I've been searching the last 3 days for info on the bracelet that come with the '67 Speedmaster I just picked up. There are no numbers stamped on the clasp or end links. My best guess is a Holzer Jubilee, but I have been unable to find much info on these (most old threads are missing the photos). 'J/M' is stamped on the clasp, which is about the only marking besides Omega and the material stamp. The bracelet is very light, so I am assuming hollow links like an 1171. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
The Holzers I've seen say "Holzer" on them, as well as "Hecho en Mexico." There are claims that the J/M bracelets are Holzers, but massive web searching has turned up no direct evidence of that for me. They look very similar, but I haven't even been able to find what "J/M" means.
GOT IT!!! (I think.) In 1867 Julius Joske founded a department store in San Antonio, Texas. By the 1950's it was the largest store in Texas, and by some accounts, the largest in the country. It was also a Rolex authorized dealer. Joske's had Rolex jubilee bracelets made for them in Mexico in the '60s and '70s. Here's a pic: Note the "MJ-01." Might be a stretch, but I'm thinking that could mean "Mexico Joske's model 01." Here's another picture: BINGO! Here we have the elusive J/M, which I strongly suspect means "Joske's/Mexico." I have no evidence that Joske's sold Omega watches, but it sure seems likely to me.
My understanding is that Holzer made Omega bracelets in their Mexico factory under licence. Omega exported many of their watches to Mexico, ostensibly to avoid export duties, and once there a Mexican-made bracelet was added. In doing so, it was considered a partially domestic manufacture and minimised the taxes and of course this made the watch more affordable. I believe that Holzer made the Jubilee style bracelet specifically for the Omega Speedmasters sold through Joske's of Texas Department store and was designated the stamp J/M.
Hi, this post was really helpful! ! I received today my Flightmaster first execution delivered to Mexico in 1969. and the bracelet is the same as yours with flat ends, also stamped J/M inside the clasp.I will upload some pictures asap