The 7077 Bracelet Explained.

[ndgal]

We all know Omega's first generation spring bracelet which was used since 1957 on the early Seamaster 300, Railmaster, & Speedmaster references.
In this post I will try to cover some additional info that is not found in the "Moonwatch Only" book.

There are four types of 7077 bracelet.



Type A (Short buckle/Double spring links):




This first-generation 7077 bracelet has 5 spring links. Two on the front side of the buckle, and tree on the back end of the buckle.
Each side of the bracelet has eight solid links.

First-generation "Short buckle"

*Even though I have seen a couple of 2915-1 Speedmasters that had the earlier split short buckle (bottom). I have yet to see a true 100% "Barn find" 2915-1 on that bracelet, so I cannot say with absolute confidence that these were not fitted to these watches at a later point.

The very early ones (1957/58) were not dated. The buckle dates began in the last part of 1958. (4th quarter).
The Type A 7077 bracelet can be observed until the 4th quarter of 1960 (CK2998-2).

Type B (Short buckle/Non quick remove single spring links):

In the first quarter of 1961 we can observe the first change to the 7077 bracelet.
The double spring links are now gone and replaced by single spring links. Four on the front side of the buckle, and six on the back end of the buckle.
Each side of the bracelet has eight solid links.




Note that these spring links are non "Quick remove" links and require tools to speard open the links in order to remove them and adjust the length of the bracelet (i.e. pain in the ass).



The short buckle still remains on this 2nd generation of the 7077 bracelet.



Type C (Long buckle/Non quick remove single spring links):

During the same first quarter of 1961, yet another change is observed.
The buckle top is now long.




The "Non quick" single spring links remain.
Each side of the bracelet has eight solid links.



Type D (Long buckle/Quick remove single spring links):




During the second quarter of 1961, yet another step in the evolution of the 7077 bracelet.
The "Non-quick remove" single spring links are replaced with the removable spring links which lasted all the way until the end of the flat link bracelet era (1039/1035) in the mid 70's.
Each side of the bracelet has eight solid links.



I hope this post is found helpful to any OF members who might have not been familiar with all of the nuances and steps in the evolution of the 7077 bracelet, and if there is something I missed or got wrong, feel free to add or correct.

And here's just a cool picture to sign off this post

Edited: Jan 23, 2020

 

[gemini4]

Another variety as well. Found mostly on 1950’s Seamasters and Constellations but MWO indicates a maybe for other holy trinity watches.



18K version as well

 

[ndgal]

gemini4

Another variety as well. Found mostly on 1950’s Seamasters and Constellations but MWO indicates a maybe for other holy trinity watches.

Correct.
I covered the "Split bottom" buckle above. Good to have a picture for reference.

ndgal

*Even though I have seen a couple of 2915-1 Speedmasters that had the earlier split short buckle (bottom). I have yet to see a true 100% "Barn find" 2915-1 on that bracelet, so I cannot say with absolute confidence that these were not fitted to these watches at a later point.

 

[gemini4]

ndgal

The very early ones (1957/58) were not dated. The buckle dates began in 1959.

It appears that the dating started in the fourth quarter, 1958.

 

[ndgal]

gemini4

It appears that the dating started in the fourth quarter, 1958.

Interesting that the date is on the opposite end of where they are usually found.
Also, notice that the SWISS MADE and STEELNOX have switched places between the last quarter of 1958 and the first quarter of 1959.

 

[Dan S]

Many thanks for starting this thread and sharing your observations. This will be a great resource.

 

[gemini4]

ndgal

Interesting that the date is on the opposite end of where they are usually found.
Also, notice that the SWISS MADE and STEELNOX have switched places between the last quarter of 1958 and the first quarter of 1959.

This 1-59 7077 engraving is aligned the same as the 4-58 example.

 

[tamura]

gemini4

This 1-59 7077 engraving is aligned the same as the 4-58 example.

my 1/59

 

[cristos71]

Surely when we have a long buckle and single stretch links we have an early version 7912. That's the logic I've always used anyway.

Short clasp and double stretch links = 7077
Short clasp and single stretch links = 7077 transitional
Long clasp and single stretch links no ref = early 7912

 

[Cuttysark]

Thank you for your explanations. Very helpful for vintage Seamaster and Speedmaster lovers.

 

[alexlow]

V

Cuttysark

Thank you for your explanations. Very helpful for vintage Seamaster and Speedmaster lovers.

Very well explained. Thanks!

 

[cristos71]

gemini4

It appears that the dating started in the fourth quarter, 1958.

Even earlier for the 18kt versions, this one's from the first quarter '58. I'll need to check my others



And just out of interest to show here an 18kt logo which has a lot more detail than the steel version

 

[ndgal]

cristos71

Surely when we have a long buckle and single stretch links we have an early version 7912. That's the logic I've always used anyway.

Short clasp and double stretch links = 7077
Short clasp and single stretch links = 7077 transitional
Long clasp and single stretch links no ref = early 7912

To me, a 7912 has 7912 stamped on the buckle.
No ref stamped on the buckle = 7077.

 

[new_heuer]

What about the undated bracelets?

 

[JohnSteed]

cristos71

Surely when we have a long buckle and single stretch links we have an early version 7912. That's the logic I've always used anyway.

Short clasp and double stretch links = 7077
Short clasp and single stretch links = 7077 transitional
Long clasp and single stretch links no ref = early 7912

thx @cistos71
Was about to post same....

 

[Luca.P]

Thanks, @ngdal for this great post, awesome stuff!
I think we should highlight these educational posts a little more so they don´t get lost with time. Maybe create a sticky thread with just the links and a content summary of the best educational threads on this forum?

 

[mac_omega]

ndgal

To me, a 7912 has 7912 stamped on the buckle.
No ref stamped on the buckle = 7077.

I don´t think so,

long buckle is 7912, regardless if the reference number is stamped on it or not

 

[ndgal]

mac_omega

I don´t think so,

long buckle is 7912, regardless if the reference number is stamped on it or not

Understood. However, in my opinion a 7912 is only a 7912 when it is stamped on the buckle.
I don’t know of any official word from Omega’s heritage department where they specifically say that the long buckle with no reference stamp is either 7077 or 7912.

I also don’t know of any 2998 with a non ref stamp 7077 long buckle (or as you call it 7912) with an extract that specifies the bracelet reference to be one or the other.

Maybe they are out there, and maybe someone who owns one will see this thread and chime in.
I always love to learn new facts.

 

[cristos71]

cristos71

Even earlier for the 18kt versions, this one's from the first quarter '58. I'll need to check my others

My other 18kt 7077's are dated 4 57 and 2 60 respectively. I'm curious if anybody has earlier?

 

[gemini4]

I remember a 18k Seamaster with full length 18k 7077 sat and sat on Yahoo Japan for months. Was about $6k USD. Wonderful condition.