69 Speedmaster - what’s wrong with the bracelet?

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ClawHammer

·Aug 6, 2020

Hi All,
I’m not looking to purchase this watch but wanted to know what is wrong with the bracelet? I have my own ‘76 speedy with original 1171 bracelet and 633 end links so I know how it should fit. The watch in the image below also has an original 1171 and 633 end links but it does not fit correctly at all. It doesn’t fill the lugs, left to right, and does not meet the case, especially at 6 o’clock. I’ve never seen this before. Why would this be?
Thanks in advance. CH

 

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kingsrider

·Aug 6, 2020

The ends may have been modified to fit 18mm lugs. The tabs are also missing on the underside of the ends.

 

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dennisthemenace

·Aug 6, 2020

The 1171 wouldn't have been original to a 69 speedy with a DON anyway.

 

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ClawHammer

·Aug 6, 2020

Thanks both.

So is there a difference in case’s for different years? I know there’s the straight lug case but that isn’t the case here. I had thought all cases, apart from straight lug, would be exactly the same dimensions. Is this not the true? Does the earlier (than my ‘76) example here have wider lugs hence the 1171 not filling them? This would make sense and explain why a 1171 would come with the later case/models and, as pointed out, isn’t original on this earlier speedy.

 

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ClawHammer

·Aug 6, 2020

kingsrider

The ends may have been modified to fit 18mm lugs. The tabs are also missing on the underside of the ends.

I see the missing tabs now. I knew something wasn’t right but couldn’t see what it was. I’m guessing this would explain why the end links don’t sit ‘on’ the case. Perhaps with the tabs the only issue would then be that the 1171 bracelet isn’t wife enough to fill the lugs on this earlier case?

 

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Badwolf

·Aug 6, 2020

All these cases have 20mm lug width, straight lug speedmasters are 19mm. These end links don’t look correct underneath to be 633 as they don’t curve with case shape, they just go straight across. Without the tabs they’re junk now.

 

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abrod520

·Aug 6, 2020

+1 for filed ends originally modified for a straight-lug Speedmaster, or possibly a FOIS, that this seller then added.

 

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Badwolf

·Aug 6, 2020

If you look at the other pictures it reads 636, plus the description doesn’t mention 633. Cobbled together for sale.

 

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dennisthemenace

·Aug 6, 2020

They aren't 633 end links. the 633 was stamped on the tabs, which these end links clearly never had.

 

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ClawHammer

·Aug 6, 2020

dennisthemenace

They aren't 633 end links. the 633 was stamped on the tabs, which these end links clearly never had.

Can’t believe I missed that. Yes, not even the right end links which would explain the terrible fit. Thanks.

 

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ClawHammer

·Aug 6, 2020

When I look at Speedys on eBay I test myself to see if the watch has genuine and period correct parts. I like to think I’ve learnt something from OF, which I have, but clearly not enough yet to consider another purchase, lol. It’s only shear dumb luck that the ‘76 speedy I purchased 8 years ago wasn’t a fake.
Thanks for all replies. Much appreciated.

Edited: Aug 7, 2020

 

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Kigro

·Aug 9, 2020

Yes these are no 633 end links! Don’t know what these are... but you can still order the 633 end links at Omega of you want. They won’t be vintage but at least they fit 😉