch itself authenticated by a Rolex AD, however it is the bracelet which is causing concern. Due to its age the AD is unfamiliar with this style and is unable to say whether it is genuine or not.

He also pointed out that it has steel spring bar pins instead of the original gold, the concern is that the bracelet may not be authentic. As I was planning on sending it to Rolex to be re-sized and the gold spring bars pins replaced I am fearful if the bracelet is found to be fake it will be seized.

The seller insists that it is genuine, however it is flimsier and lighter than I expected.

Can someone please view my photo album and give me their opinion so I can decide which action I should take? Send happily to Rolex or contact the seller.

Thank you in advance.



http://s1262.photobucket.com/albums/ii605/rolexdiva/

Bracelet looks OK its a 7268 is which is correct for this model its before the hidden type clasps came in.It looks more late 1960s mid 1970s, gold bracelets typically of this age have wear in the pins which elongate the bracelet link pins . And gold bracelets from this period could be 14ct or 18ct gold and quite a bit lighter in weight than the models from the 1980s

[rmfnla]

Originally Posted by padi56

Well the gold spring-bars used to be $100 a pair might have gone up now, but think the internal spring inside is steel.And if the steel ones have been on the watch for a long time whatever extra wear on the lug holes have been done.

Yes. Gold is not a good material for springs.