newbie

[martinP]

I inherited a rolex. I think it's a Oyster date
precision 6266 with a spidel band. I would like a real band but need help
identifying the watch and the replacement band. I can sent a photo cheers
Martin

[Dan S]

7205 rivet bracelet if you want one that is period correct. If you want a more modern bracelet, you have many choices of bracelets with 19mm endlinks, both oyster and jubilee.

The reference and serial numbers will be between the lugs if you remove the bracelet. Production year can be estimated from the serial number, but I'd guess early 60s.

[TimeLord2]

Originally Posted by Dan S

7205 rivet bracelet if you want one that is period correct. If you want a more modern bracelet, you have many choices of bracelets with 19mm endlinks, both oyster and jubilee.

The reference and serial numbers will be between the lugs if you remove the bracelet. Production year can be estimated from the serial number, but I'd guess early 60s.

I would absolutely trust Dan's assessment! He absolutely knows his S@($. Go with a modern bracelet for strength. But, if you want originality look for one that has been refurbished or rarely used. EBAY can be your friend but post potential purchases here to determine originality. Oh, and be patient. Good luck!

[TuRo]

Welcome to you.

Pre 63, post 52 dial/watch as everyone says.

Dial and hands look orig.

Fitting a 19mm will make it feel a little larger on the wrist (over existing one) esp if oyster style imho.

A 7205 rivet circa 1953-67 at £450-£650,

7835 folded-link circa 1968-1976 c £350-550

and the thickest post 76 78350 solid link about £400-500 (uk prices incl end links).

There are earlier 19mm Gay Fréres and USA C and I bracelets too that would fit too.

Jubilee Style available too...though 19mm not so common in UK used mkt

As a bit of guess, but I'm inkling toward 57-59.... only because the applied arrow style makers and style of arabic no's used were quite prevalent then. Look fwd to hearing serial no and model no.

[martinP]

thnaks all

[martinP]

BREVET
962452

in very faint marking

thank you

[martinP]

BREVET the markings below BREVET have been worn away a groove was created by the spiedel band I think
962452

in very faint marking

thank you

[martinP]

I cant post a link because I am new but here is an item number from ebay

eBay item number:134869001832

[Rebel]

Welcome.

[martinP]

measuring as best I can without a micrometer I am pretty sure that the correct size is 19mm. and the watch appears to be 33+mm measured from 9 to 3 diameter. (could that really mean it's 34mm?) I would like to get a age correct band but of course that means one that is 60+ years old and likely not in the best condition. So any and all suggestions are much appreciated.

Thanks again for being a great resource for the novice. It's so easy to go down the rabbit hole.

cheers
Martin
Sacramento, CA

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by martinP

measuring as best I can without a micrometer I am pretty sure that the correct size is 19mm. I would like to get an age correct band but of course that means one that is 60+ years old and likely not in the best condition. So any and all suggestions are much appreciated.

Thanks again for being a great resource for the novice. It's so easy to go down the rabbit hole.

cheers
Martin
Sacramento, CA

If you measured 19mm, then that's probably what you need, and suggestions were given above. Just to be clear, that is not consistent with a ref 6266, so I'm wondering where that reference number came from. Is the case 30-31mm or 34mm across? You need to be certain before making a purchase.

And as I mentioned above, if it's a 6266 that takes 17mm endlinks, I'm not sure you want to go with a rivet bracelet, because I think they taper to very small clasps and you probably won't like the look.

[TuRo]

Originally Posted by Dan S

If you measured 19mm, then that's probably what you need, and suggestions were given above. Just to be clear, that is not consistent with a ref 6266, so I'm wondering where that reference number came from. Is the case 30mm or 34mm across?

Beat me to it

[martinP]

I think TuRo thought that was the model

[TuRo]

Originally Posted by martinP

measuring as best I can without a micrometer I am pretty sure that the correct size is 19mm. I would like to get a age correct band but of course that means one that is 60+ years old and likely not in the best condition. So any and all suggestions are much appreciated.

