Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Wood
Tylden, could you shed any light on WAB, a manufacturer of bracelet and strap fittings for Rolex in the UK during the 1950s?
I have also seen Clewco on some British-made Rolex bracelets (Stelux Clewley & Co.?).
Going back to JB... was "Champion" one of their watch bracelet ranges?
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Hi Mike.
Re WAB as seen on Rolex Bracelets sold in the UK.
There was a bracelet manufacturer in Birmingham that made bracelets for Rolex UK. Both Rolex Ltd UK and WAB (Watch Accessories Birmingham) were wholly owned by Oscar Winter a friend of Hans Wildorf. As a young watchmaker I worked for Rolex Ltd first in their new watch casing up department casing up movements using UK made gold cases then in their after sales service department - both at their Service Centre at Heathend Road, Dartford Heath outside Bexley in Kent I knew Mr Winter and his son who took over the UK company when Oscar died. I think it was only when the son Richard (Dickie) died did the UK company change hands and become part of the Swiss company. Tylden.