The grit and dirt acts as a grinding paste and wears the links and pins. I bought a Datejust new in 1996 and after 20 years 24/7 daily use (I did wash the bracelet regularly particularly after swimming in the sea) the bracelet had stretched and I swapped to leather. I don't think many modern Rolex watches will wear as much, because it is now unusual for the owner to use just one watch and to wear it all the time.
Please re-read my comment of a year ago as I do not know why I am getting this video again? I suggest that you get your 1501 serviced by your London Rolex Service Center that I believe is alongside a park in Mayfair. I suggest also having Rolex outfit it with a new, more comfortable, Jubilee bracelet made of the better 904L steel for an extra $1,400 US. Upon the servicing, they will also affix a new and better plastic crystal and waterproof it with new gaskets, winding button, and a new +55-hour mainspring as was recently done by Rolex NY on my vintage 15210. And request no polishing whatsoever. And yes, Rolex will return your old oyster bracelet. You have a beautiful watch that deserves only the best - so don’t be cheap.
I have never been a big fan of Rolex over the last 35+ years of having a huge love of watches. Too many of them are OTT, gaudy & crass for my taste. That said, the one Rolex I always loved is the Oyster Perpetual. To further clarify, the stainless steel, silver dial, understated, poor man's Rolex. The Rolex that looks like you've saved for years to have enough money to be able to afford. It's the 1.0L Panda of the Rolex range. I finally bought my first & second Rolex aged 54. I bought a 41mm Oyster Pepetual blue dial & a 41mm Datejust black dial 2 years ago. Within 6 months I'd got rid & bought the 36mm OP with a silver dial & I'm delighted I did as I love it. It's definite keeper & one I can wear walking around Glasgow without fear of being mugged :) ps the black sailcloth looks great on yours.
The links barely wear down. The issue is the pins. The parts of the links that move around the pin wear down the pins. When experts like Rolliworks rebuild bracelets, the only thing they replace are the pins. Also, this is why modern precious metal Rolexes have ceramic sleeves around the pins.
If I am not wrong, OP Date is 34mm diameter with lug width of 19mm, but it seems all the straps you had used fit in nicely. 19mm straps are not easy to find.
@anthony just swapped my 73 6426 off the bracelet onto straps, not put it on a NATO yet but maybe tomorrow. It’s currently on a minimal stitch brown leather and looks brilliant.
Wearing my dads 1970 1007 oyster perpetual. Still in pristine condition but a new (jubilee - aftermarket) bracelet. The dial I think is very rare, it’s like a blue brickwork style. Absolutely beautifull and as my dad had it in his drawer for 30 years the dial is still in pristine condition.
A cracking Oyster Perpetual Anthony. I looks forward to seeing your preferred strap options for this watch. A classic Rolex if ever there was one. I have the 41 OP in with the silver dial but to my old bloodshot eyes it looks to have a very slight champagne hue. This might be due to the gold markers and/or the sunburst dial finish. Anyway I wanted this one as opposed to the many colour options offered at the time because in my mind at least it was a classic dial for a classic watch. Oh and I'm far too old to be considered someone who has the slightest idea of fashion. Without giving my age away It would be great to get a watch at some point from the mid sixties. Anthony, Richard suggestion would be welcome. Many thanks for sharing and I look forward to the video of the AE15000 from Richard, this looks like an interesting watch indeed. I'm just as happy with a G-Shock digital or my OP, if I like and can justify a watch for me I might just try out and maybe make a purchase at some point.
Links get loose because with movement the pins move around and create larger holes. Therefore, the pins are not as secured as when new, have more room to move and result in the links moving way more than it should. The screwed pins help with durability and keeping it in place tighter, but it still getting loose with time. As the links have to move a bit for the bracelet to be comfortable, it results, in time, in creating gaps and becoming loose.
You have to embrace vintage watches for what they are, looks and feel. Jingle jangle. Part of the charm of vintage is you can’t get it anymore. Same goes for tuna can bracelets - you can’t get them anymore.
I love my Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1501 that I believe was made in 1964 (based on the serial number)! I replaced the bracelet with a new one from Rolex. Wasn't cheap.
