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
