Vintage oysterband

[ZekeRolex]

Hi, I am totally new to the rolex world and just bought my first one.

The watch is from 1970s and everything should be original including the oysterband. The oysterband has never been changed.

Now to my question, is it normal that the bracelet is not equal size left and right of the lock? Please see the pictures.

rolex1.jpg

rolex4.jpg

I hope you can help me clarify this :)

[Old Expat Beast]

Looks like maybe some links have been removed. How many are there in total?

[Chadridv]

I could be totally wrong on this but shouldn't there be some "step-down" links gradually decreasing the link width to the clasp? That might account for missing links also. OP, might want to post another pic of the whole watch so we can see with a better perspective.

[ZekeRolex]

Thanks for your reply.

That was my idea to, that the links should gradually be decrasing towards the clasp, but I dont know anything about this except what I have seen on pictures elsewhere and I have never seen a bracelet look like this.

I am not sure how many links there are since I am not wearing the watch right now, but I will count them later.

Is this something I should be worried about and maybe complain to the seller?

[crowncollection]

You have had links removed and it does not look great IMHO

[ZekeRolex]

Well, since the bracelet is the original from the 1970s the owner must have removed some of the links for some reason. I guess that it is a thing to accept to the history of vintage Air kings with the original bracelet matching to the original watch.

If I want to fix the bracelet do it require a brand new bracelet or just new links?

[Vincent65]

The bracelet looks to be in excellent condition and it's good that it's the original one to the watch, IMHO. If it needs extra links you can always source those and have a jeweller/watchmaker fit them. Doesn't appear to need a refurbishment. Is it too small, then?
If it fits, I'd just wear and enjoy it as it is - as you say; accept the history of vintage. It's why we love 'em. May we see the watch, too?!

[ZekeRolex]

Thank you very much for your reply, Vincent65.

The bracelet fits just perfect and I agree on your advice to just wear and enjoy it as it is with the history it shows.

I have attached pictures of the watch. It came with original papers and box and I am so happy to finally be the proud owner of it.

rolex7.jpg

rolex10.jpg

[Vincent65]

Looks great, many congrats and enjoy! I'd leave it alone if it fits.

[andromeda160]

See how the end of the inner clasp blade is putting tension on the link in the bracelet? What happens is when the bracelet is worn snug/tight, the clasp digs into the link and eventually bends it, I have 2 damaged links in the same spot yours are removed because of this problem, I haven't had my links removed or replaced yet, but I did adjust the clasp to allow the end of the clasp to sit between links so they can move around it and not have any pressure exerted on the center of the link itself, just the joints.