Rolex 14k/18k Bracelet Identification

[JamesG]

I recently received this, a late 60s Rolex Date in 14k with the Shantung dial. It did belong to my wife's father and he's decided he no longer wants to wear it, so it has come to me.



I am not a fan of the all gold look, so I put it on a leather strap and sourced a gold plated buckle from my Rolex AD.



When in there doing the strap change it was suggested by them that the bracelet might be 18k gold, whereas the watch is definitely 14k.



I've since been over the bracelet and I can see it has "57" end links but the only number I can see on the clasp to identify the bracelet is "760" and a quick Google search doesn't turn up anything conclusive. Is that a bracelet number or is it something else?





In short, I am just trying to determine if it has had a bracelet change at some point. My FIL can't remember the specifics of what was done at the services in the 30 years he's owned it and can't seem to lay his hands on any of the paperwork.

[mr.chef]

Are you sure it’s not 750? This would indicate 18k gold

[hughtrimble]

I cannot help with the ID, but that is a lovely watch

[JamesG]

Are you sure it’s not 750? This would indicate 18k gold

Thank you and yes, it seems you are right and it is 750. Even with a macro lens it's hard to photograph but here it is.



I assume therefore that it isn't the original bracelet but is there a common reason why an 18k one was fitted rather than a 14k one do you know? Availability?

[JamesG]

I cannot help with the ID, but that is a lovely watch

Thanks, I really like it too. The lack of a quickset date is a bit of a nuisance as it's not a daily wearer, but other than that it's a great addition to the collection.

[Stonewood]

As far as I am aware a 750 stamp indicates 18k gold. A 14k stamp is 585.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[walkerwek1958]

Possibly the clasp has been replaced and an 18ct gold option was the only one available? The back of a bracelet link could be tested with a test kit to determine conclusively whether the bracelet itself is 14 or 18ct.

[Caminos]

Very nice with the leather strap. I’m not with golden watches


Sent from my iPad using TZ-UK mobile app

[JamesG]

As far as I am aware a 750 stamp indicates 18k gold. A 14k stamp is 585.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks, that's useful to know in case a 14k bracelet were ever to turn up.

Possibly the clasp has been replaced and an 18ct gold option was the only one available? The back of a bracelet link could be tested with a test kit to determine conclusively whether the bracelet itself is 14 or 18ct.

Interesting, I had not considered that only the clasp may have been changed.

Very nice with the leather strap. I’m not with golden watches


Sent from my iPad using TZ-UK mobile app

Thanks. I think the leather strap tones it down nicely. I was inspired by a fellow poster who had a gold President on a leather strap and took some amazing photos of it a few years back.