My grandpa passed away and we have this watch and I was curious to the watchband to try and determine a rough value for the watch…is this watch and more or less valuable than the classic 5 piece linked watchband?
Sorry for your loss. The death of a loved one is a rough way to get a watch.
It’s pretty hard from just that photo to know if that’s original. Rolex did supply mesh bands with gold or gold capped Dates and Datejusts for a while, but they’re pretty rare. Often they’re rolling milled for texture and paired with an engine turned or florentine bezel, styles that are no longer offered.
You’d have to look closely at the clasp for markings, and the overall construction, to know if it was original, since the four digit reference number system used in the 1950s and 60s did not include bracelet style, as the current six digit reference numbers do.
If it is original, then yes, it’s worth more than the common bracelet types. Overall that’s a well used example, and the cyclops on the crystal has either fallen off or been intentionally removed. They’re bonded on with optical cement, and can be knocked off or removed. So, it’s not a top collectable quality example, but regardless, a rare original bracelet style, even well worn, is worth more than a common one. If there are original sales papers, they might describe it and prove it’s original. Otherwise it would have to be examined by an expert, ideally in person.
Thank you so much for your answer !! I’m almost certain it’s an original as my grandpa did not buy fakes but I make have it examined. I really appreciate that length answer and can DM you if you’re interested in knowing more since it seems bringing it for a valuation is worth it☺️
The watch definitely looks authentic, but aside from integrated bracelets, bracelets can be pretty easily swapped, and many people do this as styles and personal tastes change. I’ve seen plenty of vintage Rolexes, Vacheron Constantins, and Pateks with aftermarket bracelets. Often these are custom work, done by a local jeweler, and may be designs completely unlike anything the manufacturer offered, or they may be similar to an original bracelet that was offered a few years later, and so on. So, it’s possible the bracelet was a high quality style update, and not original, but looking at it closely will help determine that. Here are some good photos of a similar era Rolex Date with an original mesh bracelet that might help you determine for yourself if the bracelet is original: Rolex Date on original mesh bracelet.
That bracelet is authentic and rare. https://rolexpassionmarket.com/watches/rolex-yellow-gold-datejust-ref-1607-with-rare-bracelet/