HELP! Vintage Oysterdate Precision 6694 (1969) - Discuss replacement part options

[patto2910]

Hi friends

First time poster and Rolex purchaser.

I've just purchased a vintage 6694 (silver), manufactured in 1969. The bracelet is a 7205 with 60 end links The bracelet is a 7205 and the end links are 60. However, the clasp is not Rolex manufactured and I only have 11 links, which is a little bit tight.

I'm looking at a new bracelet and I want to be faithful to the period. I have some queries that I'd love to tap into your shared knowledge on:

(1) Given the year of manufacture, can I get confirmation that a 7205 bracelet is correct? Or would it be "acceptable" to get a 7835 (which seem easier to purchase). I.e would any 1969 6694's have a folded bracelet like a 7835?

(2) The 60 end links feel/look a bit off. I'm not sure what 60's are for, but I've been reading that 57's are more appropriate for the 7205 bracelet (which is riveted). Is one more appropriate for my 6694 or would either be acceptable?

(3) Clasp - what clasp should I be looking for and how would I source?

Thanks in advance!

[Dan S]

First of all, I'd ask how you know your watch was manufactured in 1969. Presumably that is just an approximation based on an internet chart, so it would be better to give serial number info, which is more empirically meaningful.

Bracelets were often added at the point of sale. 1969 would probably be a bit early for a 7835, but not by much, and since watches were often sold several years after delivery, it's not impossible that a 1969 watch could have been sold with a 7835.

As far as I know, both #57 and #60 endlinks are appropriate for a 7205 bracelet, but I don't know which is more appropriate for your particular watch. It probably doesn't matter much TBH. I don't know exactly what you mean by the endlinks "feeling off." Endlinks from that era don't generally fit as snugly as modern endlinks.

If you study other examples of 7205 bracelets, you will be able to identify the correct big crown clasp with grooves down the edges. You will just need to keep an eye open on eBay, auction sites, etc. It should be a Swiss clasp, not a C&I, and the correct narrow width for a 7205, not the wider clasp for a 7206. You will have to do your research to avoid buying a fake. The clasp is generally the most expensive part of a bracelet, So in your place, I would probably consider buying a full bracelet in good condition and selling the current bracelet for parts. 7205 bracelets aren't that expensive relatively speaking.

[patto2910]

Originally Posted by Dan S

First of all, I'd ask how you know your watch was manufactured in 1969. Presumably that is just an approximation based on an internet chart, so it would be better to give serial number info, which is more empirically meaningful.

Bracelets were often added at the point of sale. 1969 would probably be a bit early for a 7835, but not by much, and since watches were often sold several years after delivery, it's not impossible that a 1969 watch could have been sold with a 7835.

As far as I know, both #57 and #60 endlinks are appropriate for a 7205 bracelet, but I don't know which is more appropriate for your particular watch. It probably doesn't matter much TBH. I don't know exactly what you mean by the endlinks "feeling off." Endlinks from that era don't generally fit as snugly as modern endlinks.

If you study other examples of 7205 bracelets, you will be able to identify the correct big crown clasp with grooves down the edges. You will just need to keep an eye open on eBay, auction sites, etc. It should be a Swiss clasp, not a C&I, and the correct narrow width for a 7205, not the wider clasp for a 7206. You will have to do your research to avoid buying a fake. The clasp is generally the most expensive part of a bracelet, So in your place, I would probably consider buying a full bracelet in good condition and selling the current bracelet for parts. 7205 bracelets aren't that expensive relatively speaking.

Thanks for this Dan S - really helpful and I’ll take all this on board. If it changes anything you’ve said my Serial Number is 2434653.

[patto2910]

Thanks so much for this. Will take onboard. If it changes anything my serial number is 2434653, so understand would be a 1969 manufacture.

[TuRo]

Cheapest is a 7835/19 on 57s from £300. Will look fine and dandy !

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by patto2910

Thanks so much for this. Will take onboard. If it changes anything my serial number is 2434653, so understand would be a 1969 manufacture.

I have a 2,411,xxx ref 1603, and it has a 1970 case-back, IIRC.

[patto2910]

Thanks for this - would you also happen to have a photo of the box? Want to see if I can source a period match.