Riveted link removal?

[crgrbrts]

I have just purchased a birth year (1946) 6564 with what appears to be a very nice riveted band. (The watch is enroute, so I have yet to examine it in person).

I have very slim wrists so the removal of one or possibly two links will be required. It's a shame since it will spoil the taper of the band, but a new, genuine Rolex replacement band is insanely priced and simply unaffordable for a retired old coot.

Ar any rate, how can I safely remove a riveted band link? It looks as if this requires the folded link, prying method (which frightens me a bit).

Thanks,

Craig Roberts
Washington, DC

[R.W.T.]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but the 6564 was not made in 1946.

The watch was made in 1957 58. Rolex started the serial numbers over in
1954 after reaching 1,000,000.

The 6564 uses a 1030 movement which was not introduced until 1954.

Prying is how it is done unfortunately.

Try and back the face of the link up on a hard flat surface and go slow and try not to "crease" the front of the link. 50's bracelets are somewhat easier because of the thickness of the metal used. If you remove the link closest to the end on either side if it is a 13 link full bracelet it won't hurt the look.

[crgrbrts]

Hmmm. The previous owner describes the movement as a 1530 butterfly. The serial number is 468XXX . He quotes markings as 6564 - 1002 and 6565 111 - 59.
As I mentioned, I have not yet seen the watch in person and apparently need to educate myself on identifying marks.

Many thanks for the watch band advice!

[Kingface66]

Craig,
The III 59 he mentioned will likely refer to the engraving inside the case back which denotes the third quarter of 1959.

[dysondiver]

pictures may help

[R.W.T.]

So it's not actually even a 6564 but a 1002.

From third quarter 1959

with a 1530.

the plot thickens.

:-)

the 1002 replaced the 6564 when the 15xx series movements were introduced.

Same basic case style though likely you can't swap the frames the backs are the same.

34 mm with a 19mm lug spread.

Smooth bezel.

I was going on probable serial number from 46 upgraded to the new post 54 numbering before you gave the serial out. 468,xxx would fall right in 1/3 quarter 59 yes.