Oyster Date from 1973 - Correct Bracelet Code

[Sellyoursoul]

Hi all,

I'm new here and hope i'm not doubling down an a previous thread where the same question had been answered already.

I have found a nice 6694 from ca. 1973 Serial is 3421XXX
however am (and already was at the time of purchase)
99% sure the oyster bracelet is not correct:

Bracelet code: 78350 - 19
End links: 557 B
Clasp: 78350 L5 (from 1987?)

Therefore my question:
Which numbers would I have to look for to have the matching bracelet?
Any help or leads would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

[Woody]

I wouldn't worry about the bracelet, they are generally regarded as "consumable" items. Your watch likely had a 7835 bracelet when originally sold, but the 78350 that it currently wears is a good upgrade. If you insist on searching out an example of the older bracelet then you should check the clasp for the date code. Prior to 1976 the clasps were marked with the last two digits of the year of manufacturer. So for your search you should be looking for a clasp marked for the early 70s (70, 71, 72 etc). I hope that you get to enjoy the watch.....don't spend your time trying to achieve "perfection".....in my experience it is a road that only leads to disappointment.

[TimeToGo]

Very well covered by "Woody" !

In fact in those days, it was possible the watch was not with a bracelet and/or that at the time of the sale - maybe years after the production date - that it was fitted with a later bracelet (mid-late 70s).

Another option, depending where the watch was sold, it could've had a USA C&I bracelet..

Welcome to the Forum!

[Sellyoursoul]

Thank you so much for the encouragement, I appreciate it and will follow your advice.
However my OCD at least needed to know what (as you call it) perfection
would look like.

I love the watch and will write it's next chapter till hopefully one day passing it on to the next person who will carefully look after it.

Thanks again!

PS: Papers state the watch was sold in HK.