Identifying a genuine 7206 or 6636 Oyster rivet bracelet

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Before proceeding further, take some time and review the differences between the early and later 7206 bracelets found at the this link.

https://www.watchprosite.com/rolex/role ... 8002293/0/

Below are some photos to help identify a genuine Rolex Swiss rivet 7206 bracelet. This bracelet was used throughout the 1950s (and possibly earlier) and was discontinued with the introduction of the 9315 bracelet (latest known clasp date stamp for the 7206 is 1969.) These early bracelets did not have the 7206 stamped on the last link until around 1962. (Some collectors even place this date as early as 1961. Whether it is 1961, 1962 does not make any difference in my opinion. What matters is the very early 1960s 7206 bracelet did not have the 7206 model stamping on the center link at the end of the bracelet.) Prior to 1962, the 7206 bracelet and the 6636 stretch (or expansion) rivet link Oyster bracelets did not have bracelet stampings to identify them. The bracelets, if correct, should contain 12 links, which is depicted in the factory Rolex parts catalog photo below. (The 7206 and 6636 are basically the same bracelet except the links on the 6636 have internal springs that allow them to stretch or expand.)

The 7206 and 6636 bracelets are found on many of the sports models, to include the Submariners and GMTs. End links varied based on the models and decade the bracelet was used. During the 1960s, the Submariners utilized 20mm, crimped, 80 stamped end links and the GMTs utilized 20mm, crimped, 58 end links. While these end links were considered correct for these two particular models, don't be surprised if you find either model with incorrect links which did occur back during the 1960s and earlier.

One thing I have pointed out in the photos is the distinct "cut-out" found on the outer edges of the 80 stamped end links. These cut-outs are missing from the 58 stamped end links. I am not certain which end links contained these cut-outs besides the 80 end links, but the possibility exists that other end links could have contained them.

Visually, the 7206 and 6636 stretch bracelets look the same. To quickly identify these bracelets, when viewed on the top left side (or the side at the back of the clasp), one will immediately notice that the last three links are the same size.

The 7206 and 6636 contained the model number stamping (either 7206 or 6636) in the center section of the last link found on the bracelet section that contained 7 (seven) links. There is no 7206/6636 stamping on the bracelet section containing five links.

The bracelets should contain a date code found on one of the clasp blades as depicted in the photos below.

Lastly, unlike the later 9315 Submariner bracelet/clasp, there are no diver's extensions on the 7206/6636 bracelets.