New SS bracelet for vintage Rolex Date?

[Trexsol]

I recently received a family watch, a 1961 Oyster Date 34 mm. It has an unhealthy aftermarket bracelet. I explored Rolex 19 mm SS bracelets from the era and the clasp has been improved over the years.

Does this group of smart experts know if a newer 19 mm SS bracelet will fit the head/lugs of a 1961 model? The original would’ve had open end links, and all options are on the table. What suggestions would you make?

It was last serviced in 1983 and sat in a box for 20 years without running. I put it on and it still ticks at (-)10 s/day. It’s now being serviced (without polishing) by a well-reputed watchmaker I found on this forum.

Thanks, in advance.

[TimeToGo]

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If you are looking for a new replacement the 78350 557 ELs (19mm) would fit.

That is what the RSC would sell you, since the vintage would not be in stock..

[Trexsol]

Thanks. Will other end links for 19mm lugs scratch the head?

[TimeToGo]

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There are so many vintage bracelet options (not just the new ones) including rivet, folded, expandable, Swiss, C&I, etc.
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It boils down on how the end link fits onto the case, i.e., lose, tight, etc., which would require adjusting.

[Trexsol]

Originally Posted by TimeToGo

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There are so many vintage bracelet options (not just the new ones) including rivet, folded, expandable, Swiss, C&I, etc.
.
It boils down on how the end link fits onto the case, i.e., lose, tight, etc., which would require adjusting.

Thanks for the good advice. I went down a rabbit hole of watch bracelet history, which helped me get back to exactly the bracelet you recommended. It would look nice with an oyster or a jubilee. Here’s the watch with the 78350 557 oyster bracelet. The bracelet has a few scratches from normal use which gives a sense of history. It’s a touch long, so I’m watching videos on how to remove a link or two. I expect that this watch will outlive me, and it’ll be nice to figure out who it’s going to next (in 50 years I hope). My other watches won’t have the bloodline provenance of this one.

[Trexsol]

Thanks. How could I research which modern bracelets would fit? I’m open to bracelets from other models. This watch will stay with me for a long time. Bracelet and clasp durability is a priority.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Trexsol

Thanks. How could I research which modern bracelets would fit? I’m open to bracelets from other models. This watch will stay with me for a long time. Bracelet and clasp durability is a priority.

If you're OK with a modern bracelet, just contact the RSC. They'll provide you with a new one.

It won't be the same as the original bracelet, but it will be a correct and perfectly acceptable replacement.

[Trexsol]

Originally Posted by zapokee

If you're OK with a modern bracelet, just contact the RSC. They'll provide you with a new one.

It won't be the same as the original bracelet, but it will be a correct and perfectly acceptable replacement.

Thanks for the suggestion.