Checking the year of manufacture on an old Jubilee?

[TeeBee97]

Hello all!

I'm very interested in buying an old 1601 Datejust from -66. It's on a folded jubilee bracelet, which should be 6251 (I haven't asked the seller yet) but its endlinks are "55" which is correct.

However, in order to make sure that the bracelet could be original, I'm very keen on knowing the date of manufacture - is this something that's stamped onto old jubilee clasps? It would be great to know when it's made...

From what I've read Rolex started stamping the year of manufacture in 1976, but I've also read that you can check the year of manufacture on bracelets older than that. Therefore I'm asking you guys.

Thank you for your help, it's truly appreciated!

//Teodor

[TeeBee97]

Here's a photo on what the clasp looks like, does it look period-correct to you? Photo credit to the seller who kindly sent me some photos.
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1447880392.290086.jpg

[crowncollection]

show us the inside of the clasp

[southtexas]

Some (or all?) Swiss made Rolex bracelets have been stamped with year (or year code beginning mid-70s) since the 50's.

However, in typical Rolex form, I know there are inconsistencies; i.e. Early-mid 70s where some weren't stamped at all.
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[TeeBee97]

Originally Posted by crowncollection

show us the inside of the clasp

I'll try to get a photo tomorrow (2:23AM in Sweden atm).

[TeeBee97]

Originally Posted by southtexas

Some (or all?) Swiss made Rolex bracelets have been stamped with year (or year code beginning mid-70s) since the 50's.

However, in typical Rolex form, I know there are inconsistencies; i.e. Early-mid 70s where some weren't stamped at all.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I see, that's interesting. Thank you, this is very useful!

[springer]

6251 Jubilee bracelets were stamped with date codes in the 1960s also - at least most of them. Additionally, the clasp on the 6251 another member posted is not correct for a 1960s Jubilee.

[TeeBee97]

Originally Posted by springer

6251 Jubilee bracelets were stamped with date codes in the 1960s also - at least most of them. Additionally, the clasp on the 6251 another member posted is not correct for a 1960s Jubilee.

Thank you very much. Is the correct one supposed to have the crown poking out where you use your thumb to open it up?

[springer]

Originally Posted by TeeBee97

Thank you very much. Is the correct one supposed to have the crown poking out where you use your thumb to open it up?

If you go to the reference section here on TRF, greekbum has a thread there with many bracelet photos to include the 6251. Yours should have the coronet on the end of the clasp.

[TeeBee97]

Originally Posted by springer

If you go to the reference section here on TRF, greekbum has a thread there with many bracelet photos to include the 6251. Yours should have the coronet on the end of the clasp.

Perfect. Thank you once again. Such an incredible forum this is!

[R.W.T.]

That clasp is later than 66 imho.