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

[TuRo]

Originally Posted by martinP

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

eBay item number:134869001832

Thanks the word BREVET helps us here a lot as the serial number is either circa 1953/54 or 1963/64.

Rolex started renumbering when they got to 999,999 in 50s hence why it could be either.

Now, 'BREVET' is 'PATENT' in Suisse/French, and Rolex used it in 30,40,50s....BUT, by 1963/4, it was REGISTERED SWISS DESIGN stamped not BREVET between lugs of most pieces,.

Also the dial would likely have been early T SWISS T not SWISS, although some SWISS were still lingering about in 63/64.

So it's likely a 1953/54 watch, If so, I was 3 or so years out !

[TuRo]

Originally Posted by TuRo

Thanks the word BREVET helps us here a lot as the serial number is either circa 1953/54 or 1963/64.

Rolex started renumbering when they got to 999,999 in 50s hence why it could be either.

Now, 'BREVET' is 'PATENT' in Suisse/French, and Rolex used it in 30,40,50s....BUT, by 1963/4, it was REGISTERED SWISS DESIGN stamped not BREVET between lugs of most pieces,.

Also the dial would likely have been early T SWISS T not SWISS, although some SWISS were still lingering about in 63/64.

So it's likely a 1953/54 watch, If so, I was 3 or so years out !

*****By the way 6266 is a 30mm watch so you'd need a 17mm width Rolex bracelet not 19mm bracelet as they fit 34mm watches*****

[martinP]

thanks
very helpful since I will be buying a band on the after market. I am surprised by the 1950s date since I thought my uncle bought the watch for sailing in the annual Transpac race he did in the 60s. He may have bought if as a college graduation present for himself

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by TuRo

*****By the way 6266 is a 30mm watch so you'd need a 17mm width Rolex bracelet not 19mm bracelet as they fit 34mm watches*****

That's an important point. I had been assuming 34mm since it was a man's watch and I didn't research the reference. There are of course 17mm rivet bracelets floating around, but they are going to look pretty dainty.

I would suggest that the OP doublecheck by actually measuring the distance between the lugs.

[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 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]

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]

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

[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]

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

[martinP]

BREVET
962452


its all I can see on watch

[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

[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

[martinP]

the Chester looks great on the Bund. very retro

[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