The responses that other people made regarding the cleaning of a metal watch band with soap and water are correct. Also, wear it not as a loose bracelet - your oyster chronometer is NOT jewelry but an instrument made to help navigate you to anywhere on earth at any time to the second. The silver dial that you show is not discolored patina but how Rolex made them up to the early ‘90s, which gave them a pearl-like luminance. The later dials are of a cold steel effect…. Your ouster bracelet is of a 316 surgical grade steel as opposed to the 904L of today. You may consider getting it re-pinned or replace it with the more comfortable Junbilee. Your crystal is made of Rolex acurlite that they used back them. Upon servicing it by Rolex now, you will get a much better more scratch resistant crystal. Wear your vintage Rolex as I wear one just like yours for over forty years - just serviced by Rolex New York, and though unnecessary, treated it to a new Jubilee bracelet - in return my DATE model still keeps about -6 seconds per month.
I have an OP Date 34 Precision with same bracelet qualities. To my understanding from jewelers and watchmakers, factors that enable the bracelet's stretch-sagging appearances are because of accumulated constant wear conditions by multiple varied tensions with frictions between metal parts and our multiple regular wrist rolls or simply put, Wear Regularity Fatigue Frequencies. With constant temperature and stress wear fluctuations under use, these changes would alter the bracelet's form strength to fatigue conditions by stretches and bendings. Back then, Rolex bracelets were made lighter with lesser materials for comfort qualities and after sales service purposes in mind, akin like any automobile vehicle's service warranty today. Current contemporary Rolex bracelets are built solidly with varied and more materials for robust with perceived expensive luxury qualities in mind, just like luxury automobile vehicle's qualities today. Best regards. 👑⌚👍
The metal literally wears away. The links disintegrate. Been there, done that. Rolex 1018 (36 mm) Oyster Perpetual from circa 1960, worn as a daily in the surf, pool, etc... Time for a new old stock 5 digit Rolex bracelet.
As loose as it looks, it will probably not fail. But I see you’ve bent some of those links which was not caused by wear, but extreme impact. I’ve worn old folded link bracelets and yes they’re loose-goosy but never had one actually break apart from normal wear…
6:42 get a new bracelet. Keep the old one. But wear it. I’ve had my 1965 OPDate since 1980. Daily wear. Yeah, a service bracelet. The watch is just more durable than the band. Don’t shelve the watch just because the bracelet wears out like car tires.
I only own modern Rolex . But have to admit I much prefer the aesthetic of vintage or neo vintage pieces. But when you try them on the wrist they are so flimsy and feel cheap
Addressing the band stretch in your oyster bracelet is the very reason why Rolex insists that you wash your watch and bracelet with soap and water - you can have the links re-pinned, yet Rolex is reluctant to perform the task as I wanted a bent Jubilee link reformed near the 12'o'clock position during my recent service of my beloved 15210 c.1981 - I opted by treating the watch to a brand-new Jubilee bracelet at an extra $1,450 with Rolex allowing me to keep the original moderately stretched Jubilee - and not for sale. I do not see why you do not get a new Oyster bracelet though you will find the Jubilee much more comfortable - being in England take it to Rolex St. James Square, London. I am sure they will let you keep your original bracelet. My New York-serviced Rolex is re-certified waterproof for salt water swimming and regulated to -0.6 second per day, also the plastic crystal is far better than the original. Advice - never polish any watch for the lost metal you will never get back. Also, by looking at cream-silver dial I see no patina to it as it holds its original creamy non-oxidized texture - which brings another issue - keep your winding button (crown) closed to keep out the slightest of humidity that over the decades will discolour and pit your dial, numbers, and hands - that means setting your watch in an air-conditioned room.
The 34mm OP Date is the distillation of Rolex goodness.
The grit and dirt acts as a grinding paste and wears the links and pins. I bought a Datejust new in 1996 and after 20 years 24/7 daily use (I did wash the bracelet regularly particularly after swimming in the sea) the bracelet had stretched and I swapped to leather. I don't think many modern Rolex watches will wear as much, because it is now unusual for the owner to use just one watch and to wear it all the time.
Not only that, but the bracelet is designed differently too. Rolex now as ceramic tubes in the bracelet links for added durability.
If you send it to Rolex service, I believe they will replace with a new bracelet for the time period.
Yes. They will. For a price worth paying.
