I went fishing this week and managed to catch 2 Gay Frishes, I mean Freres... I have not been looking for long so I am curious what luck others have had finding these? My research makes believe these are somewhat rare, especially the earlier overhanging probus example, so I am curious if I just had good timing? Either way I am happy and my short journey has come to a close. For transparency all in for both was <1.5KUSD. Early example has "I" and later example has "IA" endlinks. Pictures below from sellers.

 

I bought an IWC 866 with an original Guy Freres beads of rice bracelet like this, but the problem for me is that as my wrist is 6.5", even on the lowest setting, the bracelet doesn't fit! It doesn't have flex like a modern bracelet. So you are kind of limited in who can actually wear these bracelets... (not skinny wrist people like me haha)

 

You are able to remove links to accommodate and make adjustments on the clasp. It's a bit of work but worth it!

 

I guess right place at right time as they aren't often seen, as you say. Is the earlier bracelet for sale or do you have a watch for it?

 

Do you mean the actual "beads of rice" section itself?

 

Yes, it involves opening the beads and adjusting the springs. A watchmaker can do this or they have some videos online.

 

Oh wow... that sounds possibly quite destructive though - I'd be too worried about something going wrong!

There was a guy years ago on the IWC forum that actually made reproductions of these types of bracelets but only in 18mm or 20mm - the IWC one is annoyingly 19mm! So a loose 18mm or nothing.

Maybe one day I'll try and find him again and see if he could do a custom 19mm in my size!

 

Do you have a link to this? I wonder if he reproduced endlinks?

 

I'll try and track him down again... I was wondering about him myself recently.

 

Hi Ohmeguh...

I searched my old posts on the IWC forum but couldn't find the mention - on Google searching this came up very quickly - not the guy I mentioned but might be useful to you anyway: (I shall keep searching)

https://grailium.com/product/watch-parts-tools/gay-freres-beads-of-rice-steel-bracelet/

 

I think the guy I was referring to was called "Mr. Beads" but it seems hard to find a website. The one offered on Gralium looks to be the best available at the moment although the end links are straight.

 

I know other members interested if in the slim chance they make custom endlinks. Thanks for looking.

 

FWIW I think that 'Mr Beads' bracelets can be found here:

https://lobtime.com/shop