Hi all, can someone please give me a quick rundown of the differences between the 1171 bracelet and the 1039 version? Why is the 1039 so much more desirable? Thank you very much.
The 1039 is slimmer, lighter, more flexible and has stretch links where the 1171 is a bit heavier / chunkier and only solid links. Try using Google Image search to see if there are any side profile photos.
Also, the 1171 is still available as a "vintage replacement part" from Omega, which would certainly affect values of actual old 1171s.
Supply and demand. 1039's were on the flimsy side, so lots probably got scrapped. 1171 far more durable and produced over much longer period (still produced today). I wear my 145.012 on an 1171, but have a 1039 and #516 in the event I ever sell it.
The 1039 construction and components are very similar to the older, most vintage, Speedie bracelets dating back to the late 1950's, the 7077 transitional, 7912 and 1035. The springy expansion links of the 1039 are identical to those of the 7912 and 1035. The 1171 is completely different. Much more modern and still has a version in production. The 1039 was last produced in 1971.
Of course the other reason for the higher value is that the 1039 was original issue to the 1960's Speedies 105.012, 145.012 and 145.022.
Thank you all for your replies. Would it be frowned upon to wear a 1039 bracelet on a 145.022-76? Would the bracelet and end links even fit onto the case?
It would not be (at least by me), and the end links certainly would fit as the -76 case has the same dimensions as the earlier Speedmasters.
Thank you for the vote of encouragement! I'm extremely impressed, and a little jealous, if your avatar statement of acquiring a Grail watch 2998 in only six months is correct! That is impressive!