16753 bracelet 14k ?

[MrChamfers]

I'm looking at a 16753 from 1980, the bracelet seems unusual to me.
It's an original Rolex and according to the seller "made for the American Market in this time period. There were no numbers on these bracelets."
Is this correct?

[springer]

It should have the USA markings on a clasp blade and read 14k trim.

There are no model numbers on the clasp on bracelet. Additionally there are no end link numbers.

[MrChamfers]

Originally Posted by springer

It should have the USA markings on a clasp blade and read 14k trim.

There are no model numbers on the clasp on bracelet. Additionally there are no end link numbers.

Thanks, I never would have guessed Rolex made bracelets like that.

[TimeLord2]

Looks very similar to mine from my 1675/3 3.2 million serial number but that one seems to be in better condition! No numbers just as Springer has indicated except inside teh clasp with Rolex, the crown, and 14K.

[MrChamfers]

Originally Posted by TimeLord2

Looks very similar to mine from my 1675/3 3.2 million serial number but that one seems to be in better condition! No numbers just as Springer has indicated except inside teh clasp with Rolex, the crown, and 14K.

hm, it looks like the one I posted has no USA markings or 14k trim marking, nothing.

[zapokee]

Rule of thumb: I wouldn't buy from anybody who uses those washed-out, over-exposed photos with the bright white background.

Watch photos should be rich, detailed and natural, with high resolution, so that you can see the characteristics properly. Cf. Tropical Watch, HQ Milton.

[TimeLord2]

Originally Posted by MrChamfers

hm, it looks like the one I posted has no USA markings or 14k trim marking, nothing.

The markings are on the inside surface so would not be visible in the images you provided. It is an oval link bracelet. End links look like the ones I had on mine too—no numbers. But they were definitely never replaced until I did that myself to make it fit better with 450 end links. The Swiss version is Rolex Bracelet Jubilee 62523H and has the previously mentioned 450 end links. As I understand it, the oval link American bracelets were produced also in Mexico (Hecho en Mexico) so customs import fees would not be so high. In this way the watch could be sent as incomplete, which entailed less money to customs. I definitely could be wrong on that last bit… I actually thought these American bracelets were not available on later models like the 16753 but again, I don't know that for sure. One thing I do know, the bracelet is very comfortable.

[springer]

Originally Posted by MrChamfers

Thanks, I never would have guessed Rolex made bracelets like that.

It was manufactured for Rolex by a contractor in the USA. Rolex is not unlike any other corporation that wants to save on taxes when sending manufactured goods to the USA.

[Incroyable12]

Originally Posted by zapokee

Rule of thumb: I wouldn't buy from anybody who uses those washed-out, over-exposed photos with the bright white background.

Watch photos should be rich, detailed and natural, with high resolution, so that you can see the characteristics properly. Cf. Tropical Watch, HQ Milton.

I find this varies with the age of the dealer.

The rich high-res photos are favored by younger dealers whereas a lot of older dealers still use those over exposed eBay style photos.

I've seen some dealers who scan the watches on a scanner.

[JustinK]

The 1675 1675/3 often came with the oval link bracelets but I am not aware of the 16750 or 16753 having this as an option.

If it’s a 16753 my guess is the bracelet is not original to the watch. The oval link bracelets are the cheapest option to add an authentic bracelet to a watch.

I would verify the case reference as the seller might be mistaking it for a 16753 and it’s actually a 1675/3.

[springer]

Originally Posted by JustinK

The 1675 1675/3 often came with the oval link bracelets but I am not aware of the 16750 or 16753 having this as an option.

If it’s a 16753 my guess is the bracelet is not original to the watch. The oval link bracelets are the cheapest option to add an authentic bracelet to a watch.

I would verify the case reference as the seller might be mistaking it for a 16753 and it’s actually a 1675/3.

Hello Justin, regarding your comments:

A 1980 16753 could quite possible have come this bracelet, since 1979 or'80 was the end of the USA bracelet production.

[MrChamfers]

Originally Posted by TimeLord2

The markings are on the inside surface so would not be visible in the images you provided. It is an oval link bracelet. End links look like the ones I had on mine too—no numbers. But they were definitely never replaced until I did that myself to make it fit better with 450 end links. The Swiss version is Rolex Bracelet Jubilee 62523H and has the previously mentioned 450 end links. As I understand it, the oval link American bracelets were produced also in Mexico (Hecho en Mexico) so customs import fees would not be so high. In this way the watch could be sent as incomplete, which entailed less money to customs. I definitely could be wrong on that last bit… I actually thought these American bracelets were not available on later models like the 16753 but again, I don't know that for sure. One thing I do know, the bracelet is very comfortable.

Ah, ok. I was thinking the stamp would show through the other side.

I'd be happy to have a well made, USA made bracelet, and it's cool to find out about the history on these, thanks.

[dhknola]

I have one of those bracelets with incorrect but Rolex end links on my 16013 :)

[JustinK]

Originally Posted by springer

Hello Justin, regarding your comments:

A 1980 16753 could quite possible have come this bracelet, since 1979 or'80 was the end of the USA bracelet production.

Good to know JP, I did not know when they stopped manufacturing those.

They are actually quite comfortable, I wear the stainless version with one of my 1675's.