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PaystarCEO · 16 January 2016, 08:27 AM

Hi there,
My father bought his Rolex in 1965 (as a late celebratory gift to himself after my birth a year earlier).
He has loved that watch for decades, used it on 1,000's of dives in oceans across the world, and over time it took its fair share of abuse. He had to replace the bracelet about 20 years ago, but only had the funds at the time to get a relatively inexpensive version put on. Up until a few months ago I never fully understood or appreciated the rich history of a Rolex. The more I learned, the more passionate I became about his watch. He's turning 86 and as a gift I want to get him the bracelet he (and the watch) deserve. I wish I would have discovered this passion a year ago as I could have made it a 50th year anniversary gift ... but better late than never!

I thought to myself "how hard can it be to order a watch bracelet", but as I soon found out, it is pretty damn hard if you don't know what you are doing. So I would like to get some help on finding the right bracelet for my dad.

Ideally a couple of options would be great - one of which is what the original bracelet is along with its model #. Perhaps a great option to that.

Thank you in advance!

JustinK · 16 January 2016, 08:48 AM

It probably came on a 7206 with 80 end links. A modern replacement is the 93150 with 580 end links or a 78360 with 580's will also work.

If it were me I would go with the 93150.

Any chance you have a picture of the watch?

Tools · 16 January 2016, 09:16 AM

I would agree. Putting on an old bracelet may make it "period correct" but those older bracelets are a pain, uncomfortable and expensive.

A modern 93150 is a proper replacement and will last for many decades with care. Most Dealers can get a new one for you.

ADINVA · 16 January 2016, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tools

I would agree. Putting on an old bracelet may make it "period correct" but those older bracelets are a pain, uncomfortable and expensive.

A modern 93150 is a proper replacement and will last for many decades with care. Most Dealers can get a new one for you.

I agree with Larry. A comfort fit is much much more important to me than "period correct". 93150 wears better and I suggest you try on one.

JerimiahLee · 16 January 2016, 11:03 PM

You can use a 7206 or C&I Bracelet. Both would be correct depending on where he bought the watch originally. Message me if you'd like one.

As mentioned, you do have he option for a 93150. It is a modern replacement and preferred by many.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

zapokee · 17 January 2016, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tools

I would agree. Putting on an old bracelet may make it "period correct" but those older bracelets are a pain, uncomfortable and expensive.

A modern 93150 is a proper replacement and will last for many decades with care. Most Dealers can get a new one for you.

Agree.

PaystarCEO · 17 January 2016, 02:32 AM

I thought the original was the 9315 but again, I was pretty confused when I began researching this. I will check out the 93150 though for sure.

Brianmac 883 · 17 January 2016, 09:30 AM

I'll offer a contrary opinion. I have a Rolex 7205 bracelet on my vintage OP Date and I love it. It's basically the same bracelet as the 7206 except for the 19 mm lug width (the 7206 is 20 mm). Both Swiss-made by Rolex as compared to the C & I bracelets which were made in the USA under contract to Rolex. Mine's in great shape with very little stretch, and I find it very comfortable and lightweight. They look flimsy when compared to the newer ones, but they're really not. I just think it really adds to the vintage character of the watch, but others will no doubt disagree. No right or wrong here... just personal preference. Yours looks like it's in pretty good shape as well. And yes, a '65 5513 most likely came on a 7206.

brandrea · 17 January 2016, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brianmac 883

I'll offer a contrary opinion. I have a Rolex 7205 bracelet on my vintage OP Date and I love it. It's basically the same bracelet as the 7206 except for the 19 mm lug width (the 7206 is 20 mm). Both Swiss-made by Rolex as compared to the C & I bracelets which were made in the USA under contract to Rolex. Mine's in great shape with very little stretch, and I find it very comfortable and lightweight. They look flimsy when compared to the newer ones, but they're really not. I just think it really adds to the vintage character of the watch, but others will no doubt disagree. No right or wrong here... just personal preference. Yours looks like it's in pretty good shape as well. And yes, a '65 5513 most likely came on a 7206.

Well said and I agree

16 January 2016, 08:27 AM	#1
PaystarCEO "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 2	Help me find the right bracelet for my dad's 1965 5513 Rolex Hi there, My father bought his Rolex in 1965 (as a late celebratory gift to himself after my birth a year earlier). He has loved that watch for decades, used it on 1,000's of dives in oceans across the world, and over time it took its fair share of abuse. He had to replace the bracelet about 20 years ago, but only had the funds at the time to get a relatively inexpensive version put on. Up until a few months ago I never fully understood or appreciated the rich history of a Rolex. The more I learned, the more passionate I became about his watch. He's turning 86 and as a gift I want to get him the bracelet he (and the watch) deserve. I wish I would have discovered this passion a year ago as I could have made it a 50th year anniversary gift ... but better late than never! I thought to myself "how hard can it be to order a watch bracelet", but as I soon found out, it is pretty damn hard if you don't know what you are doing. So I would like to get some help on finding the right bracelet for my dad. Ideally a couple of options would be great - one of which is what the original bracelet is along with its model #. Perhaps a great option to that. Thank you in advance!

16 January 2016, 09:16 AM	#3
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,494	I would agree. Putting on an old bracelet may make it "period correct" but those older bracelets are a pain, uncomfortable and expensive. A modern 93150 is a proper replacement and will last for many decades with care. Most Dealers can get a new one for you. __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

16 January 2016, 08:48 AM	#2
JustinK 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Real Name: Justin Location: Jupiter, FL Watch: 1530,1665,1680 Posts: 2,064	It probably came on a 7206 with 80 end links. A modern replacement is the 93150 with 580 end links or a 78360 with 580's will also work. If it were me I would go with the 93150. Any chance you have a picture of the watch?

16 January 2016, 11:03 PM	#5
JerimiahLee "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Real Name: Jerimiah Location: NYC Watch: 5513 Meters 1st Posts: 669	You can use a 7206 or C&I Bracelet. Both would be correct depending on where he bought the watch originally. Message me if you'd like one. As mentioned, you do have he option for a 93150. It is a modern replacement and preferred by many. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

17 January 2016, 02:32 AM	#7
PaystarCEO "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 2	I thought the original was the 9315 but again, I was pretty confused when I began researching this. I will check out the 93150 though for sure.

17 January 2016, 09:30 AM	#8
Brianmac 883 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: North Carolina Posts: 71	I'll offer a contrary opinion. I have a Rolex 7205 bracelet on my vintage OP Date and I love it. It's basically the same bracelet as the 7206 except for the 19 mm lug width (the 7206 is 20 mm). Both Swiss-made by Rolex as compared to the C & I bracelets which were made in the USA under contract to Rolex. Mine's in great shape with very little stretch, and I find it very comfortable and lightweight. They look flimsy when compared to the newer ones, but they're really not. I just think it really adds to the vintage character of the watch, but others will no doubt disagree. No right or wrong here... just personal preference. Yours looks like it's in pretty good shape as well. And yes, a '65 5513 most likely came on a 7206.

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