Late Introduction

[Watcheric]

Hi All:

I joined 9 years ago but have posted only sporadically throughout that time. I recently rekindled my vintage Rolex passion and purchased two watches, a 1973 1655 and a 1967 5512 "Neat Fonts".

The 5512 came with a triplock crown which, of course, is a step up from the twin lock. It also came on a later sub bracelet. What is the general consensus on whether to keep the more modern parts or source the correct vintage parts? Of course, the rest of the watch is all period correct.

Thank you in advance.

[MorningTundra]

Many enjoy the restoration process returning a watch to period correctness, or catalog spec. For the passion collector this is fun. Others (the sensible) will tell you it’s a waste of time and money and you’ll never make a return on it… All depends on which camp you identify with.

[Dan S]

IMO, there is no consensus about whether you should replace a more modern crown/bracelet with period-correct parts. It is entirely a matter of personal preference, so ask yourself what would give you greater enjoyment of your watch.

[TuRo]

Try a folded link 9315 and associated end links before you shell out £1000 +.
Yes they are period and sought after, but often the 280/580 end links have only have a passing go at filling the lugs of the watch and the bracelet is quite light and less hefty than a 93150....oh and they can sound like a rattlesnake at the disco when you move your wrist . Some really love all that and others just don't. No right or wrong.

[TimeLord2]

Originally Posted by pauldavidthorpe

Try a folded link 9315 and associated end links before you shell out £1000 +.
Yes they are period and sought after, but often the 280/580 end links have only have a passing go at filling the lugs of the watch and the bracelet is quite light and less hefty than a 93150....oh and they can sound like a rattlesnake at the disco when you move your wrist . Some really love all that and others just don't. No right or wrong.

Hahahaha! That is an interesting description Paul, and totally accurate! The first time I tried on a Datejust with a folded link bracelet, it felt very flimsy. Even if not period correct, I would still go with the later version bracelet. As others have mentioned, it's a personal preference for how far to take your restoration. I recently put some alternate end links on my older oval link bracelet because the originals never fit very well. Quite happy I did as I love the fit and it did take some of the rattle snake out of it.

[Dan S]

I wonder if there are stages of collecting:

Stage 1: Clueless about whether parts/accessories are original or correct.

Stage 2: Knows every detail and demands that parts/accessories are 100% correct.

Stage 3: Stopped caring about the details and uses parts/accessories that are convenient, attractive, and comfortable. Many old parts and accessories stashed away in labeled zip-locks.

[TuRo]

Originally Posted by Dan S

I wonder if there are stages of collecting:

Stage 1: Clueless about whether parts/accessories are original or correct.

Stage 2: Knows every detail and demands that parts/accessories are 100% correct.

Stage 3: Stopped caring about the details and uses parts/accessories that are convenient, attractive, and comfortable. Many old parts and accessories stashed away in labeled zip-locks.

Fine work sir, yes tbh stage one types who are exploring this and that and seek a bit of old handers knowledge I'll gladly throw some pearls', but prissy stage two types bores the pants off me - I'm stage 3 defo...point in question, got a lovely rare scruffy burgundy 9121/0 arrive with the unusual 70's chunky bracelet...it's bit snug tbh, none of those odd links about these days and a pain to fit - so fitted a couple of std 78360/93150 links and now I'm happy as Larry

[TuRo]

Originally Posted by TimeLord2

Hahahaha! That is an interesting description Paul, and totally accurate! The first time I tried on a Datejust with a folded link bracelet, it felt very flimsy. Even if not period correct, I would still go with the later version bracelet. As others have mentioned, it's a personal preference for how far to take your restoration. I recently put some alternate end links on my older oval link bracelet because the originals never fit very well. Quite happy I did as I love the fit and it did take some of the rattle snake out of it.

A fellow pragmatic and appreciated - You are Dan's (slightly indifferent) Stage 3 too too like a few of us old clunkers

[Watcheric]

I'm more of a stage 2.5. I wear what I collect so I want it to be correct but comfortable. Also, I am so attracted to vintage that I feel a newer bracelet makes the watch look too modern. Even my 1987 Sub feels modern to me.

Thanks for the input.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Dan S

I wonder if there are stages of collecting:

Stage 1: Clueless about whether parts/accessories are original or correct.

Stage 2: Knows every detail and demands that parts/accessories are 100% correct.

Stage 3: Stopped caring about the details and uses parts/accessories that are convenient, attractive, and comfortable. Many old parts and accessories stashed away in labeled zip-locks.

Definitely Stage 3 for me. I no longer give a F. Must order more zip-lock bags in various shapes and sizes.

[1675-David]

Must be stage 4, can’t be arsed with zip lock bags, all my spare parts are squashed into an old Omega box.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by 1675-David

Must be stage 4, can’t be arsed with zip lock bags, all my spare parts are squashed into an old Omega box.

Sort it out. That insert is worth 5k now. Not to mention that vintage bracelet... #JustGuessing

[springer]

Since you asked, I would opt for a correct bracelet which would be a 7206 with 80 end links. If you want a flip-lock bracelet, I'd keep the Oyster 93150 and forget about adding the later folded link 9315 bracelet. Enjoy the watches!

[1675-David]

Originally Posted by zapokee

That insert is worth 5k now. Not to mention that vintage bracelet... #JustGuessing

I wish!!! But I do have a pair of shaved down (19mm) 280 endlinks if anyone is interested

[TimeLord2]

Originally Posted by pauldavidthorpe

A fellow pragmatic and appreciated - You are Dan's (slightly indifferent) Stage 3 too too like a few of us old clunkers

Guilty as charged.