Two-tone bracelet question

[MasterMindPL]

Hi there!

I'm about to buy a Rolex 16013 from around 1978. It comes on a two-tone jubilee bracelet that is in a good condition (just a little stretch).

The watch serial number starts with 59164xxxx so I guess it was made in 1978 (am I correct?)

The clasp looks like this: (I can't post links ;)

On the bottom of the clasp reference number 65523H then long gap and 14

Above that and slighlty to the right R sing (it looks more like R than A to me, definately not B)

Above that and slighlty to the left number 7

So it looks like the bracelet is made with 14k gold and R means it was made in 1993 ( R stands for 1993 right?)

My question is - when Rolex started making 18k jubilee bracelets? Shouldn't R be made with 18k gold?

For now it looks like the watch was made in 1978 and bracelet in 1993.

PS: The watch was last serviced in the USA, now being sold in Poland, apart from papers from 2011 from watch repair centre there are no additional papers included.

[MasterMindPL]

[springer]

It looks like a "B" to me. The bottom of the "B" appears to be buffed over and is missing or it was not properly stamped when the clasp was made.

"B" code is 1977 which should be correct for the watch.

I'm not familiar with any 14K Jubilees being made during the 1990s unless it was a service bracelet but your clasp does not appear to be a
service clasp.

[august1410]

Originally Posted by springer

It looks like a B to me. The bottom appears to be buffed over and is missing.

"B" code is 1977 which would probably be correct for the watch.

I concur. I'll bet if you looked at it with a loupe, you will see the bottom of the "B"

[Tools]

x2

[MasterMindPL]

Super, now it all makes sense! So looks like it's an original set = case+bracelet.

That means a lot to me, this will be my first and probably last Datejust. Been saving up almost 3 years for this one :)

Thanks guys!

One more question - serial number 59164xxxx points to 1978? Because there are at least 3 different lists on the Internet sugesting different years of production. And for future questions - which list of serial numbers is the most accurate?

[springer]

Originally Posted by MasterMindPL

Super, now it all makes sense! So looks like it's an original set = case+bracelet.

That means a lot to me, this will be my first and probably last Datejust. Been saving up almost 3 years for this one :)

Thanks guys!

One more question - serial number 59164xxxx points to 1978? Because there are at least 3 different lists on the Internet sugesting different years of production. And for future questions - which list of serial numbers is the most accurate?

As far as which list is correct, good luck getting a concurrence on that! The dating lists found here, there and everywhere are a guide.

Your watch is circa 1978/79. Enjoy it!

[MasterMindPL]

Using Your kindness, another question - are all TT end links from that era (pre-1980) with stamped numbers (also both /not just one/ end links on the bracelet stamped)?

Meaning - if there are no numbers on end links that means they are non-Rolex replacement?



What is more, now i see that minute hand does not reach the end of hour indicies and second track. Just 1mm too short. Does it mean it was replaced? I've searched in google graphics for 16013 and all of them seem to have minute hands long enough to reach the second track.

[roosvelt]

The only thing I can maybe help you on, on my sub and dd the minute reaches the second track. Yours differently doesn't. Just my opinion the bracelet has a lot of wear to it. Maybe best to pass buy a better example that doesn't raise so many ?s

[springer]

Using Your kindness, another question - are all TT end links from that era (pre-1980) with stamped numbers (also both /not just one/ end links on the bracelet stamped)?

Meaning - if there are no numbers on end links that means they are non-Rolex replacement?

The end links on your Jubilee are from the USA-made oval link Jubilee bracelet made prior to your current "D" link bracelet. "D" link bracelets were Swiss made and had end link numbers. The two-tone USA oval link end links did not have a number stamped on them.

Maybe you should take a look at this thread on vintage bracelets.

https://rolexvintageforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=139

[MasterMindPL]

Thanks for Your answers!

For now it looks like this:

The bracelet consists of three elements coming from different years of production. Clasp is from ~1977, bracelet with D-Links probably newer (judging by its' contition and stretch) and end links came from an oval jubilee bracelet made in USA (unless it's not unbranded non-Rolex replacement)

Now hand set - probably both hour and minute hands are 1mm too short, because they came from an OP 34mm TT. As for now that's just a wild guess but I think it may be true.

Just like roosevelt mentioned - right now I have to many questions about this particular piece to buy it as my first Datejust.

[crowncollection]

Now you need to find out if the links section is original

Remove a screw and rake photos of the screw and from the side of the gold link


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