Thanks again for being a great resource for the novice. It's so easy to go down the rabbit hole.

cheers
Martin
Sacramento, CA

Can you please measure across the case excluding the crown is it 30mm or 34mm please ?

[TuRo]

I did, only because you put 6266 in your original post. Is it a different model number stamped ?

[martinP]

you are correct sir but it is only a internet guess on my part

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by martinP

you are correct sir but it is only a internet guess on my part

OK, if you are certain that the case is 34mm in diameter and the spacing between the lugs is 19mm, then your guess (ref 6266) was incorrect and created some confusion. And the information given above about bracelets with 19mm endlinks should be your guide.

[martinP]

Again
thanks for your patience and information

[Dan S]

We are going around in circles because the information is being portioned out in dribs and drabs, which is a little frustrating. The OP read the serial number so perhaps he can read the reference number also, which is between the lugs on the other side of the case.

[martinP]

sorry, as I posted earlier that portion of space between lugs is worn off. I think the spiedel band cut a grove in the watch. so I have posted all that I can see.
cheers

[martinP]

BREVET
962452


its all I can see on watch

[Old Expat Beast]

If it's 31mm, like my old Oyster Chester, I'd consider putting it on a Bund strap like this, for better presence.

[martinP]

its 34 mm and 19mm lugs

this seems like a good buy from my quick research
https://www.ebay.com/itm/31602652626...mis&media=COPY

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by martinP

its 34 mm and 19mm lugs

this seems like a good buy from my quick research
https://www.ebay.com/itm/31602652626...mis&media=COPY

That is not a Rolex bracelet and most importantly, the convex endlinks are totally wrong for your watch. It will not fit. That is for some obscure cushion case watch presumably.

Please see posts #2 and #4 for the specific bracelets to search for (7205, 7835, 78350, etc.).

[martinP]

from an earlier post."There are earlier 19mm Gay Fréres and USA C and I bracelets too that would fit too."

so I thought that one on ebay might fit and it seemed a cool approach since Rolex later bought the company

so I will try to look at rolexs I don't see if subtle differences that your mention so it's a real learning curve. And as suggested I will post any possibilities to the forum before purchasing

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by martinP

from an earlier post."There are earlier 19mm Gay Fréres and USA C and I bracelets too that would fit too."

so I thought that one on ebay might fit and it seemed a cool approach since Rolex later bought the company

so I will try to look at rolexs I don't see if subtle differences that your mention so it's a real learning curve. And as suggested I will post any possibilities to the forum before purchasing

That is not the type of Gay Freres bracelet he was referring to. GF (and other companies) made some Rolex-branded bracelets. They will have a Rolex clasp, and if you look inside the blade you will see Gay Freres markings. GF made a ton of other bracelets, both branded (for many different watch brands) and not branded (like the one you linked). C&I also made bracelets for Rolex. Holzer also, I believe. These bracelets could be ok for you, but they all have a Rolex logo on the clasp.

Based on your posts, I assume that you want a legit Rolex bracelet. Not only is the eBay bracelet not for a Rolex, the endlinks are convex instead of concave. If you look closely, you'll see that the bracelet can't possibly fit your watch. Convex vs concave endlinks is not a subtle difference, IMO. Sometime there are subtle differences in curvature, but these are actually convex.

The 7205 is a rivet bracelet, 7835 is folded oyster, 78350 is solid link oyster.

If you want to keep it simple, just search for a good condition 7205 bracelet with standard 19mm endlinks ... and buy it.

[martinP]

the Chester looks great on the Bund. very retro

[Edwardfry3]

Welcome to TRF.

[Dan S]

I doubt the specific endlinks matter too much, but I'd suggest doing a google image search for Rolex 6266 and find some sales listings of watches with good fitting rivet bracelets. You can often find a photo of the back and read the endlink number.

For a large wrist, you'll probably need all 12 links.

I just saw a good one, fully linked, go for about $350 in an auction, but a BIN on eBay will probably be twice that much. Just be careful to buy one that isn't stretched out because it won't be worth the cost to restore it.

[martinP]

stretched out?? how do I tell by a photo on ebay?
thanks again