TT sub age questions?

[tomsmith]

Now that I find myself looking much closer at the details of various Rolex's, I have noticed that some, presumably older, 16613's have a solid SS bracelet clasp versus TT; any ideas on when/series the change took place?

How about non-gold to gold numbering on the bezel?

Hopefully, these are not stupid questions. Thanks.

[BiG JeEzY]

Yes older 16613's did have a SS clasp without any gold running through them. This was pretty much seen on all TT Subs until about 2000. By the time of the "P-serial number" models, the TT Sub had gold through the clasp. So the transition was around 2000-2001.

About the gold writing of the bezel, I have a feeling that it was always that way but I am not so sure. I remember that all gold Subs in the 1980s had a more yellowish bezel font and was a little lighter colored than the one seen today.

[Tools]

Yep ~2000 for the gold through clasp.. there is always some transition time on Rolex watches.

TT models have always had gold numbers on the bezel....

[Art 1]

Originally Posted by tomsmith

Now that I find myself looking much closer at the details of various Rolex's, I have noticed that some, presumably older, 16613's have a solid SS bracelet clasp versus TT; any ideas on when/series the change took place?

How about non-gold to gold numbering on the bezel?

Hopefully, these are not stupid questions. Thanks.

The gold thru clasp started with the late A serial numbers in spring of 2000. That started the SEL on the TT Sub as well.

[tomsmith]

Thanks for the reputable confirmation; that is pretty much what I had deduced on the clasp by looking at series codes of various examples on eBad.

Fear not, I have only ever bought from AD's; I am just trying to become more knowledgeable about the many "hack jobs" that seem to abound.

What led me to this particular quest for knowledge was that I noticed the clasp on one of my co-worker's Bluey today. His wife recently bought it for his 50th B-day. I am not sure whether he thinks it was brand new, but my wife says to keep my damn mouth shut.

Regarding the bezel numbers color, this is what led me to that question:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Gents-Two-Tone-R...QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/Gents-Two-Tone-R...QQcmdZViewItem

Maybe it is just bad lighting, but those bezels sure don't look original. Coincidentally, it is the same seller, and neither have box/papers....or any bids.

[Markg]

no pics

[Markg]

i have an "L" version and it has gold numbers on the bezel

[tomsmith]

Originally Posted by Markg

no pics

The seller must visit here, as it looks like the pics have been pulled from both ads.

[Trurolexer]

Originally Posted by Tools

Yep ~2000 for the gold through clasp.. there is always some transition time on Rolex watches.

TT models have always had gold numbers on the bezel....

Correct...