Still missing Jubilee bracelet with oval links

[semi-ambivalent]

Hi everyone,

As a twenty-four year old in 1978 I ponied up for a SS Datejust with a jubilee bracelet. Still have it and although it's not my only watch it's the only one I wear. Quite a few years ago I had an AD send it in for a complete servicing and replacement of the badly stretched/worn bracelet. It came back looking like new with the bracelet with the flat links. I'm not at all interested in selling or its "value" but not having the period bracelet still sort of sticks in my craw. Should it? Are such oval bracelets easy to find?

Thanks,
s-a

[Bluside]

Are you referring to the Oyster bracelet? Did they swap out your Jubilee?

[semi-ambivalent]

Originally Posted by Bluside

Are you referring to the Oyster bracelet? Did they swap out your Jubilee?

I bought it new with a jubilee and had it replaced it with a new jubilee at servicing. Sorry I wasn't clear, it's been a while since 1978. I just walked in and picked the one I thought looked best on me. Then put it on lay-away. (Ask your parents about lay-away.)

s-a

[mapalfa]

You can pick up a decent condition folded jubilee on ebay for less than £500.

The problem is finding one that's long enough if you have big wrists. I've spent months looking for a couple of extra period links for mine at a sensible price.

[Bluside]

Originally Posted by semi-ambivalent

I bought it new with a jubilee and had it replaced it with a new jubilee at servicing. Sorry I wasn't clear, it's been a while since 1978. I just walked in and picked the one I thought looked best on me. Then put it on lay-away. (Ask your parents about lay-away.)

s-a

Still not sure what your question is. A picture of your watch bracelet would be helpful.

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by Bluside

Still not sure what your question is. A picture of your watch bracelet would be helpful.

New Jubilee bracelets (like the one they put on his watch at servicing) have flat bottoms on the links.
His original 1978 bracelet had oval links.
He misses the oval one.
He wants to know if oval link Jubilee are hard to find.

[southtexas]

Bluside they aren't hard to find, but chances are high that it will be in poor, stretched out condition. Lucky for you, you can send it to Michael Young in Hong Kong; a few months and a few hundred $ later, you'll have a like-new oval link jubilee that matches your original one on the first day you bought it.

Edit to add: if you sell your d link to fund the above, you'll put some money in your pocket after it's said and done.

[Bluside]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

New Jubilee bracelets (like the one they put on his watch at servicing) have flat bottoms on the links.
His original 1978 bracelet had oval links.
He misses the oval one.
He wants to know if oval link Jubilee are hard to find.

OK, now this makes sense to me. Thanks.

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by Bluside

OK, now this makes sense to me. Thanks.

Anytime, man!

[waspy1]

I bought one about 2 years back for about 250usd. Sent to mike young for refurb and is now great. Perhaps put up a wtb on the forums.


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[semi-ambivalent]

Thanks to all of you for the information.

s-a

[zapokee]

I'd keep the current bracelet. It's more solid so it's safer, and it's still correct even though it's more modern.

Upgraded bracelets aren't generally considered as big an issue as replaced dials/bezels/hands are.

[springer]

Originally Posted by semi-ambivalent

Hi everyone,

As a twenty-four year old in 1978 I ponied up for a SS Datejust with a jubilee bracelet. Still have it and although it's not my only watch it's the only one I wear. Quite a few years ago I had an AD send it in for a complete servicing and replacement of the badly stretched/worn bracelet. It came back looking like new with the bracelet with the flat links. I'm not at all interested in selling or its "value" but not having the period bracelet still sort of sticks in my craw. Should it? Are such oval bracelets easy to find?

Thanks,
s-a

Oval link bracelets are readily available in the secondary market. The two Datejust versions are the Swiss 6251 with 55 end links (Datejust end links) and the USA oval link version. Both are great bracelets. You should be able to source one quite easily, or have yours restored with Michael Young in Hong Kong. Having the correct bracelet on a vintage Rolex is quite appealing to many of us collectors - especially the vintage Jubilee bracelets.

[R.W.T.]

I have an oval link but you will have to wait until after Jan. 1. The USA ends are rather generic and rarely fit well. I have some non stock generics that do or you can opt to use the Swiss ends you have. I'll make you a good price on it if you can wait. PM me.