Please re-read my comment of a year ago as I do not know why I am getting this video again? I suggest that you get your 1501 serviced by your London Rolex Service Center that I believe is alongside a park in Mayfair. I suggest also having Rolex outfit it with a new, more comfortable, Jubilee bracelet made of the better 904L steel for an extra $1,400 US. Upon the servicing, they will also affix a new and better plastic crystal and waterproof it with new gaskets, winding button, and a new +55-hour mainspring as was recently done by Rolex NY on my vintage 15210. And request no polishing whatsoever. And yes, Rolex will return your old oyster bracelet. You have a beautiful watch that deserves only the best - so don’t be cheap.
Can't go wrong with a brown leather strap. Great video
I have never been a big fan of Rolex over the last 35+ years of having a huge love of watches. Too many of them are OTT, gaudy & crass for my taste. That said, the one Rolex I always loved is the Oyster Perpetual. To further clarify, the stainless steel, silver dial, understated, poor man's Rolex. The Rolex that looks like you've saved for years to have enough money to be able to afford. It's the 1.0L Panda of the Rolex range. I finally bought my first & second Rolex aged 54. I bought a 41mm Oyster Pepetual blue dial & a 41mm Datejust black dial 2 years ago. Within 6 months I'd got rid & bought the 36mm OP with a silver dial & I'm delighted I did as I love it. It's definite keeper & one I can wear walking around Glasgow without fear of being mugged :) ps the black sailcloth looks great on yours.
You get the silver with the gold indices or the “steel” grey dial? That one is nice.
'Poor Man's Rolex'
Still a Rolex. ❤
The links barely wear down. The issue is the pins. The parts of the links that move around the pin wear down the pins. When experts like Rolliworks rebuild bracelets, the only thing they replace are the pins. Also, this is why modern precious metal Rolexes have ceramic sleeves around the pins.
If I am not wrong, OP Date is 34mm diameter with lug width of 19mm, but it seems all the straps you had used fit in nicely. 19mm straps are not easy to find.
I have a gorgeous 1501 from 1974 with a beautiful silver dial. Thinking of selling it and getting a 1601
@anthony just swapped my 73 6426 off the bracelet onto straps, not put it on a NATO yet but maybe tomorrow. It’s currently on a minimal stitch brown leather and looks brilliant.
The sailcloth strap suit it very well!
Is this the oyster date precision? Is it manual wind or automatic?
manual wind
5:40 rolex now uses ceramic pin sleeves to prevent the bracelets from sagging
Only on precious metal bracelets
My 1971 Oyster Date is on the light brown Highley and looks gorgeous 😍
Wearing my dads 1970 1007 oyster perpetual. Still in pristine condition but a new (jubilee - aftermarket) bracelet. The dial I think is very rare, it’s like a blue brickwork style. Absolutely beautifull and as my dad had it in his drawer for 30 years the dial is still in pristine condition.
A cracking Oyster Perpetual Anthony. I looks forward to seeing your preferred strap options for this watch. A classic Rolex if ever there was one. I have the 41 OP in with the silver dial but to my old bloodshot eyes it looks to have a very slight champagne hue. This might be due to the gold markers and/or the sunburst dial finish. Anyway I wanted this one as opposed to the many colour options offered at the time because in my mind at least it was a classic dial for a classic watch. Oh and I'm far too old to be considered someone who has the slightest idea of fashion. Without giving my age away It would be great to get a watch at some point from the mid sixties. Anthony, Richard suggestion would be welcome. Many thanks for sharing and I look forward to the video of the AE15000 from Richard, this looks like an interesting watch indeed. I'm just as happy with a G-Shock digital or my OP, if I like and can justify a watch for me I might just try out and maybe make a purchase at some point.
Links get loose because with movement the pins move around and create larger holes.
Therefore, the pins are not as secured as when new, have more room to move and result in the links moving way more than it should.
The screwed pins help with durability and keeping it in place tighter, but it still getting loose with time.
As the links have to move a bit for the bracelet to be comfortable, it results, in time, in creating gaps and becoming loose.
You have to embrace vintage watches for what they are, looks and feel. Jingle jangle.
Part of the charm of vintage is you can’t get it anymore. Same goes for tuna can bracelets - you can’t get them anymore.
Don't worry it won't break. I used my daily same strap. BUT you may use the nato straps.
Stunning watch
I keep thinking about these old oyster dates. They look way more attractive than the equivalent smooth Datejust.
I love my Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1501 that I believe was made in 1964 (based on the serial number)! I replaced the bracelet with a new one from Rolex. Wasn't cheap.
The metal wears away.
My circa 1960 bracelet links literally disintegrated from wear.
