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BoR endlinks protruding

M
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Hello,

Just received my first vintage Seamaster 166.003 with a BoR bracelet (1502), and I absolutely love it.

One question though, the endlinks (no 11) do not sit flush with the case. Is this supposed to be like this, or can I fix it?
IMG_1191.jpeg
 
gbesq
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You can fix it by bending them (not while they are attached to the watch) and then reinstalling. There's a bit of an art to it. An alternative solution is to try number 12 or 512 end links which often fit better when the tops of the 11/511 end links are higher than the top of the lugs as shown in your photo. Swatch/Omega still makes the 512s and any Omega Boutique or independent watchmaker with an Omega parts account should be able to get them for you.
 
M
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Do you happen to know if this bracelet/end link combo is correct for this watch?
 
gbesq
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M matmunk
Do you happen to know if this bracelet/end link combo is correct for this watch?
The 1502 bracelet is just a later version of the 1036, so that's fine. The end links, however, should be the 512's. That doesn't mean that your existing bracelet and end links can't be made to fit, but it takes a bit of work. You might want to consider having a watchmaker do it for you.
Edited:
 
gbesq
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Sorry, correction to my last post. The 1502 bracelet is just a later version of the 1036, so it's fine for your watch, but the end links are incorrect and should be the 512s.
 
M
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Where can I buy these? And what should I expect to pay?

Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Seems you know these bracelets well
 
gbesq
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The bracelet that you have is fine. You just need a pair of 512 end links. Any Omega Boutique or independent watchmaker with an Omega parts account should be able to order them for you. A pair should be around $80, plus tax and shipping. The part number is 026ST512.
 
M
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Do you happen to know what the bracelet and end link combo was in 1967? I’m trying to be as period correct as possible. I read somewhere that the 1502 is actually older than 1036, so now I’m confused.
 
gbesq
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Sorry for any confusiion. The recommended combination from the source that I use is 1036/512. See this link: https://omegaforums.net/threads/case-bracelet-endpiece-list.81618/ My point was simply that both the 1036 and 1502 are 18mm five row beads of rice bracelets that are essentially the same. You wouldn't notice any significant difference in their appearance on the wrist and either bracelet will work. It's the correct end links that you need.
 
M
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Sorry for all the questions But do you know if the 1036 vs 1502 is simply that Omega decided to change their part numbers at some point in time? Or is it a slight redesign? And do you know roughly when? Is it the same case for 12 vs 512?

Thanks for your patience
 
krogerfoot
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My feeling has been that Omega added the 5 or 6 to the front of some or all of their endlink models at some point without any change in design. @pdxleaf and I have examined a number of 11/511 endlinks and while there is some variation between different batches, there is nothing fundamentally different in the way 11s and 511s look. Likewise we’ve spotted some very subtle differences between some BoR bracelets that are considered to be interchangeable, but not enough of them to say the two models have different designs or, as above, different factories had slightly varying specs.
 
M
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Thanks, krogerfort.

Very interesting. Any guess what would be a period correct combination of bracelet/end link for a ‘67 Seamaster 166.003?
 
gbesq
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krogerfoot krogerfoot
My feeling has been that Omega added the 5 or 6 to the front of some or all of their endlink models at some point without any change in design. @pdxleaf and I have examined a number of 11/511 endlinks and while there is some variation between different batches, there is nothing fundamentally different in the way 11s and 511s look. Likewise we’ve spotted some very subtle differences between some BoR bracelets that are considered to be interchangeable, but not enough of them to say the two models have different designs or, as above, different factories had slightly varying specs.
Correct.
 
gbesq
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M matmunk
Thanks, krogerfort.

Very interesting. Any guess what would be a period correct combination of bracelet/end link for a ‘67 Seamaster 166.003?
Everything that I have seen would indicate that the 1036/512 combination would be correct. Perhaps 1036/12 would be the most correct, but number 12 end links are very difficult to source and, as krogerfoot notes, there is no material difference between the older and newer versions of the end links.
 
paddymoran
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M matmunk
Sorry for all the questions But do you know if the 1036 vs 1502 is simply that Omega decided to change their part numbers at some point in time? Or is it a slight redesign? And do you know roughly when? Is it the same case for 12 vs 512?

Thanks for your patience
Hi, following up on this post from 2023 can anyone confirm any difference between the 1036 and 1502 BOR bracelets?
 
seekingseaquest
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paddymoran paddymoran
Hi, following up on this post from 2023 can anyone confirm any difference between the 1036 and 1502 BOR bracelets?
I haven’t thoroughly examined side by side, but as far as I’m aware, they’re the same besides the reference number stamp.
 
paddymoran
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Thanks - I appreciate the reply. I asked the question because I have an unstamped Omega BOR bracelet with #11 endlinks and I can’t be sure whether it’s a 1036 or 1502 bracelet.
 
seekingseaquest
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paddymoran paddymoran
Thanks - I appreciate the reply. I asked the question because I have an unstamped Omega BOR bracelet with #11 endlinks and I can’t be sure whether it’s a 1036 or 1502 bracelet.
Or 8220 😀
 
Dan S
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I could be misremembering, but IIRC, the links are attached differently in the 8220. But I've never really noticed a substantial difference between the 1036 and 1502.
 
paddymoran
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Attaching pics of the one I have - it’s been in my accessories storage for 15-20 years. As stated it’s unstamped - I’ve seen that’s common with the 1175 but I’m not sure how unusual this is for a 1036 or 1502.

IMG_4616.webp IMG_4618.webp
 
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