Rolex explorer 5500 bracelet ideas

[p33l]

I am new to the forums so please be gentle. I have a 5500 Explorer matte dial which I believe is from 1962-1964 please correct me if I am wrong serial 1564*** .When I purchased it from the original purchasers son it came with a replacement strap as the original had worn out and I would like to get a replacement so try and make it as original as possible. My understanding is it came an expanding bracelet which are pretty rare these days so I'm not banking on finding one of those. Would a riveted big crown bracelet or a 60/70's folded oyster be more suited/came with the watch when it was new?

I know these are commonly faked by using an air king with a re-dial but would mine fit into the production years to make it genuine as I did not receive box or papers when purchased, I just know it was sold with heavy heart as the watch belonged to his father who was in the military and passed the watch to him in his will.

All advice welcomed.

[offrdmania]

From 1962-64, it would have had a model 7205 rivet bracelet with 13 links and X57 end links. You can find them in that date range starting in the $400-$600 range on up to well over $1K and beyond for one in really nice condition.

Here are a few links to some. Most will need work or restoration. Michael Young can help you out there.

Here is a 62 that is missing a couple links on the crown side
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1962-SCARCE...x+7205+57.TRS0

This one is a little later but still correct. Missing 5 links
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1967-Vintag...x+7205+57.TRS0

[p33l]

Thanks for the advice and guidance offrdmania, its all very new at the moment and the internet certainly contradicts its self a lot. In your opinion from that serial number would my dating be correct? I have tried 3 different sites and they came back with 1962, 1963 & 1967 can you suggest a site that is known for its accuracy?

I will get hunting for a bracelet!

[exador]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

This one is a little later but still correct. Missing 5 links
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1967-Vintag...x+7205+57.TRS0

That’s a 17mm bracelet.

[offrdmania]

Originally Posted by exador

That’s a 17mm bracelet.

A 7205 bracelet with a 57 end link is for 19mm lugs, not 17mm. The seller is misinformed. For 17mm it would need a 62 end link.

[offrdmania]

Originally Posted by p33l

Thanks for the advice and guidance offrdmania, its all very new at the moment and the internet certainly contradicts its self a lot. In your opinion from that serial number would my dating be correct? I have tried 3 different sites and they came back with 1962, 1963 & 1967 can you suggest a site that is known for its accuracy?

I will get hunting for a bracelet!

You are correct. There is no definitive answer. Depending on where you look its either 63 or 67. Rolex doesnt release this information so the data was compiled by enthusiasts and who knows which one is actually correct.

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

You are correct. There is no definitive answer. Depending on where you look its either 63 or 67. Rolex doesnt release this information so the data was compiled by enthusiasts and who knows which one is actually correct.

It’s almost certainly 1967. But, definitely not 1962/63.
This is very well-researched chart and from all I’ve seen incredibly accurate...all things considered.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=54362

[p33l]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

You are correct. There is no definitive answer. Depending on where you look its either 63 or 67. Rolex doesnt release this information so the data was compiled by enthusiasts and who knows which one is actually correct.

Would this make a difference to the bracelet I should be searching for? Should it still be the riveted one as your suggested earlier?
Thanks again

[p33l]

[QUOTE=Kingface66;8823205]It’s almost certainly 1967. But, definitely not 1962/63.
This is very well-researched chart and from all I’ve seen incredibly accurate...all things considered.
QUOTE]

Very helpful thank you, looks a lot more precise than the websites you just input the number into. Now the hunt must begin

[offrdmania]

Originally Posted by p33l

Would this make a difference to the bracelet I should be searching for? Should it still be the riveted one as your suggested earlier?
Thanks again

A 7205 riveted bracelet with 57 end links is still correct for 67

[p33l]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

A 7205 riveted bracelet with 57 end links is still correct for 67

Perfect thanks for the confirmation offrdmania. One last question what is the difference between a 57 end link and a 60 as I have seen a number of 7205 bracelets with 60 end links but they are still 19mm and fit a 34mm case watch. Just want to try and understand exactly what I'm looking for.
Thanks again