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Condition of watch and Bracelet

vonrozen
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hello friends. I have to pay 2000 E for this , with papers, from 1977. On close inspection one of the links seems missing on the bracelet - do you agree , is it easier to find spare ones ? Are there any other details that appear strange to you. BTW : the lid is a service lid, I am aware of it, and does not bear the same ref nr.

Contributions - as ever welcome

Hullo from cold Paris .

Alexander ( the Rolex virgin)

rolex image of band.webp rolex 2 for glove.webp rolex 3 for glove.jpeg.webp rolex 4 for glove.jpeg.webp rolex 5 for glove.jpeg.webp
 
vibe
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Not sure about missing links, but the bracelet is hella stretched out. 2000€ seems pretty cheap but look at all of the corrosion to the case where the caseback screws in. I know you are looking for deals, but these are the things you need to look out for because they are expensive mistakes.
 
vonrozen
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i think i can ger rid of dust , by putting a special creme on it - grandmother's secret but it works. It is more the braceley on which I would need your advice.

Kind Regards
Alexander
 
Dan S
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9 threads asking for detailed advice about vintage Subs and GMT-Masters, and now a 34mm frankenwatch with badly stretched bracelet and pitted case. ::facepalm1::

The photos are pretty bad, so I don't think I'll attempt to count the links for you. But as long as it fits your wrist, who cares, that is the least of the issues with this watch.
 
vonrozen
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it is a present for my wife . The links matter because it looks like a step ladder otherwise. What is a "Frankenwatch", I did not know Rolex produced them. You seem to indicate that there are many issues, do you mean it had a facelift or worse ?
 
Dan S
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I'm not seeing any obvious missing links in terms of width. If you are seeing a gap, perhaps you can make it clear in the photos so we're not trying to read your mind. But obviously the bracelet is unwearable as is and needs a $500+ restoration. And for a small ladies wrist, you will probably need several links removed anyway, so you will never have a gradual taper.
 
vonrozen
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1st photo : 3d link down , much smaller than the rest.
Thanks by the way for th ad vice , Dan. I acquired the best SubM with your advice , so i am all ears !
 
vonrozen
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but you said it : 500 E restauration , so it will be 2.500 , without revision by my watchmaker (300 E ) . I might as well then go for a watch in better condition !
 
vibe
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vonrozen vonrozen
1st photo : 3d link down , much smaller than the rest.
Thanks by the way for th ad vice , Dan. I acquired the best SubM with your advice , so i am all ears !
That is a stretched out link yo, not a missing link. Think for a minute about how the bracelet is constructed. Also, tell is all about granny’s cream that can un-pit stainless.
 
Canuck
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A major problem is the groove for the gasket is heavily corroded? Likely worn by someone with very acid perspiration! You’ll never get this case to seal properly! The gasket which is still around the case back is not the correct gasket for this watch. Forget the missing link. Forget the mismatched case back. The case is trash.
 
hansaboy
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Canuck Canuck
A major problem is the groove for the gasket is heavily corroded? Likely worn by someone with very acid perspiration! You’ll never get this case to seal properly! The gasket which is still around the case back is not the correct gasket for this watch. Forget the missing link. Forget the mismatched case back. The case is trash.
Here...

Skärmavbild 2025-02-18 kl. 08.17.18.webp
 
Fallout Boy
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probably used (or stored) without the gasket - > electrochemical corrosion by (slightly?) different materials of case and caseback??? This steel is usually INOX. Am I wrong?
 
hant26
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vonrozen vonrozen
but you said it : 500 E restauration , so it will be 2.500 , without revision by my watchmaker (300 E ) . I might as well then go for a watch in better condition !
With that much, you can get a proper watch in very good condition and spare a small sum.
 
Davidt
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Bracelet is very stretched and has been poorly r
vibe vibe
That is a stretched out link yo, not a missing link. Think for a minute about how the bracelet is constructed. Also, tell is all about granny’s cream that can un-pit stainless.

Are you sure? I disagree, it sure looks to me like there’s a significant step down in the widths of the links as the links go 1, 2, 4, 5 etc with the missing 3rd link being the cause. I’d avoid this watch.
There’s a big difference between cheap and good value, especially with vintage watches.
 
DeepBlue
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At least you are keeping the Rolex part of this forum alive with your topics 😀

Only advise i can give you regarding your topics is, study study study. Look at pics, compare, read articles, other posts of member etc.
Everything can be found.
As long as you have these kind of questions and doubts, you are not ready for a purchase imo.
These are not loafs of bread from the bakery you are buying, but watches of 1000s of euro/dollar.
 
vibe
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Davidt Davidt
Bracelet is very stretched and has been poorly r


Are you sure? I disagree, it sure looks to me like there’s a significant step down in the widths of the links as the links go 1, 2, 4, 5 etc with the missing 3rd link being the cause. I’d avoid this watch.
There’s a big difference between cheap and good value, especially with vintage watches.
A Rolex bracelet will not hold together with a missing center link. If the link is stretched out you will see gaps like that.
 
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