78790A Bracelet Marking Question

[matthew-s]

Hello - I just purchased my first Rolex. A GMT Master II 16710, "F" serial number.

I was comparing it to another (somewhat older) one I saw, and noted that while my clasp is marked with 78790A and the CL5 date code, the end links, and the links attached to them have no markings at all.

The watch I compared it to, as well as other examples I've seen in the internet have markings on the end links, and the bracelet model repeated on the links attached to the end links.

Is this a normal variation, or a potential "issue"?

Thanks.

[Paladin]

I believe all Rolex end links are marked. After market end links are not. Where did you buy the watch?

Some dishonest dealers/sellers will buy a aftermarket non Rolex watch and put a Rolex clasp from a worn out bracelet on the new aftermarket bracelet and represent it as original Rolex.

[azguy]

No need to scare the crap out of the guy maybe the endlinks were replaced at some point in the watches life.....or what you said

[matthew-s]

Hmm that is concerning. I purchased it through an independent jeweler who is a friend of the family.

So - should I hold out any hope here, or should I assume I have a fake bracelet? Any recommended next move to further confirm this, or do I just go and confront the seller now?

[kokota]

Originally Posted by matthew-s

Hmm that is concerning. I purchased it through an independent jeweler who is a friend of the family.

So - should I hold out any hope here, or should I assume I have a fake bracelet? Any recommended next move to further confirm this, or do I just go and confront the seller now?

There's no reason to be concerned.
The only place a "CL5" coded bracelet should show the #78790A is on the folding blade on the clasp.

[911SC]

take the bracelet off, post pictures of your gmt.

[imono]

There are no markings on the outside of the end links.
If you remove them you will see them marked like this:
Yours should be marked "CL 78790A"

[matthew-s]

Thanks everyone. I'm on the road, so I can't take photos, or disassemble.

I will say I saw a 100% authentic 50th anniversary sub today that had a bracelet with no end-link markings - so between that and what kokota and imono said, I'm feeling a lot better.

I'll try to get some photos soon.

PS - I love the watch. Why did I wait so long? :)

[FNFZ4]

I Learned something new today... Will this be the same for an OP5?

[Phillip Dansby]

I also have a 16710T "F" series. My bracelet is as you and Imono describe, with the clasp markings being the only markings visible while the bracelet is attached. The date code and bracelet number are visible on the inner portion/face of the endlink, once removed from the case.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by matthew-s

Thanks everyone. I'm on the road, so I can't take photos, or disassemble.

I will say I saw a 100% authentic 50th anniversary sub today that had a bracelet with no end-link markings - so between that and what kokota and imono said, I'm feeling a lot better.

I'll try to get some photos soon.

PS - I love the watch. Why did I wait so long? :)

No need to be concerned at all..

Rolex has not put markings on the endlinks for quite a few years now.. Since going to the SEL there has not been a real reason to since they don't come off the rest of the bracelet as they once did.. You may find them stamped on the end with the part number too.. I think the SEL # was 901..

Anyway, you're likely good to go..........

[dpkong]

i think only the non-SEL endlinks have numbers on them.

the SEL ones do not but they would have the same number on the inside of the SEL matching the one on the clasp.