The responses that other people made regarding the cleaning of a metal watch band with soap and water are correct. Also, wear it not as a loose bracelet - your oyster chronometer is NOT jewelry but an instrument made to help navigate you to anywhere on earth at any time to the second. The silver dial that you show is not discolored patina but how Rolex made them up to the early ‘90s, which gave them a pearl-like luminance. The later dials are of a cold steel effect…. Your ouster bracelet is of a 316 surgical grade steel as opposed to the 904L of today. You may consider getting it re-pinned or replace it with the more comfortable Junbilee. Your crystal is made of Rolex acurlite that they used back them. Upon servicing it by Rolex now, you will get a much better more scratch resistant crystal. Wear your vintage Rolex as I wear one just like yours for over forty years - just serviced by Rolex New York, and though unnecessary, treated it to a new Jubilee bracelet - in return my DATE model still keeps about -6 seconds per month.
I have an OP Date 34 Precision with same bracelet qualities.
To my understanding from jewelers and watchmakers, factors that enable the bracelet's stretch-sagging appearances are because of accumulated constant wear conditions by multiple varied tensions with frictions between metal parts and our multiple regular wrist rolls or simply put, Wear Regularity Fatigue Frequencies.
With constant temperature and stress wear fluctuations under use, these changes would alter the bracelet's form strength to fatigue conditions by stretches and bendings.
Back then, Rolex bracelets were made lighter with lesser materials for comfort qualities and after sales service purposes in mind, akin like any automobile vehicle's service warranty today.
Current contemporary Rolex bracelets are built solidly with varied and more materials for robust with perceived expensive luxury qualities in mind, just like luxury automobile vehicle's qualities today.
Best regards.
👑⌚👍
You can get the bracelet tightened by a watchmaker.
The metal literally wears away.
The links disintegrate.
Been there, done that. Rolex 1018 (36 mm) Oyster Perpetual from circa 1960, worn as a daily in the surf, pool, etc...
Time for a new old stock 5 digit Rolex bracelet.
I think the vintage brown leather strap looks the best.
As loose as it looks, it will probably not fail. But I see you’ve bent some of those links which was not caused by wear, but extreme impact. I’ve worn old folded link bracelets and yes they’re loose-goosy but never had one actually break apart from normal wear…
5:40 lol, it is wearing away... hate to break it to u!
Wear and tear is the issue!
@@tonysfo612 that’s what I just said
i love the loose bracelet
6:42 get a new bracelet. Keep the old one. But wear it.
I’ve had my 1965 OPDate since 1980. Daily wear. Yeah, a service bracelet. The watch is just more durable than the band. Don’t shelve the watch just because the bracelet wears out like car tires.
I only own modern Rolex . But have to admit I much prefer the aesthetic of vintage or neo vintage pieces. But when you try them on the wrist they are so flimsy and feel cheap
Addressing the band stretch in your oyster bracelet is the very reason why Rolex insists that you wash your watch and bracelet with soap and water - you can have the links re-pinned, yet Rolex is reluctant to perform the task as I wanted a bent Jubilee link reformed near the 12'o'clock position during my recent service of my beloved 15210 c.1981 - I opted by treating the watch to a brand-new Jubilee bracelet at an extra $1,450 with Rolex allowing me to keep the original moderately stretched Jubilee - and not for sale. I do not see why you do not get a new Oyster bracelet though you will find the Jubilee much more comfortable - being in England take it to Rolex St. James Square, London. I am sure they will let you keep your original bracelet. My New York-serviced Rolex is re-certified waterproof for salt water swimming and regulated to -0.6 second per day, also the plastic crystal is far better than the original. Advice - never polish any watch for the lost metal you will never get back. Also, by looking at cream-silver dial I see no patina to it as it holds its original creamy non-oxidized texture - which brings another issue - keep your winding button (crown) closed to keep out the slightest of humidity that over the decades will discolour and pit your dial, numbers, and hands - that means setting your watch in an air-conditioned room.
I wish I could have one but I'm 😢
Have a watchmaker repin the bracelet , all good .
Go for leather… 100%
Here's a video on how to fix the bracelet: th-cam.com/video/rlttvqNHHnY/w-d-xo.html
Poor
Grown men making videos about what they are wearing and why. No wonder the West is conquered.
🤡
Lol this is actually pretty low on the list of why the west is conquered.