1098 bracelet: Fake, damaged or both?

Hi OF

I picked up this 1098 a while ago with a plan of sourcing some appropriate end links later.
It was fairly cheap but my guess was that this was due to the general poor condition. After comparing with another 1098 I’m now wondering whether the issues are not just the condition.

On the back, the middle links are all bent down. I have seen this on one other bracelet but only on the links close to the clasp. Is this a sign of fakery or did someone just manhandle the bracelet?

Second question is the clasp. Mine has 30 in the circle. Other is have seen have 11 in the circle. What’s up with that?

Maybe you can help out again @Lucasssssss? But also happy to hear from anyone else with some insight into this.

Thanks a lot.
Jeppe

Bracelet is genuine, though in rough condition. Easily restored with a buffer and some polyimide tape.

Thanks a lot @wsfarrell and @Toishome!

Glad to hear it's genuine.

I have some 540s on the way so I'll have it fitted to my Seamaster 120 soon 😀

Yes, 100% genuine, just not in great condition. the 540 end links are reference correct. I hope to see a picture of the watch when it is fitted!

Absolutely.

Sourcing the end links took a while and I ended up purchasing them separately from two different Italian eBay sellers. But now they are here and the bracelet is complete.

Luckily most of the damage on the bracelet is on the inside, so when fitted it looks quite alright.