Bracelet for 16753, 14 k or 18k?

[Ttpwatch]

I have 16753 serial number 6.2xx but it doesn't have bracelet.
One say it might have 14 k 78363 bracelet because it comes before 1982.
Another one say it might have 18k bracelet because it is 16753 not 1675/3.
I want to know what is correct?

[Richard Carver]

5 digit ref 18k, 4 digit ref 14k

[springer]

Question for Richard...


In the past, I've seen E and F Jubilee coded 62513 clasps with 14K stamps. These would be 1980/81 clasps. What would these clasps be for - Datejusts? I believe I might even have a couple of them now.

[Richard Carver]

Have you ever seen a 16753 with a 14k bezel? We've all learned to never say never with Rolex and mixing 14 and 18k doesn't sound very Rolex like. Did Rolex use up 14k marked clasps? Did dealers do it? :)

The intent was to make the change to 18k with the introduction of the 5 digit ref. If there are some strays with mixed metal from the factory that's unfortunate. If I had a 16753 I would be extremely unhappy with a 14k bracelet.

[Ttpwatch]

Thank you very much

[Richard Carver]

I can't count the times vintage Rolex has kicked my ass and here we are again. My apologies to Springer who is correct in his experiences. I did some research and the very first 16753 I found had a 14k bezel.

So to the OP, whatever caret your bezel is the bracelet should match. There are visual cues, the 14k knurling is nubby in appearance and 18k is scalloped like a sub.

If you can't change your mind when reality is stabbing you in the eye you probably shouldn't fool with vintage Rolex (or politics:).

[R.W.T.]

As I said over there...


A 16753 or 1675/3 or 1601 or whatever...will be 18k in Europe since time immemorial.

That is what I have been told. Glad to be proven wrong.

But in answer to your question.... or rather to solve the issue...unless you have USA papers...or Rolex is willing to say the watch originated in the US...you could easily have 18k parts and I wouldn't care one iota.

[R.W.T.]

Originally Posted by Richard Carver

Have you ever seen a 16753 with a 14k bezel? We've all learned to never say never with Rolex and mixing 14 and 18k doesn't sound very Rolex like. Did Rolex use up 14k marked clasps? Did dealers do it? :)

The intent was to make the change to 18k with the introduction of the 5 digit ref. If there are some strays with mixed metal from the factory that's unfortunate. If I had a 16753 I would be extremely unhappy with a 14k bracelet.

I had a 16013 with 14k parts. Band and bezel and crown.

[Richard Carver]

Originally Posted by R.W.T.

I had a 16013 with 14k parts. Band and bezel and crown.

Exactly, without papers it's impossible to tell. I've never seen an 18k TT 1601 from anywhere. I understood in England they weren't allowed to call it gold and had to refer to it as bi-metal but it was 14k.

Tommy, imagine how many more SS 1675 will hit the market when Rolex stops servicing the 1570. TT 1675 will be converted in droves. No longer any way to tell. :)

[springer]

Originally Posted by Richard Carver

Exactly, without papers it's impossible to tell. I've never seen an 18k TT 1601 from anywhere. I understood in England they weren't allowed to call it gold and had to refer to it as bi-metal but it was 14k.

Tommy, imagine how many more SS 1675 will hit the market when Rolex stops servicing the 1570. TT 1675 will be converted in droves. No longer any way to tell. :)

I remember back during the 1980s and 1990s when the stainless steel watches were converted in "droves" to stainless/14K or stainless/18k.

[Richard Carver]

Originally Posted by springer

I remember back during the 1980s and 1990s when the stainless steel watches were converted in "droves" to stainless/14K or stainless/18k.

LOL. that's why the originality fetish drives me nuts. I hate watching guys pass on nice watches for fear the spring bars might not be 'original' :)

[springer]

Originally Posted by Richard Carver

LOL. that's why the originality fetish drives me nuts. I hate watching guys pass on nice watches for fear the spring bars might not be 'original' :)

Or....that darn date wheel...those comments always make me chuckle.

By the way Richard, my wife still owns her ladies two-tone Datejust conversion she got back in the 90s at Dallas Gold and Silver. It has since been retired for a stainless model.

[R.W.T.]

Originally Posted by springer

I remember back during the 1980s and 1990s when the stainless steel watches were converted in "droves" to stainless/14K or stainless/18k.

It was even promoted by the Rolex rep.

The stores had the parts...if your customer wanted steel and gold but was hedging on the funds get them into a Rolex at any cost by selling the stainless and telling them they could "upgrade later" with factory parts right here at your store. I have it from the horse's mouth...no questions.

[Ttpwatch]

Thank you very much for all opinions