Unusual clasp for rivet bracelet - thoughts?

[Dan S]

I'm wondering if the collective has any info on this clasp/bracelet combo. Actually, it's a fairly standard 7206 with an odd clasp. It is the correct shape for a 6636/7206 clasp (note the recessed edges running down the sides), but the Rolex logo is embossed into the middle, instead of hanging off the end. Also, the date on the blade is quite late for a 7206.

On close inspection, there's little doubt that the parts are authentic Rolex. The clasp is not a common one, but I did find one other example on the internet, in an old sales listing on a well-known parts/accessories site in France, where it was advertised as being for a 6636/7206, but with no other info or documentation obviously. It was not attached to a bracelet.

The only other information that might be relevant is that it came from Japan, so I suppose there could be things in the Asian market that we don't see as often in the West. As shown in the last photo, the clasp and bracelet have apparently been together for a while.

Any thoughts? I didn't pay more than the parts are worth, so you won't hurt my feelings. But I do need to decide what to do with it at some point. Restoring it is a viable option.

[lee fowler]

Looks like a later service clasp.

[TuRo]

Yes with Lee on that... wouldn't put me off the bracelet at all, as it's the correct fluted style, all told.

[Dan S]

Many thanks for your comments, I was wondering if it could be a service clasp. Just not something I've seen.

[Mark020]

What is the substance on it?

[Juhuatai]

accumulated dead skin, grime, dirt

[JustinK]

I think the buckle cap is service but could be original since its such a late dated clasp. I have two earlier bracelets that have that same buckle cap and I believe them to have been replaced with a service part.

You can source a buckle cap and have it swapped out when the bracelet is restored if the consensus is its a service part. Its only one rivet.

Will the crap on the bracelet polish off?

[Dan S]

Sorry if I grossed anyone out, I thought it would be fun to see the condition it arrived in. The crud was totally superficial. A couple of minutes with a soft toothbrush and soapy water, followed by a couple of minutes in the ultrasonic cleaner, and it is totally clean. No aggressive polishing required.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by JustinK

I think the buckle cap is service but could be original since its such a late dated clasp. I have two earlier bracelets that have that same buckle cap and I believe them to have been replaced with a service part.

You can source a buckle cap and have it swapped out when the bracelet is restored if the consensus is its a service part. Its only one rivet.

Will the crap on the bracelet polish off?

Thanks Justin. It's good to hear more confirmation about these clasps. It's just a clasp, but philosophically I don't want to be one of those people who blindly swaps out a perfectly good part just because the conventional wisdom is that it's not original. Only to find after more research is done that it may have been original after all. I've done that before.

[mbc]

If you're talking about the buckle cap -- I don't believe it to be a service clasp, but a transitional clasp that came between the big crown clasps and the later clasps.

I believe these were more prevalent (if not specific) to the Japanese/Asian market. I have a 1016 with papers from Guam that I believe to be all original that has this buckle cap. After I acquired the watch several years ago I did a lot of searching trying to find similar buckle caps. Pretty uncommon clasp, but I think great looking. If I find links from that research, will post.

[Dan S]

I'm happy I posted this. There is a great deal of accumulated first-hand experience on this forum, and even if there isn't 100% agreement, I'm learning a lot. I am leaning towards restoring it as-is. I may try to replace the missing 15.7mm link.

[steffe]

Originally Posted by mbc

If you're talking about the buckle cap -- I don't believe it to be a service clasp, but a transitional clasp that came between the big crown clasps and the later clasps.

I believe these were more prevalent (if not specific) to the Japanese/Asian market. I have a 1016 with papers from Guam that I believe to be all original that has this buckle cap. After I acquired the watch several years ago I did a lot of searching trying to find similar buckle caps. Pretty uncommon clasp, but I think great looking. If I find links from that research, will post.

Sorry to bump an old thread but I purchased a Rolex Datejust 1601 today with this same clasp. I did a lot of searching online and could not find any information other than it could be exclusive for the Japanese market like you and some others pointed out. Do you have any links from your research? Would be great!