1945 Datejust Band Question

[1945Datejust]

Guys just inherited my wife's grandfather's 1945 Datejust. Had an AD here in Houston service it and am now ready to get a band for it. The original band is in shambles (Thanks to my brother in law) and I need to get a replacement so I can actually wear the watch. I do have what appears to be one of the original end pieces. This piece has a 55 stamped on it. I also have the clasp. It has what appears to be a 6 over a 56 or 58 stamped on it. The AD tells me the watch is a 20mm size. My questions are 1) Can I find another end piece to match the one I have and 2) will these end pieces fit a knock off replacement band? Finally how does one measure your wrist to determine what size band you need? Would prefer not to have a leather band, but will have to suffice if that's my only choice. Apologies for the lengthy post. First time here and need some help. Thanks.

[R.W.T.]

Can we see photos of the band and watch so we can see what we are talking about?

[MonBK]

Plenty of bracelets on e-bay that fits your watch.

[R.W.T.]

I'm thinking we have a serial number glitch here and possibly some misinformation.

A 1945 Datejust is going to be an EXTREMELY rare watch as that is the VERY FIRST year of Datejust production. The only bracelet that is really appropriate is a VERY OLD jubilee.

The second choice would be a 20mm straight end bracelet and that is going to be equally as difficult to find.

Until we see the watch and ascertain exactly which watch it is...we can't really tell what bracelet fits or is appropriate or if the bracelet that is with it now has any relevance to the watch in question.

More info and photos needed.

[R.W.T.]

If the clasp says 6 over 56 the bracelet is 1956.
Being that the serial number for 56 and 45 would be very similar due to the re setting of the serial numbers at 1,000,000 in 1954 I would be willing to bet that the watch is later and very likely from 1956...not much further for 58.
283,000-348,100 45

150,000-249,999 in 56

350,000 - 449,999 in 58


1956-58 ....That is a whole different enchilada as we say down here in Texas.

[1945Datejust]

Serial Number 354 326, 6605 registered design. I was purely going by information on various sites and what the AD told me. It was too old for Rolex in Dallas to work on. I'll post some pics in the coming days. Thanks for the info. so far.

[1945Datejust]

Hey fellas. You are probably correct. I have now looked up the 6605 and low and behold there is a picture of my watch, 1958 most likely. Woopi! Newer than I thought. Still proud to have it as it is my first Rolex. Look forward to participating and learning from the forum. I will still post pics as I do need advice on the band issue. I really want to start wearing the watch as it's been in hiding too long! Cheers!

[ajg1960]

Don't give up on that band just yet-- without pictures its hard to say, but there is gentleman named Michael Young who has done wonders with some really messed up bracelets. Search for him on this forum and you will find some details.

[crowncollection]

Michael young may be able to fix it need pics

[R.W.T.]

Sorry just got back on.

Yep! That's as I suspected.

It's still a great watch and a little easier to care for.

Yes Mike can fix your band!

Show us some pics and we'll help you get it sorted!

Welcome to the forum!

[1945Datejust]

Thanks for the info.. Pics coming. I am sure you can help sort this one.